The Hurricane Planning Commission approved the preliminary plat for the Kachina Ridge mixed-use development and recommended approval of its sensitive lands development plan during a meeting on Oct. 22. Both measures passed with 5-0 votes, according to meeting video, though official minutes are pending.
Located at 720 E. Highway 59, the Kachina Ridge project is described in the agenda as a 56-lot development. However, a staff report counts 57 lots, including 48 townhomes and nine lots intended for commercial uses, multifamily units, and short-term rentals. Kent Stephens is the applicant for the project, with Brandee Walker serving as the agent.
A 2020 development agreement, recorded in 2021, limits the site to 566 residential units and requires the construction of a UDOT-approved interchange on Highway 59. Commissioners were informed that no development can begin until an approved UDOT plan for the interchange is in place. City engineering staff are expected to meet with UDOT in December.
The plat approval remains subject to various conditions, including comments from staff and the Joint Utility Committee. These requirements include a second fire access, a water model to ensure the neighboring system is unaffected, and a traffic impact study for several intersections: State Street and Main Street, Main Street and 100 South, and 100 South and 100 East. Additionally, construction plans for a water tank and the interchange must be approved before or alongside the subdivision's construction plans.
During the meeting, Commissioner Ralph Ballard raised concerns regarding the cliff edge and requested a durable barrier. He suggested that the sewer outfall should be bored to avoid sensitive lands concerns rather than cutting into the cliff, an option he described as poor. Commissioner Paul Farthing moved to approve the plat with the condition that a city-acceptable barrier be constructed along the cliff side.
The Hurricane City Council will hold a public hearing on the sensitive lands application during its 6 p.m. meeting on Nov. 5.
