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Council adopts package of residential‑density code changes to clarify how 'density' is defined
Summary
Council approved a coordinated set of amendments to titles 12 and 13, the general plan and two area plans to replace gross/net density language with a single definition and to clarify how unbuildable land is treated for density calculations.
Payson City Council voted to adopt a coordinated package of code and plan amendments intended to standardize how residential density is defined across subdivision regulations, zoning code and area plans.
Planning staff (Michael, S16) said the proposed changes remove inconsistent references to "gross" and "net" density and replace them with a single, clear definition of density and a specific approach for multifamily development. "Each of these requests are all related to density and how it's defined and identified and viewed in these documents," he told the council. The change means the city will exclude non‑buildable acreage (for example roads or wetlands) from density calculations while allowing credit for dedicated open space and parks.
Councilors discussed implications for units‑per‑acre mapping, how zone designations will relate to plan guidance, and whether some area plans should keep numeric units per acre. Staff said the Spring Creek plan already identified developable land closely and that the code changes are intended to remove ambiguity for developers and staff.
Council members approved separate motions to amend Title 12 (subdivision regulations), Title 13 (zoning), the general plan, the Spring Creek area plan and the South Meadows area plan. Staff said the package is intended to give clearer expectations for developers and reduce surprise disputes about how density is calculated.
