Riverton City Planning Commission Meeting - October 8, 2026

The Riverton City Planning Commission convened on the date of 2026-10-08T13:30:00+00:00 at approximately 6:30 PM MDT in Riverton City Hall. All seven commissioners were present (Chair Park, Commissioners Keele, Cannon, Matheson, Cluff, Beck, Marzo). The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:59 PM. The agenda included four public hearing items: two quasi-judicial approvals and two legislative recommendations to the City Council.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Walmart EV Stations: Jason Davis spoke during the public hearing, suggesting the charging stations be moved to the rear of the store to preserve front parking spaces.
• Jorgensen Rezone: Kerry Jorgensen spoke on behalf of the applicant (his elderly father), providing background on the land acquisition for the Jordan River Trail, the family's history in the area, and addressing neighbor concerns about density, flooding, and access. Several written public comments were submitted and reviewed regarding density, flooding, wetlands, and agricultural land protections, though no one spoke in person during the public hearing.
• Millhand Company & Residential Facilities Ordinance: No public comments were offered during the hearings.

Discussion Items

• Millhand Company Home Occupation CUP (PLZ-26-2047): Applicant Justin Christensen requested a conditional use permit for a woodworking business in his detached garage. Staff noted the property is 0.33 acres, zoned R-4, and that the applicant would use approximately 40% of the garage, with no customers or employees on site. Commissioner Matheson raised noise concerns, which the applicant mitigated by noting his six-year history of similar activity without complaints. Hours of operation would be 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Walmart Neighborhood Market EV Charging Stations (PLZ-26-8024): Staff presented an amended site plan to add two electric vehicle charging stations (four parking stalls, including one ADA-compliant stall) near the stormwater pond. Joanna Graham of Kimley-Horn confirmed for the applicant that charging station colors would be consistent with the submitted plans. Commissioners discussed ADA route slopes, the benefits of concrete construction, and tree replacement requirements.
• Jorgensen Rezone (PLZ-26-4006): Staff detailed the request to rezone 3.96 acres from A-5 (Agricultural) to R-3 (Single-family Residential, 14,000 sq ft minimum lot size). The General Plan designates the property as Low-Density Residential. Commissioner Cannon raised concerns about future connectivity to the north (stub roads) and single access. Commissioner Matheson noted the poor soil quality and high tax burden since the land dropped below 5 acres (greenbelt threshold) after the trail purchase. Commissioner Marzo inquired about legal protections for "protected agricultural land," which City Attorney Ryan Carter stated do not exist. City Engineer Matt Cassel confirmed no portion of the property is in the 100-year floodplain.
• Residential Facilities Ordinance Amendment (PLZ-26-5002): City Attorney Ryan Carter presented a code amendment to remove the Conditional Use Permit requirement for residential facilities for the elderly. He detailed the legal risks of retaining the CUP, citing federal fair housing laws, the Draper federal lawsuit, and an approximately $9 million judgment against Boise County, Idaho for imposing discriminatory conditions. He argued that keeping a CUP for the elderly class of disabled persons creates legal inconsistency and risk. The new process will route all group home accommodation requests through a hearing officer under reasonable accommodation provisions.

Key Outcomes

• Millhand Company (PLZ-26-2047): Approved unanimously. Conditions include compliance with City ordinances, obtaining a business license and state approvals, operating hours between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM, and limiting garage use to 50%.
• Walmart EV Stations (PLZ-26-8024): Approved unanimously. Conditions require site plan consistency with presented plans and protection or replacement of existing trees.
• Jorgensen Rezone (PLZ-26-4006): Recommended for approval unanimously to the City Council. Additional public hearing notices will be sent prior to the Council meeting.
• Residential Facilities Ordinance (PLZ-26-5002): Recommended for approval unanimously to the City Council.
• Minutes Approval: Minutes from the September 10, 2026, meeting were approved as corrected (addressing a misidentified commissioner).
• Future Meeting Items: Staff noted upcoming agenda items including the Burger King remodel, Snuggle Up Daycare, a fencing ordinance amendment, and the Master Transportation Plan. The remaining 2026 meetings are scheduled for October 22, November 12, and December 10.