Will the Sunset Equestrian Center remain part of the community? That question continues to spark debate in Kaysville as city leaders and residents weigh the future of one of the area’s longstanding equestrian properties.

The Kaysville City Council recently adopted a resolution expressing its intent and support for preserving agricultural properties that include equestrian amenities historically established for the benefit and enjoyment of area residents. While the resolution is nonbinding and does not create zoning restrictions or contractual obligations, city officials said it reflects the council’s current position on the value of equestrian and agricultural uses within the community.

In the resolution, the council recognized the historical, cultural, agricultural, scenic, and community value of existing agricultural and equestrian properties. Councilmembers also acknowledged that many residents chose to live in or near agricultural zones because of the lifestyle and amenities associated with those uses. While the resolution does not specifically apply to the Sunset Equestrian Center property, it follows months of public debate surrounding nearby development proposals and growing concern among residents about preserving Kaysville’s rural and equestrian identity.

Those concerns intensified during the City Council’s consideration of a rezoning request from Symphony Homes for approximately 14.7 acres near 1820 South Sunset Drive. Residents repeatedly referenced the nearby equestrian center and surrounding open space to the north while arguing against increased density in the area. After extensive public comment and discussion, the council voted 3-2 to deny the request as it was submitted.

Recurring concerns raised during public comment included increased traffic, particularly related to a proposed street connection to Sunset Drive, as well as smaller lot sizes, increased density, and uncertainty surrounding project phasing and reductions to open space. Residents also referenced an earlier development agreement tied to the area, noting that earlier rezonings were approved in part because the equestrian center and trail system helped preserve the rural character residents were promised. Many homeowners bought homes in the area with the understanding that the equestrian center would remain a permanent feature of the development.

Discussion about selling the equestrian center property for housing dates to 2019, when plans for the West Davis Corridor placed the future roadway near the horse stables. At the time, the property owner said his goal was to move the equestrian operation elsewhere. In 2021, the City Council debated a proposed amendment to the Sunset Equestrian Estates Development Agreement that would have removed a requirement for the homeowner’s association to maintain an equestrian center within the development. The owner argued the facility had become financially unfeasible and cited potential impacts from the Utah Department of Transportation’s West Davis Corridor project. The amendment request ultimately did not move forward. Instead, the council encouraged the property owner and Homeowners Association to work together on possible future plans for the property.

The council’s resolution may not determine the future of the Sunset Equestrian Center, but it underscores the broader conversation unfolding in Kaysville as growth and development continue to reshape the community. For many residents, the recent rezoning debate was about more than housing density – it was about preserving the agricultural heritage, open space, and equestrian lifestyle they believe make Kaysville unique.

The Kaysville City Planning Commission held a public hearing on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 7 p.m. to consider an application from Sunset Equestrian owner Suzie Hansen, who is requesting a zone change for a property located at 820 Mare Circle from A-5 Heavy Agricultural to R-1-6 Single Family Residential. The subject parcel is 9.14 acres and if approved, a total of 66 dwelling units could be located on the parcel.