Monroe introduces citywide rezone under Monroe 2044 plan, targets R4→R7 changes and mixed‑use adjustments

Monroe City staff introduced a citywide rezone and related amendments to Monroe Municipal Code Title 22 on April 15, 2025, as part of Phase 1 implementation of the Monroe 2044 comprehensive plan. Planner Lance Bailey outlined proposed map changes intended to align zoning with the adopted future land‑use map and to implement elements of the comprehensive plan.

The presentation explained why the rezone is necessary and what it would change in affected neighborhoods. Bailey described the principal shifts as modest increases in residential density in several areas (rezoning from R4 to R7, i.e., from 4 units per acre to 7 units per acre), removal of publicly owned rights‑of‑way from the zoning map, rezoning a small parcel that contains the local food bank to mixed use so the food bank would be a conforming use, and returning a state‑owned parcel near Lehi Kelsey to a commercial designation to better reflect current uses.

Bailey said the citywide rezone is “part of the phase 1 implementation to accomplish the plan,” and he described the code changes as intended to “create consistency between the future land use map and the zone map.” He told council that several areas were already developed at densities comparable to the proposed R7 and that in those locations the change largely formalizes existing development patterns: “So we're in some sense, we're really just acknowledging the density that's already up there.”

Bailey walked council through a map that highlights the areas to be rezoned; the largest and most noticeable changes are in northern blocks where R4 areas would move to R7. He also noted the removal of overlay zoning for rights‑of‑way such as the Wasatch Bypass, which are publicly owned and unlikely to be developed for private uses, calling the overlays “confusing” and recommending their removal.

On individual parcels, staff recommended rezoning the food bank parcel to mixed use to avoid making the food bank a nonconforming use, and returning an area previously designated R25 (high‑density residential) back to general commercial because the property has functioned commercially and would better support businesses such as a proposed coffee shop pre‑application currently under review.

Council members asked clarifying questions about notification and annexation status. Bailey said mailed notices (postcards) went to properties inside the rezone area and that the city will return the package to the Planning Commission for final recommendations before council adoption. Councilmember Fisher asked about a Strawberry Lane area and a named private parcel (Montoux); Bailey said the Montoux site is not in the city’s UGA and therefore pre‑annexation zoning does not apply.

No formal action or vote occurred at the study session. Bailey said next steps include returning to the Planning Commission for final findings and recommendations and then bringing the code amendments and rezoning ordinances back to City Council for formal adoption following required notice and hearing procedures.

Next steps: staff will send/confirm property notifications for affected parcels, return to the Planning Commission for adoption of findings, and then take ordinances to the City Council for consideration. The council did not object to considering Councilmember Hanford’s absence excused for the evening; no substantive policy decisions were finalized at the study session.