Sandy City Planning Commission Meeting - May 21, 2026

The Sandy City Planning Commission met on May 21, 2026, at 6:15 PM in the Council Chambers and online via Zoom. The meeting included a work session on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) prior to the regular session, followed by two public hearing items: a site plan review for the Jazz Box Phase 4b project and a preliminary subdivision review for the Sandy Shulsen Subdivision. Both items were approved unanimously.

Work Session: Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

• Staff presented a discussion on proposed code amendments to comply with Senate Bill 284, which requires cities to allow detached ADUs on lots of 11,000 square feet or greater by October 1, 2026. Commissioners gave feedback on several policy questions, including whether to allow ADUs in all residential zones or only on larger lots, how many ADUs per lot, parking requirements, size limits, and height restrictions. There was a split among commissioners: some favored allowing ADUs on all lots subject to lot coverage limits, while others preferred a more conservative approach starting with the state minimum. The discussion was informational, and no formal action was taken.

Discussion Items

1. Jazz Box Phase 4b (Site Plan Review) – 10450 S. State Street

• Applicant Larry Oldham (Babcock Design) presented plans for a 119,000-square-foot underground parking garage with 300 spaces, a private practice facility for the Utah Jazz (two basketball courts, locker rooms, administration), and an amenity plaza. The building is 67 feet tall and will be attached to the mall. The parking is shared with an adjacent future Intermountain Health facility.
• A key point of debate was the location of a proposed sidewalk along the west side of Mall Ring Road. The applicant requested to keep the existing pedestrian pathway on the east side, citing security concerns and lack of destinations. Staff and several commissioners argued the sidewalk is necessary for pedestrian safety and connectivity, especially with the future IHC facility and other retail. Commissioners noted that a retaining wall and security presence could mitigate privacy concerns.
• After public comment (none offered), the commission voted to approve the preliminary site plan review with the condition that the sidewalk be installed as recommended by staff. The motion included findings that the development enhancements justified any shortcomings in design standards.

2. Sandy Shulsen Subdivision (Preliminary Subdivision Review) – 10116 S. Monroe Street

• Applicant David Dennison (Gardner Group) presented a proposal to consolidate five existing parcels into one lot for a future mixed-use development. The project had a long history of delays due to UDOT easements and a ditch through the property, but those issues have been resolved.
• Staff noted a 16-foot tip dedication and a 10-foot public utility easement along the street frontage.
• No public comments were received. The commission voted unanimously to approve the preliminary subdivision review subject to the conditions in the staff report.

Key Outcomes

• Jazz Box Phase 4b: Motion to approve preliminary site plan review carried 7-0 (with two non-voting alternates). The approval includes the sidewalk condition and requires final details on landscaping, shade structures, and paving differentiation.
• Sandy Shulsen Subdivision: Motion to approve preliminary subdivision review carried 7-0.
• Meeting Minutes: The minutes from May 7, 2026, were approved.
• Upcoming Meetings: The next meeting is June 4, 2026, with continued ADU discussion. Future meetings on June 18 and July 2 are pending agenda items and commissioner availability.