Springtime Road Landslide and Homes Collapse 1-Year Anniversary

April 22 marks the one-year anniversary of the landslide in Draper that collapsed two condemned homes on Springtime Road. Draper City has been involved in follow-up on this incident since it occurred and would like to provide a review of what has transpired and an update regarding the status of the area.

Incident Background

Draper police and fire personnel were on the scene in the early morning hours of April 22, 2023, having been dispatched to the area after concerned neighbors reported hearing sounds indicating the vacant condemned homes were shifting further. Our personnel ensured no one was in or around the residences in harm's way as the homes continued to shift and eventually collapsed down the hillside. The City is grateful our building official conducted a thorough inspection the previous October and determined the homes unfit to live in, issuing an order of condemnation and giving the homeowners notice to evacuate. It was a difficult but correct decision that kept residents safe.

Immediately following the collapse, public safety personnel remained on the scene to secure the area, and building, engineering, public works, and other staff were called in to inspect adjacent homes and evaluate the stability of the road and other infrastructure. Two additional homes were condemned and evacuated. Police personnel were stationed in the neighborhood for a few weeks to assist with spectator traffic, trespassing, and road closures.

Environmental Concerns

Draper City coordinated with WaterPro immediately following the slide to evaluate any impact on the drinking water supply. It was determined the water supply would not be affected because the canyon water is used only for irrigation.

Ann’s Trail and Clark’s Trail were closed due to the substantial amount of debris obstructing the trails and the risk of additional sliding. A significant amount of trees and plants in the area were destroyed.

Risk Mitigation and Cleanup

Draper City communicated frequently with the subdivision developer, Edge Homes, regarding taking action to stabilize the area. Edge Homes demolished what remained of the two homes that collapsed and installed fencing around the slide area.

Edge Homes shored up the slide zone to stabilize the area in preparation for long-term measures. Large beams known as “soil nails” were installed around the retaining walls and under the road and backfilling was completed. Edge Homes installed inclinometers to monitor land movement, which did not indicate any additional movement.

Stabilization needed to occur before any heavy equipment could be brought on-site to start clearing the debris. Draper City, Edge Homes, and Salt Lake County worked together regarding access to the open space area where the house debris landed to determine the most effective route that would cause the least damage. The cleanup effort faced many challenges, including significant snowpack and a viable method to haul debris up the mountainside. Edge Homes was responsible for hiring the contractors and paying for cleanup costs. They utilized a conveyor system to lift debris to the top of the mountain.

Cleanup Status

The majority of cleanup has been completed. Clark’s Trail was reopened this past winter. Ann’s Trail is open but a detour is in place where it intersects with Edelweiss (signage is posted) due to remaining debris and a need for reconstruction. The City continues to follow up with Edge Homes regarding the remainder of the cleanup.

FAQs

Media reports related to this incident have not always been accurate concerning the City’s role in the development/inspection process and as such, Draper City is providing answers to the following to address possible misperceptions.

Did Draper City own the land the development was built on or sell it to the developer?

No. Draper City never owned the land or sold it. It is private property.

Did Draper City do inspections on the properties during the building process?

Yes, Draper City conducted all on-site inspections required by state code for the development of the public infrastructure in the subdivision and the homes. At the time of the inspections, everything met code standards. The engineered fill where the collapse happened was inspected and approved by the design professionals hired by the developer. 

Were engineers involved in the plans for the subdivision?

Yes, as the developer, Edge Homes was responsible for submitting plans to Draper City. Plans must be signed off on by qualified engineers hired by the developer. Draper City has a strict geotechnical hazards ordinance that must be followed in addition to state code requirements. Once the City approves development plans it is the developer’s responsibility to ensure that the construction process follows the plans as approved.

Who is responsible for investigating the cause of an incident like this?

It is the developer’s responsibility to investigate what caused the homes they built to collapse and to make any appropriate restitution to the homeowners. Draper City has received copies of investigative reports from Edge Homes. Our understanding is that contractors may not have followed the approved plans to their specifications.

Why didn’t Draper City building inspectors catch any issues during the building process?

It is not feasible for cities to have inspectors on site every day, at every step of every construction project. Cities are responsible for conducting all inspections required by the code. Developers are responsible for making sure approved plans are executed properly.

As we have stated previously, it is a delicate balance between the City’s interest in protecting the health, safety, and welfare of its residents and private property rights. The City has tried to achieve this balance. We are so grateful that no one was injured in this incident and were very inspired to see neighbors offering assistance to help one another through this stressful experience.

A final update will be provided when the cleanup has been completed and Ann’s Trail is fully opened.