Board approves Weber River setback variance for 2933 South Cottonwood Drive in Wanship
January 25, 2024 | Summit County Board of Adjustment, Summit County Commission and Boards, Summit County, Utah
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The Summit County Board of Adjustment voted unanimously to approve a Weber River setback variance for a proposed replacement home at 2933 South Cottonwood Drive in Wanship, finding the application met the required variance standards when conditioned on staff recommendations and health-department review.
Planner Jennifer presented Project 23-177 and explained that the lot sits within the Wanship Cottage Sites subdivision and was originally developed before current county setbacks existed. The applicant proposes to demolish the existing dwelling and construct a house of about 2,700 square feet (approximately a 1,600-square-foot footprint). Because the existing septic system is out of compliance, the applicant intends to install an alternative septic system and locate it on the roadside of the lot to maximize the distance to the Weber River.
"This 50-foot setback variance is pretty consistent with the way the homes on this street are built," Jennifer said, noting most houses along this stretch sit near a 40–50-foot distance to the river and that the 100-foot code line dates to later regulations. She told the board staff found the proposal complies with the five standards for approval and offered conditions — notably that the health department must approve septic design and location.
Georgia Todd, the project architect, described the existing foundation as cinder block and not viable for reuse; the proposed replacement would meet current building and seismic codes. Neighbor Rick Westin, whose family owns a nearby cabin upstream, voiced support for the project at the meeting.
Board member CJ moved to approve the variance incorporating staff findings and conditions; the motion carried unanimously.
The approval is subject to the staff-recommended conditions, including health-department review and the usual building and septic permits required before construction can begin.
Next steps: The applicants will obtain septic and building permits and comply with conditions prior to construction.
Planner Jennifer presented Project 23-177 and explained that the lot sits within the Wanship Cottage Sites subdivision and was originally developed before current county setbacks existed. The applicant proposes to demolish the existing dwelling and construct a house of about 2,700 square feet (approximately a 1,600-square-foot footprint). Because the existing septic system is out of compliance, the applicant intends to install an alternative septic system and locate it on the roadside of the lot to maximize the distance to the Weber River.
"This 50-foot setback variance is pretty consistent with the way the homes on this street are built," Jennifer said, noting most houses along this stretch sit near a 40–50-foot distance to the river and that the 100-foot code line dates to later regulations. She told the board staff found the proposal complies with the five standards for approval and offered conditions — notably that the health department must approve septic design and location.
Georgia Todd, the project architect, described the existing foundation as cinder block and not viable for reuse; the proposed replacement would meet current building and seismic codes. Neighbor Rick Westin, whose family owns a nearby cabin upstream, voiced support for the project at the meeting.
Board member CJ moved to approve the variance incorporating staff findings and conditions; the motion carried unanimously.
The approval is subject to the staff-recommended conditions, including health-department review and the usual building and septic permits required before construction can begin.
Next steps: The applicants will obtain septic and building permits and comply with conditions prior to construction.
Don't Miss a Word: See the Full Meeting!
Go beyond summaries. Unlock every video, transcript, and key insight with a Founder Membership.
✓
Get instant access to full meeting videos
✓
Search and clip any phrase from complete transcripts
✓
Receive AI-powered summaries & custom alerts
✓
Enjoy lifetime, unrestricted access to government data
30-day money-back guarantee
