The Lindon City Planning Commission on June 24 voted unanimously to recommend a draft ordinance that would allow front porches to project into required front-yard setbacks under specified conditions and to change the code language from “single-family dwellings” to “residential dwellings.” The commission will forward the recommended amendment to the city council for final action on July 7.

Planning staff presented a proposed text amendment to clarify and expand front-yard porch encroachments. Under the proposed language, a front porch may project up to 30% of the applicable front-yard setback. Staff explained that, for a 30-foot setback, a porch could project up to 9 feet. The proposal also specifies that roof structures and stairs are included in the projection allowance; porch area within the setback cannot be used for living or storage space; porches must remain open on three sides (walls are allowed but may not exceed 40 inches measured from the porch floor); and the porch may extend up to 25% of the width of the front elevation.

Mike Florence, planning staff, noted the current code allows a 24-inch eave projection and that the draft language responds to a resident request to add a larger porch. Commissioners discussed whether the rule should be limited to single-family homes or extended to other residential dwelling types. After discussion and noting limits such as the 25% width cap, the commission asked staff to change the draft text from “single family dwellings” to “residential dwellings.” A motion to recommend the ordinance amendment with that change carried unanimously.

Staff told the commission the amendment is intended to allow porches that protect front steps and to improve neighborhood appearance while retaining limits that prevent enclosure or conversion of the setback area to habitable space. The commission noted the change would accommodate porches in a range of Lindon neighborhoods and directed staff to forward the recommendation and the draft ordinance to the City Council for consideration on July 7.