Eagle Mountain City Staff and the Planning Commission have been working on a transitioning code for several months now. The City Council and Planning Commission asked city staff to review and revise the development code as it relates to lot sizes and the transitioning of sizes adjacent to current lots. After the code was reviewed in several planning commission meetings and input from the public in public hearings it was passed on November 11, 2017 by the city council with a 4-0 vote. Stephanie Gricius was unable to attend, all the present council members vote in favor of the new code. The code dictates what size lots can be adjacent to lots of different sizes. It requires the developer to step down or up the lot size based on the lot sizes surrounding the proposed lot.
Key Changes to section 17.60.150 of the Eagle Mountain Municipal Code (EMMC) include the following:
- A large building lots that require buffering have been reduced in size from 5 acres to 4+ acres
- A new lot size (2 acres) is required between large lots (4+ acres) and 1 acre lots
- A buffering exhibit has been created showing the buffering required on the entire scale of large lots to condo developments
- A table has been created detailing transitioning requirements
It was also proposed that there be “conservation subdivisions” added as an alternative to traditional lot size transitioning. This part was removed during the motion to approve. There also were some discrepancies in the table and the image, the tables will be changed to reflect the information found in the image.
The following is the code as it was presented to the City Council. This does not include any changes made by the conditions that the City Council proposed. (Note: Section E was removed from approval to be brought back at a later time for consideration.)
17.60.150 Lot Size Transitioning
New subdivisions that are being proposed adjacent to existing or approved subdivisions and master development plans,
building lots in an agriculture zone, or Camp Williams and BLM properties shall have lots that transition in accordance to
the following standards:
A. Existing Subdivisions and Master Development Plans of Lower Density. All new developments that are proposing higher densities than existing adjacent development shall follow the transitioning standards of this chapter found in table 17.60.150 (1) and illustrated in Figure 17.60.150(1) to buffer incompatible uses.
1. Alternatively, following the Conservation Subdivision standards of this chapter fulfills lot size transitioning requirements.
B. Table 17.60.150(1) Existing subdivisions and Master Development Plans of Higher Density. All new developments that are proposing lower density than existing adjacent development shall follow the transitioning standards of this chapter found in table 17.60.150 (2) and illustrated in Figure 17.60.150(1) to buffer incompatible uses.
C. Camp Williams or BLM. Proposed lots adjacent to Camp Williams, or BLM land, shall be a minimum of one acre in size. The planning commission may recommend and the city council may approve lots smaller than one acre in size when these bodies find that there have been adequate improvements to mitigate concerns with storm water runoff and wild land fires. All development within 1,000 feet of Camp Williams shall have a maximum density of 1.6 dwelling units per acre, and the minimum lot size shall be one-half acre. .
D. Commercial Transitioning: Commercial developments adjacent to existing residential developments shall follow the buffering standards in Table 17.60.160(b)and provide walls that comply with the standards found in 17.60.110
E. Conservation Subdivisions:
The Eagle Mountain General Plan recommends conservation developments as a way of preserving open space, and as a way to provide appropriate buffering between incompatible uses. Conservation development is the recommended form of development in rural residential
areas. Conservation Development, also known as conservation design,is a controlled – growth land use development that adopts the principle for allowing limited sustainable development while protecting the area’s natural environmental features in perpetuity.Conservation subdivisions preserve the rights and/or restrictions associated with a property’s approved density by clustering homes on smaller lots and preserving the remaining property (at least 50% of total project area) perpetually as unimproved open space. Requirements of conservation subdivisions are:
a. At least 50% of the total project is preserved as unimproved/natural open space.
b. Preserved open space shall be located adjacent to existing larger lots, be a minimum of 100 feet deep, and designed to preserve existing environmental features (trees, hillsides, etc.) as much as possible. The Planning Commission may recommend, and the City Council may approve conservation subdivisions with a narrower buffer on a case-by-case scenario if they find that such a change better preserves native areas and it isn’t detrimental to neighboring properties
c. Overall project density shall not exceed underlying zoning.
d.
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.