Commission backs private 9,200-square-foot recreation facility at Silver Creek with reduced parking, accessibility conditions

The Snyderville Basin Planning Commission voted 5–0 to forward a positive recommendation for a low-impact permit for a private, 9,200-square-foot recreation and athletic facility planned at 1201 Beehive Drive in Silver Creek Estates, but attached several conditions after extensive discussion about parking, accessibility and site impacts.

Staff told the commission the proposal is for a private recreation facility containing three pickleball courts, a lobby, two bathrooms, storage and mechanical space; the building would stand roughly 25–26 feet tall and the site plans initially showed 11–12 parking spaces and snow-storage areas. Staff described potential drainage and a wetland area at the bottom of the lot, said service providers had returned positive comments, and recommended forwarding a positive recommendation to the Community Development Director.

Members raised two broad concerns. First, commissioners questioned whether the number and type of parking stalls were appropriate for a private facility and worried that tournaments or broader use could effectively make the site quasi-commercial. Second, commissioners debated pavement material and runoff: several favored pervious pavers or other permeable surfaces to reduce impervious area, while the applicant argued asphalt is preferable for snow removal and for wheelchair access.

Commissioners negotiated specific conditions with staff and the applicant. The motion approved by the commission requires (a) a reduction of on-site parking to six stalls; (b) elimination of the turnaround if the Park City Fire District and engineering review allow that change; (c) a prohibition on on-street parking for users of the facility; and (d) encouragement that pervious or permeable surfacing be used where practicable, while acknowledging accessibility needs. Staff also said the engineering review required an ADA parking stall for the non-residential use unless the code exempted residential uses.

Applicant Seth Lansky addressed the commission during discussion. He said pavers create difficulty for wheelchair users and noted family connections to the National Ability Center, urging that the commission consider accessibility and snow-plowing needs when setting surface requirements: "pavers and wheelchairs don't go along very well," Lansky said.

Commissioners also flagged the potential long-term consequence that designating the facility as a primary non-residential use could create a legal nonconforming condition that might preclude a future single-family dwelling on that parcel; staff noted site constraints including setbacks and drainage that would make an additional residence difficult.

After the motion to approve the low-impact permit with the listed conditions, the commission recorded a 5–0 vote to forward the positive recommendation to the Community Development Director.

Next procedural steps identified in the meeting: staff will coordinate with the fire district about the turnaround requirement, finalize pavement/parking details with the applicant consistent with the conditions, and include the agreed conditions in the recommendation forwarded to the director.