Bountiful council weighs allowing gravel 'permeable' parking; staff to refer code text to planning commission

City staff presented draft land‑use code language to allow permeable gravel parking in certain rear or side yard areas during a Bountiful City Council work session. The proposed text defines a "permeable parking surface" and sets design and separation requirements; council members provided direction to send the draft to the planning commission for a public hearing and formal recommendation.

Francisco, a city planning/engineering staff member, told the council the item continues a discussion from a November 12, 2024 meeting and that staff prepared example language and exhibits showing how permeable parking could be sited behind front yard setbacks. "This is a city initiated land use code text amendment," Francisco said, noting the draft definition of "permeable parking surface" and the recommendation that any permit process be reviewed by the planning commission before a final ordinance is adopted.

Staff recommendation and concerns Staff recommended keeping the permeable parking surface at least 25 feet behind the front property line (the front yard setback) because of stormwater and code‑enforcement concerns. Francisco told the council the draft code would require a clear…