Kaysville Planning Commission Ties 2–2 on Happy Hollow Rezone, Sending It to Council as a Recommendation of Denial
The Kaysville Planning Commission deadlocked 2–2 on Thursday, Nov. 12, on a request to rezone the open space many residents know as Happy Hollow. Under the commission’s bylaws, a tie goes to the City Council as a recommendation of denial. The council makes the final decision.
What was proposed for Happy Hollow in Kaysville?
The applicant, BLF Investments, asked the city to add a Planned Residential Unit Development (PRUD) overlay to 6.72 acres at about 400 North and 500 East. The property would keep its existing R-1-8 single-family zoning. City planning staff told the commission the land is privately owned and has been used as open space for years, and that Kaysville’s general plan map shows it as open space. The general plan is advisory.
A concept plan filed with the request shows four lots: three of about one acre each and one of about three acres at the east end, all reached by a private road from 500 East. The natural stormwater channel through the site would be placed in a pipe across the property and under 500 East. Staff said a private road can be narrower than a public street, which the applicant’s representative said would mean less cutting into the hillside.
What did Kaysville residents say?
Staff reported mailing about 112 notices to owners within 500 feet and receiving 13 written comments, all opposed. More than a dozen people spoke at the hearing, and most asked the commission to turn the request down. They raised the blind hill on 500 East, flooding and drainage, the loss of mature trees and wildlife habitat, and the hollow’s long history as a neighborhood sledding spot. A few speakers, including members of the family that owns the land, supported the request and said the family had turned away denser proposals.
How did the Kaysville Planning Commission vote?
A motion to recommend denial drew two votes in favor and two against. City staff then explained that the bylaws require three votes for a favorable recommendation, so a tie is forwarded to the council as a recommendation of denial. One commissioner said on the record that he would have preferred it be described as the commission being unable to reach a consensus.
What happens next?
The request now goes to the Kaysville City Council. No council date was announced at the meeting. A rezone would not approve a subdivision by itself; a plat would still need its own review.
This report is based on the city’s video recording of the Nov. 12 meeting. Official minutes have not been posted yet. Agendas are published on the Kaysville City website.
Meeting dates, agendas and hearing schedules are set by the city and can change. Confirm on the city’s official website before you go.
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