The Ephraim City Council reviewed several proposed changes to residential density, building height, and parking regulations during its Oct. 7 meeting, according to approved meeting minutes. The discussions included a proposal to cap apartment developments at 15 units per acre and a 60 percent limit on townhomes for multifamily developments exceeding two acres.
Proposed residential changes include reducing maximum building heights in specific areas and establishing a three-story maximum in mixed-use areas and college overlays. The council also reviewed amendments to the R-1B residential zone, which allows flex homes on lots of at least 3,000 square feet. These amendments include increasing the front setback to 20 feet and restricting internal accessory dwelling units on small lots. Additionally, the council discussed a potential R-1C zone that would require a minimum lot size of approximately 6,500 square feet.
Parking regulations are also under review. Proposed changes would eliminate existing parking reductions for developments with bicycle racks and eliminate the 25 percent parking reduction for mixed-use developments. For townhome developments using tandem parking, guest parking requirements would increase from two spaces per five units to three. Required parking for boats and recreational vehicles would be replaced by guest parking. The proposals originated from Planning Commission discussions, community surveys, and a local developer focus group.
The council approved Resolution ECR 26-20, awarding a $129,500 contract to Sunrise Engineering to update the city's impact fee analysis and capital facilities plan. This project will be funded by existing impact fee revenues for streets, culinary water, and wastewater. The council also adopted Ordinance ECO 26-12, which adds short-term rental business license fees and raises the bulk water meter deposit to $1,750 to reflect replacement costs.
Power Director Cory Daniels presented an analysis for a 120-kilowatt DC fast charging station, noting it would have minimal effect on the city's electrical system. The analysis estimated charging times between 28 and 40 minutes. Estimated costs include $80,000 for the charger and an $8,000 one-time subscription fee, plus maintenance and transformer costs. Federal NEVI grant funding, which would require a larger four-port installation and a traffic study, would not be available until 2027.
In other reports, Glade Nielson of Sunrise Engineering stated that the Canyon water line project's creek crossing is complete, with the pipeline situated about six feet below the flow line; the project is expected to finish within two to three weeks. City Manager Katie Witt noted that Sen. John Curtis planned to visit the following Wednesday to discuss federal funding that has passed the U.S. House.
