Planning commission items, subdivisions and moderate‑income housing strategies discussed; council eyes ADU option for R‑15

City planning staff and the development review committee updated the council on several active projects and the city’s plan to address the state moderate‑income housing reporting requirement.

Jason and Ryan (city planning staff) said the Design Review Committee and planning commission are processing a preliminary subdivision for Santaquin Estates commercial property (the site near Big O Tires) and a small two‑lot residential subdivision called The Peak. Jason said the Santaquin Estates work currently subdivides commercial property into pads; site plans will follow.

Ryan briefed the council on the moderate‑income housing element preparation. He said staff and the planning commission have identified a list of options and that the commission will recommend five strategies to meet the reporting year requirement. Councilmembers discussed allowing ADUs in additional zones; one councilmember said R‑15 “makes sense” as a priority for this year as the council decides which zones to open for ADUs if that remains an option.

Staff cautioned that state legislation under consideration could change ADU rules and that the city’s general plan can be amended later if required. The planning commission is preparing an amendment recommendation that would come to the council for final action before the state reporting deadline.

Jason and planning staff also mentioned other code cleanup work, including a potential ordinance amendment on setback tables and a discussion about whether detached ADUs should be allowed home occupations. Staff said most items are preparatory and will return for public hearing if they become ordinance changes.