Sandy City Planning Commission Meeting - August 7, 2025

The Sandy City Planning Commission met on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 13:15 MDT to consider two annexations, a preliminary subdivision, a credit union redevelopment, and to approve prior meeting minutes. The meeting was chaired by Danny Schoenfeld with commissioners Steve Wrigley, Cameron Duncan, David Hart, Craig Kitterman, Lenise Davenport, and Jennifer George present. Staff included Brian McKuston (Assistant Community Development Director), Mike Wilcox (Planning Director), Doug Wilcox (Commercial Development Services Manager), Thomas Irvin (Senior Planner), and others.

Consent Calendar

• The commission approved the meeting minutes from July 17, 2025, by unanimous voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kershaw Annexation: Janice Kershaw, the sponsor, stated she has lived in her home for 50 years and obtained 16 of 24 consent signatures (67%). She reported no opposition, only difficulty reaching residents.
• Firefly Subdivision: Multiple residents testified:
  • Richard Vanderheid (30-year resident) expressed support for the subdivision but requested height restrictions on north lots to preserve sunlight and privacy. He noted two-story homes would block light and create privacy issues.
  • Scott Cadell, a property owner involved in the development, spoke in favor, citing a needed "shot in the arm" for the area, improved safety from fire hazards, and cleanup of unsightly vacant lots.
  • Mark Steegan (10-year resident) supported the development but raised concerns about two-story homes overlooking his backyard from an elevated grade, asking for height limitations.
  • Zach Vergard, an arborist and neighbor, feared grading would kill box elder trees that provide privacy and harm the "magical" backyard feel. He also requested a height restriction.
  • Marvin Coombs (55-year resident, selling part of his property) strongly supported the development, citing constant fire danger from overgrown weed lots and absentee owners.
  • Mike Milligan (36-year resident) expressed concern about property value loss, loss of trees and wildlife (hawks, owls), and increased traffic near the elementary school.
  • Zamine (10-year resident) raised a safety concern about the subdivision entrance/exit facing the park, which creates crowded and hazardous traffic conditions, especially for children.
  • Dallas and Phil Chapman (Phil owns property adjacent to the subdivision) questioned why Phil was asked to join the subdivision last minute, noting a small strip of land that the city requires be consolidated.
  • Doug Shelby (executor of the Shelby estate, 72-year resident) clarified the strip would become part of Phil's property, supporting the overall development.
  • Ann Hanson (trustee of Hanson estate) supported the development as the best use, citing fire danger and irrigation maintenance challenges.
  • Susan Vanderheid emphasized protecting existing property livability and the gully, warning of financial and health impacts.
  • Online: Steven Crapo noted a discrepancy in a drawing showing a jog in the property line that did not match the survey; staff said the drawing was from an earlier iteration. Zach Crawford objected to the density and lot size, arguing it conflicts with Historic Sandy character and will worsen speeding traffic.

Discussion Items

• Kershaw Annexation (8 properties, ~9 acres, 24 homes off 1350 East and 1380 East): Staff recommended positive recommendation to city council with R1-8 zoning (matching county). 67% of property owners signed consent. The commission voted unanimously to send a positive recommendation based on four findings.
• Jameson Point Annexation (10 parcels near Little Cottonwood Road and Wasatch Blvd): Staff reported 8 of 10 property owners consented, seeking Sandy city status over potential Granite City incorporation. Zoning proposed as R1-15 (matching county). The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval based on four findings.
• Firefly Subdivision (517 East 8680 South, 9 acres, 35 lots from 7 existing parcels): Preliminary plat review. Applicant Jacob Balstead (Garbett Homes) proposed 28 new single-family lots, a public street connection, and stormwater detention. The design complies with Historic Sandy overlay district requirements (50-foot minimum lot width, average ~55 feet). Staff noted one zoning issue: an existing home would have a 19-foot front yard vs. required 20 feet, but considered minor. The northwest corner has fill dirt and will be restricted from building. A 15-foot remnant strip must be consolidated with the adjacent lot. The developer committed to eight exterior elevation options (one- and two-story). Heights will not exceed 35 feet; two-story homes could fit on some lots but may not all be built. The development will include tree plantings in park strips. The commission voted unanimously to approve the preliminary subdivision subject to five findings and eight conditions, including a friendly amendment correcting a street name.
• Jordan Credit Union Redevelopment (9260 South 300 East): Three related actions—subdivision (combining two parcels, dedicating right-of-way), site plan (new drive-thru, building exterior refresh, parking reduction), and conditional use permit (remote teller drive-through). Staff presented plans to eliminate a driveway, add landscaping, widen street frontage, and improve a screening wall along the north property line. Parking reduction of 20% was requested (meeting three of five criteria). Building height unchanged; basement storage remains. No public comment. The commission approved all three items unanimously: subdivision (3 findings, 3 conditions), site plan (4 findings, 8 conditions), and conditional use (2 findings, 2 conditions).

Key Outcomes

• Kershaw Annexation: Unanimous vote (7-0) to send positive recommendation to city council.
• Jameson Point Annexation: Unanimous vote (7-0) to send positive recommendation to city council.
• Firefly Subdivision: Unanimous vote (7-0) to approve preliminary plat with conditions.
• Jordan Credit Union Subdivision: Unanimous vote (7-0) to approve preliminary plat.
• Jordan Credit Union Site Plan: Unanimous vote (7-0) to approve.
• Jordan Credit Union Conditional Use Permit: Unanimous vote (7-0) to approve.
• Meeting Minutes (July 17, 2025): Approved by voice vote.
• Staff Reports: Brian McKuston announced funding secured for a Land Development Code update ($200,000 grant from WFRC); RFP will be issued for consultants. Next meeting tentatively scheduled for August 21, 2025, but may be cancelled; confirmation expected by Monday.