August 27, 2003 Minutes
The Lindon City Planning Commission held
a regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, August 27, 2003 in
the Lindon City Center, Council Chambers at 100 North State Street, Lindon,
Utah.
Conducting: Bruce Carpenter
Prayer: Lori Atchison
PRESENT
Bruce Carpenter, Chairman
Ron Anderson, Commissioner
Lori Atchison, Commissioner
Lucky Morse, Commissioner
Evan Nixon, Alternate Commissioner
Jim Peters, Commissioner
Marilyn Simister, Commissioner
Dustin Sweeten, Commissioner
Lindsey Bayless, Councilmember
Kevin Smith, Planning Director
Venla Gubler, Administrative Clerk
ABSENT
The Meeting began at 7:09 p.m.
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairman Carpenter led the Commission, staff and audience in the Pledge
of Allegiance.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the regular meeting of August 13, 2003 were reviewed.
The following corrections were made:
Page 3, Line 13: Replace the word "required" with the word "require."
Page 6, Line 4: Add the word "a" after the word "be."
Page 7, Line 7: Replace the phrase "had offered for" with the
phrase "made an offer on."
Page 8, Line 7: Replace the word "consider" with the word "considered."
COMMISSIONER PETERS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 13, 2003 AS
CORRECTED. COMMISSIONER MORSE SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL PRESENT VOTED IN
FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Dan Mckeon and Mr. Jack Gifford told the Commissioners that they
had met with the Development Review Committee (DRC) this morning to discuss
the unification of development in Plat B and C of Meadows of Bald Mountain.
There had been a question raised on the uniformity and continuity of trails
and pathways in this development. Mr. Smith explained that the Commission
and Council had approved Plat B about a year and a half ago and Bald Mountain
Development had been required to add a pathway along 800 East. They have
sold out to the present petitioners. Mr. McKeon and Mr. Gifford are trying
to finish the development. He displayed an aerial of the parcel and surrounding
area. He pointed out the location of the pathway in Plat B and observed
that the question arises in how the pathway will tie into Plat A and then
continue on to connect with other city-wide and regional trails. He noted
the location of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.
Commissioner Peters asked if the street profile was a 50-foot right of
way. This was confirmed. Commissioner Nixon asked if the developers had
a problem with putting in the pathway. Mr. McKeon replied that they would
prefer not to put the pathway in and pointed out that there is no continuity
with either Plat A or the existing trail system. He added that the costs
are less to construct the pathway/street profile. Mr. Smith commented
that the DRC had no opinion on whether the pathway was put in or not.
This decision was up to the Council and Commission, however, he personally
felt that a pathway that goes nowhere does not make much sense.
Chairman Carpenter asked where the closest pathway is located. Mr. Smith
pointed out a potential trail along the Murdoch Canal and the existing
Bonneville Shoreline Trail. Commissioner Peters observed that this did
seem to be a short section of pathway that does not connect with any system.
Commissioner Nixon asked if the objection to pathways is the maintenance
issue. He also asked if the general plan has determined that a pathway
is required in this location. Mr. Smith replied that the general plan
has not designated this street as a required location for a pathway, but
as an optional location. Commissioner Nixon commented that he would like
to see pathways and trails constructed where it is feasible now or the
City may be trying to retrofit the profile in the future. Commissioners
Morse and Atchison expressed concern and voiced the opinion that it does
not make sense to put a pathway in if it does not make a continuous system.
The Commissioners discussed these viewpoints.
Commissioner Sweeten explained that part of the objection to pathways
is that so far the City had not found a surface that is suitable. He asked
Councilmember Bayless if the Council had made any progress on this maintenance
issue. Councilmember Bayless replied that the reason this pathway had
been required on the plat was to connect this neighborhood with the trails
in the foothills. It would eventually tie into the system. She also commented
that there had been no definite decision made on surface material and
the maintenance issue, but that the Council is leaning toward reserving
the potential to have a trail and put the area in grass for now. That
way, if the profile is retrofitted for a pathway in the future, the area
has been reserved and is available for use.
Commissioner Peters asked about the dimensions of the park strip, pathway
and sidewalk. Mr. Smith described this and then explained that residents
are not envisioning what the Council is trying to accomplish with the
pathway system. This might explain why homeowners are objecting to the
concept at present. He expressed the opinion that the pathway may be constructed
by the developer and maintained by the City at first, and then turned
over to the homeowners as the neighborhoods fill in. Until then the surface
may be grass instead of gravel. Councilmember Bayless agreed.
Commissioner Sweeten commented that the pathway itself is a good idea
if it provides continuity to somewhere else. The plat was examined and
ideas for connection of the pathway into the Lindon City Pathways and
Trails System and the Regional Trail System were discussed. Commissioner
Peters asked the developers if they had any problems with putting in the
pathway, or possibly just allowing the space for it to be constructed
in the future. Mr. Mckeon replied no, that they just needed a definite
plan. The Commissioners discussed ways to solve tying the pathway into
the existing streets in Plat A. Mr. Smith commented that this issue is
not going to be resolved tonight and suggested that further discussion
be deferred to a future agenda. Commissioner Anderson suggested approaching
the Council during a similar open session. Chairman Carpenter observed
that he was sorry that the Commission could not give more concrete direction.
He asked if there were other comments. There were none.
4. NEW BUSINESS (Reports by Commissioners)
Commissioner Sweeten proposed that staff should be directed to draft
a change in the ordinance limiting dealerships. He suggested that there
should be a provision to allow the Council and Commission to move an existing
dealership if there is found that the move would be a benefit to the City.
Commissioner Peters agreed and also suggested that additions to existing
businesses could be considered. Mr. Smith commented that the section of
code on nonconforming uses could be amended. Commissioner Peters suggested
that expansion of nonconforming uses should be limited.
Commissioner Sweeten observed that an example of a business that would
have benefitted from an ordinance amendment is Lindon Collision. This
business has moved and Gray's Auto has expanded into the vacated space,
but is not as attractive on State Street. Chairman Carpenter commented
that a reason for making a nonconforming use is that if the use changes,
they will be required to upgrade. He suggested that the City should not
make it too easy to shift a nonconforming business from one location to
another. Commissioner Sweeten asked if the intent of the previous limit
was to limit the auto dealerships to five or to remove them all from State
Street. The Commission discussed the intent of the ordinance. It was decided
to investigate this proposal further. Chairman Carpenter asked if there
was other business. There was none.
5. OSTERGAARD ESTATES CONDOS - 287 WEST
500 NORTH - PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION
This is a request to convert an existing duplex into condominiums.
Mr. Arlan Ostergaard was in the audience to present this application.
Mr. Smith displayed the aerial and plat map of the existing duplex to
be converted into condominiums. Commissioner Peters asked questions about
the future alignment of 500 North to the west. Mr. Ostergaard noted that
the proposed street alignment follows the sewer line out to State Street.
Commissioner Peters asked if the duplex had been built to commercial grade
so that it would meet the building code requirements for condominiums.
Mr. Ostergaard replied yes. Mr. Smith agreed and added that Staff has
no concerns.
Commissioner Sweeten observed that this project would provide Lindon
residents with affordable homes. There were questions about what areas
of the parcel would provide common area and limited common area. Mr. Ostergaard
replied that the back yard would be common area and the driveways would
be designated at limited common area. Commissioner Nixon suggested that
Mr. Ostergaard should consider splitting the backyard and giving each
condominium limited common area. Commissioner Morse asked if the parking
was adequate. Mr. Smith replied yes. Commissioner Nixon asked if the fence
meets the requirements of the R2 Overlay ordinance. Mr. Smith replied
that he would check this item before the plat is recorded.
COMMISSIONER PETERS MOVED TO APPROVE THE REQUEST BY ARLAN OSTERGAARD
FOR PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION APPROVAL FOR OSTERGAARD ESTATES CONDOS, ALLOWING
THE CONVERSION OF TWO RENTAL UNITS INTO CONDOMINIUMS, AT 285 AND 287 WEST
500 NORTH AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO THE CITY COUNCIL. COMMISSIONER SWEETEN
SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
6. PETERS SUBDIVISION - 15 WEST 600 NORTH -
PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION
This is a request for a two-lot residential subdivision in the
R1-20 zone.
Commissioner Peters declared a conflict of interest and offered to answer
any questions about the proposal. Mr. Smith displayed the proposed plat
and an aerial of the neighborhood. He told the Commission that DRC had
recommended that the improvements for Main Street should be installed
rather than bonding for them. Commissioner Nixon asked why the DRC felt
this way. Mr. Smith explained that sometimes if the improvements are not
finished, homeowners encroach on city rights-of-way with their landscaping.
Commissioner Peters asked how much of the street improvements would be
required. Mr. Smith replied that a half street, curb, gutter and sidewalk
is recommended. Chairman Carpenter commented that the other half of the
street is owned by the LDS Church. Commissioner Simister asked what improvements
are completed on 600 North. Mr. Peters replied that there is curb and
gutter, sidewalk and the street is paved. Commissioner Nixon asked if
this street is designated for a pathway. Mr. Smith replied that the pathway
is designated for the opposite side of the street. Commissioner Morse
asked if the drainage problems previously described by Commissioner Peters
had been solved by the development of the property to the ease. Mr. Peters
replied yes, that storm drain had been installed on 600 North and there
had been no problems since. Commissioner Morse asked if there were any
other staff issues. Mr. Smith replied no.
COMMISSIONER NIXON MOVED TO APPROVE THE REQUEST BY CARL AND LAURIE NIELSON
FOR PETERS SUBDIVISION PLAT "B," A TWO-LOT SUBDIVISION AT 600
NORTH MAIN STREET AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO THE CITY COUNCIL WITH THE
RECOMMENDATION THAT THE MAIN STREET FRONTAGE BE FULLY IMPROVED TO HALF
STREET STATUS WITHOUT THE USE OF BONDING. COMMISSIONER MORSE SECONDED
THE MOTION. ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
7. CANBERRA HEIGHTS, PLAT "G"
- 64 SOUTH DRY CANYON DRIVE - SUBDIVISION AMENDMENT
This is a request to expand an existing lot in Canberra Heights Plat "C."
Mr. Keith Leavitt came forward to present this application. Mr. Smith
pointed out the lot on an aerial and explained that the applicant has
purchased some extra acreage from the developer and would like to add
this acreage to the back of his lot. He noted that all remaining acreage
owned by the developer has been sold to the Forest Service so there will
be no more development in this area. He observed that combining the additional
acreage with the existing lot will increase the size of the building envelope.
Chairman Carpenter commented that this would allow a residence to conform
to the hillside and reduce the chances of a home being more "vertical."
Mr. Smith noted that the Planning Commission would probably see one more
similar request from the neighboring lot owner because he also has purchased
the remainder parcel to the boundary of the forest service parcel.
COMMISSIONER SWEETEN MOVED TO APPROVE THE REQUEST BY KEITH LEAVITT FOR
APPROVAL OF CANBERRA HEIGHTS, PLAT "G," LOT 33 AND RECOMMEND
APPROVAL TO THE CITY COUNCIL. COMMISSIONER ATCHISON SECONDED THE MOTION.
ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
8. CANBERRA HILLS, PLAT "W"
- 1296 EAST TETON DRIVE - SUBDIVISION AMENDMENT
This is a request to combine Canberra Hills Plat "G," Lot 63
with Canberra Hills, Plat "J," Lot 146.
Mr. David Rossiter was present. Mr. Smith displayed an aerial of the
neighborhood and the plat map. He explained that Mr. Rossiter has requested
to combine the two adjoining lots that he owns into one lot. He commented
that Staff has no concerns other than the provision in the code about
double frontage lots. Commissioner Sweeten confirmed that the home meets
the setbacks of the current lot. Mr. Smith pointed out that the pool is
built over the boundary line between the lots. Mr. Rossiter is underway
on constructing a RV garage on the back lot which will be accessed from
the upper street.
Commissioner Morse asked if access could be obtained through the lots
from one street to the other. Commissioner Anderson explained to the Commission
that the intent of this provision in the City Code is to eliminate illegal
roads that access between streets. Mr. Smith pointed out that the topography
of the parcels would not allow access between the streets on the lots.
The Commission discussed the topography of the lots and the reason for
the request.
COMMISSIONER PETERS MOVED TO APPROVE THE REQUEST BY DAVID ROSSITER FOR
APPROVAL OF CANBERRA HILLS, PLAT "W," AN AMENDMENT TO CANBERRA
HILLS, PLAT "G" LOT 63 AND CANBERRA HILLS, PLAT "J"
LOT 146 AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO THE CITY COUNCIL WITH THE FINDING THAT
"FOR REASONS OF TOPOGRAPHY" THERE IS NO THROUGH ACCESS BETWEEN
TETON DRIVE AND 50 NORTH STREETS. COMMISSIONER MORSE SECONDED THE MOTION.
ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
9. ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT - 17.72.
- ASSISTED LIVING CENTERS
This is the first review of a proposed ordinance which will regulate the
placement of Assisted Living Centers in Lindon.
Mr. Brad Hall distributed information to the Commissioner. Chairman
Carpenter asked where Mr. Smith had obtained the parking information that
was included in the staff report. Mr. Smith replied that the American
Planning Association had compiled the data. Chairman Carpenter asked how
the facility that was considered last month compared to these figures.
Mr. Smith replied that Lindon City requires more than the cities listed
in this report.
Mr. Smith turned attention to the draft ordinance and told the Commission
that this first draft is for discussion only. Commissioner Sweeten asked
how the one proposal that the City had considered conforms to this draft
ordinance. Mr. Smith replied that he had not compared that proposal to
this ordinance. Commissioner Nixon asked how the number of fifty residents
was chosen as the limit of a medium-sized facility. Mr. Smith replied
that most of this ordinance was culled from existing ordinances in other
cities.
Commissioner Nixon suggested that if the parcel that had been considered
earlier was considered as an R2 Overlay, it would have a maximum of six
units. He estimated families of five living in each unit and came up with
a total of 30 residents on the parcel. He noted that one way of limiting
congestion is limiting the number of residents. Mr. Smith observed that
the R2 Overlay ordinance had been brought up before in discussions of
this type of facility. He explained that a suggestion had been made to
space or separate these facilities a distance from R2 housing to limit
density in a neighborhood. However, he noted that the Lindon City Standard
Land Use Table presently considers these two types of housing as separate
and distinct.
Commissioner Nixon expressed the opinion that allowing a facility that
houses fifty residents is too large. He considered thirty residents as
a more appropriate limit. Mr. Smith commented that Spanish Fork City has
a similar idea. Their ordinance allows more people with more acreage in
the development. Commissioner Nixon asked if a developer has twenty acres
and an adequate buffer, would a facility of 50 or larger be allowed? He
acknowledged that there is probably not a parcel of that acreage available
in Lindon. Mr. Smith observed that the purpose of this ordinance is to
determine how to fit a facility into the right location.
Commissioner Peters noted that the draft ordinance increases the setbacks
of a facility to thirty feet. He asked if any studies had been done on
how large a facility needs to be to make it viable. Mr. Smith replied
that much of this depends on the operational management. Mr. Peters asked
if the ability of a facility to provide amenities affects its success.
Commissioner Sweeten observed that it was logical that a larger facility
would be able to provide more amenities. Commissioner Nixon suggested
that allowing this "business" in a residential area will bring
in more employees and consequently more traffic. He compared this to a
home occupational use which is limited to one non-related employee for
this reason. Chairman Carpenter observed that this is part of the challenge
to the City. He pointed out that our elderly residents want to remain
close to home and yet need the services that such facilities provide.
Commissioner Nixon suggested that if the size is limited the number of
employees will be limited. He expressed the opinion that smaller is better.
Commissioner Peters pointed out that the draft ordinance does limit the
size based on the acreage of the parcel proposed for its location. He
noted that the previous proposal on Locust Avenue would be limited to
twenty-five beds. Commissioner Anderson pointed out an inconsistency in
the acreage requirement. He noted that the draft one bed per one thousand
square feet of lot size up to twenty beds, but if the facility goes more
than twenty beds, it requires one acre plus one thousand square feet of
space for every bed over the initial twenty. The Commission discussed
this requirement. It was decided that this provision is ambiguous and
needs clarification.
Commissioner Peters noted that "large" facilities are limited
to commercial districts and that "medium and small" are allowed
in residential areas in this draft ordinance. Commissioner Nixon asked
if there is a need for the classification of "medium." He expressed
the opinion that more than seventeen residents may be considered "large."
Mr. Smith noted that this is a divisive subject. He observed that even
the neighborhood previously discussed had been split on the appropriateness
of the size in a residential neighborhood. The Commission asked Councilmember
Bayless what the opinions of the Council were on this subject. Councilmember
Bayless replied that the reason for the denial of the previous application
is that questions of size and appropriateness were better dealt with in
an ordinance, rather than setting precedence by allowing something that
may be regretted later. She noted that allowing the use in a residential
neighborhood was not the issue, but the appropriate size.
Mr. Smith asked if the concept of "more space for more bed"
meets the approval of the Commissioners. Commissioner Morse asked if the
linear ratio works or if there should be a minimum space requirement for
parking and other uses. This was discussed. Mr. Smith noted that there
is a forty percent open space requirement also. Commissioner Peters asked
why facilities less than twelve beds were not covered in this ordinance.
Mr. Smith explained that the Lindon City Code addresses these small facilities
in the group home ordinance. Commissioner Peters expressed the opinion
that he approves of the increased setback requirements and the height
requirements in the draft ordinance. He asked if the requirements in provision
#9 can be determined. This was discussed and Mr. Smith noted that he would
confer with the City Attorney.
Commissioner Peters questioned the provisions for the neighborhood meeting.
Mr. Smith agreed and noted that this requirement has been questioned in
the R2 Overlay Ordinance also. He observed that this seems to encourage
disruptive behavior. Commissioner Peters asked the purpose of the neighborhood
meeting. Mr. Smith replied that this was part of the neighborhood notice
section. Commissioner Morse observed that he agreed with Commissioner
Peters that the neighborhood meeting requirement is not a good idea, but
at the same time there is a need for a more complete noticing procedure
for the neighborhood. Commissioner Anderson explained that the neighborhood
meeting was started as a way to get developers into discussions with the
neighborhood and negotiate mitigations to make a development fit within
a neighborhood. Commissioner Nixon suggested that a complete information
packet that is reviewed and approved by the City, should be mailed with
the notices to the residents. Commissioner Peters suggested compiling
a check list of items to include in this information packet. Chairman
Carpenter agreed with these suggestions. The Commission discussed it and
a consensus was reached. Mr. Smith was asked to reword this section. Commissioner
Nixon suggested that a similar amendment be made to the R2 Overlay Ordinance.
Commissioner Atchison pointed out an ambiguity in provision #12. Commissioner
Anderson suggested that the Commission take a hypothetical facility and
apply this ordinance to it to see if it meets their expectations. Commissioner
Nixon asked if the size of the facility affects the room sizes. The State
minimum requirement for room size was disclosed as ten-feet by ten-feet.
Mr. Scott Farrer observed that he could have put sixty beds in his proposal
of 21,000 square feet, but he had limited it to fifty to make the space
more comfortable.
Commissioner Peters suggested that the Commission consider a maximum
facility size in a residential zone. Mr. Smith observed that defining
a maximum facility size might affect the group home ordinance. He explained
that federal housing regulations and the definition of a family affect
how these facilities are defined and governed. Chairman Carpenter suggested
that referencing or defining these limits might be helpful in this ordinance.
The Commission discussed setting a maximum size and what that size might
be. Commissioner Peters suggested using the R2 Overlay as a guide. He
also pointed out that the R2 District on Locust Avenue is already overbuilt.
He suggested that facilities add more burdens to neighborhoods. Commissioner
Anderson suggested that these facilities count towards the total number
of units allowed in each district but are not precluded from being considered
if the district is full. This is similar to how accessory apartments are
regulated. This particular overfull District was discussed. Commissioner
Peters commented that most of the residents of the Green Valley Condos
were in favor of the facility. Commissioner Anderson commented that the
larger setbacks mitigate the impact of larger densities to a point. Commissioner
Nixon contended that limiting the size of a facility is only part of the
mitigation. He pointed out that the zone on Locust Avenue is R1-20, so
even if the neighbors have large families on a half acre, this ordinance
has the potential to allow fifty people on one acre parcel next door.
Commissioner Sweeten referred to Commissioner Anderson's comment about
inconsistency earlier and suggested that this provision require two thousand
square feet per bed with a minimum lot size that matches the zone in which
the property is located. He noted that there still needs to be a maximum
size limit set. Various opinions were aired. Some felt that the cap should
be fifty and others thought that fifty are too many. Mr. Smith pointed
out that if the amount of required space is changed to two thousand square
feet per bed, there would only be a fifty-bed facility on two-and-a-half
acres. Commissioner Nixon asked how many employees would be needed to
serve fifty residents. Commissioner Peters asked Mr. Farrer to comment
on this question. Mr. Farrer replied that the Orem facility has forty
beds and employs one CNA during the night and up to seven CNA's and cooks
during the day.
Commissioner Anderson observed that the parcel on Locust Avenue could
be up to thirty-two residents based on its acreage. Commissioner Morse
commented that the traffic would be greater at a facility with fifty beds.
Mr. Smith pointed out that an average home is calculated at ten trips
per day by traffic engineers. He observed that a two-and-a-half acre parcel
could contain five homes which would total fifty trips per day. He pointed
out that few residents of a facility drive and employees will arrive and
leave only once each. He suggested that the facility should be restricted
to a collector street.
Commissioner Morse expressed the opinion that a facility's impact is
relatively mitigated with parking requirements, low traffic counts and
setbacks. He asked what other issues should be considered. Commissioner
Sweeten suggested that a facility burdens a neighborhood both culturally
and environmentally. He suggested that there is an expectation of a cultural
burden in an LDS community. Chairman Carpenter agreed that a facility
does change the culture of a neighborhood. Commissioner Anderson suggested
that this is a religious impact rather than a city issue.
Chairman Carpenter asked if the Commission feels that two-and-a-half
acres of Lindon should be tied up with a facility even if there is a parcel
that large available. Commissioner Peters verified that the proposed ordinance
regulates the number of beds and not the number of rooms. Mr. Smith confirmed
this and added that if the City regulates the number of rooms, it should
address the size of the rooms. The Commissioners discussed the regulations
set by the State of Utah on the size of rooms and whether they felt the
City should enact additional regulations. It was decided that it was not
necessary.
Commissioner Sweeten suggested a poll among the Commissioners for maximum
size. Chairman Carpenter observed that the proposal allows up to fifty
beds and a suggestion has been made to reduce that number to correspond
to something that the R2 Overlay might allow. He commented that he did
not have the answer to this question. Commissioner Peters commented that
he had no problem with a limit of fifty because this size would require
two-and-one-half acres. Commissioner Atchison asked if this is too much
acreage to be devoted to a facility. Commissioner Sweeten asked her if
she felt that the facility should be less than fifty beds. She confirmed
that she feels that fifty is too large. Commissioner Simister agreed,
and added that she felt this way for most of Lindon, but that the west
side is more open and maybe a larger facility could be allowed there.
Commissioner Sweeten agreed that there is little development on the west
side and if residents do move there, they will know ahead of time that
a larger facility could be built next to them. Commissioner Peters pointed
out that the medium-sized facility could be limited to collector streets.
Commissioner Nixon suggested that these facilities generally have lots
of open space and may be nice to have next to you, but that the open space
tends to isolate the residents from the community.
Chairman Carpenter suggested that the discussion be opened to public
comment. He asked Mr. Brad Hall if he had anything new to add to the discussion.
Mr. Hall referred to his research that had been passed out earlier. As
far as size, he observed that most facilities in residential neighborhoods
are small with sixteen or fewer beds. Larger facilities are usually contained
in two buildings and are located in transition zones between commercial
and residential. Commissioner Sweeten asked Mr. Hall what his interest
is in assisted living centers. Mr. Hall replied that he wants to see something
built on Locust Avenue that will work in the neighborhood. Commissioner
Sweeten asked if the neighborhood would support a proposal of thirty beds.
Mr. Hall replied that there is a petition circulating the neighborhood
now asking the City to limit any proposal on this acreage to sixteen beds.
Chairman Carpenter asked why the neighborhood had decided on this number.
Mr. Hall replied that this is the most common number of beds in a facility
located within a residential neighborhood.
Mr. Smith disagrees with Mr. Hall's interpretation of the location of
facilities. He suggested that existing facilities are most likely located
on a collector street surrounded by residential. He suggested that the
Commission consider a separation limitation between facilities and other
higher density housing. Mr. Hall suggested that a crucial point he wished
to bring up to the Commission is that the group home is different from
assisted living because they have a different license at the State of
Utah. Chairman Carpenter asked if he feels that the reference to small
center does not apply then? Mr. Smith observed that the City does not
care which agency of the State of Utah issues the license, but is more
concerned with the use of the property. The City concern is only that
a valid license is obtained.
Chairman Carpenter asked if there were other comments or questions from
the audience. Mr. Roger Gillis, president of the Green Valley Condos,
suggested most of the residents of this development would like to see
a larger facility. He suggested that the square footage requirement of
the lot be a compromise between the original one thousand and the suggested
two thousand per bed at fifteen hundred per bed. This was discussed and
various numbers of beds in a facility were tried out to determine the
final acreage of a lot. Mr. Gillis observed that residents not only want
to have a facility close but to have amenities. Chairman Carpenter agreed
that there are economies of scale to consider in this respect. He agreed
that a facility of sixteen beds would have little or no amenities.
Mr. Randy Jones expressed a concern for Lindon's open spaces. He also
felt that allowing fifty beds is too large and that a proposal like this
should be put in a commercial area. He asked the Commission to preserve
the residential areas. Commissioner Sweeten observed that a facility of
thirty beds would have a similar impact of five homes. He suggested that
a facility be limited to one story so that it blends more with the neighborhoods.
Mr. Jones pointed out that there were no buildings this large (21,000
square feet of building) located in residential neighborhoods. Chairman
Carpenter commented that many large homes are being built. Mr. Jones observed
that the reason many residents have moved to Lindon is the open spaces,
including himself. He pointed out that many of the smaller facilities
are also successful.
Chairman Carpenter agreed that these are valid concerns, but that the
Commission must also weigh the needs of the aging population. Mr. Jones
suggested that facilities would be more appropriate in areas that are
not already overbuilt.
Commissioner Nixon suggested that provisions addressing the architectural
treatment are needed. Chairman Carpenter thanked the Commission and audience
for their input. He asked Mr. Smith to incorporate the ideas that had
been agreed on. He asked the Commission to consider the size issue until
the next meeting.
10. ORDINANCE AMENDMENT - 17.44. -
R1-SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
This is a staff request to amend in its entirety the single family residential
section of the zoning ordinance.
Mr. Smith presented this amendment to Section 17.44 and pointed out
the changes, page by page. The Commission discussed sport court fencing,
private recreational grounds, and maximum lot depth restrictions. They
also conversed about requirements on the depth of projections on a home
and distances between outbuildings and the main dwelling. Mr. Smith commented
that he would incorporate the suggestions as discussed and bring the item
back for review at a future date.
11. WEST SIDE RESIDENTIAL MASTER
PLAN - DISCUSSION ITEM
The Planning Commission will review the results of the Photo Survey conducted
in July.
It was decided by consensus to move this item to the next agenda because
of the lateness of the hour and the fact that some of the Commissioners
had not participated in the survey. He scheduled a time for these Commissioners
to view and rate the photos he had presented as ideas for a west side
residential development.
12. PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Mr. Smith discussed term expiration dates with the Commissioners and
updated them on development of property across the street from Home Depot.
ADJOURN
COMMISSIONER ATCHISON MOVED TO ADJOURN AT 10:45 P.M. COMMISSIONER SIMISTER
SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
APPROVED - September 10, 2003
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