Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Lehi, UT: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Lehi or are thinking about moving there, zoning overlays & bonuses are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Lehi has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of zoning overlays & bonuses, and some of them might surprise you.

Density Bonus Law

Lehi's Planned Community (PC) Zone lets developers exceed the base density of three units per acre by up to 40 percent by providing amenities the city values, from recreation facilities to open space and street beautification. The Planning Commission recommends and the City Council decides the final bonus when it approves the Area Plan.

Key details: Maximum density bonus: 40% above base density. Base density: 3 units/acre or General Plan, greater. Active recreation bonus: Up to 10%. Common buildings bonus: Up to 10%, built before 25% of permits. Street beautification bonus: Up to 5%.

The 40 percent ceiling in Section 06.110 is absolute: the Planning Commission and City Council cannot approve a PC density total above it regardless of how many amenities a developer offers. Amenity-specific bonuses can also be forfeited for noncompliance; Section 06.120.2 requires common buildings or facilities to be constructed before 25 percent of the development's building permits are issued, and the City Council may award less than the listed maximum for any amenity it finds insufficiently justified.

Downtown Design Guide

Lehi's Development Code sets binding design standards for downtown streets, sidewalks, plazas, and fencing under Section 37.050, built directly on the 2007 Downtown Lehi Revitalization Plan. The rules cover seven distinct street types along Main Street, State Street, and Center Street.

Key details: Governing provision: Development Code § 37.050. Underlying plan: Downtown Lehi Revitalization Plan (2007). Street trees: Over 35 ft high and wide at maturity. Fence height limit: 4 ft max outside rear/side yards. Banned fence materials: Vinyl and chain link.

A development or streetscape project in downtown Lehi that does not meet Section 37.050's paving, lighting, landscaping, or fencing standards is corrected through the City's site plan and building permit review process; noncompliant plans are not approved for construction. Chain link or vinyl fencing installed in violation of subsection D is enforceable the same as any other Development Code violation, through the City's code enforcement process under Chapter 34.

The Bottom Line

Lehi's zoning overlays & bonuses rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Lehi is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Lehi's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.