The City of Provo and Saratoga Springs continue to operate separate administrative frameworks for managing municipal growth and residential resources, according to recent departmental records from both cities. While Provo maintains a dedicated Housing Authority Board to oversee local housing needs, Saratoga Springs utilizes a multi-tiered Planning and Zoning division to manage land use and urban development.
Saratoga Springs Planning Staff
In Saratoga Springs, the Planning and Zoning department serves as a central hub for municipal oversight of land use. As of June 2026, the department's leadership includes Planning Director Sarah Carroll, AICP, who oversees the division's operations.
The city's planning staff is composed of several senior-level professionals tasked with long-range and immediate development needs. This team includes Long Range/Senior Planner Tippe Morlan, AICP, alongside Senior Planners Austin Roy, David Jellen, and Kendal Black. The department also utilizes mid-level and entry-level planners to support its functions, including Sam Stout, a Planner II, and Caden Baines, a Planner I.
Departmental Oversight
The Saratoga Springs Planning and Zoning division provides direct contact methods for residents and developers seeking information on municipal growth. The department manages inquiries through a centralized email address, planning@saratogasprings-ut.gov, and maintains an active office line at 801-766-9793, extension 155.
This administrative structure is designed to facilitate the review of development applications and ensure compliance with city zoning ordinances. The department's presence on the municipal website highlights its role in the broader government framework of Saratoga Springs.
Provo Housing Administration
In a different administrative approach, the City of Provo maintains a Housing Authority Board to address specific residential and housing-related mandates within the city. This board functions as a distinct municipal body separate from general city planning operations.
The existence of this board reflects Provo's structured method for managing housing resources and policy implementation at the local level.
Regional Administrative Differences
While both cities are integral to the Utah Valley region, their internal management of development and housing remains decentralized. Saratoga Springs focuses its departmental resources on a specialized planning hierarchy, whereas Provo utilizes a dedicated board structure for its housing authority functions.
