Sheridan Planning Commission Meeting – November 24, 2025

The Sheridan City Planning Commission met on November 24, 2025, to consider approvals, minutes, and a major final plat application. The primary agenda item was Appeal 25-30 (Resolution 30-25) for the final plat of Elmwood Estates, a proposed subdivision along East Fifth Street. The commission entertained public comment, discussed technical variances, and voted to recommend approval to the governing body.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: Moved, seconded, and passed unanimously (all in favor, none opposed).
• Approval of October 13, 2025, Meeting Minutes: A correction was noted (name spelling error in section one). The minutes were approved as corrected by unanimous consent.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Smith (adjacent property owner, speaking with his wife Robbie Smith):
  • Expressed concern that the property line between their 77-acre parcel and the Elmwood Estates site was surveyed 10–20 feet off from the recorded line. He requested that the issue be addressed before development proceeds on the southern end of the applicant’s property.
  • Also raised traffic and parking concerns: impact of up to 200 multifamily units (the front portion includes an estimated 100-unit apartment complex, with potential for another) on already busy East Fifth Street, especially during peak commuting hours. He questioned whether parking requirements (0.75 spaces per unit) would be sufficient to avoid overflow street parking, as observed in other nearby developments.
• City Planner Schroeder responded:
  • A traffic analysis submitted with the plat estimated average daily traffic and peak-hour impacts; internal roads are designed to a minor collector standard.
  • The B1 zoning district requires 0.75 off-street parking spaces per multifamily unit (e.g., 75 spaces for 100 units). The developer is considering both covered and uncovered parking, which would be verified at the building permit stage.

Discussion Items

• Final Plat for Elmwood Estates (PL25-30 / Resolution 30-25): Staff presented the subdivision details:
  • Location: East Fifth Street, recently rezoned from R1 to B1 (business district) to allow multifamily and potential commercial development. The site is 31.85 acres, part of the entryway corridor.
  • Layout: Three developable lots (Lots 1 and 2 in Block 2, and Lot 1 in Block 1) plus a 24+ acre remainder lot for future development. Lot 2, Block 2 is planned for an approximately 100-unit apartment complex.
  • Roadways: Two internal roads (Zaid Road and Hisham Drive) will be built to city standard (60-ft right-of-way, 39-ft road width, boulevards and sidewalks both sides), terminating in hammerhead turnarounds (IFC compliant for fire trucks).
  • Variance Requests (three total):
    1. Right-of-way width on Hisham Drive: narrower at a triangular portion under YDOT jurisdiction (currently being transferred to city) to accommodate alignment with Sibley Circle.
    2. Hammerhead dead ends on both Zaid Road and Hisham Drive instead of required cul-de-sacs, due to steep slopes and grading constraints.
    3. Hisham Drive centerline curve radius of 150 feet (vs. required 300 feet) to maintain an acceptable grade (7.5% or less) for the road connecting to East Fifth Street.
  • Drainage: An existing pond easement (Hutton Reservoir) will remain; no construction is permitted in the easement. A drainage report ensures historic flows are maintained.
  • Utility Capacity: A will-serve letter was issued in March; preliminary analysis shows sufficient sewer capacity, though future build-out may require pipe enlargement or lift station adjustments. Public Works Director confirmed no current concerns.
  • Staff Recommendation: Approve the final plat for Elmwood Estates, or recommend approval with conditions, or recommend denial.
• Commission Questions:
  • Commissioner asked about water and sewer capacity relative to concurrent Story House development. Director March explained that water is not an issue (new Northeast Transmission main), and sewer capacity is being monitored; Story House agreed to a density cap and can use lift stations to vary pump times. No capacity concerns for this project.
  • The city’s acquisition of East Fifth Street from YDOT is independent of the development.
  • The sharp turn and narrower right-of-way on Hisham Drive were clarified to avoid excessive grades (targeting <8% slope).

Key Outcomes

• Motion: Commissioner moved to recommend approval of the final plat (PL25-30 / Resolution 30-25) including the three variances: (1) Hisham Drive right-of-way width, (2) hammerhead turnarounds on both Zaid Road and Hisham Drive, and (3) Hisham Drive centerline curve radius of 150 feet. The motion was seconded.
• Vote: All commissioners in favor (ayes), none opposed. Motion passed.
• Additional Directive: Chairman Krabs directed staff to ask the applicant’s surveyor to double‑check the property line issue raised by Mr. and Mrs. Smith before the final plat is signed.
• Adjournment: Motion to adjourn, seconded, and passed unanimously.