Spanish Fork rezone lets family keep home

SPANISH FORK — Compassion took a front-row seat last week when the City Council approved a spot rezone to allow a family to rent a basement apartment.

Because of tough times, the rent from the apartment will allow Brad Fillmore and his family to keep their southeast Spanish Fork home, officials said. Fillmore said he would likely have to rent out his entire home or short sell it unless the council rezoned it so he could legally rent the apartment.

Meanwhile, city planning staff will take a look at amending the zone. But officials didn't want to wait for that lengthy process, so to assist the family, the council approved the rezone on a 4-1 vote. Councilman Richard Davis dissented, saying that the family should wait while the zone is amended "properly."

"Spot zoning is legal," city attorney Junior Baker said, "but it just isn't good planning."

The development review committee recommended denial, but the Planning Commission recommended approval.

"We do things for one (person) all the time," Planning Commissioner Del Robins said.

Councilman Rod Dart noted that Fillmore submitted a letter from his neighbors saying they didn't object to the rezone or the apartment and that it met parking requirements.

"We need to help these folks out," Mayor Wayne Andersen said. "Just move (the amendment) along, and get it done."

— Rodger L. Hardy