County Commission eliminates minimum dwelling size requirement for manufactured homes

The Utah County Commission convened on September 1, 2021, to discuss several agenda items, with a significant focus on amending existing ordinances related to housing regulations.

The meeting began with a discussion on the proposed amendment to Section 12.08-H, which aimed to eliminate the minimum square footage requirement for dwellings in the county. Currently, the ordinance mandates that homes must be at least 1,100 square feet, a regulation that has been in place for approximately 40 years. This requirement was originally established to ensure that manufactured homes, particularly double-wide units, were not placed in the county without meeting certain size standards.

Commissioner Powers raised concerns about the necessity of this minimum size, questioning its discriminatory nature against individuals who may only afford smaller, single-wide homes. He expressed a desire to remove the ordinance entirely, suggesting that property owners should have the freedom to choose the size of their homes, provided they meet essential health and safety requirements.

Bryce Armstrong from the community development staff provided historical context, explaining that the minimum size was intended to prevent single-wide manufactured homes from being placed in residential areas. However, the discussion revealed a shift in perspective, with several commissioners agreeing that the ordinance may no longer serve its intended purpose.

The commission deliberated on whether the amendment would affect other regulations within the ordinance. Armstrong confirmed that the proposed changes would solely pertain to the square footage requirement, allowing for smaller homes to be built in compliance with HUD standards, which certify homes as small as 320 square feet.

After thorough discussion, the commission voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance amendment, effectively removing the minimum square footage requirement for dwellings. This decision reflects a broader trend towards accommodating diverse housing options within the county, potentially paving the way for more affordable housing solutions.

The meeting concluded with a transition to work sessions, indicating ongoing discussions on various community development topics. The approval of this ordinance marks a significant step in the county's approach to housing regulations, emphasizing flexibility and inclusivity in residential development.