Planning commission approves Patterson Place CUP with conditions after neighbors raise legal concerns

The Morgan County Planning Commission voted to approve a conditional use permit for Patterson Place (CUP26.002), a proposed private–public resort with dwelling complexes at approximately 4215 North 3800 West. Acting Chair Steve Wilson presided over the vote after staff presented recommended conditions, including dark-sky-compliant lighting and limits on hours of operation.

Planning staff told the commission the CUP reviews allowable use but does not approve final design, and that conditions imposed tonight “run with the land.” Staff recommended that lighting be fully shielded and directed downward, that hours of operation be limited and that operations comply with all applicable laws. “Staff has suggested or has written some of those conditions,” the presenter said in introducing the application and the packet of recommended stipulations.

Neighbors questioned whether a separate temporary restraining order in private litigation should delay action. One public speaker urged tabling the Patterson Place item because of a pending court order; staff and the county attorney responded that the TRO is between private parties and does not, in staff’s view, affect the county review of the CUP. The applicant also addressed the commission and said the parties “haven't even been to court” and asked that the community “wait for a court date” before drawing conclusions.

Commissioners discussed limiting certain proposed uses that staff said were incompatible with the intended resort designation (for example, leasing land for storage or large mobilization yards). A motion to approve the CUP was amended to remove uses inconsistent with the underlying zone and carried by voice vote.

The approval requires the applicant to satisfy staff conditions in the packet dated 03/12/2026 and notes that engineering and site-plan review will follow if the CUP is upheld. The commission recorded the motion and vote; staff confirmed that enforcement tools and site-plan review will address detailed design issues such as parking, lighting and drainage.

Next steps: the applicant will proceed to site-plan review and must meet the conditions attached to the permit; staff may require engineering drawings and other materials before building permits are issued.