The Provo City Council meeting on November 19, 2024, focused heavily on the ongoing debate surrounding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and the implications of proposed changes to the permitting process. Residents expressed strong opinions on the necessity of ADUs in addressing the housing affordability crisis in Provo.

One resident, who is 66 years old, shared his experience of navigating the application process for an ADU next to a fire station. He highlighted the challenges he faced in obtaining signatures and expressed frustration with the city's resistance to ADUs, despite state legislation allowing them under certain conditions. He emphasized the importance of ADUs for older residents seeking affordable housing options and pointed out that many of his neighbors in the Edgewood condominiums are not owner-occupied, complicating community engagement.

Another resident, Ashley Jensen, voiced her support for ADUs, noting that they can help regulate rental properties and improve living standards in the city. She shared her concerns about the rising costs of housing, stating that many first-time buyers are struggling to afford homes without considering rental income from ADUs.

Jordan and Zach Wright, who are moving back to Provo, recounted their positive experiences as college students living in a basement apartment. They argued that ADUs can foster community and provide affordable housing for young adults, urging the council to consider the benefits of allowing ADUs in neighborhoods not currently zoned for them.

Matthew Kluit, representing the Utah Central Association of Realtors, criticized the proposed ordinance to remove the special use permit for ADUs, arguing that it would complicate the approval process and discourage legal rentals. He stressed that maintaining a transparent process is crucial for residents seeking to comply with the law and that making it more difficult to obtain ADUs could lead to an increase in illegal rentals.

Council member George Hanley acknowledged the strong disagreements among council members regarding the ADU issue, indicating that the discussion is far from settled. The council's deliberations on the future of ADUs in Provo reflect broader concerns about housing affordability and community dynamics in the rapidly growing city. As the council continues to evaluate the proposed changes, the voices of residents advocating for ADUs will likely play a significant role in shaping the outcome.