CUP Approved by Planning Commission on June 15

Application

On March 18, 2022, Deer Valley Resort (DV) submitted an application for an Administrative Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to extend the Snowflake lift, and move and upgrade the Burns lift.

Review/Approval Process

Per LMC § 15-4-18, Passenger Tramways and Ski Base Facilities, ski lifts require a CUP reviewed by the Planning Commission. Section 2.5 of the 2001 Flagstaff Mountain Resort Development Agreement between the City and the then-owner of the resort (which binds succeeding owners) includes a Deer Valley Area Master Plan (Exhibit F) that depicts approved ski lifts. The Plan states that development of ski terrains and ski-related development are subject to a staff-level administrative review (i.e., an Administrative CUP), conditioned upon:

1. Openings for ski trails and lifts with straight edges and uniform widths will be minimized to the greatest extent possible.
2. Trails that are designed for base area return or circulation between fall line areas shall be designed for appropriate grades and widths consistent with minimizing visual impact.
3. Lift towers shall be painted or otherwise treated to blend with the natural surroundings.
4. Vegetation management, re-vegetation and erosion control techniques shall be designed in accordance with the “Deer Valley Resort Company Ski Run Construction and Revegetation Standards” attached hereto as Exhibit G. The objective shall be to achieve a vegetative condition that enhances the skier experience and long-term forest health. Re-vegetation shall be designed to control erosion and to restore ground cover as quickly as possible after ground disturbing activities.

Staff has found the Snowflake lift complies with the Deer Valley Area Master Plan and Flagstaff DA, and will be reviewed under and Administrative Conditional Use Permit (ACUP).

ACUPs are reviewed and approved by the Planning Director, pursuant to LMC Section 15-1-11, and Section 15-1-10. More information regarding ACUPs can be found here. The Planning Director conducts a public hearing that is legally noticed 10 days in advance. This item was continued from May 19, 2022 for Planning Director review. The Staff Report packet will be published on May 23, 2022 with additional information.

The Administrative Public Hearing for the Snowflake lift was held on May 26, 2022. The Planning Director approved the ACUP for the lift extension. 

The new proposed Burns lift is not found within the Deer Valley Area Master Plan, and does not comply with the requirements of an administrative review. This project will be brought before the Planning Commission on June 22, 2022. Public comment can be sent to planning@parkcity.org or (435) 615-5060.