The Salt Lake-based Dakota Pacific Real Estate is poised to move forward with plans for a controversial neighborhood and public amenities near the Kimball Junction library, following the recent passage of Senate Bill 26.
This bill mandates that Summit County must approve any development on Dakota Pacific’s land through administrative processes, which would negate any direct vote by the public on the matter.
Community Development Director Peter Barnes confirmed that the county received a new development agreement application from Dakota Pacific on May 30, almost identical to a version previously approved by the county council in December.
That earlier approval, which passed with a 4-1 vote, sparked a community referendum effort aimed at overturning the decision.
Barnes noted on KPCW’s “Local News Hour” that while the new application largely reflects the December agreement, it has undergone changes mainly to its language, shifting from legislative terms to those used in administrative contexts.
“It’s very much a ‘legalese’ issue,” Barnes remarked, emphasizing the distinction in terminology and documentation required for different types of legislative actions.
Instead of being subject to a public vote, the county manager will have the final say on the new development agreement, although this decision can be appealed to the county council. However, the specifics on who might challenge that decision remain unclear.
Despite the referendum petition circulating among residents, the county clerk’s office recently rejected numerous signature packets, leading to a lack of sufficient signatures needed to qualify the referendum for the ballot as of June 4.
Although the clerk has not officially declared the petition insufficient, the seven residents backing the effort anticipate a formal ruling soon and plan to take legal action if necessary.
Under the terms of SB26, the administrative approval process by the county replaces the potential for a public vote, thereby streamlining the development process for Dakota Pacific.
A public hearing will be held as part of this new agreement, which also addresses critical elements of the development’s phasing. Barnes explained that the timeline for the project is closely linked to the Utah Department of Transportation’s (UDOT) plans for traffic improvements in Kimball Junction, which will require ongoing collaboration between Dakota Pacific and transportation planners.
The December agreement permitted the construction of a 725-unit neighborhood, alongside the enhancement of the land surrounding Skullcandy’s headquarters. The proposed redevelopment includes civic buildings, an expanded transit center, and a mixed-use plaza.
Among the housing options, 240 units are earmarked for residents earning less than 80% of the county’s median income, while an additional 100 units are designated for those earning between 100% and 120%.
Barnes indicated that there could still be additional affordable housing options created within the public-private partnership arrangement.
Prior to the passage of SB26, Dakota Pacific was exploring alternative pathways, including establishing a self-governing town within their land area. This avenue remains available should the current administrative process not yield favorable results.
Despite this option, Barnes expressed skepticism about its viability, speculating that community interest in pursuing municipal incorporation appears limited.
This view was echoed by Jordan Schwanke, the state official responsible for overseeing incorporations, who noted that the incorporation process Dakota Pacific initiation could take anywhere from three to six years.
As Dakota Pacific prepares to submit its application for the new development agreement, the community and county officials navigate a complex landscape of legislative mandates, housing needs, and public sentiment.
image source from：https://www.kpcw.org/summit-county/2025-06-04/dakota-pacific-begins-process-to-build-under-state-law-aimed-at-development
