Brady PieperUtah is exploring the possibility of a new town development on roughly 50 acres of land in Park City’s Kimball Junction.
The Utah lieutenant governor’s office is announcing a feasibility study into the Park City Tech initiative, a public-private partnership proposing a preliminary municipality for a 725-unit housing development near Park City. The feasibility study will examine the proposal for a new town in accordance with state law and determine the future of the new development.
The feasibility study comes after Utah legislators approved SB0258, which clarifies the consideration process for new municipal incorporations. Specifically designated for land plots owned by three or fewer people, the bill allows property owners to make some municipal-level decisions to bypass existing land-use restrictions and regulations while incorporating into a town or city.
This preliminary municipality initiative, led by real estate developer Dakota Pacific, proposes the construction of 725 housing units near the firm’s Skullcandy building in Kimball Junction, which would be incorporated into a town once the requirements are met.
The lieutenant governor’s office and state partners will commission a consultant for the Park City Tech within 90 days.
The consultant’s investigation and resulting feasibility study will evaluate the plan’s economic viability, infrastructure needs, required financial resources, legal compliance and potential effects on existing municipalities and county governance.
In accordance with Utah state code, the consultant will have 120 days from the date of hire to conduct the investigation and present the findings to state officials.
Dakota Pacific’s initial proposal seeks to expand housing options by constructing a combination of condominiums, townhomes, apartments and rent-controlled facilities, offering residents and tourists improved access to ski resorts in Deer Valley and Salt Lake International Airport.
The project would develop approximately 225,000 square feet of commercial real estate across an estimated 47.43 acres.
The plan would be constructed in two phases. The first phase would prioritize laying the initial groundwork, infrastructure and first housing developments in the junction. This phase would construct 40 townhomes, 120 apartments and 160 deed-restricted units based on median income.
The second phase would develop 405 units across 26 acres, including 65 condos, 120 townhomes, 40 apartments and 180 additional rent-restricted units.
The preliminary municipality would also gain the right to enter into interlocal utility agreements to service residents of the proposed area.
Pending the feasibility study, the developer will have six years to construct housing for at least 100 people in the boundary area while allocating 10% for affordable units, in accordance with SB0258.
A new board, consisting of up to four members, a chair and one Summit County appointee, would be designated to lead the preliminary municipality for Park City Tech through the incorporation process. During this period, the governing body would hold many of the powers and duties of a town, such as zoning and land use decisions, with exception to levying taxes and filing for eminent domain.
Concluding the six-year development timeframe and an independent review of all buildings, the preliminary municipality would be required to apply for town incorporation. If the municipality does not file by the deadline, the state would reserve the right to revert all roads, infrastructure and land to the control of the county.
The future of the Park City Tech initiative will depend on the state’s feasibility study, which is anticipated to conclude prior to September. If state approval is earned, Dakota Pacific will receive the green light to continue development activities and begin the incorporation process for Park City Tech.
Photo Courtesy
Maylingoed via Wikimedia Commons
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0
