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Council presses ahead on zoning rewrite, considers land acquisition and ADU enforcement to raise owner-occupancy
Summary
Councilors reaffirmed a priority to increase owner-occupancy through a balance of housing types and price points, reviewed a zoning-code update funded from a $200,000 legacy CIP appropriation, and discussed options ranging from land acquisition to stronger ADU enforcement and neighborhood rehabilitation programs.
The Provo City Council on Jan. 7 reiterated increasing owner-occupancy as a top multiyear goal and discussed how a zoning rewrite, land acquisition, and enforcement changes could support that aim.
Justin Harrison updated the council on a zoning-code rewrite that the council funded with a $200,000 appropriation from the legacy CIP fund. “The appropriation was for $200,000 that came from the legacy CIP fund,” Harrison said, and development services has prepared an RFP and hired a consultant to begin the update. Staff estimated the zoning work would take about 9 to 12 months.
Councilors described several approaches the city could pursue to increase owner-occupancy. Ideas included: earmarking funds for land acquisition to pair with the housing authority or land trust; relaunching a neighborhood rehabilitation “innovation” program that buys, renovates and resells small homes with owner-occupancy requirements; expanding down-payment assistance; and rethinking enforcement and data tools for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and rental licensing so the city can consider relaxed ADU rules with confidence.
Councilor Patrice Kaye and others urged a focused approach. One councilor said, "let's chase one idea all the way through" rather than pursuing many small initiatives without follow-through. Other councilors said the council should be realistic given Provo’s large student population and consider geographic targeting—allowing higher rental density near campus corridors while protecting established neighborhoods.
Why it matters: owner-occupancy ratios influence neighborhood stability, school enrollment patterns and long-term planning priorities. The council framed the zoning update, enforcement strategy and targeted investments as levers the city can use to affect those outcomes over several years.
Clarifications and next steps: staff will report back with more detailed options and cost estimates. Harrison said he would add a short explanatory paragraph under each prioritized item so department directors understand the council’s intent for FY26 budgeting. The zoning update is underway and staff will provide a status update as the consultant advances the code rewrite.
