Council rejects amendment to allow accessory dwelling unit at 1841 N. 1550 E. after extensive neighborhood objection

The Provo City Council rejected an ordinance text amendment that would have added a small area — specifically the property at 1841 North 1550 East — to the city’s map of areas where accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are permitted. The planning commission recommended approval, but the council voted 7–0 against the amendment after extensive public comment raising concerns about spot zoning, enforcement and neighborhood character.

Jessica Donneke, city planner, explained the requested text amendment would add a small map square (including 1841 N. 1550 E.) to the overlay that allows ADUs. She said the property is currently zoned R1-10, which does not allow ADUs, and that the property owner had been identified through a code enforcement complaint. Donneke described two different administrative pathways that have existed historically — a special-use permit route requiring signatures of 66% of adjacent property owners and an…