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Planning commission continues discussion of front-yard accessory-building rules to next meeting
Summary
Commissioners debated proposed code language restricting accessory buildings in front yards (LUCA 25-06) and voted to continue the item to allow more commissioners and Councilman Kevin Thomas to participate in the discussion.
The Lehi Planning Commission continued consideration of a proposed land-use code amendment (LUCA 25-06) that would clarify and tighten rules about accessory buildings located in front yards.
Staff presented a draft that would explicitly limit accessory structures in front yards and suggested a 100-foot threshold for exceptions on deeper lots. Staff said the existing code does not explicitly prohibit accessory buildings in front yards, leading to inconsistent interpretations when accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and other structures were raised by property owners.
Commissioners and members of the public discussed several scenarios: homeowners with deep lots who want a small primary residence in back and an ADU in front, owners who wish to convert a larger garage in back into a residence and treat the front house as an ADU, and property owners who want to cluster development while preserving open space. Commissioners debated whether to use the standard 25-foot front setback or the proposed 100-foot threshold and whether ADUs should be treated differently from accessory structures such as sheds or hangars.
Councilman Kevin Thomas joined online and asked to be present for the discussion; several commissioners asked for more examples and additional commissioner participation. Commissioners agreed the issue is complex and could have unintended consequences for deep or irregular lots. A motion to continue the item to the next meeting carried on a voice vote (“Aye”); exact vote counts were not provided in the transcript.
Staff said options include: explicitly prohibiting accessory buildings in front yards, allowing ADUs but treating other accessory structures differently, or adding architectural-compatibility and setback rules so accessory structures match main buildings and do not clutter the front yard. Commissioners asked staff to return with drafted language and additional specific scenarios to clarify the community intent.
