Provo planners working on new zoning, building standards

PROVO — New zoning is in the works that is destined to change the look of the downtown business district.

"In the central area, all the (land-use) rules are the same," said Provo community development director Gary McGinn during a City Council study meeting Tuesday.

But that could change in the future.

"There's a whole lot of things going on," McGinn said.

The changes could mean easier access for shoppers via a major bus line and more shopping excitement in a preserved Center Street historic area. A more office-like University Avenue also could emerge from Center to 300 North.

As the new downtown transitions to residential areas, the buildings would not be as tall and would not have as much glass, assistant community development director Brent Wilde said. New building standards could also change for the city's gateway from I-15 to 600 West.

"We see a need for changes in zoning," McGinn said.

New standards would include restrictions on building heights and how buildings sit on their lots.

Provo now has no standards regulating the height of buildings and no requirements for architecture to honor its historic character.

McGinn said the department needs a new zoning ordinance in about five weeks after preliminary work is completed and before the Planning Commission takes a look at it in October.

e-mail: rodger@desnews.com