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Orem development tracker

Southwest Orem General Plan update

Amends the General Plan land use and trail maps for the southwest area annexed in 2015, adding a Low Density Residential/Southwest category (4 to 8 units per acre, capped at 7 by the council) around the planned Orem temple and two commercial nodes. Approved Aug. 11, 2020 by a vote decided by the mayor.

Where it stands
Approved
Type
Area or general plan
Location
Southwest Orem, Geneva Road corridor

Every hearing and vote

  1. August 11, 2020 · City Council

    General Plan amendment for the southwest area near Geneva Road and the planned Orem temple

    Approved · 3-3

    The southwest area was annexed in 2015. After the announced temple site at 1471 South Geneva Road, the council asked staff to review the General Plan there. The amendment adds a Low Density Residential/Southwest designation allowing 4 to 8 units per gross acre, two commercial nodes (2000 South at Geneva Road and where Lakeview Parkway meets Geneva Road), and trails along Lakeview Parkway, Geneva Road, the rail line and Walkara Way. Potential equivalent residential units for utility planning rise from 1,248 to 2,500. Of 2,455 notices mailed, 38 people joined a May 13 online neighborhood meeting. Council Members Terry Peterson and Debby Lauret said they were concerned about adding density before roads were settled, and Lauret wanted a cap of seven units, consistent with other planned developments. Peterson also cited traffic and the share of rentals in Orem. Mayor Brunst said Geneva Road is near a failing level of service and he was pursuing a five-lane widening with UDOT. Council Member Tom Macdonald asked how the number was set; Bench said the 2,500 figure was a worst-case planning projection. Mayor Brunst moved to approve with the cap at seven units rather than eight. A written comment from a Lakeview resident argued the plan would raise density and traffic and urged a delay.

    • Land use: new LDR/SW designation, 4-8 units per gross acre, capped at 7 by the motion
    • Potential ERUs: 1,248 → 2,500
    • Trails added: Lakeview Parkway, Geneva, Rail Trail, Walkara Way

    Moved by Mayor Richard Brunst, seconded by Council Member Debby Lauret. Vote: Passed 4-3 only because Mayor Brunst voted yes; among council members it was 3-3. Council Members Tom Macdonald, Terry Peterson and Brent Sumner voted no.