Planning Commission Meeting - August 22, 2024

Meeting Summary

The August 22, 2024 Lehi City Planning Commission meeting featured nine agenda items and marked the first public introduction of what would become one of the most debated land use proposals in Lehi in recent memory. The largest development item was Edge Homes' River Point Phase 3A, a 174-unit single-family subdivision on 48.1 acres near 3600 West 1500 North, brought for a preliminary subdivision recommendation. Flagship Homes sought a zone change on 14.19 acres at 1200 West 1450 South from transitional holding (TH-5) to R-1-22 residential for their Pioneer Village project, accompanied by a General Plan amendment removing the existing Village Overlay designation from that corner of the city. Bill Elton also requested a zone change on 33.17 acres at 1630 South 500 East from agricultural (A-5) to R-1-22, while Layne Downs brought a smaller request to rezone 0.73 acres at 211 South 500 West from RA-1 to R-1-Flex residential. Commercial items on the agenda included Aaron Larson's request to expand the Skyline Commercial Subdivision from five to six lots at approximately 1500 North Boston Street, a site plan for EV Auto near 1100 West State Street, and a conditional use permit for a Macey's pharmacy drive-thru at 760 East Main Street on the west side of the existing store. The meeting concluded with the city's first public presentation of the Critical Homeownership Overlay Zone (CHOZ), a novel proposed code amendment designed to address Lehi's affordable housing shortage. The proposal would allow higher residential density in designated overlay areas in exchange for pricing restrictions and a 30-day sales window prioritizing city workers, Lehi residents, and first-time homebuyers. After extensive public comment — including concerns from a city council member speaking as a private resident — and considerable commissioner skepticism about the proposal's sweeping implications, the item was tabled. One commissioner described it as potentially "the most significant code change I've seen the whole time I've been on this commission," warning it could have tidal-wave effects. The CHOZ was sent back to staff for further revision before returning to the commission.