Commission forwards Hidden Hollow two‑lot subdivision to council, contingent on geotechnical and access steps

The planning commission voted Aug. 6 to forward a positive recommendation to the city council for the Hidden Hollow two‑lot subdivision, a proposal that would exchange a permanent reduction in development rights for public benefits including a waterline extension and segments of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

Scott, the city planning staff member, said the property is on the bench in the Foothill Residential (RE‑5) zone and that the development agreement accompanying the subdivision would expunge future density rights and limit immediate construction to one buildable lot until access/connectivity issues are resolved. "We would reduce it down to just two," Scott said, describing the proposal to reduce potential future lots and secure public easements.

One public commenter, Olga Tolbert, urged the commission to ensure seismic and geotechnical issues are addressed so a future buyer doesn't discover a lot is unbuildable. Scott responded that the city requires site‑specific geohazard investigations and that previous, broader hillside geotechnical studies exist for the area; additional subsurface exploration and lot‑level engineering will be required before building permits are issued.

Commissioner Porter moved to forward a positive recommendation to the city council for the Hidden Hollow subdivision at approximately 2700 North/2350 East, subject to facts, findings and conditions in the staff report; the commission seconded and approved the motion by voice vote. Staff noted the development agreement would include conditions tying the second lot's buildability to future resolution of master‑plan street connections or other access fixes.