Planning Commission Meeting - August 8, 2024

Meeting Summary

The August 8 Planning Commission meeting included preliminary pre-application discussions surrounding the Community Housing Overlay Zone (CHOZ), a proposed development code amendment aimed at making homeownership more attainable in Lehi. At this early stage, staff and commissioners engaged in exploratory dialogue about the concept before it was formally presented to the full Planning Commission on August 22. The CHOZ proposal was developed collaboratively by Fieldstone Homes Vice President Jason Harris and Councilmembers Paul Hancock and Heather Newell, and would allow developers to apply for higher density allowances in exchange for offering homes at approximately 20 percent below standard market pricing. Under the proposed framework, developers would submit two concept plans — one at standard pricing and one at reduced pricing — with the discounted option qualifying for the density bonus. Homes in CHOZ-designated areas would be offered first to critical workers, Lehi residents, and first-time homebuyers during an exclusive 30-day purchase window. Equity gains would also be restricted during the first decade of ownership to preserve long-term affordability. The August 8 session represented an initial look at the concept, with the commission signaling that more study would be needed before any formal recommendation could be forwarded to the City Council.