Riverton Planning Commission Meeting - July 10, 2025

The Riverton City Planning Commission convened at 6:30 PM on July 10, 2025, at Riverton City Hall. The meeting included a public hearing for a home daycare conditional use permit and a legislative public hearing on proposed amendments to the RM-6 Residential Zone. Commissioners unanimously approved the daycare permit, recommended approval of the RM-6 ordinance amendments with a setback change, and approved previous meeting minutes.

Public Hearing A: "Little Kids Hearts" Conditional Use Permit (PLZ-25-2029)

Staff reported on an application for a home occupation daycare for up to 8 children at 4578 West Hemsworth Lane. The applicant, Rosibel Machado De Leal, adjusted operating hours to 7:00 AM–7:00 PM per code. The site plan designates the living room for childcare, with a sleeping area and use of the kitchen and bathroom. The state recently dropped its outdoor play area requirement for this childcare level. Approximately 65 neighboring property owners were notified; no comments were received. The use exceeds the 8-vehicle-trip limit staff can approve, thus requiring a conditional use permit from the Planning Commission. Staff recommended approval with conditions.

• The applicant’s daughter, Josibel De Leal, translated and stated their goal to create a family environment where children are cared for with love and taught in both Spanish and English. They plan to accept children aged six months to four years. In response to commissioner questions, the applicant stated this is their first daycare experience and they will work with Utah Department of Workforce Services for a Residential Childcare Certificate.

• Commissioner Matheson asked about ages; the applicant clarified six months to four years. Chair Park confirmed no outdoor play area is required by the city or state at this capacity. Commissioner Cluff asked about the number of notices sent—approximately 65. No public comments were made.

• Commissioner Cluff moved to approve the application with conditions including a maximum of 8 children per day (including the applicant’s own), 16 vehicle trips per day, staggered pick-up/drop-off, and no business activity after 7:00 PM. The motion was seconded by Chair Park and passed unanimously.

Public Hearing B: RM-6 Zone Ordinance Amendment (PLZ-25-5005)

City Planner Tim Prestwich presented proposed changes to Section 18.45 of the Riverton City Code, which governs the RM-6 Residential Zone (6 units per acre). The zone was originally for multifamily but later allowed small detached houses on 5,000-square-foot lots. The ordinance currently lacks standards for private roads, requiring public streets with a 54-foot right-of-way. The amendment would add private road standards, allow private roads as conditional uses, and specify pavement widths (20 feet for 1-2 lots, 26 feet for 3+ lots). The private road area would not count toward the minimum lot size. The Planning Commission could also require connections to adjacent properties and broader roads or sidewalks.

• Mr. Prestwich noted a letter from Alan Prince, a developer with a potential project on Redwood Road, who requested that the rear setback be changed from a variable (15 feet adjacent to RM-6/commercial, 25 feet adjacent to single-family) to a universal 15 feet. Staff did not originally propose that change but presented it for commission discussion.

• Commissioner Cannon provided statistics: Utah has the largest average home square footage in the country (2,800 sq ft), with the next largest at 2,200 sq ft; 80% of homes have more bathrooms than occupants. He preferred a larger front setback for off-street parking. Commissioner Rushton noted the state prohibits minimum dwelling footprint requirements and suggested removing the two-car garage requirement to allow smaller homes. He cited that Utah’s average home price is projected to reach $1 million by 2030. Commissioner Cluff mentioned a recent state bill prohibiting municipalities from requiring garages for owner-occupied affordable housing, subject to a 10-year deed restriction. Commissioner Keele supported keeping the variable setback to discourage large expensive homes on small lots. Commissioner Matheson favored a universal 15-foot setback for easier maintenance. Commissioner Cluff initially expressed concern about adjacency to existing homes but later noted ADUs are allowed 5-foot setbacks, alleviating her concern.

• Chair Park stated that the amendment would not create affordable housing because builders prefer high-end products. Commissioner Rushton advocated for bringing the item back on August 14, 2025, for further input from developers. Commissioner Matheson suggested inviting Mr. Prince to a meeting, but Chair Park and Commissioner Rushton noted that all meetings are public and the City Council is the land use authority. Commissioner Cluff moved to recommend approval of the amendment as amended to change the rear setback to a universal 15 feet. Commissioner Matheson seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Minutes Approval

Commissioner Matheson moved to approve the Planning Commission minutes from May 22, 2025. Commissioner Cluff seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

Chair Park moved to approve the minutes from June 26, 2025. Commissioner Cluff seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

Little Kids Hearts (PLZ-25-2029): Approved unanimously with conditions limiting 8 children, 16 vehicle trips per day, staggered drop-off, and no business after 7:00 PM.

RM-6 Zone Ordinance Amendment (PLZ-25-5005): Recommended to the City Council for approval, with a change to a universal 15-foot rear setback (instead of variable 15/25 feet). The private road area will not count toward lot size. The recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for further consideration.

Previous Minutes: Approved unanimously.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:34 PM.