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Planning commission considers letting multifamily developers convert on‑site active open space when project fronts a public park
Summary
Staff presented water‑conservation language that would allow developers to reduce or convert required on‑site active open space if a multifamily project is within a defined walking distance of a public park; commissioners asked staff to refine distance metrics (quarter vs half‑mile), define connectivity, and return with examples and photos.
The Roy City Planning Commission on May 26 discussed a staff proposal drawn from the city's water‑conservation plan that would let multifamily developments reduce or convert required active on‑site open space when they sit within a specified distance of a public park.
Staff framed the change as a water‑conservation measure: "If I'm within a half mile or quarter mile of a park, why do I need the active space when I've got an active space at a park?" staff asked, summarizing the intent to reduce redundant grass and encourage passive amenities. Commissioners raised concerns about walkability and safety, noting that a half‑mile distance may not be truly accessible if residents must cross busy streets or railroad tracks. Several members recommended that any code allow conversions only where there is direct, safe pedestrian connectivity to the park.
Commissioners also sought clarity on how much active open space could be reduced, whether developers could increase units if they reduced open space, and which zoning districts would be eligible. Staff said the idea applied to certain residential zones (R3–R5) and offered to bring site photos and examples of comparable projects. One commissioner pressed staff to return with a clearly measurable definition of distance (for example, walking network distance rather than as‑the‑crow‑flies) and examples of access points that make a park truly usable.
No formal change was adopted; staff will research examples, draft language that clarifies eligible zones, distance calculations, and possible limits on unit increases, and present findings at a future meeting ahead of a public hearing.
