Bountiful council hears amended Lakeview Mortuaries proposal to allow event venues in residential zones; raises noise and traffic concerns

The Bountiful City Council on Jan. 28 reviewed a staff report and a Planning Commission recommendation on a code amendment proposed by Lakeview Mortuaries to permit public or private assembly uses in residential zones, with the matter returned to staff for code language and conditions.

The proposal would add a defined “assembly” use to the land‑use code and allow such uses only after approval through a conditional-use permit or by specific code provisions. The applicant amended its request during the application process to propose a minimum site size of 10 acres (up from 3 acres in the Planning Commission recommendation), a minimum setback of 150 feet from property lines (up from 75 feet), restricted access routed to Bountiful Boulevard, and a maximum measurable sound level of 78 decibels measured at 150 feet from the gathering space.

The amendment attracted sustained council discussion because the proposed venues could bring larger gatherings close to existing single‑family neighborhoods. Francisco (planning staff), who presented the staff report coauthored with Amber Corbridge, said the Planning Commission forwarded a positive…