Orem council sets 75-foot setback near homes in North Village and Arts districts over mayor's no vote
March 9, 2021, 6:00 p.m. · Orem City Council Chambers (held electronically), 56 North State Street
The Orem City Council approved, 6-1 counting the mayor, a 75-foot setback with a 35-foot height limit from residential property lines in the State Street North Village and Arts districts, up from the 50 feet staff proposed. It also eased buffered sidewalk requirements on State Street for expanding existing buildings. Mayor Richard Brunst voted no on both. In a work session the council reviewed a Sleepy Ridge golf agreement amendment, a University Place development agreement extension and City Center options.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Contract
Work session: Sleepy Ridge Golf Course agreement amendment
Discussed
Recreation staff proposed extending the agreement because office and event spaces went unused during the pandemic. Changes include transferring the Springwater Pointe and Clegg Pond property to the city for stormwater facilities, extending the condo and lease term from Dec. 31, 2046 to Dec. 31, 2060 with all property turned over to the city on Jan. 1, 2061, cutting the reserve-fund contribution from 5% to 1% of gross revenue while requiring 4% be spent yearly on golf course improvements, and clarifying gross revenue.
- Term: 12/31/2046 to 12/31/2060
- Reserve fund share of gross revenue: 5% to 1%; 4% for improvements
Development
Work session: University Place community development agreement extension
Discussed
The City Manager said state legislation (SB6001) lets organizations with community development agreements extend the recoupment term because of the pandemic. In December the city received a request from Woodbury Corporation to amend its agreement and the agency budget to add two years. The next step would be a resolution by the Redevelopment Agency board. Members discussed the investment to date, expected returns and how the pandemic affected income and tenants.
- Applicant: Woodbury Corporation
- Request: two additional years of recoupment
Presentation
Work session: City Center feasibility analysis
Discussed
Method Studio presented options for the City Center: remodel and addition while employees stay in the building, or construction with employees relocated, compared with new construction. The analysis covers space needs, parking, State Street Master Plan recommendations and updated costs. Staff asked for council thoughts, and members discussed the benefits of a new building versus limits of the current one.
Other
Work session: 2021 municipal election administration and city manager items
Discussed
The recorder said the city would contract with the Utah County election office to run the 2021 election, at a fee based on cost per ballot and registered voters, which rose by about 6,500 since 2019; the agreement returns for approval at the next meeting. The City Manager noted about $350 billion in federal stimulus for local governments, upcoming bond rating meetings, and state transportation funding of about $45 million for widening 1600 North from 1200 West to State Street and about $25 million for Geneva Road from University Parkway south to about 1800 South.
- Grant$45.0 million to Utah State Legislature
- Grant$25.0 million to Utah State Legislature
Item Presentation · Presentation
Sleepy Ridge Golf Course status report
Discussed
The operator said the golf course had its best year ever during the pandemic, with revenue up about 50 percent, while the wedding business fell about 50 percent. He described a three-part model of golf, office space and weddings and a long partnership with the city. Council Member Debby Lauret asked about work on the 10th hole, which will include a pitch and putting area.
Item Consent · Appointment
Consent items: Metropolitan Water Board appointment and treasurers investment fund resolution
Approved · 6-0
The council appointed Carl Cook to the Metropolitan Water Board and approved a resolution on administrative authorization for the Utah Public Treasurers Investment Fund.
Item Public hearing · City code
State Street buffered sidewalk exception and design standards
Approved · 6-0
Current code requires an 8-foot sidewalk and 15-foot planter strip (23 feet) for new buildings and additions along State Street, which blocks additions to buildings set near the sidewalk. The ordinance lets owners add to such buildings while installing as much buffered sidewalk as space allows, and adds design and utility enclosure standards. No one spoke. The mayor voted no.
- Sections: 22-8-8(B), 22-8-8(B)(3), new (B)(7)(b), (B)(8), (B)(9), (B)(10)
Item Public hearing · Zoning
State Street districts: 75-foot setback in North Village and Arts districts
Approved · 6-0
The council approved setback and stepback changes with a 75-foot setback in the North Village and Arts districts, measured from the back of the property line, instead of the 50 feet staff proposed. Sixteen people spoke or submitted comments between 7:10 and 7:35 p.m.; most North Village residents asked for 75 to 100 feet and more access to State Street rather than 400 West, while one commenter urged keeping setbacks as proposed to preserve housing options. Council Member Debby Lauret supported 75 feet in North Village and 50 in the Arts district. Council Member Jeff Lambson and Council Member Terry Peterson cited resident concerns about high-density housing. Council Member Tom Macdonald said developments must meet current parking rules. Council Member Brent Sumner asked about affordable housing standards; the mayor said in a 190-unit complex 20 percent, or 38 units, would be in the state's affordable range.
- Approved: 75-foot setback from back of property line in North Village and Arts districts
- 35-foot height limit within the setback
What residents said
Setbacks near homesTraffic on 400 West and 1600 NorthHigh-density housingAffordable housing
No comments were made in the general period. At the State Street setback hearing, North Village residents asked for 75 to 100 feet of buffer behind homes, citing privacy, building height, traffic on 400 West and 1600 North, and access through State Street instead of neighborhood streets. One commenter supported the setbacks in an architect's March 3 proposal, saying further restriction discourages accessible housing. Others opposed taller apartment buildings near homes or said they did not want more traffic.