Council continues building-height code change after developers and neighbors raise concerns

Pleasant Grove — The City Council continued public hearings on Ordinance 2026-004, a code text amendment that would redefine how building height is measured in single-family zones, sending the item back to planning commission for further refinement.

Director Cardennis explained the proposal would measure a building’s height from the average elevation between the original natural grade and the proposed finished grade rather than from finished grade alone. He described the approach as a middle ground intended to prevent applicants from raising finish grades to fit taller houses into existing height limits. ‘‘We’re going to find the middle point and go from there,’’ Cardennis said, describing the average-elevation method.

Developers told council that the change could negatively affect preapproved lots and steep-bench subdivisions. Russ Wilson of Symphony Homes thanked staff for recommending a grandfather clause to protect previously approved projects. Castlewood Development’s Haley Pratt said her firm built under existing code and welcomed staff accommodation to protect preapproved projects.

Several council members pressed staff about edge-case scenarios — for example, whether a developer who excavated a deep lot could effectively raise allowable building height by changing finished grade. Staff acknowledged potential loopholes and committed to a site-specific analysis and additional planning-commission review. The council voted to continue and renotice the item so staff and planning commission can draft language addressing maximums from finished grade and other clarifications.

Council Member Rogers moved to continue the public hearing and Council Member Leone seconded; the motion passed unanimously by roll call.