Sandy council ends east-Wasatch development pause and adopts sensitive-area overlay changes, 7-0; Alta Canyon agreement passes 6-0-1
August 17, 2021, 5:15 p.m. · Online meeting (Sandy City Council, 10000 Centennial Parkway)
The Sandy City Council voted 7-0 to adopt Ordinance 21-23, amending the Sensitive Area Overlay and residential development standards, and 7-0 to adopt Ordinance 21-24, which ends the temporary development pause east of Wasatch Boulevard. It approved a new Alta Canyon interlocal agreement 6-0-1 with Council Member Cyndi Sharkey abstaining, after a motion to table failed.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Roads and utilities
2021 drought and water conservation update
Discussed
Public Utilities Director Tom Ward said Sandy saved over half a billion gallons in the past year and that 2021 was the driest year on record. Keith Larson of Bowen Collins reviewed the Water Conservation Plan, which is updated every five years, and Abi Holt covered the localscapes rebate program. No vote was taken.
Item 2 · Appointment
Reappointment of Don Milne to the Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake and Sandy, 2021-2024 (Resolution 21-32C)
Approved
Adopted on the consent calendar. The minutes say the reappointment is subject to a future council vote because a discrepancy between state code and Sandy's appointment process was found after the meeting.
Item 6 · City code
Amendments to Title 21, Chapter 15 (Sensitive Area Overlay) and Chapter 20 (Residential Development Standards) (Ordinances 21-23 and 21-24)
Approved · 7-0
Council Member Kris Coleman-Nicholl introduced the item and Mike Wilcox of Community Development presented. The Planning Commission unanimously supported it, and staff noted 17 comments and 5 eComments in support. The council adopted Ordinance 21-23 7-0 (moved by Coleman-Nicholl, seconded by Council Member Monica Zoltanski), and then Ordinance 21-24, which terminates Ordinance 21-14, the temporary development pause east of Wasatch Boulevard, 7-0 (moved by Coleman-Nicholl, seconded by Council Member Cyndi Sharkey). Steve Van Maren thanked staff, Andy Myers of Save the Wasatch Front asked about a 35-foot height limit and David Peet asked about traffic.
Item 7 · Parks
Second reading: Alta Canyon Sports Center discussion timeline
Approved
Council Member Zach Robinson recommended a discussion timeline and incremental decision process (Exhibit A). No one spoke in public comment. The action text records the motion and second but no tally; it is shown as passed.
Item 8 · Contract
Interlocal agreement with the Alta Canyon Recreation District (Resolution 21-31C)
Approved · 6-0-1
City Attorney Lynn Pace presented the agreement, which replaces one that expired in 2013 and is renewable annually. A motion by Council Member Cyndi Sharkey, seconded by Council Member Kris Coleman-Nicholl, to table the item failed; the minutes list Sharkey among both the yes and no votes, so the exact tally needs a human check. The council then adopted the resolution 6-0-1.
Item 9 · Roads and utilities
Little Cottonwood Canyon transportation priorities
Discussed
Council Member Marci Houseman introduced the item and City Attorney Lynn Pace reviewed council feedback from the prior work session. Administration will redraft the letter to the Central Wasatch Commission. The UDOT comment period closed Sept. 3, 2021. No vote was recorded.
What residents said
Crime in Historic SandyFoothill development limitsWater conservationNotice of consent items
Dawn Sidwell asked about the city's response to crime and parking ordinances. Cathy Spuck raised concerns about crime. Steve Van Maren argued a consent item was improperly noticed and not posted on the City Recorder's site. Jennifer Baker, in an online comment, asked why Sandy police are not involved with the Salt Lake City metro gang unit.