Task force pushes back on proposed resort development rule changes, public meeting Nov. 13

Renderings of the new outdoor pool for the DoubleTree Hotel Yarrow redevelopment. Photo: Singerman Real Estate

PARK CITY, Utah — Local officials are grappling with proposed changes to development rules that could reshape Park City resort and hotel operations. A key vote is approaching next week.

The Park City Planning Commission will review amendments to the Land Management Code on November 13. This follows an eight-month study by a specially appointed task force that largely opposed the proposed changes.

The debate centers on how Park City regulates commercial spaces within large developments, particularly the distinction between hotels and condominium projects that offer nightly rentals. The current rules, which allow developments to dedicate up to 10% of their space to shops and meeting areas, have been credited with reducing traffic by providing on-site services at properties like the Montage.

What’s happening?

Park City is trying to regulate better the kinds of businesses and amenities that can be included in large development projects, particularly in and around our resorts. The Planning Commission will review these proposed rules on Nov. 13.

The main issues:

• Hotels vs. Condos: There has been confusion about what counts as a hotel versus a condo building where owners can rent out rooms nightly. This matters because it affects what kinds of shops and amenities can be included.
• Resort Services: The city wants to be clear about what kinds of businesses resorts can add to serve their guests (things like ski shops, restaurants, etc.).
• Size Limits: There’s debate about whether to put a 5,000-square-foot cap on commercial spaces within these developments.

Why it matters:

• This affects traffic patterns in town.
• It impacts where locals and visitors can shop and eat.
• It influences how our resorts can grow and compete with other ski towns.

What the task force found:

A group of eight local experts (including people from Vail Resorts, real estate developers, and community members) studied this for several months. Their main recommendations:

1. Keep most of the current rules as they are.
2. Allow resorts some flexibility to add services their guests need.
3. Add specific mentions of childcare, affordable housing, dining, and ski school as allowed uses.
4. Keep allowing developments to have up to 10% of their space for commercial use and meeting spaces.

What’s different:

The task force actually disagreed with some of the city’s proposed changes, saying the current rules work well and help reduce traffic by letting resorts provide services where people are staying (like at the Montage) instead of making everyone drive into town.

What’s next:

The Planning Commission will discuss this on Nov.13, take public comment, and then make a recommendation to the City Council. The current temporary rules expire on Jan. 8, 2025, so they need to figure this out before then.

If you are interested in how this might affect your neighborhood or business, the Nov. 13 Planning Commission meeting is the time to share your thoughts.