The city is preparing paperwork in case Wal-Mart appeals the Planning Commission's refusal to approve the retailer's initial plans for a 209,000-square-foot store at Parrish Lane and 400 West.

"We've been contacted by some paralegals for the attorneys working with the company and we anticipate they will make an appeal," economic development director Cory Snyder said Thursday.

Eric Berger, spokesman for the company, says Wal-Mart officials are "still weighing their options" about whether to appeal.

"There's no final decision, but we believe in our application and we believe it met or exceeded many of the requirements set forth by the city," Berger said.

The company has two weeks to appeal the Planning Commission's 3-3 vote to the city's Board of Adjustments, a five-member panel of Centerville residents who weigh whether commissioners were correct in their interpretation of the city ordinances and policies, Snyder said.

The City Council will hear the appeal of Wal-Mart's conceptual design for subdividing the nearly 25-acre site.

The planning commission pondered Wal-Mart's request over 10 meetings, examining issues such as crime, traffic and economic impact. Emotions ran high at many meetings as hundreds of Centerville residents turned out to protest the store's plan.

Mayor Michael Deamer praised the mayor-appointed, voluntary commission for its tenacity.

"I wish to personally commend and express my appreciation to the Planning Commission," Deamer wrote. "Particularly as they worked so diligently in considering all the factors on the recent Wal-Mart issue."

lorib@sltrib.com