Ogden Council Approves Rezoning for 853 Seventh Street, Clearing Way for Small‑lot Homes

The Ogden City Council on Sept. 16 adopted Ordinance 2025‑29 to rezone property at 853 Seventh Street to permit a small‑lot, owner‑occupied housing development under a time‑limited development agreement.

The measure passed after public hearings and lengthy council discussion over access, habitat loss, and legal questions about a private easement that provides driveway access. Vice Chair Hyer moved to adopt the ordinance; the motion passed on a roll‑call vote with Council Member Ritchie and Chair White voting no.

The petition before the council, as presented by Planning Commission staffer Joe Simpson, seeks to change the site from single‑family R16 zoning to R2S (two‑family/small lot) with a conditional overlay and a development agreement that would limit some uses and include a deed restriction requiring owner occupancy for 10 years. Simpson said the site comprises several parcels adjacent to canal easements, has limited public street frontage, and would be developed with private drives and a homeowners association to maintain common open space and private drives.

Developer Pat Burns, who said his purchase is contingent…