Council approves Studio Crossing development at Quinn's Junction 3-2 and a 2023 Sundance special event permit
December 15, 2022, 3:00 p.m. · City Council Chambers, 445 Marsac Avenue
On December 15, 2022 the council voted 3-2 to approve Ordinance 2022-47 for Park City Film Studios / Studio Crossing at 3981 Kearns Boulevard, with 185 affordable units and up to 100 market-rate for-sale units; Council Members Ryan Dickey and Jeremy Rubell voted no. It also approved the 2023 Sundance Film Festival Level Five event permit and annual insurance premiums, and the Housing Authority approved the Studio Crossing housing mitigation plan 4-0.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item Work 1 · Presentation
Water supply and leasing surplus water to Weber Basin
Discussed
Staff said about 45 percent of supply comes from abandoned mine tunnels and about one-third from the Rockport Reservoir intake, and leasing surplus water accounts for 25 percent of water revenue. Council was in favor of continuing to lease water.
Item Work 2 · City code
Temporary winter balcony enclosure pilot program
Discussed
The Historic Preservation Board supports winter-only enclosures, the Planning Commission was split, and the Historic Park City Alliance favors permanent enclosures. Toly said the program should be for everyone or nobody; Gerber said it should no longer be a pilot; Dickey was open to one more year. Consensus: the item returns through the process and council supports an extra year if the timeline requires.
Item Work 3 · Parks
Empire Pass mining structure preservation funding
Discussed
The Empire Pass Master Owners Association and the city each provide $40,000 a year for 10 years, falling to $20,000 afterward, funded from real estate transfer fees allocated to the city. Completed work includes the Daly West Headframe restoration and the King Con Ore Bin. The association asked to advance three years of payments; the item returns in early 2023.
- Payment$40,000 to Empire Pass Master Owners Association
Item Work 4 · Presentation
Military Installation Development Authority presentation
Discussed
The authority described a Wasatch County project with a 387-room hotel with military booking priority, 140 residences, 815 lots and a projected 5,000 to 7,500 jobs. It said it would not expand into Park City. Gerber said 600 affordable units would not be sufficient.
Item III · Appointment
Appointment of Jess Griffiths to the Public Art Advisory Board
Approved · 5-0
Term through June 30, 2025.
Item VII.1 · Other
Sundance 2023 special event temporary alcoholic beverage licenses
Approved · 5-0
Pulled from consent by Toly and approved as amended to correct an address from 950 Main to 950 Ironhorse.
Item VII.2-3 · Other
Sundance Type 2 convention sales licenses and FY2022 draft annual comprehensive financial report
Approved · 5-0
Approved on consent.
Item VIII · Development
516 Marsac Avenue (Old Peace House) project
Discussed
Staff presented a triplex (about $1,318,711, a conditional use with a 450-square-foot addition and reduced parking) or a duplex (about $960,092, allowed in the existing envelope). Council favored the triplex and a majority favored a variance request; Rubell did not want special privilege for the city. No formal vote.
- Budget$1.32 million
- Budget$960,092
Item IX.1 · Development
Ordinance 2022-47: Park City Film Studios / Studio Crossing, 3981 Kearns Boulevard
Approved · 3-2
A 20.46-acre project at Quinn's Junction with 42.4 required affordable unit equivalents and 185 affordable units (120 additional units rented up to 80 percent of area median income for households up to 120 percent), 60,000 square feet of commercial space, up to 100 for-sale market-rate units and heights from 25 to 45 feet. The Planning Commission approved an 89-stall parking reduction (565 provided, 655 required, 527 estimated demand). Five speakers supported it. Doilney said the applicant met all requirements; Gerber supported it and asked about EV chargers; Toly favored workforce housing. Rubell said Fire District approval should precede council action and wanted a nightly-rental cap and some for-sale units; Dickey questioned the net affordable impact (about a 35 to 40 unit net gain) and wanted an analysis before approval.
- Acres: 20.46
- Affordable units: 185
- Commercial: 60,000 sq ft
- Market-rate for-sale units: up to 100
Item IX.2 · Other
2023 Sundance Film Festival Level Five special event permit
Approved · 5-0
A 10-day in-person festival with virtual participation for the last five days, updated drop-off and Lyft staging, a midnight noise variance for Bob Wells Plaza and health protocols. Rubell asked to discuss the security reimbursement at the master festival license renewal.
Item IX.3 · Contract
Annual 2023 insurance premiums
Approved · 5-0
Premiums rose because of asset growth, inflation, more employees and accidents, and western wildfire risk.
- Purchase$316,267 to Liberty Mutual
- Purchase$98,568 to Liberty Mutual
- Purchase$264,233 to States Self-Insurers Risk Retention Group
- Purchase$243,820 to Workers Compensation Fund
- Purchase$4,427 to Travelers
- Purchase$4,500
- Purchase$1,688 to Global Aerospace
Item HA III · Development
Studio Crossing housing mitigation plan (Housing Authority)
Approved · 4-0
The board approved the plan 4-0 with Rubell excused. Staff said the housing resolution is updated every two years and a consultant is evaluating hotel employee generation. The developer said a city contribution and expanded affordable housing would be discussed once construction costs are locked in.
What residents said
Studio Crossing parking and net affordabilityFire District approvalNightly rentals
A housing trust representative announced an employer rental incentive program with Deer Valley as first participant. Five speakers supported Studio Crossing at the public hearing.