On the Eagle Mountain Planning Commissions June 12th Planning Commission meeting there are three items that are specifically related to modifying the Code in Eagle Mountain. Specifically the code changes are for Parks and Opens Space, Landscaping Plans, Moving and Storage Facilities, and changes to the General Fencing Provisions.
First – Parks and Open Space
Development Code Amendments, Chapters 16.20, 16.25, 16.30, & 16.35, Parks and Open Space, Landscaping Plans, Public Hearing; Action Item: Staff proposed code amendments intended to reduce complexity of the City’s current Parks & Open Space requirements, and to improve the consistency of the implementation of those requirements across all development.
Thee city Staff report gives the following summary of what the changes include:
- Cleaning up some of the requirements for preliminary plat and final plat landscape plan submittals.
- Simplifying the calculation of the guarantee for parks and improved open spaces. Developers are required to improve parks and open spaces prior to recording the first plat, or they can pay cash to the City to be held in escrow at the rate of $3,750 per lot. That amount was calculated at the rate of $2.00/sq ft for the base level improvements, plus $500/sq ft for labor, multiplied by 150%. One lot would require 1,000 square feet of open space. (1,000 x $2.00 + $500) x 1.5 = $3,750. This number was compared with bond amounts and park costs for recent park projects in the city, and found to be very comparable.
- Eliminating small common areas in multi-family projects from qualifying as improved open space.
- Allowing stormwater basins to count as improved open space at a rate of 75%, if improved with sod and other improvements.
- Changing the parks and open space fee-in-lieu from $5.75/sq ft to $3.75/sq ft plus the appraised value of the land.
Second – Moving and Storage Facilities
Development Code Amendments, Chapters 17.10, 17.38, 17.40, Moving and Storage Facilities, Public Hearing; Action Item: Staff proposed code amendments to create standards for Moving and Storage facilities, and to allow them in Commercial Storage and Industrial Zones.
Thee city Staff report gives the following summary of what the changes include:
- Create a definition for Moving and Storage Facilities
- Allow for Moving and Storage Facilities as Conditional Uses within the Commercial Storage and Industrial Zones
- Create development standards for Moving and Storage Facilities
Third – General Fencing Provisions
Development Code Amendment, Chapter 17.60.120, General Fencing Provisions, Public Hearing; Action Item: A staff proposed change to General Fencing Provisions referencing that retaining walls must also comply with Hillside Site Development Standards.
This change just adds the following to the general fencing provisions of 17.60.120: “All retaining walls shall comply with Hillside Site Development Standards found in chapter 15.80 of the Eagle Mountain Municipal Code.” 15.80 contains details on Hillside Slope Development and gives code for Average Slopes, certified reports, and the specifications for those reports. It also includes this code about retaining walls in 15.80.050 “Retaining walls shall not be built over or adjacent to city utilities. Retaining walls shall not be allowed in public utility easements.”
If these three items are approved by the Planning Commission, they will then move on to be approved by City Council who will then discuss them and either approve them and make them law, or reject and send them back to the City Staff.
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.