Sandy council adopts internal accessory dwelling unit ordinance to meet state law; AECOM presents Alta Canyon feasibility analysis
September 28, 2021, 5:15 p.m. · Online meeting (Sandy City Council, 10000 Centennial Parkway)
The Sandy City Council adopted Ordinance 21-28, revising Title 21 to implement state law on internal accessory dwelling units, called accessory apartments in Sandy. It also heard AECOM's preliminary feasibility analysis for the Alta Canyon Recreation Center, a review of changes to The Orchard at Farnsworth Farms site plan, and voted 7-0 to go into a closed session.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Parks
Alta Canyon Recreation Center feasibility analysis
Discussed
Finance Director Brian Kelley introduced Brian Parker, Brandon Liebst and staff of AECOM Economics, who presented a feasibility analysis covering a five-phase approach and key survey results. Parker summarized recommended improvements. The minutes give no cost figures. No vote was taken.
Item 2 · Roads and utilities
Cardboard recycling update
Discussed
Public Works Director Mike Gladbach updated the council on the cardboard recycling program with Waste Management and said it is a cost-neutral service. No vote was taken.
Item 3 · Development
The Orchard at Farnsworth Farms: site plan review of changes, 11237 S. 700 East
Discussed
Craig Evans of Community Development reviewed the application, the Planning Commission's decisions, the revised concept plan and a spreadsheet of changes from the original submittal. The packet laid out three options: accept the revisions to Exhibit A and amend Ordinance 20-04 to extend its Nov. 1, 2021 deadline, neither accept nor reject them and extend the deadline with a requirement that the council be advised after final administrative review, or reject them and let the time expire. The item was informational and no action was taken; a public hearing was set for a future meeting.
Item 4 · Public safety
Police Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program update
Discussed
Police Chief Greg Severson and staff said the program uses daily traffic enforcement in two- to four-hour shifts on residential streets and secondary arterials, with emphasis on school zones, red-light violations, speeding and DUIs, and with locations partly chosen from resident complaints. He gave traffic statistics. No vote was taken.
Item 5 · City code
Public hearing (continued): amendments related to accessory apartments (internal accessory dwelling units) (Ordinance 21-28)
Approved
Mike Wilcox presented amendments to Title 21, Chapters 7, 8, 11 and 37 implementing state legislation, with a positive Planning Commission recommendation. Steve Van Maren spoke about basement apartment drownings in New York and suggested secondary egress. The council adopted Ordinance 21-28; the minutes notes do not record the tally.
Item 6 · Other
Closed session (character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of an individual)
Approved · 7-0
The council voted to convene a closed session and adjourn afterward.
What residents said
Indoor tennis courtsAccessory apartment safetyFarnsworth Farms site plan changesCybersecurity
Brie Debry, speaking for Amelia Holt and as a high school tennis coach, said the community needs indoor tennis courts and that tournaments could generate revenue. Mark Ciullo raised concerns about the accuracy of information provided to the council. Steve Van Maren spoke on accessory apartment egress.