Planning commission backs text changes to Provo ADU rules; repeals signature-based fee waiver

Provo City Planning Commission members voted Oct. 22 to recommend that the Provo City Council approve ordinance text amendments to chapter 14.30 of the city code that replace the ADU map in 14.30.020 and repeal section 14.30.040, the special-use-permit/fee-waiver pathway for accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

The proposed changes include expanding the visible map coverage used to show where ADUs are allowed, removing confusing zoning labels and the map title, and repealing the signature-gathering fee waiver that had been tied to a special-use permit pathway. Melia, a Provo City policy analyst, told commissioners the map edits are a visual clarification and “it’s not a policy change. We’re just kind of trying to simplify our section of code for ADUs.”

Planners said the repeal of 14.30.040 removes a route that had allowed applicants to gather signatures from immediate neighbors to receive a…