Council approves rezone east of Lava Knolls, conditions three multifamily units as affordable housing

The Hurricane City Council on Aug. 7 approved a zone change request affecting property east of the existing Lava Knolls subdivision, with a condition requiring three multifamily units in the RM‑2 portion be deed‑restricted as affordable housing.

The applicant sought reclassification of roughly 12 acres to R‑16 and about 2.7 acres to RM‑2 as part of a redesign after the developer transferred 8.74 acres to the Washington County School District for a future elementary school. Planning staff reported the planning commission unanimously recommended approval after finding the request generally met applicable criteria; staff recommended the council approve the rezone.

Councilman David Hershey moved to approve the rezone with the affordable‑housing condition; Councilman Kevin Fawcett seconded. Council discussion focused on the city’s limited authority to require affordable housing across the board, the mechanics of deed restrictions, and whether the units would be in the first construction phase. The developer (identified in the record as Chase) offered to work with staff on deed‑restriction language; council members asked that the three restricted units be built in the initial phase.

What happens next: planning staff will draft a development agreement reflecting the condition and bring final agreement language back to the council for approval. The applicant and staff will negotiate definitions of affordability, monitoring and reporting requirements consistent with the city’s current affordable‑housing ordinance.

Speakers: Chase (applicant/developer); Councilman David Hershey; Councilman Kevin Fawcett; Planning staff (Fred/Gary referenced in staff report).