General Information

Government Type

Municipality

Entity

Blanding

Public Body

Planning Commission

Notice Information

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Notice Title

Planning Meeting Minutes 7.9.2026

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

July 9, 2026 07:00 PM

Description/Agenda

Planning Commission Minutes Commission Members Colby Davis (absent) Tyler Nielson (absent) Chair: Regan Richmond Will McFarland Braden Rees City Council Rep: Kellen Nielson July 9th, 2026-7:00 pm 50 West 100 South Street, Blanding Utah 84511 Google Meet meet.google.com/kwz-oabg-ucx MAIN MEETING Call to Order 1. Roll Call 2. Approval: Consent Agenda and Minutes from June 11th, 2026 Regular Session Braden made motion to approve the agenda and minutes from Jun 11, 2026. Will seconded the motion, it passed unanimously. Public Input - None Reports 1. Council Representative None 2. Commissioner None 3. Development Director Ben reminded attendees that the August meeting is rescheduled to August 20th at 7:00 PM, and the session will be dedicated entirely to training. Ben announced that commissioners have been approved to receive compensation of $50 per meeting, which will be processed within the standard four-week pay period. Administrative Actions 1. Andy Bayless Manufactured Housing The applicant discussed the status of the project, noting that the property, formerly a mobile home zone and now zoned R1, has been combined into one parcel, and clarified that they are seeking to develop 800-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bath permanent homes. The Commission emphasized that the applicant must provide a formal development plan prepared by a qualified professional, which includes a survey with topography, site layout, drainage systems, and verification of legal access to utility easements. Discussion occurred regarding the nature of the application; Ben noted that since this is an administrative action rather than a rezoning request, the Commission is tasked with evaluating compliance with existing laws, though they considered the appropriateness of reopening public comment for this specific change of purpose. The Commission debated the implications of allowing this project, focusing on ensuring that the development complies with current R1 codes to avoid setting a precedent that might allow substandard or unplanned developments, such as importing tiny homes from outside sources. The group discussed potential pathways for the project, noting that the applicant could potentially qualify under manufactured home community rules given the previous zoning, provided all current code requirements are met, and agreed that no concrete decision can be made until a complete, formal plan is submitted. 2. 'The Forge' Conditional Use Permit Ben provided an update on the Forge conditional use permit, noting that the applicant has been working with staff to meet ADA and safety requirements; as of Tuesday, the project was in compliance with fire codes, and the final remaining step for ADA compliance was the installation of required fixtures. Ben Muhlestein discussed the compliance of a fitness center and construction company business space operating within a residential zone, noting that the county health and safety regulator only inspects gyms if they feature spa or tanning facilities. The discussion centered on the lack of a formal mixed-use zone in the local code, requiring the committee to determine how to apply a conditional use permit to this historic building. Because the town lacks an official definition for 'historical building,' the committee retains the authority to make that designation on a case-by-case basis. The participants reached a consensus to approve the conditional use permit specifically for the business known as 'the Forge,' provided the owner removes exterior signage to align with code requirements prohibiting exterior evidence of commercial use in historical buildings. This approval is restricted to the current use and is subject to future code modifications. Legislative Recommendations 1. Tiny Home Discussion Ben addressed a request to place a single tiny home on a residential lot, which would serve as the primary dwelling and failed to meet R1 zoning size requirements. Concerns were raised that many tiny homes are designed for temporary use in industrial settings, such as oil fields, rather than as long-term community residences. The committee concluded that making an exception would be contrary to community interests and established standards. No further action was taken, but the committee noted that if the applicants choose to pursue the project, they must formally present a proposal or Planned Unit Development, though members expressed skepticism that a tiny home would fit the required criteria. 2. Subdivision Ordinances discussion Ben initiated a discussion regarding necessary revisions to the subdivision ordinance, which has remained largely unchanged since 1978. Ben requested that the committee review the shared digital document-noting that all edits must be made in suggestion mode-to address ambiguities in the code, specifically the differentiation between major and minor subdivisions and requirements for street infrastructure. The committee decided to schedule a dedicated work session for August 20th at 6:00 PM, one hour prior to their scheduled training, to conduct a deeper dive into these revisions. Adjournment Braden made a motion to adjourn. Will seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned.

Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)

In compliance with the ADA, individuals needing special accommodations during this meeting may call the City Offices at (435) 678-2791 at least twenty-four hours in advance. Every effort will be made to provide the appropriate services.

Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation

One or more commission members may participate electronically.

Meeting Information

Meeting Location

50 W 100 S
Blanding, UT 84511
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Contact Name

Ben Muhlestein

Contact Email

bmuhlestein@blanding-ut.gov

Notice Posting Details

Notice Posted On

September 03, 2026 03:10 PM

Notice Last Edited On

September 03, 2026 03:10 PM

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