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Council eases Main Street roofline rule to accommodate new commercial design
Summary
Council approved an amendment to Main Street architectural requirements aimed at removing a specific roof‑pitch restriction and clarifying rules about hip roofs, prompted by a Mountain America Credit Union design review.
The Santaquin City Council on July 19 approved changes to the Main Street Business District architectural requirements that remove a narrow roof‑pitch restriction and clarify language about hip roofs, in part to accommodate a proposed Mountain America Credit Union site on Main Street.
City planner and staff reviewed the credit union design with the council and said the building’s roof pitch was shown at about 2:12, which does not meet the existing code requiring a flat roof or steeper than 5:12. Staff said applicants can meet the rule by changing to a 5:12 pitch or a parapet‑hidden flat roof, but council and planning staff concluded the existing restriction could create unnecessary hardship for prospective businesses.
Staff proposed two changes: remove the between‑flat‑and‑5:12 prohibition so smaller pitches can be approved, and relax the ban on hipped roofs to allow hip roofs that incorporate gabled ends or other design elements so the roofs do not present a continuous mass. The changes are intended to preserve Main Street’s desired historic look while not unduly blocking corporate or modern design packages that prospective tenants may require.
Council members said they still support architectural standards to maintain a cohesive Main Street appearance but want flexibility to encourage economic development. The ordinance amendment passed on a unanimous voice vote.
What this means: New commercial projects on Main Street will have more roofline options during design review; the architectural review committee and planning commission will continue to review façade and roof treatments to balance character and economic development.
The Mountain America Credit Union application will continue through the city’s architectural review and permitting process under the amended standard.
