Taylorsville officials often like to claim their city is “the most built out in all of Utah.” It’s probably true; who knows where to fact check that, really? But despite having little to no room for new construction, city leaders can find ways to green light proposals they find favorable. Or, more accurately, proposals they actively assist in making favorable.

And boy do they like Taylor Villas.

“The unanimous city council approval of this development plan was a great example of how the system is supposed to work,” Mayor Kristie Overson said. “It’s a give and take process between the developer and the city. We went through several different plans; lots of revisions. The Planning Commission and the City Planning Department were involved. There was not fighting or animosity. Everyone worked together to come up with something the council could endorse.”

A couple of big compromises that got the city on board include a reduction in the number of units to be built and an unusual clause allowing so-called “critical workers” an opportunity to buy into the project ahead of the general public. Developers also agreed to hold the price below market value on eight townhomes, to make them eligible for the state’s relatively new First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program.

A pair of born and raised Salt Lake Valley residents first brought their Taylor Villas construction proposal to the city last summer, not long after acquiring two parcels of land totaling 5.3 acres. The site is just west of Bangerter Highway, fronting 6200 South (4035 West). Paxton and Kelly Ellis Guymon of Bluffdale located the property and loved the investment opportunity.

“My wife is a real estate agent and I am the in-house real estate attorney for Edge Homes,” Paxton Guymon said. “Kelly and I opened our business a few years ago to locate property, work with cities to get construction plans approved and secure construction zoning changes if needed. Then we resell the ‘ready to build’ property to developers. My employers support our business, provided we always offer Edge Homes the first shot at purchasing from us – which we’re happy to do.”

Guymon’s initial plan after purchasing the property was to construct 63 housing units. But through discussions with the city and concerned adjacent homeowners, that number was trimmed to 50.

Over the years in these pages, you’ve read the name Susan Holman as the Taylorsville Arts Council Chair. But this time around, Holman was leading that neighbors’ charge to make sure they weren’t overwhelmed with traffic and parking issues.

“Paxton offered to hold a meeting with the neighbors and he has been very open with me,” Holman said. “I went door-to-door, handing out fliers about the meeting. It was held in city council chambers and about 80 people showed up. By the time we were done, the developers had agreed to reduce the number of units to be built and promised us there would be plenty of parking for residents and their guests. We feel good about what was finally agreed upon.”

Not only was the number of Taylor Villas units reduced to 41 townhouses and nine single-family homes, but PKEG Investments also promised something nearly unheard of in denser housing projects like this: every unit will feature a 2-car garage AND a 22-foot driveway, deep enough to park two more vehicles. Neighbors and city officials both believe that should be more than enough parking for each townhouse and home. Additionally, another 20 visitor parking stalls will be included in the project.

The reduction in the number of units also allowed PKEG to commit to a half-acre (10% of the property) to be left open. Artist renderings show plans for a kids’ playground area and open grass for outdoor recreation.

“This project is in my district and I am so grateful for all the hard work that has gone into this plan,” City Council Chair Meredith Harker added. “There has been so much open communication. This is the best possible option we could get before the city council. I always think about my own children when considering housing issues. Sometimes they can feel hopeless about ever owning a home. I never want to have to say Taylorsville didn’t do everything possible to put home ownership within reach of as many people as we can.”

City council members also voted unanimously to approve a zoning change for the acreage, from Low-Density Residential to High-Density Residential. However, it is a restricted or “site-specific development” change. If the currently proposed plan were to be abandoned for some reason, a new potential developer would have to seek the same zoning changes with their own building plan.

Construction is expected to begin this fall, with the first move ins anticipated about a year from now.

“During our talks with the city, I suggested the idea of limiting sales of our homes and townhouses, for the first 30 days, to Veterans, active military, police officers, school teachers and emergency first responders,” Guymon added. “They seemed to like that idea and I am excited to see how many Vets and critical workers buy in during the first month.”

As for the state’s First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program, that requires new construction prices not to exceed $450,000 – about 10% below the half-million-dollar price tag Guymon expects to be on the townhouses. The single-family homes won’t be eligible for that program, as they are expected to list at $600,000 to $700,000. Details about the state assistance program are available at utahhousingcorp.org.

“Many people in our city may still want only single-family homes; but the housing dynamic throughout Utah has changed over the years,” Councilman Bob Knudsen added. “Lots of residents have decided they don’t want to take care of large yards. I also very much like the idea of offering these homes for sale to teachers, first responders (and the other designated parties) first.”

 To that, Councilwoman Anna Barbieri added, “The council recognizes growth in Taylorsville is happening. It is our job to go with the best projects brought before us. We have excellent people on our planning commission who helped shape this into a very attractive plan.”

“This is the first project we have done in Taylorsville,” Paxton Guymon concluded. “Taylorsville City was great to work with – as professional and competent as any city we have dealt with. Sure, it was frustrating to have to cut the number of units we wanted to construct. But I could understand where they were coming from. I’m very pleased with our final plan and excited city council members like it as much as they do.” λ