Riverton Planning Commission Meeting - April 23, 2026

The Riverton City Planning Commission met on April 23, 2026, at 6:30 PM at City Hall, 12830 South Redwood Road. The meeting included six public hearings, approval of minutes, and adjournment. Two items were continued to a future meeting, and one application was withdrawn. The commission voted on the remaining items, including a rezoning recommendation and site plan approval.

Public Hearings & Testimony

Saxey Rezone (PLZ-26-4003)

• Applicant Eric Saxey stated he has built infill projects since 2002 and hoped the city would consider RM-14-D zoning, as similar projects have been approved in the area. He noted that the properties were under contract and that the southern neighbor would likely join as a phase two if approved.
• Michelle Berg (adjacent property owner) expressed support for a plan but opposed RM-14 due to traffic and U-turns near the elementary school; preferred RM-6 or less.
• Nikki Baum (neighbor across from the park) said she spoke with over 100 residents, none in favor, and called for RM-6 or lower density, citing safety concerns with parking lots near the park.
• Rod Higley (Riverton Chase Drive) raised concerns about sewer availability, rainwater runoff, and infrastructure; requested single-family homes and fines for current property owners.
• Bethany Dangerfield (property to the north) worried about additional traffic, U-turns, and parking overflow; asked for single-family homes as previously decided.
• Megan Osborne (adjacent to the park) noted her children walk to school and that an accident occurred that afternoon; concerned about traffic and U-turns.
• Johan Leeflang (property to the south) asked about the historic designation and opposed high density, preferring single-family homes.
• Shane Miller (corner of Riverton Chase and Redwood) cited dangerous intersection, multiple accidents, and disrespectful drivers; requested single-family zoning.
• Vibeke Wren (12419 South Redwood Road) argued high density does not fit the area, mentioned children walking to school, parking overflow, and urged responsible development with fewer units.
• Lindsey Coleman (real estate agent) stated current zoning makes improvement impossible, and the project could provide affordable housing for young people; noted that mailboxes would be inside the subdivision.
• Kelly Morgan (neighbor to the east) said the widened Redwood Road eliminated the shoulder, creating a safety issue; opposed 39 units without acceleration/deceleration lanes; supported single-family homes.
• Isi Mondella (12100 South area) expressed concern about safety for children, traffic, and potential for apartments that would lower property values; urged opposition.
• Courtney Morgan (biology student, DNR hire) noted the property is an ecosystem with large trees important for pollinators; called for responsible development.
• Leisa Oka (cul-de-sac resident for 30 years) worried about U-turns at the light where children cross to school; said legwork on UDOT approval and community outreach should have been done beforehand.
• Mike Wren (property south of subject) observed U-turns and accidents from nearby high-density development; opposed rezoning.
• Jaime Hullinger (Laurel Chase) asked for a consolidated zoning plan to avoid a patchwork along Redwood Road; wanted to maintain neighborhood character.
• Allie Thornton (24-year resident, younger generation) said she does not want high-density housing; called for low-density affordable options.

Farmhouse Storage (PLZ-25-8014)

• Applicant Joe Salisbury (DAI) had no comments beyond answering questions.
• No public comments were made.

Table of Commercial Uses (PLZ-26-5001)

• No public comments.

Water Conservation & Efficiency Element (PLZ-26-5003)

• No public comments.

Discussion Items

Rock Ridge Amended (PLZ-26-8011)

• The commission unanimously voted to continue this item to the May 14, 2026 meeting without discussion.

Residential Facilities (PLZ-26-5002)

• The commission unanimously voted to continue this item to the May 14, 2026 meeting.

Saxey Rezone (PLZ-26-4003)

• City Planner Tim Prestwich presented the staff report: the applicant requested a General Plan amendment from Medium High-Density Residential (5-8 units/acre) to High-Density Residential (8-12 units/acre) and rezoning from RR-22 and RM-6-SD to RM-14-D (14 units/acre). The two northern parcels were rezoned to RM-6-SD in 2022, but no development followed. The southern parcel is RR-22. The current General Plan designates the area as Medium High-Density Residential. A conceptual plan showed 39 units, but it was not reviewed for code compliance. The historic designation on the map was noted but not defined. UDOT would have to approve any access onto Redwood Road.
• Commissioner Cannon asked about maximum units per access, fire code limits (30 houses per access), and potential connectivity to the south. Mr. Prestwich noted that the city code does not limit houses per entrance, but UDOT will consider proximity to Riverton Chase.
• Commissioner Cluff asked about the General Plan update timeline (expected August 2026) and noted that public input is part of that process.
• Commissioner Marzo asked about maximum units under current zoning: about 4 on RM-6-SD and 2 on RR-22, totaling 10-12 units, but incompatible zoning would require a masonry wall.
• Commissioner Keele confirmed that all three properties would need the same zoning, and the SD designation (masonry wall) might become obsolete if the General Plan moves to RM-6.
• Commissioner Matheson supported RM-6 zoning, noting lower density allows for yards and trees, and suggested encouraging the applicant to connect with the southern property for a safer entrance.
• Commissioner Cluff opposed RM-14, stating the General Plan should be updated first with public input, and suggested a development agreement to maintain control.
• Commissioner Marzo worried about setting a precedent for high density along the corridor.
• Commissioner Keele agreed, noting that other RM-14 projects are surrounded by commercial, not residential.
• Commissioner Cannon acknowledged that even RM-6 homes would be expensive ($650,000+) but argued for compromise.
• Vice-Chair Beck stated she was against high density.

Farmhouse Storage (PLZ-25-8014)

• Tim Prestwich presented the site plan: the property is located at 12270 South 4000 West, zoned C-R, and backs onto Bangerter Highway. The project (Farmhouse Storage, tenant Extra Space Storage) was approved through a Development Agreement by the City Council, which included a preliminary site plan. The final site plan was reviewed by staff and meets ordinance. Conditions of approval were listed (11 items).
• Commissioner Cannon noted the history: the property was entitled for R-3 in 2007, but the project failed after the 2008 crash; storage units may be the current highest and best use.
• Commissioner Matheson asked about the name; Mr. Prestwich clarified that the tenant changed after the application was submitted.

Table of Commercial Uses (PLZ-26-5001)

• Tim Prestwich explained that the amendments are technical: codifying the process for interpreting unlisted uses, adding a "Churches" category, removing bed and breakfasts from commercial zones, eliminating four outdated categories (e.g., apparel alteration), changing general retail to conditional in C-N and C-PO zones, and adding manufacturing as conditional in C-R zone.
• Commissioner Cluff jokingly objected to calling artists outdated.

Water Conservation & Efficiency Element (PLZ-26-5003)

• Tim Prestwich reported that the city has had water conservation goals since 1999, and the council adopted a Water Conservation and Efficiency Report in 2025. The state now requires its inclusion in the General Plan. The element does not address emergency drought measures.

Key Outcomes

• Rock Ridge Amended (PLZ-26-8011): Continued to May 14, 2026. Unanimous.
• Residential Facilities (PLZ-26-5002): Continued to May 14, 2026. Unanimous.
• Saxey Rezone (PLZ-26-4003): The Planning Commission recommended approval of rezoning the 2.82 acres to RM-6 (not RM-14-D). The motion by Commissioner Cluff, seconded by Commissioner Marzo, passed unanimously. The recommendation will go to the City Council for final decision.
• Farmhouse Storage (PLZ-25-8014): Approved the final commercial site plan and amended subdivision, subject to 11 conditions. Motion by Commissioner Matheson, seconded by Commissioner Keele. Commissioner Cluff abstained. Passed unanimously.
• Table of Commercial Uses (PLZ-26-5001): Recommended approval of the ordinance amendments as described. Motion by Commissioner Cluff, seconded by Commissioner Marzo. Passed unanimously.
• Water Conservation & Efficiency Element (PLZ-26-5003): Recommended approval of the proposed inclusion in the General Plan. Motion by Commissioner Keele, seconded by Commissioner Cluff. Passed unanimously.
• Minutes (April 9, 2026): Approved as amended to correct Commissioner Matheson's title on page 11. Motion by Commissioner Matheson, seconded by Commissioner Marzo. Passed unanimously.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:06 PM.