What Is Kachina Ridge and What Happens Nov. 5? Quick Answer
The Hurricane City Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, November 5, 2026, on a Sensitive Lands application for Kachina Ridge, a 57-lot mixed-use subdivision at about 720 E Highway 59. The Oct. 22 Planning Commission packet describes a 66.6-acre project capped at 566 homes. Written comments are due by 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4.
This report is based on the city's public notice and the Planning Commission packet for Oct. 22. The packet is a staff report and applicant narrative, not a decision. We did not find the Planning Commission's vote or the Nov. 5 council agenda posted as of November 2.
What Is Being Proposed?
| Item | What the packet says |
|---|---|
| Location | About 720 E Highway 59, north of the highway next to Hurricane Hill |
| Size | Approximately 66.6 acres across several parcels (applicant narrative dated March 6, 2026) |
| Zoning | Planned Commercial; general plan designation Mixed Use |
| Lots on the plat | 57 total: 48 townhomes, plus nine lots for multifamily, short-term rental and commercial uses |
| Units | 566 total: 48 townhomes, 168 nightly rental units and 350 multifamily units on four lots |
| Commercial | 90,000 square feet required |
| Hearing | Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, Hurricane City Council, 147 N 870 W |
The development is governed by a development agreement approved in 2020 and recorded in 2021. According to staff, it limits the project to 566 residential units (8.5 per gross acre) and allows up to 30% of units to be nightly rentals; the plat's 168 nightly rental units comply. The nightly rental area must have onsite management, a community pool and a clubhouse. Staff notes the project was entitled before a code update that now requires Planned Commercial projects to be at least 67% commercial and at least 20% residential.
The agreement also requires a trailhead and a 12-foot-wide asphalt trail along Highway 59 that replaces and continues the existing Hurricane Rim Trail, plus a 4-foot gravel trail along the ridge line.
What About the Highway 59 Interchange?
The development agreement requires UDOT-approved plans for an interchange on Highway 59 before construction drawings are approved and final plats are recorded, and says construction of the interchange must happen at the same time as subdivision improvements. The applicant's narrative describes an underpass with on and off ramps in each direction and says UDOT has given initial approvals.
City engineering comments in the packet require a Traffic Impact Study before construction drawings are approved. It must cover State Street and Main Street, Main Street and 100 South, and 100 South and 100 East, in addition to on-site traffic. The comments say engineering will meet with UDOT in December. The Fire Department's comment is that a second access is required.
Why Is a Sensitive Lands Review Needed?
The site sits on the Hurricane Cliffs, which the city's Sensitive Lands Ordinance treats as an area of special consideration. Staff says portions of the property fall within a rockfall hazard zone mapped by the Utah Geological Survey and that no habitable development is proposed in those areas. The applicant provided a grading plan, slope map and geotechnical report and drew a "do not disturb" boundary.
The applicant is asking the City Council for an exception. The sewer outfall line would likely disturb the Cliffs, and city code prohibits disturbing slopes steeper than 30% and discourages disturbing the Cliffs. The applicant proposes boring the sewer line under and through the cliffside, covering scarring with painted and replaced boulders, protecting a historic Hurricane Canal tunnel in place and restoring the canal after construction. Staff says that reclamation plan provides equal or better protection and recommended that the Planning Commission forward the application to the Council with a recommendation of approval. Under city code, exceptions are granted by the Council on the Planning Commission's recommendation.
The packet also mentions another possible sewer route involving other property owners that could avoid prominent scarring but may not be feasible because of concerns about UDOT permitting utilities in its right-of-way.
Water, Power and Utilities
- Water tank: The project requires an 850,000-gallon tank; the applicant says it will install a 1-million-gallon tank at the city's request under a fee reimbursement program.
- Water supply: The Washington County Water Conservancy District said the plans adequately mitigate interference with district facilities but that it has not determined whether water will be available for the development and makes no guarantee of availability.
- Power: The developer has agreed to pay for off-site power improvements.
- Water model: The city requires a water model showing the adjacent system will not be affected.
How Do I Comment?
- In person: Attend the City Council's regular meeting at 147 N 870 W, Hurricane, on Thursday, Nov. 5.
- In writing: The notice says written comments for the Council's consideration are due by 3 p.m. the day before the meeting, Wednesday, Nov. 4.
- See the application: It is available at the Hurricane City Planning Department during business hours, or call 435-635-2811, ext. 112 to request a copy.
Start time: The city's public notice says the hearing begins at 6 p.m. during the regular meeting. The city's online calendar lists the Nov. 5 City Council meeting at 5 p.m. The Nov. 5 agenda had not been posted when we checked, so confirm the time with the city. For comparison, the Oct. 15 council agenda listed a 5 p.m. pre-meeting and a 6 p.m. call to order.
The same night, the Council holds public hearings on police station, city hall and electric bonds. See our Hurricane city guide for more local government coverage.
What Is Not Yet Known?
- How the Planning Commission voted on the preliminary plat and the Sensitive Lands recommendation on Oct. 22.
- Whether the Council will vote on Nov. 5 or continue the item. The notice describes a hearing to take comments.
- A construction schedule. The packet does not include one.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Kachina Ridge hearing in Hurricane?
The Hurricane City Council holds a public hearing on the Kachina Ridge Sensitive Lands application on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 147 N 870 W. The city notice says 6 p.m.; the city calendar lists the meeting at 5 p.m.
How big is Kachina Ridge?
The applicant's narrative describes about 66.6 acres at roughly 720 E Highway 59. The development agreement caps it at 566 residential units, including 168 nightly rental units, and requires 90,000 square feet of commercial space.
How do I submit comments on Kachina Ridge?
Attend the Nov. 5 meeting or send written comments to the City Council by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4. To see the application, visit the Planning Department at 147 N 870 W or call 435-635-2811, ext. 112.
Why does Kachina Ridge need a Sensitive Lands exception?
The project is on the Hurricane Cliffs, and its sewer outfall would likely disturb slopes steeper than 30%. The applicant proposes boring the line and reclaiming the hillside. Staff found the plan gives equal or better protection; the Council decides.
Will Kachina Ridge include a Highway 59 interchange?
The development agreement requires UDOT-approved interchange plans before construction drawings and final plats are approved, and says the interchange must be built concurrently with subdivision improvements. A traffic study is also required.
Sources: Hurricane City, "Public Notice – Sensitive Lands," posted Oct. 26, 2026; Hurricane City Planning Commission agenda and staff packet, Oct. 22, 2026 (PP26-05 / HIL26-01); Hurricane City, City Council calendar entry, Nov. 5, 2026
