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Commission backs allowing group‑quarter housing on Center Street professional‑office parcels; neighbors raise shared‑bathroom concerns
Summary
The commission recommended a code change letting group quarters (dormitory‑style housing) be permitted in PO‑zoned parcels that front Center Street, to enable an adaptive‑reuse proposal for a former assisted‑living building at 256 East Center. Commissioners and staff said short‑term rentals are not permitted in the PO zone.
The Provo City Planning Commission on Feb. 12 voted unanimously to recommend City Council permit “group quarters” as a use in the professional‑office (PO) zone for parcels with frontage on Center Street, clearing the way for an applicant’s plan to convert a former assisted‑living building into a 20‑resident, private‑room project.
City planner Hannah Salls told commissioners the change is limited: it applies only to PO parcels with Center Street frontage and specifically excludes buildings on the historic registry. Salls described the requested use as dormitory‑style housing with private sleeping areas and communal dining or shared kitchen space.
Applicant representatives said the building on 256 East Center Street was designed for 34 residents in its prior use and that the project would rehabilitate the structure and reduce occupant levels to 20 private rooms. The team described the target market as low‑income young professionals or students seeking affordable private rooms with shared amenities; proposed parking would include 20 spaces, which staff said is adequate given transit and cycling proximity.
Public comment included nearby residents voicing concern about shared kitchens and bathrooms for 20 people, and nearby business owners asking whether the use could drive increased transient activity or conflict with surrounding office uses. Several neighborhood respondents also urged more detail on operating rules, bathroom counts and parking. Planner Salls and the director noted that hotels and motels are not permitted in the PO zone and that short‑term rentals (less than 30 days) are not allowed there — providing a barrier against Airbnb‑style uses.
After discussion, commissioners voted to recommend approval to City Council. Staff said a concept plan or project plan would return to the commission (or via administrative review, depending on parcel size) for site‑specific conditions, which could include minimum bathroom counts, parking requirements and lease limits.
What’s next The proposed code text will go to City Council. If Council approves the change, any developer would still need to obtain a site‑specific approval and comply with conditions set at that time.
