Planning commission narrowly backs owner’s request to allow ADU at 1841 N. 1550 E as Oak Hills neighborhood protests

The Provo Planning Commission voted 4–3 on Sept. 10 to recommend that City Council add 1841 North 1550 East to the city’s map of properties eligible for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The vote forwards a requested ordinance text amendment so the property owners, Alan and Joanna Ludlow, may pursue a rental dwelling license if they meet the city’s ADU standards.

Why it matters: The application touched a policy fault line in Provo between expanding ADU options to increase housing flexibility and preserving long‑standing single‑family neighborhoods. The Ludlows told the commission they bought the house to be the family’s long‑term home and that an ADU would allow them to house parents and, temporarily, help with mortgage costs. Joanna Ludlow said the basement living space was part of the home’s original 1967 blueprint; she told commissioners the family intends owner occupancy and said the unit has four bedrooms and…