Riverton Planning Commission Meeting - December 12, 2024

The Riverton Planning Commission met on December 12, 2024, at 6:30 PM at City Hall, 12830 S. Redwood Road. The agenda included eight public hearings, a legal training, and minutes approval. All public hearings resulted in unanimous recommendations or approvals, with specific conditions. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:06 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Eats & Sweets (Cottage Bakery): One neighbor, Brent Smart, expressed support for the applicant, stating he has lived next door for six to seven years and endorses the business.
• Annie’s Childcare: Shondra Barber, a neighbor across the street, spoke in favor, noting a decrease in traffic since previous residents moved out and emphasizing the need for childcare in Riverton.
• Vicky’s Childcare: Ken Muriano, a neighbor, noted that staggered drop-offs cause no congestion but raised concerns about unrelated U-turns in his driveway. He requested signage but clarified he did not want to impact the business.
• Bree Place Subdivision: Charity Simons, a neighbor, expressed concern about potential light pollution from new homes, as no lighting plan was included.
• Other items (Riverton Under Car Properties, Sycamore Glen South, Maverik, Salt Flats Dental): No public comments were received.

Discussion Items

• Riverton Under Car Properties Rezone (PLZ-24-4009): Staff presented a request to rezone two parcels from RR-22 to C-G for commercial development. The general plan designates the area as Business Park. The applicant’s representative, Keith Brunman, stated the rezoning aligns with the master plan. The commission discussed the property’s history and code enforcement issues. No public comments. The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval.
• Sycamore Glen South Rezone (PLZ-24-4008): Staff presented a request to rezone a 1.04-acre parcel from RR-22 to RM-14-SD, along with a General Plan amendment to High-Density Residential, to allow 10 townhome units (two five-plexes). The applicant, Dave Morton, explained that the parcel was acquired from UDOT after the city agreed to manage stormwater. The traffic study assumed 20 units. The commission discussed parcel width, access, and traffic. One public comment (traffic concern) was received but not presented at the hearing. The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval with SD adjustments.
• Eats & Sweets (PLZ-24-2035): Staff presented a conditional use permit for a home-based cottage bakery with delivery-only model. The applicant, Pattharasaya McGowan, confirmed no customers would come to the home. The commission debated Condition 6 (allowing visitors 7am-7pm) versus the public notice stating no customers. The applicant’s husband stated they do not want visitors. The motion was approved with conditions 1-6 as originally proposed (including Condition 6), but the commission noted that striking Condition 6 would allow 24/7 visitors. The motion passed unanimously.
• Maverik (PLZ-24-8023): Staff presented a site plan amendment to repaint the building and replace canopies. The applicant, Becca Rees, described the updates. No public comments. The commission voted unanimously to approve.
• Annie’s Childcare (PLZ-24-2037): Staff presented a conditional use permit for an in-home childcare with 12 children (including 4 of applicant’s own) and one nonresident employee. The applicant, Andrea Jenkins, will provide transportation to a central location. The commission discussed allowing parents to pick up children in exigent circumstances. The motion was approved unanimously with Condition 8 amended to allow intermittent pickups for such circumstances.
• Vicky’s Childcare (PLZ-24-2039): Staff presented a request to increase from 8 to 12 children at an existing daycare. The applicant’s representative, Julio Hernandez, stated no complaints in 10 years. The commission added a condition requiring the applicant to provide traffic instructions to customers to avoid U-turns in neighbors’ driveways. The motion passed unanimously.
• Bree Place Subdivision (PLZ-24-1002): Staff presented a 3-lot subdivision plat. Commissioner Gary Cannon recused himself as the applicant. The applicant (Gary Cannon) noted high costs and potential to reduce to 2 lots. A neighbor raised light pollution concerns. The commission approved with conditions, including allowing existing fencing to remain.
• Salt Flats Dental (PLZ-24-8024): Staff presented a site plan amendment to remove a clock face and add tenant signage. The applicant, Kaitlyn Collard, stated the sign would improve visibility. No public comments. The commission approved unanimously.
• Legal Presentation/Training: City Attorney Ryan Carter provided training on using new city email addresses for all commission correspondence to avoid personal device disclosure during litigation or GRAMA requests. The commission discussed the possibility of obtaining city-provided devices for commissioners.

Key Outcomes

• Riverton Under Car Properties Rezone: Recommended approval to City Council (unanimous).
• Sycamore Glen South Rezone: Recommended approval to City Council (unanimous) with SD adjustments: minimum lot size 1 acre, up to 10 units, no more than 5 contiguous units, and other standards consistent with Sycamore Glen Townhomes.
• Eats & Sweets: Approved (unanimous) with conditions 1-6 (including visitor hours).
• Maverik: Approved (unanimous) with conditions on materials/colors and landscaping.
• Annie’s Childcare: Approved (unanimous) with conditions including transportation by applicant and occasional pickups for exigent circumstances.
• Vicky’s Childcare: Approved (unanimous) with conditions including traffic instructions to customers.
• Bree Place Subdivision: Approved (unanimous) with 10 conditions, including private lane maintenance and existing fencing allowed.
• Salt Flats Dental: Approved (unanimous) with conditions on exterior changes and permits.
• Minutes: Approved (unanimous) for November 14, 2024.