Wilkerson Farm rezone, 710 West 2000 South
Request to rezone the 14.01-acre former Wilkerson Farm from OS-5 to R8 for about 53 single-family lots. The Planning Commission recommended denial 5-1 with one abstention. The council approved the rezone 4-2 on May 13, 2025, after a motion to deny failed; subdivision approval is still required.
- Where it stands
- Approved
- Type
- Zone change
- Location
- 710 West 2000 South
- Size
- 14.01 acres
- Homes
- 53
- Applicant
- Applicants under contract (Tyler Horan, representative); landowner represented by Jason Dodge
Every hearing and vote
May 13, 2025 · City Council
Wilkerson Farm rezone, 710 West 2000 South: OS-5 to R8, about 14.01 acres
Approved · 4-2
Planning Manager Jared Hall said a concept plan shows about 53 lots of 8,000 to 18,500 square feet. The Planning Commission voted 5-1 with one abstention on March 19 to recommend denial. The applicants' representative said the request follows an earlier planned residential development proposal that drew density concerns, that R8 matches the general plan, and that 2000 South would be widened with sidewalks. A landowner representative said OS-5 was a transitional zone after a 2015 annexation, cited six nearby rezones and said the farm will vacate by June 1; a traffic study projected 784 daily trips on two accesses, which did not include about 30 homes planned on an adjacent Provo site. The public hearing ran 8:15 to 9:35 p.m. Speakers opposed rezoning to preserve farmland and open space, citing train noise and vibration, traffic on Sandhill Road and 2000 South, and fears of later density; others supported it on property-rights grounds, noting the owner is a charity selling to support a food pantry, and some proposed a community purchase. One speaker alleged an undisclosed political benefit to some council members from a representative of the landowner and asked that one recuse; the minutes record no recusal. Council Member Gale said the land is private, the general plan designates it low density and denying would be unfair to the owner. Council Member Millett said the general plan is advisory, OS-5 is a buffer from freight and commuter rail and industrial uses, and rights attach to current zoning. Council Member Spencer said Orem is 95% built out and OS-5 is a true open-space zone, not a holding zone. Council Member Macdonald said he told the developer he would support only R8 for equal treatment with other rezoned areas. Council Member Killpack cited consistency with neighboring properties and the master plan. Council Member Lambson said OS-5 was intended to change once water was available, noted a neighboring parcel was rezoned R8, and cited lawsuit risk. City Attorney Steve Earl said courts defer to councils unless a decision is arbitrary and capricious. Mayor Young said he opposed housing next to rail and industry, noting 16 of 53 homes would be beside the tracks, and cited more than 1,000 residents opposed. A motion by Spencer to deny failed 2-4 (Mayor Young also voting yes). A motion by Macdonald to approve then passed 4-2, with the mayor also voting no.
- Acres: about 14.01
- Current zone to proposed: OS-5 to R8
- Concept: about 53 single-family lots
- Planning Commission: 5-1 (one abstention) recommending denial, March 19
- Traffic study: 58 a.m. and 78 p.m. peak trips, 784 daily trips