Cottonwood Heights » An 11-page draft of a new city ordinance for a canyon resort residential zone -- which could lead to changes for the Tavaci devlopment -- is up for discussion, and some city leaders and residents agree the document needs more work.

Terry Diehl, one of the Tavaci developers -- whose plans for the 47-acre development are at the heart of why a new zoning designation is being considered -- wouldn't say what he thinks of the proposal so far, but said "we're listening."

"I want to see what they do," Diehl said. "At the end of the process, we might not apply for this ordinance."

The City Council and Planning Commission met Tuesday night for more than two hours to discuss the plan. During the meeting, City Planning Director Michael Black explained each of the draft's 21 sections.

The meeting began with about 50 people in the audience, including residents and city staffers. About half remained when it ended at 10 p.m.

The biggest issues with the draft ordinance: visual impact of the area, density, increased traffic and the buildings' maximum height requirements.

The draft calls for a minimum of 25 acres to apply for the zone, the maximum number of units per acre is six; and a maximum height of 35 to 50 feet for buildings.

Black said he couldn't answer many questions about traffic concerns because he hadn't yet met with Utah Department of Transportation, which controls Wasatch Boulevard and Big Cottonwood Canyon Road.

Black was scheduled to meet with UDOT Wednesday and planned to report that information to city leaders the same day.

Only three areas in the city, if that many, could apply to become a canyon resort residential zone.

The Tavaci development is one of the areas most discussed for the zone. It is now zoned to allow single-family homes; only one house has been completed so far.

Commissioner JoAnn Frost said she is most concerned about Tavaci's potential visual impact. She doesn't want to stifle a developer's creativity, but added: "When you say five stories to a community, that terrorizes them."

Commissioner Thomas Bowen, who asked the most questions during the meeting, said he is OK with the proposal but wants to ensure it benefits the community and city.

"We got to find something to make it work," Bowen said.

After the meeting, city resident Charlotte Milligan said she went to the meeting to learn more about the draft ordinance. She is mostly concerned with traffic increases.

"I don't want a hotel of any sort," Milligan said.

Diehl said traffic concerns can be "handled." He also said he plans to give a Tavaci presentation at the Dec. 8 public hearing on the draft ordinance.

jsanchez@sltrib.com