But some council members said removing a height restriction ordinance and giving the Planning Commission ultimate approval on how high buildings could go was "pushing too far," according to Councilman Steve Smith.

So, the Sandy City Council delayed its vote on eliminating height limits to July 15, when all seven members would be present. Councilman Chris McCandless was absent.

The current code caps building heights to 10 stories, but the new Proscenium project pitches three 30-story skycrapers near 10000 South and Interstate 15.

The $560 million, mixed-use development would feature a Broadway-style theater, art galleries, office space, a hotel and condominiums, but also requires a few changes to Sandy's downtown master plan.

Apart from removing the height limits, the City Council was set to vote on code amendments that lifted some restrictions on the number and color of building materials, upon Planning Commission approval. Also, a developer's building would be allowed to cover 60 percent of the lot, as opposed to the original 40 percent.

Councilman Stephen Smith said past builders were required to stick to this 2002 code, and that he was conflicted over changing it for the Orem-based Proscenium Development Inc.

"I like this project . . .but I have some real heartburn to the extent to which we seem to be tripping over ourselves for one particular developer," Smith said, adding that the code amendment allows the Planning Commission "to do whatever the heck they want."

Councilman Bryant Anderson said The Proscenium was a dramatic change from what the city has done in the past, but that the development has the potential to become a landmark for Sandy.

"It's the only opportunity we have, at least in the distant future, to really set this area apart," Anderson said, supporting the code amendment.

Proscenium architect Russell Platt said he was confident his project would ultimately move forward, since he said the council's delay was due more with the discretion it would give the Planning Commission than to his development's design.

For her part, resident Cathy Spuck was the sole voice against the 30-story skyscrapers during the public hearing. Sandy has a "small-town charm" she likes - "I don't want to see it a concrete jungle."

mariav@sltrib.com