Pleasant Grove Planning Commission approves Smart family's conditional use permit for home expansion

In the heart of Pleasant Grove, city officials gathered on April 10, 2025, to discuss a significant proposal that could reshape a local family's home and the surrounding neighborhood. The Planning Commission meeting, held in the familiar setting of city hall, focused on a conditional use permit request from Calvin and Mackenzie Smart, who sought to expand their home while navigating the complexities of zoning regulations.

The discussion began with a review of the property’s current status. The Smart family's home, built several years ago, had been deemed non-conforming due to its setbacks and lot size, which did not meet the current zoning ordinances for the rural residential zone. The couple proposed an addition to their home, which would extend approximately 20 feet to the south, while also addressing a previously constructed pergola that lacked the necessary building permit.

City staff explained that the addition would encroach slightly into the rear yard but would not negatively impact the neighborhood's character or safety. The existing driveway and detached garage already provided adequate parking, and the proposed changes were seen as minimal in terms of their effect on surrounding properties. The staff recommended approval of the permit, contingent upon the removal of the non-compliant pergola.

Calvin Smart, a lifelong resident of Pleasant Grove, expressed his desire for a larger space to accommodate family gatherings, emphasizing the personal nature of the request. The public hearing segment of the meeting saw no objections from community members, allowing the commission to move forward with deliberations.

Ultimately, the Planning Commission unanimously approved the conditional use permit, with conditions that included the removal of the pergola and compliance with all final planning and engineering requirements. This decision not only paves the way for the Smart family's expansion but also reflects the commission's commitment to balancing individual property rights with community standards. As the meeting concluded, the atmosphere was one of optimism, with the Smart family looking forward to enhancing their home and the neighborhood continuing to thrive.