Multiple-family dwellings in C-2/CP-2 and C-3/CP-3 Zones

Ogden is working hard to create healthy neighborhoods throughout the city:  places where people want to live, work, and play.  Healthy neighborhoods have quality housing, are safe, are economically sustainable, have access to multiple options for transportation, and provide opportunities for meaningful social and community involvement.

Ogden wishes to provide opportunities for housing that are diverse and balanced among housing types, locations, and affordability levels.  Ogden continues to seek development of new multiple-family housing in appropriate areas, such as within downtown as part of the Make Ogden plan, in mixed-use zones, and in multiple-family residential zones.  At the same time, Ogden is seeking ways to provide more opportunities for single-family and ownership housing.

Ogden has zoning regulations and other development practices that are very favorable toward the construction of new housing.  This resulted in Ogden issuing permits for over 2,000 new dwelling units from 2020-2023.    Ninety-six percent of these were for multiple-family dwelling units or townhomes.  Only three percent of these were for single-family dwellings.  Ogden currently has applications in review, approved, or under construction for over 3,400 new multiple-family dwelling units.

About one-third of the new apartment projects are in commercial zones outside of downtown: C-2 and CP-2 Zones (Community Commercial) and the C-3 and CP-3 Zones (Regional Commercial).  These zones are generally located along Wall Ave. and Washington Blvd. north of 18th St. and south of 27th St., and along 12th St., and Harrison Blvd.

Ogden is re-examining whether apartments in these commercial zones provide healthy neighborhoods.   Since these commercial zones were designed for retail and business uses and not housing, many lack close access to parks, schools, safe biking and walking paths, and neighborhood amenities.   

While this examination takes place through the general plan and zoning ordinance update, the Ogden City Council has amended the zoning ordinance to limit new apartment projects in commercial C-2/CP-2 and C-3/CP-3 zones.  This will give Ogden time to thoroughly plan through an extensive community vision process for healthy neighborhoods that accommodate our housing needs. The proposal would apply only to new projects, not projects under construction or where a valid land use application has been filed.  The proposal would not prohibit new senior apartments.  Senior housing has different neighborhood needs than other types of housing, and the need for senior housing is forecasted to grow more rapidly than needs for other types of housing.  The proposal also would not prohibit large mixed-commercial/residential projects that provide substantial services and amenities on-site.

Even with this change, Ogden staff projects that Ogden has sufficient vacant and redevelopable land zoned for multiple-family housing, such as in downtown, in mixed-use zones, and multiple-family residential zones, to accommodate needs for new apartments for at least the next twenty years.

Press Release - Ogden Proposes Ordinance Limiting Apartments in Commercial Zones

Notice of Pending Ordinance - Limiting Multiple-family Dwellings in C-2/CP-2 and C-3/CP-3 Zones

Adopted Ordinance

The Ogden City Council adopted these amendments at their meeting on October 15, 2024.

To find more information on this proposal contact Ogden Planning at 801-629-8922, or e-mail planning@ogdencity.com.

Source:  Ogden Planning Division based on WFRC Household Projections.  “Mid-rise” refers to apartments 3+ stories.  “Low-rise” refers to 1-2 story dwellings.

Source:  Ogden Planning Division based on WFRC Household Projections.