West Jordan council rezones 8.3 acres for Barber Estates after neighbors object

About 8.3 acres at 7401 South 5490 West in West Jordan is rezoned to R-1-12, which allows lots of at least 12,000 square feet, for a subdivision called Barber Estates. The City Council voted 7-0 on Oct. 27 after several neighbors spoke against the request at a public hearing. Staff and the applicant said the rezone fits the city's general plan, and several council members said a no vote could invite denser zoning imposed by the state. The vote was by roll call, according to the meeting transcript. ^[1][2][3]

What was approved. The petition came from Anderson Development. The presenting representative said the request was for the rezone only, with a concept plan shown to demonstrate that the zone is workable. City staff said the property is designated very low density residential in the general plan, up to three units per acre, and that R-1-12 is allowed in that designation. Staff estimated a maximum of about 25 homes, and the concept plan shows 19. The Planning Commission had recommended approval 5-0, with two members absent, and added two conditions that are in the ordinance. 5490 West must be completed from Highlands Loop Lane to the north boundary of the project before any certificates of occupancy are issued. The zoning reverts to RR-1, its current zone, if the road is not acquired and built within three years. ^[1][3]

What neighbors said. Speakers at the hearing described lots from half an acre to 10 acres in the area, including properties with horses and other animals. They raised concerns about traffic and a possible connection toward a nearby shopping center, the loss of the area's rural character, safety near livestock, and the cumulative effect of other recent rezones. One speaker asked the council not to approve the request in its current form and to require more review of traffic, buffers and alternatives such as larger lots. Staff told the council there was no development agreement on the table, that the request was a standard rezone, and that the city cannot enforce standards above its code for this kind of zone. ^[3]

Why council members voted yes. Council Member Zach Jacob said he supports property owners' rights to rezone unless a specific, material impact can be shown. He said the neighborhood to the south already has R-1-12 lots bordering larger lots, and that many concerns, such as where the road goes, belong to the later site-plan review before the Planning Commission. Council Member Kayleen Whitelock said the Legislature has discussed by-right zoning at a smaller lot size for several years and that a no vote could be used in that debate. Council Member Bob Bedore agreed with her description of the legislative risk. Council Member Chad Lamb said the council had denied a denser R-3-8 request from a developer at its previous meeting. Acting Chair Kent Shelton said the zone was appropriate though not ideal, and that he feared state action could allow far higher density. Council Chair Jessica Wignall said she went back and forth during the meeting before voting yes. ^[3]

What comes next. According to staff, a preliminary subdivision approval would need a public hearing and Planning Commission approval. Final subdivision and building permits would then be staff-level approvals. Jacob urged neighbors to return for the site-plan stage. The same meeting also adopted a restructured solid waste fee schedule on a 6-1 vote, which was covered in a separate story. ^[1][3]