Willard planning commission tables proposed changes to off-street parking rules

The Willard City Planning Commission on Sept. 3 reviewed a package of proposed amendments to zoning code section 24.16 governing off‑street parking and tabled the measure for additional revision and engineering input.

Chair (speaker 1) opened discussion on proposed numeric standards including a 24-foot two‑way circulation width, 9‑by‑20 foot standard stalls (9 by 22 for parallel spaces), and a 50‑foot minimum setback for driveways measured from an intersection. Staff noted accessible parking language was newly proposed to reference applicable state and federal guidelines. Multiple commissioners pressed for clearer definitions and consistent measurement points for “approach” versus “driveway,” and whether distances should vary by road type (principal arterial vs. collector).

Staff and commissioners debated how to regulate corner commercial lots — the draft would allow two approaches per 100 feet of frontage and require the drive closest to an intersection to be at least 50 feet from the corner. Commissioners proposed three practical checks: no driveway within 50 feet of an intersection, at least 30 feet between driveways, and a 15‑foot minimum from the adjacent property line on commercial parcels. Residential measurements remained more permissive in discussion, with a repeated preference to keep a 5‑foot setback from the property line for residential driveways.

Landscaping and maintenance standards drew sustained attention. Staff recommended either referencing commercial‑parking standards used by neighboring jurisdictions (Box Elder County was cited as an example) or requiring a site‑specific landscape plan approved by the planning commission. Commissioners expressed concern that vague language such as “adequately landscaped” lacked objective enforcement standards and suggested the commission require proposed landscaping plans at site‑plan review.

On screening and lighting, the draft required a solid visual barrier between commercial parking lots and adjoining residential districts. Commissioners asked staff to clarify minimum height and acceptable materials and to cross‑reference the city’s dark‑skies ordinance for lighting controls.

After extended discussion and requests to have an engineer review curb/approach geometry, measurement points, and stormwater handling provisions, Sid (speaker 2) moved to table the review "to give the city more time" for revisions. The motion was seconded and approved; Chair announced the item would be revised, the recording circulated, and the subject re‑noticed for a future meeting.

"So I'll make a motion that we table the review amendment to 24.16 of Willard City planning code regarding off‑street parking requirement to give the city more time to…" said Sid during the motion (transcript). The commission then voted to table and move on.

Why it matters: The amendments would set design and safety standards that affect commercial development, driveway safety at intersections, accessible parking for customers, and how parking lots handle landscaping and stormwater — all issues that affect traffic safety, neighborhood character and enforceability of the code.

What’s next: Staff will refine the draft (including potential differentiation by road type), seek an engineering review of approach geometry and drainage, and return a revised ordinance language to the commission for further consideration.