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Planning commission recommends requiring right‑of‑way dedication when new homes are built
Summary
On April 15, 2026 the Smithfield Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend City Council adopt Ordinance 2026-05, which would require property owners to dedicate predefined right‑of‑way to the city when a new primary structure is built on a single lot.
The Smithfield Planning Commission on April 15 recommended that the City Council adopt Ordinance 2026‑05, which would require property owners who build a new primary structure on a single lot to dedicate the city’s predefined right‑of‑way in front of the property.
The recommendation — approved 5‑0 — came after staff told commissioners the city’s current practice requires ROW dedication and infrastructure when parcels subdivide, but not always for standalone lot development. Brian Boudrero, city staff, told the commission that the proposed code change would add Section 17.100.080 to Smithfield Municipal Code Title 17 and would require dedication of the full predefined ROW width for single‑lot developments so future vehicular circulation and pedestrian infrastructure are coherent across neighborhoods.
Staff described the typical calculation used in the city, which has generally required the dedication of half the full ROW width plus 10 feet of asphalt when developing a new street. Under the proposed ordinance, property owners would be required to dedicate the portion of ROW directly in front of their lot when they build a new primary residence; they would not be required to construct the full roadway across the corridor. Boudrero emphasized the change “has no implications for existing homeowners” and applies only when a property is developed — not when owners add detached garages or accessory dwelling units.
Commissioners asked whether the requirement could be seen as infringing on property rights. Staff responded that the dedication is limited to the portion in front of the lot and pointed commissioners to illustrations in the staff report that show how the requirement would apply on narrow streets. Commissioner Lane Henderson moved and Commissioner Klydi Heywood seconded the motion to recommend approval; the motion passed unanimously (Beckstead, Henderson, Heywood, Meier, Marshall voting yes; Felshaw, Price and Thatcher absent).
The Planning Commission’s recommendation will go to the City Council for consideration. If adopted by the council, the city’s Construction and Design Standards (Part III, Roadways) and the municipality’s Future Transportation Map will guide specific ROW widths and roadway classifications for implementation.
