Mt. Pleasant considers zoning, facilities

MT. PLEASANT—The Mt. Pleasant City Council considered zoning amendments as well as needs at the Cleone Peterson Eccles Equestrian Center during a council meeting Oct. 13.

The first amendment would establish a minimum building size of 5,000 square feet for community centers, meeting halls, civic centers or convention halls seeking conditional-use approval in the Public Facility zone.

Council members agreed to have additional language prepared before voting on the measure.

The second proposal would allow horseback-riding lessons or instruction as a conditional use within the Residential-Agricultural (RA) zone.

Much of that discussion focused on balancing property owners' ability to operate such a business with potential effects on neighbors.

Members considered off-street parking, fencing, animal containment, dust, lighting and operating hours.

They also examined standards used by another Utah municipality, including separation requirements between riding arenas and nearby homes.

Again, the council directed staff to do further work on the proposed language.

The council also discussed improvements needed at the new rodeo arena being developed as part of the Cleone Peterson Eccles Equestrian Center.

Although the facility has hosted rodeo activities, officials identified unfinished electrical and water infrastructure, lighting needs and concerns about the arena surface.

The council discussed involving rodeo participants and other facility users in developing a long-term layout for concessions, restrooms, utilities, seating and other improvements.