Cottonwood Heights ordinance draws ire of residents, environmental group

(Cottonwood/Holladay Journal) Residential developments in the Wasatch foothills are not a strange sight in Cottonwood Heights. But a new ordinance being considered by city leaders would allow a 46-acre parcel at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon known as Tavaci to eventually be developed into ski condominiums and boutique stores, not just single-family homes.

The move has drawn criticism from residents who live in the area as well as the group Save Our Canyons. Representatives from both groups say that they don’t necessarily object to development on the property, but are concerned with the type of development being proposed. They also believe the ordinance is the result of favoritism by some city leaders toward Tavaci developer Terry Diehl.

“We have more of an issue with regards to how they are proceeding and the fact that Terry Diehl is involved with the Tavaci development,” said Jennifer Kecor, Issues Coordinator with Save Our Canyons. “What is being proposed is a dramatic design, and we don’t feel it is an appropriate use of the land.”

The city-initiated ordinance, tentatively called the Canyon Resort Residential Ordinance, was created by city planner Michael Black and would apply only to the Tavaci development. Right now, the Tavaci development consists of 43 lots zoned for single-family homes. But if the new ordinance is approved, it would allow developers to apply for a general plan amendment and a zoning change that would increase the number of housing units and alter the types of buildings permitted on the property.

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