Article 22-21 multi-family special exception amendment (townhome proposal)
A text amendment would loosen Orem's special exception for multi-family housing in single-family zones, raising the maximum lot size to 48,000 square feet and allowing about 14.75 units per acre, to enable a 16-unit townhome project on about one acre. The Planning Commission recommended denial and council members voiced opposition September 23, 2025; the minutes' vote record is unclear.
- Where it stands
- In review
- Type
- Code change
- Location
- Near 975 North and 100 West
- Size
- 1 acres
- Homes
- 16
- Applicant
- Zumbrena (applicant, per minutes)
Every hearing and vote
September 23, 2025 · City Council
Amendment to Article 22-21, special exceptions for multi-family dwellings in single-family zones
Pending
Planning Manager Jared Hall and the applicant proposed changes to the rule that lets multi-family housing be built on vacant lots surrounded by multi-family properties in R-6, R-6.5 and R-7.5 zones: raise the maximum lot size from 20,000 to 48,000 square feet, replace the all-surrounding-lots test with 75% of properties in the block (or a 300-foot contiguous area for blocks over 10 acres), allow one unit per 2,950 square feet (about 14.75 per acre) plus a 5% bonus for superior construction, and add wood and fiber cement board as materials. It would apply citywide and, the applicant said, to perhaps six properties; his proposal is a 16-unit townhome project on just over one acre near 975 North and 100 West that he said is not marketable for single-family homes. The Planning Commission recommended denial. Council Member Millett noted a project under the amendment would go to the Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission rather than back to the council, limiting resident comment. Residents opposed over parking and traffic on 100 West and 185 West, the precedent of changing code for one project, and neighborhood character; the applicant's son said younger residents are priced out and cited school enrollment decline. Members opposed or doubted the change: Lambson wanted single-family stability, Spencer said the R-6 lot can hold about six new homes, Gale said she was conflicted but "not quite there yet," Millett opposed spot zoning, and Mayor Young said more density does not bring affordability and rentals are already 42% of housing. Spencer moved to deny, seconded by Macdonald; the minutes list all seven as voting no and say the motion did not pass, which conflicts with the discussion (needs human check).
- Applicant: Zumbrena (private applicant, per minutes)
- Site: just over one acre, zoned R-6
- Proposed project: 16 townhome units
- Planning Commission: recommended denial
- Requested changes: lot size cap 48,000 sq ft, 75% multi-family block test, 14.75 units per acre