Orem City Council approves Canyon Park rezone for new residential development

The Orem City Council convened on March 25, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including a resolution regarding the upcoming city elections and a significant public hearing on a proposed zoning change for Canyon Park.

The meeting began with a resolution authorizing the city manager to sign an agreement with Utah County for the 2025 city elections. This procedural item was quickly approved without extensive discussion.

Following this, the Neighborhood Advisory Commission, represented by Tammy Rodriguez, provided an update on their recent activities. The commission has focused on emergency preparedness, code enforcement, and community beautification efforts, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining the quality of life in Orem.

The council then moved to scheduled items, including a public hearing on an ordinance to rezone approximately 23.3 acres of property at 1203 North 630 East, known as Canyon Park. The proposal seeks to change the zoning from the current PD 6 (Research and Development Park) to R 8 (Single Family Residential), which would allow for the development of single-family homes.

Jared, a city staff member, presented the details of the rezone request, explaining that the change would involve the removal of existing buildings and parking lots to make way for residential development. He noted that the Planning Commission had previously recommended approval of the rezone by a vote of 5 to 2.

During the public hearing, representatives from Tri Pointe Homes, the developer behind the project, expressed their commitment to community engagement throughout the planning process. Brian Prince, a representative of Tri Pointe, highlighted the extensive outreach efforts, including nine neighborhood meetings, to address community concerns and incorporate feedback into their plans.

The council members expressed their support for the project, noting its alignment with Orem's identity as "Family City USA." They acknowledged the developer's responsiveness to community input and the potential benefits of the proposed residential development.

After closing the public hearing, the council discussed the next steps, including the possibility of approving the rezone request. The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism regarding the future development of Canyon Park, with hopes for groundbreaking later this year and the construction of homes to begin in 2026.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to community engagement and responsible development, setting the stage for future growth in Orem.