Summit County Council members are split over a proposed ordinance that would let developers rezone Snyderville Basin land using conceptual plans instead of detailed engineering drawings, a change that could lower development costs but reduce public scrutiny at the hearing stage.

At the Council's Tuesday, Aug. 4 meeting, members offered conflicting views on Ordinance No. 1016. The Park Record reported that some councilors voiced concerns about weakened oversight, while others said the amendment could open the door to smaller, more affordable projects in the Basin.

Community Development Director Peter Barnes told KPCW's Local News Hour on Aug. 4 that the planning department's goal is to streamline rezoning so it is less costly and time-consuming for developers. Under the current code, applicants must submit detailed construction plans before a rezone hearing. Ordinance 1016 would replace that requirement with a "concept development plan," deferring engineering specifics to a later stage.

The ordinance targets four sections of the Snyderville Basin Development Code covering master planned developments, the development application procedure, zoning map amendments and definitions. It is designated Project #26-078.

The proposal has been working its way through the county process since June. The Snyderville Basin Planning Commission forwarded it with a positive recommendation on June 23 in a 4-1-2 vote. Commissioners Matthew Nagie, Spencer Young, Peter Van Stee and Teague Cowley voted in favor; Heather Peteroy voted against; Tyann Mooney and Eric Sagerman were absent.

County Planner Amanda Curtis presented the ordinance to the Council at a July 29 work session, where no vote was taken, as we reported July 30. It had originally been scheduled for a public hearing at the Council's July 8 meeting in Coalville but was pushed back.

No vote was taken Aug. 4 either. The ordinance does not appear on the Council's Wednesday, Aug. 5 agenda. That meeting, at 6 p.m. at the Richins Building auditorium, 1885 W. Ute Blvd., Park City, instead features a public hearing on Basin Recreation's proposed $150 million general obligation bond. Residents can submit written comments to [email protected], attend in person or join via Zoom (meeting ID: 772 302 472).