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Planning commission leans toward measuring building height from average of natural and finished grade; continues item
Summary
Staff presented three options to redefine building-height measurement to address resident concerns about filled lots and perceived taller homes; the commission favored Option 1 (average of natural and finished grade), asked staff to draft text, and continued the item to Jan. 8, 2026 for further refinement and meetings with affected developers.
Pleasant Grove's Planning Commission on Dec. 11 reviewed proposed amendments to the city's building-height definition (City Code 10-6-2) designed to address resident complaints that filled lots make new homes appear taller than neighbors expect. Commissioners signaled unanimous support for staff's preferred approach (Option 1) and voted to continue the item to the Jan. 8 meeting so staff can prepare draft code language and meet with affected developers.
Staff presented three options for measuring height: (1) measure from the average of the original (natural) grade and the proposed finished grade at each building face to the highest roof point (staff preferred); (2) average finished grade within a set distance (e.g., 10 feet) from the building; and (3) measure from the lowest natural perimeter grade to a midroof point (which can enable taller buildings). Hawkins and Daniel said Option 1 provides a practicable compromise that reduces perceived height for neighbors while remaining administrable.
Developer concerns: Jim Pratt, an attorney representing Castlewood Homes, asked that any amendment not be applied unfairly to projects that proceeded under previous staff guidance. Pratt requested the change be prospective or that staff confirm how vesting and previously issued permits will be treated.
Daniel (staff) responded that ordinances are not applied retroactively to vested projects and explained the legal concept of vesting: projects with submitted and accepted applications have rights under the code in effect at submission. He offered to meet with the developer and other concerned parties and to refine draft language before the City Council hearing.
Outcome: The commission expressed a unanimous preference for Option 1, requested staff draft revised code text implementing that measurement approach, and continued the item to Jan. 8 to allow staff and affected developers to clarify impacts and for the commission to consider finalized drafting.
