Ogden City is considering restrictions to multifamily housing in commercial zones

OGDEN, Utah — Ogden City officials want the Ogden City Planning Commission to stop approving requests to develop multifamily housing projects within commercial zones.

The city is concerned that there are no amenities, like parks or recreation, in those areas.

The Ogden City Planning Commission approved more than 2,500 units without amenities. Whereas only 83 single-family homes were approved.

Ogden’s planning manager Barton Brierly said their proposed restrictions would apply to developments under 10 acres. 

“Part of the proposal would be that if you have a larger mixed-use project where you could build those things into your project, you could build in a recreation center a grocery store,” Brierly said.

Specifically, this restriction would apply to Wall Avenue, Washington and Harrison Boulevards, and 12th Street in Ogden.

“Part of the reason for wanting to limit multifamily housing is that these commercial areas, they don’t have walkability, they don’t have access to services or parks or recreation amenities,” Brierly said.

Those who oppose the city’s plan say it is restrictive. It will cut off options for residents who cannot afford housing in other areas, they said.

Ogden City is hoping to promote building apartments, single-family homes, and townhomes in safe places that have sidewalks, parks, or shops, Brierly said.

The planning commission will take up the issue next week.

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