Lehi Planning Commission Work Session on Bike/Ped Plan and Buffering - November 7, 2024

On November 7, 2024, at 5:30 PM in the Lehi City Council Chambers, the Planning Commission held a work session to discuss the draft Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan and proposed amendments to buffering and screening requirements for commercial projects adjacent to residential zones. No public comments were made, and no formal votes were taken on the agenda items; decisions were limited to scheduling and direction for future drafts.

Discussion Items

Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan

• Staff presented the draft plan, emphasizing a vision: "Lehi will be safe and comfortable for families and individuals of all ages and abilities to walk, bike, and roll to their desired destinations."
• Eight goals were outlined, prioritized around safety and connectivity, with a focus on the next 5–10 years:
  1. Update design standards for trail crossings (e.g., raised crossings).
  2. Add 20% of missing sidewalks along developed roads.
  3. Complete lighting on 16 miles of trails (¼ of total).
  4. Expand active transportation connections to key destinations (schools, transit, neighboring communities).
  5. Add 11 miles of paved trails and 12 miles of on-street bike infrastructure (e.g., cycle tracks).
  6. Identify pedestrian districts and enforce strong design standards for walkability.
  7. Complete public art at three underpasses to deter graffiti.
  8. Complete recreational prioritized trails, overcoming private property challenges.
• Staff noted existing trail network: 72 miles of paved trails, 16.8 miles of bike lanes, and 1.88 miles of separated bikeways (700 South cycle track).
• Commissioners expressed support for the goals, with Commissioner Everett suggesting adding school routes to Goal 2. Discussion included the 700 South cycle track—mixed reviews, but about 60-70% positive feedback. Commissioner Lockhart inquired about future connections (e.g., Clubhouse Drive to Thanksgiving Point, Point of the Mountain connector). Staff noted ongoing coordination with UDOT and other agencies.

Buffering and Screening Requirements

• Staff proposed amendments to the code, primarily to require a solid masonry or concrete fence (six feet for standard commercial, eight feet for heavy commercial) instead of the current six-foot obscuring fence (e.g., chain-link with slats).
• Buffer widths would increase based on zoning: from 12 feet to up to 30 feet for heavy commercial, plus additional width for buildings over 20 feet tall.
• Landscaping requirements would be more specific: large trees every 30 feet on center, at least half evergreen, with a minimum six-foot height at planting.
• The buffer area would be limited to landscaping, sidewalks, or trails—no parking, vehicular use, generators, or dumpsters.
• Commissioners discussed the purpose statement: staff proposed changing "compatible and sensitive" to language acknowledging that impacts may not be fully eliminated. Commissioner Everett suggested rewording to "mitigate or eliminate" for consistency.
• The proposed reduction clause allowing flexibility was debated. Commissioner Lockhart expressed concern that it would be too broad. The commission decided to remove the reduction clause entirely, leaving developers to seek a development agreement if they need a smaller buffer. Commissioner Everett noted this would put the decision before the City Council.
• Staff will refine the draft and bring it back for further discussion.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken on the plan or code amendments; both remain in draft form.
• The Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan will be refined based on commissioner feedback and brought back for recommendation and adoption.
• The buffering and screening code amendments will be revised, with the reduction clause removed, and presented again at a future work session.
• The commission scheduled a special regular meeting on December 5, 2024, at 7:00 PM to hold a public hearing and consider the controversial Attainable Homeownership Overlay Zone (AHOZ) item, which was postponed from the November 14 regular meeting due to Commissioner Lockhart's absence. The regular December 12 meeting will also be held as needed.