Ephraim approves rules for residential uses in commercial zones and names a land use appeal authority
October 21, 2026, 7:00 p.m. · Ephraim City Hall, 5 South Main
At its Oct. 21 meeting the Ephraim City Council voted 5-0 to approve Resolution ECO 26-13 on residential uses in commercial zones, which grandfathers previously approved developments, appointed a land use appeal authority, and filled seats on its historic preservation and library boards. Staff said a change order is coming for the Lower Penstock project, whose costs have risen since the original bid. The minutes were approved Nov. 4.
From the approved minutes. Updated November 5, 2026.
In brief
4 items came up for a decision or discussion: 3 approved and 1 discussed.
This write-up links 1 source document.
6 members were present.
The previous City Council meeting was on October 7, 2026: Ephraim council favors one-time project bonuses but not performance bonuses
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Residential uses in commercial zones (ECO 26-13) | Approved · 5-0 |
| Land use appeal authority (ECR 26-21) | Approved · 5-0 |
| Board appointments | Approved · 5-0 |
| Lower Penstock project cost increase | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · land-use
Residential uses in commercial zones (ECO 26-13)
Approved · 5-0
The council approved a resolution amending rules for residential uses in commercial zones, covering Main Street commercial requirements, building height limits, mixed-use developments, accessory apartments, landscaping and parking standards. Staff said a community focus group and the Planning Commission had reviewed it twice, and that previously approved developments are grandfathered. A developer asked whether his conditional use permit for a three-story apartment complex stays valid (staff said yes) and raised concerns about added parking requirements. Home builder and title company representatives asked the council not to over-restrict housing.
Item 2 · administration
Land use appeal authority (ECR 26-21)
Approved · 5-0
The council appointed Cody Harmer as Ephraim's land use appeal authority.
Item 3 · appointments
Board appointments
Approved · 5-0
The council appointed Jan Chamberlain and Bethany Tripp to the Historic Preservation and Promotion Board and Gwen Haggen to the Library Board.
Item 4 · Roads and utilities
Lower Penstock project cost increase
Discussed
Staff said contractor VanCon will present a change order for the Lower Penstock project at a future meeting, with costs up since the original bid partly because of higher fuel prices. The mayor encouraged support for the 911 funding measure on the ballot.
What residents said
Two speakers, from the Central Utah Home Builders Association and a title company, urged the council to avoid regulations that raise housing costs.