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Bountiful adopts "Bountiful by Design" general plan after public hearing and minor edits
Summary
Council held a public hearing, accepted several council edits (wording changes and map boundary adjustments), and unanimously adopted the revised general plan "Bountiful by Design" (Ordinance 2025‑19). The plan is advisory; zoning changes will require subsequent code and map amendments.
After a multi‑year process and a public hearing on Dec. 9, Bountiful City Council adopted the updated comprehensive plan, "Bountiful by Design," as Ordinance 2025‑19.
Planning staff presented four primary refinements requested by council: incorporate the South Davis Greenway feasibility study, replace the phrase "non‑motorized travel options" with "active transportation" (and add "routes"), modify the complete‑street language to a "complete street network," and correct minor editorial and outdated language. Staff emphasized that adoption of the general plan is policy guidance only and does not immediately change zoning.
Several residents testified during the public hearing. Elaine Oakes asked that the Orchard Bend boundary be adjusted so newer homes near the Dick’s market remain consistent with neighborhood character. Ron Mortensen criticized parts of the consultant draft as aligning with state legislative demands and warned that the plan could alter the city's historic character; other public commenters encouraged adoption so work could proceed.
Council members debated whether to remove a brief "hospital neighborhood" reference from an implementation paragraph to reduce confusion; staff noted some language was required for state reporting and cautioned about ad hoc edits that might jeopardize compliance. The council also agreed to replace the dated phrase "white settlement" with "non‑Native American settlement" in the plan’s historical context section.
After discussion, a council member moved to adopt the ordinance with the changes noted (wording edits, removal of the hospital designation from the implementation paragraph, and the dedication line proposed by the planning commission). The motion passed unanimously. Staff reiterated that plan adoption initiates an implementation phase requiring land‑use code and zoning updates to realize the plan’s objectives.
Next steps: planning staff will begin implementation items (code updates and public outreach) and prioritize work over the coming two years; property owners and developers seeking changes can still apply for code amendments or rezones under the regular process.
