The City of Lehi is maintaining strict regulatory oversight for land development as it continues to manage evolving zoning definitions and construction requirements. These standards, which include specific grading permit mandates and classifications for residential units, build upon foundational city ordinances established as far back as 2013 to safeguard local infrastructure and property.
Strict Grading and Erosion Controls
Under current Lehi City Development Code, the city requires specific grading permits for various construction activities to minimize environmental impact. According to the city's grading ordinance, a permit is mandatory for any project involving clearing or grubbing in excess of one acre, or any fill and excavation that changes a property's elevation by more than two feet relative to adjacent properties or surrounding roadway grades.
Additionally, the city requires permits for the installation of retaining walls or modular block walls that exceed four feet in height. The city's code specifies that these walls must be designed by a professional engineer and require a building permit. To prevent soil erosion and protect water resources, the city mandates that disturbed soil must be stabilized as quickly as practicable and that natural vegetation be retained whenever feasible during the development process.
Tiered Development Approvals
The city's approval process for new developments is tiered based on the projected valuation of the project. For uses with a valuation exceeding $500,000, the city requires a multi-step approval process involving a complete application, review by multiple departments, a hearing before the Planning Commission, and final approval.
In contrast, development projects with a valuation of less than $500,000 follow a streamlined path. According to city guidelines, these projects typically require a complete application followed by a review by the Zoning Administrator, who may consult with other reviewing departments if deemed necessary, before a building permit can be issued.
Residential Unit Definitions
Recent updates to the Lehi City Development Code have provided precise definitions for various residential and commercial uses to ensure clarity in the permitting process. For example, the code distinguishes between different types of accessory dwelling units. An internal accessory dwelling unit is defined as a completely independent dwelling located within an existing structure, featuring a separate entrance and separate cooking, eating, sanitation, and sleeping facilities.
In contrast, a detached accessory dwelling unit is an independent dwelling located on the same parcel as a primary residence but not attached to it. Both types must be occupied by a separate family or housekeeping unit and must maintain physical separation from the primary dwelling to prevent passage between units.
Assisted Living Classifications
The city also maintains specific classifications for assisted living facilities, which are residential facilities providing coordinated support and healthcare services. These are categorized by capacity: large capacity facilities accommodate more than eight residents (excluding staff), while limited capacity facilities accommodate no more than eight residents.
Under the city's definitions, limited capacity assisted living facilities must have residents who are ambulatory, meaning they can exit a structure without assistance. If such a facility is located within an existing home or a residential zone, it is regulated as a Group Home unless it fails to meet specific Group Home requirements, in which case it is regulated under the assisted living facility use.
Commercial and Agricultural Uses
The scope of the Lehi Development Code also covers a wide range of commercial and specialized uses. This includes artisan shops, which are defined as small establishments no larger than 5,000 square feet that involve the limited on-site production of custom goods, such as furniture, ceramics, or jewelry, for direct sale to customers.
Other regulated uses include automobile service and repair, which encompasses the repair of vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds. The city also maintains specific definitions for agricultural operations, distinguishing between horticultural operations, such as raising crops, and livestock operations, which include dairy and poultry farms but exclude industrial processing facilities like fruit packing plants.
Regulatory Framework Goals
The city's regulatory framework is designed to address the complexities of modern urban development while protecting the local environment. By establishing clear definitions for everything from grading permits to specialized business types, the city aims to guide the construction process and ensure that all developments, whether small-scale or large-scale, comply with established safety and zoning standards.
