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Levan commission asks staff to research corner-lot setbacks amid fairness concerns
Summary
Commissioners asked staff to compare other cities' setback ordinances and report back after debate over whether corner lots—treated as two front yards—should have different rules for accessory structures, citing safety, clear-view and equity issues.
The Levan Planning and Zoning Commission on July 2 directed staff to research corner-lot setback rules and examples from other cities after an extended discussion about equity and safety.
The mayor asked commissioners to look at other towns' ordinances to determine whether Levan should allow accessory structures, such as sheds or garages, to sit closer to the street on corner lots. Commissioners identified the core tension: corner lots are currently treated as having two front yards and must meet a 30-foot street setback, which some said limits owners' usable space. "If we're gonna do it, then we need to change the setbacks on interior lots," said Unidentified Speaker 1, arguing that allowing corner lots closer access without doing the same for interior lots would be unfair.
Other commissioners cited public-safety rationales for maintaining the 30-foot setback, including clear sight lines for future curb-and-gutter work and ease of off-street parking. One commissioner cited Sandy City as an example of jurisdictions that allow attached garages closer to the sidewalk to encourage home improvements.
Commissioners agreed to pull sample ordinances, examine local lots and prepare recommendations for whether to amend Levan's setback rules. No ordinance change was adopted at the meeting; the commission requested staff and commissioners return with comparative language and site reviews for a future hearing.
