The Yarrow DoubleTree project has been on the drawing board for years. Property owner Singerman Real Estate wants to demolish the hotel to make way for a modern mixed-use development.
The project is not without support, but each time it’s up for discussion, it hits the same hurdle: height.
Singerman’s plan calls for buildings up to 45 feet tall and include a condo hotel, affordable housing, commercial space and offices. That’s above the 35-foot height limit set out in city zoning.
The Park City Planning Commission voted 5-1 against the project in March. Singerman has appealed, but the process is in limbo because the city hasn’t filled a third seat on its appeals panel — right now it only has two members.
The Yarrow project’s prospects could change May 15, however, when the council considers whether to get rid of the appeals board and hire an individual land use hearing officer.
The proposed land use code amendments also include language from a new state law.
Passed this year, SB262, allows local legislative bodies, like city councils, to settle land use litigation with a private property owner.
Park City Councilmember Jeremy Rubell previously asked about how the council could get involved in the Yarrow redevelopment application.
According to City Attorney Margaret Plane, the council could only step in if an applicant has exhausted the city’s administrative processes and then filed a lawsuit in district court. At that point, the city could settle with the property owner through consent agreement, bypassing a planning commission review.
Another option would be to negotiate a development agreement, which the council could approve as a settlement after a planning commission recommendation and public hearing.
The agenda for the May 15 meeting can be found online here.
Park City Municipal is a financial supporter of KPCW.
