Park City Council approves interim internal accessory dwelling unit rules ahead of state law, hears Empire Creek flow options
September 23, 2021, 4:00 p.m. · City Council Chambers, 445 Marsac Avenue
The council adopted stopgap internal accessory dwelling unit rules ahead of a state law taking effect Oct. 1, approved two plats, a $151,538 Rail Trail master plan contract and a $59,667 cemetery cremation garden construction agreement, all 5-0. In work session it weighed alternatives to keep water flowing in Empire Creek costing from $100,000 to about $25 million.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item VI.5 · City code
Internal accessory dwelling units (Ordinance 2021-38)
Approved · 5-0
The council approved stopgap Land Management Code amendments ahead of state preemption effective Oct. 1, 2021; they distinguish internal accessory dwelling units from other ADUs and apply to new units. Council discussed the 30-day rental minimum and enforcement of nightly rentals, and the need for further work.
Item VI.4 · Subdivision
Gigaplat replat, first amended and restated, 1915 Prospector Avenue (Ordinance 2021-37)
Approved · 5-0
The council approved a replat adding a public access easement between the Rail Trail and Prospector Avenue. Council Member Tim Henney disclosed a personal connection to a person living near the location and said it would not affect his opinion.
Item VI.3 · Subdivision
The Crescent Condominiums first amended, 633 Park Avenue Unit B (Ordinance 2021-36)
Approved · 5-0
The council approved enclosure of a 51 square foot portion of a second-level deck; no parking requirements are triggered.
Item V · Contract
Consent agenda: Rail Trail master plan and cremation garden
Approved · 5-0
The council approved a Fehr & Peers professional services agreement for Rail Trail master planning (up to $151,538) and a TerraWorks construction agreement for Phase 1 of the Park City Cemetery Cremation Garden (up to $59,667).
- Contract$151,538 to Fehr & Peers
- Contract$59,667 to TerraWorks Inc.
Item VI.2 · Other
Domestic Violence Awareness Month, October 2021 (Resolution 22-2021)
Approved · 5-0
The council proclaimed October Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Item WS 1 · Roads and utilities
Future Empire Creek water flow
Discussed
Staff reviewed three alternatives for Empire Creek after Judge and Spiro tunnel water, discharging about 900 gallons a minute with high metal concentrations, is redirected: let the creek return to seasonal flow (about $100,000 infrastructure, $20,000 a year); add treated drinking water (about $25 million, $850,000 a year); or use the raw water system (about $25 million, $440,000 a year). Council discussed compromises such as no flow in droughts and an ecological study, and agreed on continued outreach. Speakers raised wildlife, trees, property values and the Prospector estuary. No vote.
Item WS 2 · Presentation
Drought and water conservation update
Discussed
Staff reported a 50 percent reduction in residential water use and a 28 percent drop in irrigation accounts. Council asked staff to evaluate commercial and irrigation rates, meter size fees and a cash-for-grass program.
Item WS 3 · Public safety
Parley's Canyon fire incident summary
Discussed
The deputy fire chief said about 541 acres burned and the Summit Park and Pinebrook neighborhoods were evacuated; most firefighting was by air. No vote.
Item VI.1 · Presentation
COVID-19 update
Discussed
The Summit County health director gave an update on cases, vaccination, testing and a potential school-based mask requirement. No vote.
What residents said
Empire Creek flowCOVID-19 and masks
Speakers on Empire Creek raised wildlife, trees, property values and the Prospector estuary; Bob Berube emailed urging proof of vaccination for ski lift riders.