Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Planning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Payson Planning Commission narrows proposed East Side land-use change, keeps multi-family options but limits high-density apartments
Summary
The Planning Commission voted June 24 to redesignate four east-side parcels as "The District," aligning the East Side Comprehensive Plan with the General Plan but adding restrictions to prevent high-density apartment complexes; the change removes a 55+ restriction that applicants said hindered sales.
The Payson City Planning Commission on June 24 voted to redesignate a portion of the East Side Comprehensive Plan from "Active Living" to "The District," but added restrictions aimed at preventing high-density apartment complexes while allowing some multi-family forms.
The public hearing centered on four Utah County parcels (300300009, 300300008, 300500024, 300500023). Staff recommended the change to align the East Side plan with the newer General Plan, which identifies the area as a future "Mixed Use Center". Anders Bake, senior planner, told commissioners the two plan documents describe different intended outcomes and that "The District" is the East Side designation most comparable to the General Plan's Mixed Use Center.
Applicant Jimmy DeGraffenreid, representing SITN, LLC, said the owners wanted to remove a 55+ age restriction because such units "do not sell well" and that the owners were seeking the property's "highest and best use." Dozens of written and in-person comments opposed the change, raising school capacity, traffic, water, and neighborhood character concerns.
Commission debate focused on whether to allow any multi-family housing. Commissioner Heimuli proposed limiting the plan to single-family only, but that motion failed for lack of a second. Commissioner Ryan Frisbys motion to redesignate the area as "The District" while restricting high-density apartments and commercial uses passed on a 4-1 roll-call vote (Adams, Beecher, Frisby, Gedeborg yes; Heimuli no).
Why it matters: The decision aligns local planning documents and preserves flexibility for housing types short of large apartment complexes. Supporters said removing the 55+ restriction could enable a range of housing, including more affordable starter homes; opponents warned of added strain on roads, schools and water systems.
What happens next: The Planning Commission's recommendation on the Comprehensive Plan amendment will be forwarded to City Council for final action. The commissions vote included explicit language limiting high-density apartment development; any future rezoning or development agreement would implement those limits.
Quote: "They would like to remove the 55+ restriction because they feel they do not sell well," applicant Jimmy DeGraffenreid said during the hearing.
