Bountiful City Council discusses zoning changes to protect hospital expansion and commercial development

The Bountiful City Council held a work meeting on January 28, 2025, focusing on zoning updates and community development plans. The meeting began with discussions regarding the inclusion of local businesses, specifically the UPS store and Annie's Cafe, in the city's planning documents. Council members expressed a consensus that these establishments should be added, as they were part of previous plans.

The council then moved on to review the commercial corridor along Highway 89 and 100 West, confirming that the proposed zoning aligns with existing commercial areas. A notable point of discussion was the Carrington Apartments, which are located north of 4th North. The council aimed to avoid making these properties nonconforming by imposing commercial zoning.

Next, the council addressed the zoning designation for the hospital area. It was proposed that this area should have a distinct zoning category to support the hospital's expansion plans, particularly in mental health facilities. The council emphasized the importance of protecting the hospital's interests while allowing for surrounding development.

The conversation included the need for multiple zoning designations within the community commercial area, particularly to accommodate the hospital and other commercial uses. The mayor and council members discussed the implications of zoning on existing buildings, particularly those that may not fit the hospital use designation.

The meeting concluded with a review of the community commercial definition, which outlines a mid-level intensity commercial area that serves Bountiful residents. Council members acknowledged that while the zoning plan aims to create a vision for the future, it must also reflect the current landscape, which includes predominantly residential areas along certain streets.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to balancing development with community needs, ensuring that local businesses and essential services are adequately represented in future planning efforts. Further discussions and decisions regarding zoning designations are expected in upcoming meetings.