Planning Commission recommends allowing 'light manufacturing' in Southtown with safeguards for retail sales

The North Ogden City Planning Commission on July 16 recommended that the City Council approve an amendment to Title 11 to add a defined "light manufacturing" use as a permitted use in the Commercial South Town zone, with added safeguards to limit impacts and encourage sales‑tax activity.

Planning Director Scott Hess presented the legislative item after city council requested staff review of a business license denial for a business proposing 3‑D printing and small‑scale assembly in a commercial space. Hess summarized why the current code did not clearly permit the proposed activity in commercial zones and proposed draft language: "Light manufacturing would be the assembly of materials entirely within enclosed buildings with no significant noise, vibration, emissions, or other adverse impacts on nearby properties or uses. This includes the use of hand tools and 3‑D printing equipment. Limited on‑site storage of raw materials and finished goods is permitted..."

Commissioners expressed concern about opening commercial areas to manufacturing that would not generate sales tax or would produce external impacts, and they proposed two clarifications: explicitly include small power tools (not only hand tools) in the definition, and add a requirement that permitted light‑manufacturing locations demonstrate a retail sales component (on‑site or online direct sales) so the city benefits from sales‑tax revenue. The commission asked staff to refine wording and forward the recommendation to city council.

Applicant Mike Shelblum, who operates similar work in Riverdale and does product design, 3‑D printing and light assembly for aftermarket vehicle accessories, described the business model and typical operations, including prototyping by 3‑D printing and occasional light welding. "We do some 3 d printing... we design and sell products for Humvees and Hummer h ones," Shelblum said, noting his operation is primarily small‑scale assembly and prototyping; he told commissioners most of his work involves design, some 3‑D printing and outsourced manufacturing partners.

Action and next steps: The commission voted unanimously to recommend the code amendment to city council with the suggested edits (add small power tools and require on‑site or online direct sales). City staff said they will refine the draft definition and present a formal ordinance for city council consideration; the planning commission’s action was a recommendation only.

Vote: The recommendation passed unanimously (Commissioners Watson, Gardner, Neighbour, Bailey, Green and the chair voted yes). The item now moves to city council for legislative action.