Proposed Student Housing Development
The Provo City Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on September 23, 2026, to consider a proposal for a 157-unit apartment building in the Foothills Neighborhood. The project, submitted by Cole West, seeks to rezone a 1.55-acre vacant lot from Residential Conservation to Campus Residential to facilitate student housing near Brigham Young University.
Project Scope and Zoning
The proposed development, located at 910 N 900 E, would consist of a 157-unit apartment building designed for baching singles occupancy. According to the Planning Commission agenda, the project would include structured parking, bicycle facilities, resident amenities, management offices, and landscaped open spaces. The property, owned by CW PROVO LLC, is currently zoned as Residential Conservation (RC), a designation that does not permit the density requested by the applicant.
Zoning and Transit Alignment
To accommodate the new development, Cole West is requesting a Zone Map Amendment to change the property's designation to the Campus Residential (CR) zone. This legislative decision will require a recommendation from the Planning Commission to the Provo Municipal Council. The applicant's proposal aims to direct housing demand to an area immediately adjacent to Brigham Young University, utilizing its proximity to the Utah Valley Express (UVX) bus rapid transit line.
General Plan and Public Interest
Staff analysis for the Commission indicates that the proposed CR zoning would allow for purpose-built housing for baching singles within walking and biking distance of BYU. The city's General Plan supports increasing density in already-developed areas, particularly near major transit corridors and public transportation hubs. The analysis also noted that among surveyed students, student housing was the most frequently identified type of housing and development needed in Provo.
Parking and Agreement Details
The development agreement submitted by the applicant includes a request to reduce parking requirements to 0.50 parking stalls per bed. Additionally, the agreement allows for up to 40 parking stalls to be provided off-site. However, the Planning Commission's staff report noted that the agreement does not specify a maximum distance for these off-site parking spaces and expressed uncertainty regarding how the five-year lease for off-site parking would be enforced by city staff after its expiration.
Meeting Schedule and Context
The project was previously presented at an East District meeting on August 5, 2026. The Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a study session at 5:00 PM at the Provo Peak Conference Room on September 23, 2026, immediately preceding the formal 6:00 PM public hearing. The public hearing will take place in the Council Chambers at 445 West Center Street.
Next Legislative Steps
Following the Planning Commission's recommendation, the Provo Municipal Council is scheduled to consider legislative items on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 5:30 PM. Decisions made by the Planning Commission on unmarked administrative items may be appealed to the Board of Adjustment by 6:00 PM within 14 days of the decision.
