Lehi City Council adopts ordinance for multi-family housing to support affordable rentals

Kane County officials have taken significant steps to enhance affordable housing options and streamline land use regulations during their recent commission meeting on April 22, 2025. The commission unanimously approved an ordinance to introduce "Lehi housing," a new classification for multi-family residential buildings consisting of two to eight units. This initiative aims to align with state efforts to promote moderate-income housing and restrict short-term rentals in these units, ensuring they remain available for long-term residents.

The ordinance defines Lehi housing as a multi-family structure that can include duplexes, triplexes, and multiplexes, with a maximum of eight units. This decision comes in response to growing concerns about the impact of short-term rentals on the availability of affordable housing. By prohibiting short-term rentals in these multi-residential zones, the commission hopes to maintain a stable rental market for residents in need of affordable housing options.

In addition to the housing ordinance, the commission also approved updates to the land use ordinance to reflect recent state changes regarding property boundary adjustments. These updates clarify definitions and streamline processes for surveyors and developers, ensuring compliance with new state regulations. The changes will allow for simpler boundary adjustments to be approved at the county level, reducing the need for lengthy planning commission reviews.

The meeting also included discussions on a planned unit development (PUD) application, emphasizing the importance of thorough documentation and planning in the development process. The commission highlighted the necessity of maintaining secondary access points for safety and emergency services in new developments.

Overall, these decisions reflect Kane County's commitment to addressing housing needs and adapting to regulatory changes, ultimately aiming to foster a more sustainable and accessible community for its residents. The commission's proactive approach sets a positive precedent for future developments and housing initiatives in the area.