Developer and neighbors discuss lot changes as commission backs Desert Ridge Estates amendment
May 06, 2026 | Washington City Planning Commission, Washington City, Washington County, Utah
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The Land Use Authority on May 6 recommended approval of an amended preliminary plat for Desert Ridge Estates phases 2–4 after staff and the Hillside Review Board reported the changes conform to the general plan and slope requirements.
Elden, the staff presenter, said the amendment reduces phase 2 by 10 lots, re‑phases the project into three phases and renumbers conditions so they align with new lot numbers. Staff and the Hillside Review Board recommended keyed changes to conditions 19–24 to identify specific lots that will be subject to a 25‑foot height limit and to prohibit vertical structures in yard areas outside the buildable envelope on specified lots.
Commissioners asked about lot 205, which had been smaller on the originally approved plan. Jason, the Sunwood Homes construction manager, told the authority the developer chose to enlarge lot 205 to accommodate a different product type and avoid a “long, skinny” awkward lot. He said the developer discussed options with the homeowner and that the homeowner might later purchase adjacent land; “we told them that’s actually still a possibility,” Jason said.
Public commenters addressed access and easements. Randy Staley stated that Brandon Iverson had agreed to provide an access easement and that utilities are available; staff replied that easement documentation and access will be handled at the preliminary plan stage. Another commenter, Chad Mallister, said he is buying a lot and was evaluating whether a new road approach would better serve a larger parcel.
The authority motioned to recommend approval to the city council; individual voting recorded Commissioners Anderson, Davis, Mitchell, Tupo and Bulock in favor. The item will be scheduled for city council consideration as the next step in the land‑use review process.
What it means: The amendment changes lot configuration and clarifies design/height limits for specified lots; access easements and final road/driveway designs will be addressed during subsequent subdivision and preliminary plan reviews, and any sale or modification of adjacent lots would be a separate transaction.
Next step: City council review and final action on the amended preliminary plat.
Elden, the staff presenter, said the amendment reduces phase 2 by 10 lots, re‑phases the project into three phases and renumbers conditions so they align with new lot numbers. Staff and the Hillside Review Board recommended keyed changes to conditions 19–24 to identify specific lots that will be subject to a 25‑foot height limit and to prohibit vertical structures in yard areas outside the buildable envelope on specified lots.
Commissioners asked about lot 205, which had been smaller on the originally approved plan. Jason, the Sunwood Homes construction manager, told the authority the developer chose to enlarge lot 205 to accommodate a different product type and avoid a “long, skinny” awkward lot. He said the developer discussed options with the homeowner and that the homeowner might later purchase adjacent land; “we told them that’s actually still a possibility,” Jason said.
Public commenters addressed access and easements. Randy Staley stated that Brandon Iverson had agreed to provide an access easement and that utilities are available; staff replied that easement documentation and access will be handled at the preliminary plan stage. Another commenter, Chad Mallister, said he is buying a lot and was evaluating whether a new road approach would better serve a larger parcel.
The authority motioned to recommend approval to the city council; individual voting recorded Commissioners Anderson, Davis, Mitchell, Tupo and Bulock in favor. The item will be scheduled for city council consideration as the next step in the land‑use review process.
What it means: The amendment changes lot configuration and clarifies design/height limits for specified lots; access easements and final road/driveway designs will be addressed during subsequent subdivision and preliminary plan reviews, and any sale or modification of adjacent lots would be a separate transaction.
Next step: City council review and final action on the amended preliminary plat.
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