Griffith Estates
Rezoning of 3.43 acres from A-5 to R-1-22 and a concept for a 9-unit townhome planned unit development with a density bonus for a trail, road widening and open space. Rezoning approved June 13, 2023; concept tabled for a geotechnical report and denied July 11, 2023 because it did not meet the infill standard for a PUD and density bonus.
- Where it stands
- Denied
- Type
- Zone change
- Location
- 300 East 1630 South
- Size
- 3.43 acres
- Homes
- 9
Every hearing and vote
June 13, 2023 · City Council
Griffith Estates zone change, 3.43 acres at 300 East 1630 South (Ordinance 39-2023)
Approved · 5-0
Items 13 and 14 were heard together. Applicant representative Steve Potter said the concept uses a planned unit development to cluster townhomes in the center, with a density bonus in exchange for a trail, road widening and donated open space, and would reroute a ditch. Council Member Katie Koivisto cautioned against density bonuses in low-density zones. Neighbors opposed the project, citing the ditch, which they said waters livestock in winter, flooding from a spring, tailwater, compatibility of three-story townhomes with the agricultural setting, maintenance of donated land and property values. The mayor said the zone change and concept would be addressed separately. The council approved the rezoning from A-5 to R-1-22.
- Acres: 3.43
- Current zone → proposed: A-5 → R-1-22
June 13, 2023 · City Council
Griffith Estates concept, 9-unit townhome PUD at 300 East 1630 South
Tabled · 5-0
Mayor Mark Johnson stressed the need for a geotechnical report and said questions on water control, liability and flooding remain, noting a recent aerial survey showed limited standing water. Council Member Katie Koivisto said developers have a right to use their land within city rules, and the council must also respect adjacent owners, and moved to table until the geotech report is done, suggesting but not requiring that the developer work with neighbors. Council Member Paige Albrecht added a request for a thorough analysis of density bonus calculations. Members agreed with tabling but cautioned against imposing costly conditions.
- Units: 9 townhomes (PUD)
July 11, 2023 · City Council
Griffith Estates concept, 9-unit townhome PUD at 300 East 1630 South
Denied · 4-0
Steve Potter said a soil study showed positive results for building on native soil. Planning Director Kim Struthers addressed flooding and the density bonus. Council Member Paige Albrecht said the project did not meet the code's definition of infill, which affects the PUD exception and density bonus. Residents raised floodplain concerns and agreed it was not infill. The council denied the concept on that finding.
- Units: 9 townhomes