Planning commission forwards rezoning recommendation for Martini Family Trust land with conditions on roadwork and irrigation

The Western Weber Planning Commission on Dec. 10 voted to forward a recommendation to the county commission for ZMA2024-14, a proposed rezone of approximately 40 acres at 4083 West 1400 South from A-1 to R1-15. The motion, made during deliberations, included modified staff recommendations covering development-agreement standards, connectivity, a 10% set-aside for attainable or affordable housing (to be coordinated with the Weber Housing Authority), application of Weber County outdoor lighting standards and required improvements to 1400 South east to 3500 West according to planning and engineering recommendations. The motion also required that irrigation delivery to surrounding areas be maintained or undisturbed through the project.

Planner Felix Yabarino summarized the application and recommended conditions, pointing to the concept plan’s connectivity approach and noting that the rezone was consistent with the Western River general plan guidance for medium- to large-lot residential in that location. Yabarino said utility providers have indicated capacity and the development agreement includes provisions limiting concentrated pockets of attainable lots so that no village area exceeds 80% attainable units.

Residents who live near 1400 South raised multiple objections during the public hearing. Andy Ropelato asked who would pay to widen 1400 South and questioned a shift in the future corridor alignment; Scott Arbon warned the area already has heavy recent approvals and said infrastructure appears overburdened; JB Smith described secondary-water disruptions in neighboring subdivisions and urged protections for irrigation delivery.

Applicant Dave Laloli said irrigation across the property "will be piped along our property" and that the developer will ensure flow continues to downstream users. He also said the Martini family currently does not intend to develop the reserved 2-acre parcel but acknowledged that could change in future.

Commissioners discussed whether the 2-acre Martini parcel should be excluded from the rezone to preserve agricultural uses; they also repeatedly cited the condition of 1400 South and asked staff and engineering to define the extent of required improvements. Ultimately commissioners voted to forward the rezone recommendation with the described conditions; recorded ayes included Commissioners McCormick, Favaro, Wicker and the chair.