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Planning commission forwards form‑based code recommendation to City Council after public hearing
Summary
After staff presented a 122‑page draft replacing the Murray City Center District with a city center form‑based code, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Council; staff noted the code reduces some previously allowed heights and emphasizes design, street types and open‑space standards.
The Murray Planning Commission on April 17 voted to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Council for a proposed city center form‑based code that would replace the existing Murray City Center District zoning chapter.
Zach Smallwood, planning staff, summarized the draft code and map amendments. The document creates five form districts (Civic Center, Boulevard, Neighborhood Corridor, Transit Neighborhood and Residential Transition), prescribes street and building types, sets build‑to‑zones and open‑space standards, and contains landscape, signage, parking and administration chapters. Staff said the new code emphasizes building form and public‑realm design over traditional use‑by‑use lists and that in many places it lowers previously permitted heights under the old MCCD zoning. The draft is roughly 122 pages; staff reported 329 notices were mailed and two written comments had been received.
Members of the public addressed the commission. Dylan Barney, a long‑time resident, said he does not want tall (eight‑story) buildings adjacent to his home. Diane Powers asked whether a particular property in the draft had been retained as a historic property. Michael Todd, a downtown property owner, expressed frustration that property owners felt excluded during parts of the steering process and asked for more engagement. Susan Wright echoed concerns about repeated zoning changes and impacts on long‑standing property owners.
Commissioners discussed public input, the history of drafting (steering committee, public open house, prior meetings) and examples of form‑based code in other Utah cities. Commissioner Jake Pearson moved to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Council; Commissioner Katie Rogers seconded. The commission voted unanimously to forward the recommendation.
The action is a recommendation only; the City Council will hold a subsequent public hearing before taking any final zoning action. Staff said the code affords nonconformity protections so existing businesses are not forced to change unless they pursue new construction or major alterations.
