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Provo City Zoning Code

14.21B DT2

Downtown Core

The following fence heights are permitted within the DT2 zone. Chain link fences are not permitted in the DT2 zone.

(5) A decorative masonry wall, at least six feet in height, shall be erected along all property lines which lie adjacent to a R1 or RC zone. In the case where there is mutual agreement between the property owners of the commercial zone and the adjacent residential zone, the masonry wall requirement may be modified to allow other suitable materials. A signed agreement must be submitted to the Planning Commission or its designee, indicating this agreement. In the case where there is not mutual agreement, the masonry wall will be required.

14.21B.010 Purpose and Objectives.

The Downtown Core (DT2) zone is established to provide an identifiable and visible pedestrian-friendly, regional urban core that is located around key transportation corridors and other regional land uses in the central part of the city. The physical environment of the area is defined through scale, mass, placement and form of individual structures and their relationship to each other and to the public realm. This area will clearly be identifiable as the center of the city by having the largest scale of building height and mass as well as a higher density of mixed uses not found in surrounding downtown zones. The DT2 zone is characterized by, clean, well-lighted streets, ample pedestrian ways, well-maintained shops, stores, offices, regional government buildings, with a mixed-use design.

(Enacted 2010-31)

14.21B.020 Location of Zone.

The Downtown Core (DT2) zone shall generally be located in the historic center of Provo and shall be surrounded completely by the less intensive General Downtown (DT1) zone. The DT2 zone shall not directly abut any R1 or RC zone and shall only expand to the degree that the DT1 zone, or any other appropriate commercial zone, may appropriately act as a buffer between the DT2 zone and any R1or RC zone. The DT2 zone shall have no minimum area requirement.

(Enacted 2010-31)

14.21B.030 Permitted Uses.

(1) Those uses or categories of uses as listed herein, and no others, are permitted in the DT2 zone.

(2) All uses contained herein are listed by number as designated in the Standard Land Use Code published and maintained by the Planning Commission. Specific uses are identified by a four (4) digit number in which all digits are whole numbers. Classes or categories of such uses permitted within the zone are identified by a four (4) digit number in which the last one (1) or two (2) digits are zeros (0).

(3) All such categories listed herein and all specific uses contained within them in the Standard Land Use Code will be permitted in the DT2 zone, subject to the limitations set forth.

(4) First Floor Commercial. Nonresidential uses are required in the minimum habitable floor depth on the first story of all building frontage on University Avenue and Center Street within the district.

(5) Permitted Principal Uses. The following principal uses and structures, and no others, are permitted in the DT2 zone:

Use No.

Use Classification

1110

One-family dwelling, attached to commercial or other nonresidential use – (detached only if existing as of July 7, 2009)

1120

Two-family dwelling, attached to commercial or other nonresidential use – (detached only if existing as of July 7, 2009)

1130

Multiple family dwelling (three (3) or four (4) dwelling units), attached to commercial or other nonresidential use

1140

Apartments (low rise)

1150

Apartment (high rise)

1211

Baching apartments (maximum of six (6) individuals per unit)

1220

Membership lodging

1241

Assisted living facility (subject to the locational and development standards as set forth in Section 14.34.470, Provo City Code)

1250

Religious quarters

1291

Residential facility for elderly persons (see Section 14.34.230, Provo City Code)

1292

Residential facility for persons with a disability (see Section 14.34.230, Provo City Code)

1511

Hotels

1512

Motels

1516

Bed and breakfast

1590

Other transient lodgings, NEC

2181

Breweries (only when attached and ancillary to a restaurant)

4118

Railroad company office not located at terminal (office only, no storage of related vehicles or equipment is permitted)

4218

Bus company offices not located at terminal (office only, no storage of related vehicles or equipment is permitted)

4318

Airline company offices not located at terminal (office only, no storage of related vehicles is permitted)

4290

Motor vehicle transportation (indoors only)

4295

Parcel delivery and pickup service

4700

Communications (except 4715)

4811

Electric transmission right-of-way (identifies areas where the surface is devoted exclusively to the right-of-way of the activity)

4815

Electric utility company office (office only, no storage of related vehicles is permitted)

4821

Gas pipeline right-of-way (identifies areas where the surface is devoted exclusively to the right-of-way of the activity)

4825

Gas company office

4831

Water pipeline right-of-way (identifies areas where the surface is devoted exclusively to the right-of-way of the activity)

4835

Irrigation distribution channels

4837

Water utilities or irrigation company office

4841

Sewage pipeline right-of-way (identifies areas where surface is devoted exclusively to right-of-way activity)

4853

Refuse disposal company office

4862

Gas and electric utility company office

4863

Water and electric utility company office

4864

Combination utilities right-of-way (identifies areas where surface is devoted exclusively to right-of-way activity)

4873

Storm drain or right-of-way (predominantly covered pipes or boxes)

4923

Travel agencies

5220

Heating and plumbing equipment (no outside storage)

5230

Paint, glass, and wallpaper

5240

Electrical supplies

5251

Hardware

5254

Janitorial supplies

5255

Building maintenance supplies

5256

Swimming pool supplies

5311

Department stores (includes major and junior chain department stores)

5312

Discount department stores

5320

Mail and phone order houses

5330

Variety stores

5340

Merchandise vending machine operators

5350

Direct selling organization

5390

Retail trade - general merchandise

5400

Food stores (groceries, meats and fish, fruits and vegetables, candy, nuts, dairy products, bakeries, etc.)

5511

Automobile dealers, new and used cars

5512

Automobile dealers, used cars

5594

Motor scooters or motorcycles

5600

Apparel and accessories

5700

Furniture, home furnishings, and equipment

5810

Eating places (restaurants)

5910

Drug and proprietary stores

5930

Antiques and secondhand merchandise (except 5935 Secondhand auto parts, 5938 Junk dealers and salvage, 5939 Secondhand stores)

5940

Books, stationery, art, and hobby supplies

5950

Sporting goods, bicycles, and toys

5969

Garden supplies

5970

Jewelry

5990

Miscellaneous retail stores (includes florists, newspapers and magazines, photo supplies, pet stores, and other similar retail stores) (except 5992 Cigars and cigarettes)

6100

Banks, insurance, and real estate (except 6123 Pawnbrokers, 6124 Bail bonds, and 6129 Other credit services)

6200

Personal services - including laundry, photography, beauty and barber services, clothing repair, etc. (except 6294 Escort services and 6295 Tattooing)

6300

Business services (office and retail sales only, including 6394 Equipment rentals and 6397 Automobile rentals (indoors only), except 6370 Warehousing and Storage, 6382 Auction yards)

6420

Electrical appliance repair and service

6493

Watch and clock repair

6494

Reupholstering and furniture repair

6496

Locksmiths and key shops

6497

Gunsmiths

6498

Saw, knife, and tool sharpening

6499

Other repair services, NEC (except blacksmiths)

6500

Professional services (except 6515 Behavior, drug and alcohol treatment; 6518 Blood banks; and 6550 Data processing services)

6600

Contract construction services (office only)

6710

Executive, legislative, and judicial functions (no repair or maintenance facilities)

6720

Protective functions and related activities

6730

Postal services

6800

Educational services

6910

Religious activities

7100

Cultural activities (except 7124 Zoos)

7210

Entertainment and assembly including legitimate theater

7230

Public assembly

7391

Coin-operated amusements

7397

Billiards and pool halls

7398

Video rental shops

7399

Other amusements, NEC (bike rentals only)

7600

Park

(6) Permitted Accessory Uses. Accessory uses and structures are permitted in the DT2 zone provided they are incidental to, and do not substantially alter the character of the permitted principal use or structure. Such permitted accessory uses and structures include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a) Swimming pools and incidental bath houses subject to the standards of Section 14.34.210, Provo City Code, Swimming Pools;

(b) Storage of materials used for construction of a building, including the contractor’s temporary office, provided that such use be located on the building site or immediately adjacent thereto, and provided further that such use shall be permitted only during the construction period and thirty (30) days thereafter;

(c) Vegetable and flower gardens;

(d) Home occupations subject to the regulations of Chapter 14.41 – Home Occupations; and

(e) Household pets, provided that no more than two (2) dogs and two (2) cats six (6) months of age or older shall be kept at any residence or commercial establishment at any time. Nothing herein shall be construed as authorizing the keeping of any animal capable of inflicting harm or discomfort or endangering the health and safety of any person or property.

(7) Uses Within Buildings. All uses established in the DT2 zone shall be conducted entirely within a fully-enclosed building except those uses deemed by the Planning Commission, through the granting of a conditional use permit, to be customarily and appropriately conducted in the open. Uses customarily deemed to be conducted in the open may include, but would not be limited to public assembly, live entertainment, etc. Open storage within view of a public street or space shall be prohibited.

(8) Sidewalk cafes shall be permitted per the requirements of Section 14.34.480.

(9) Canopies and marquees shall be permitted per the requirements of Section 14.34.490.

(10) Conditional uses. The following uses and structures are permitted in the DT2 zone only after a conditional use permit has been issued, and subject to the terms and conditions thereof and the standards of Section 14.34.250, Provo City Code:

4600

Automobile parking (except 4603 Long term storage of autos, trucks, boats, vacation trailers, etc.) (Automobile parking lots fronting Center Street shall not be permitted)

4715

Communications, low power radio communication towers and antennas

4814

Electricity regulating substations

4824

Gas pressure control stations

4834

Water storage as part of a utility system (covered including water storage standpipes)

4836

Water pressure control stations and pumping plants

4844

Sewage pumping stations

5920

Liquor, package

6515

Behavior, drug & alcohol treatment

6900

Miscellaneous service organizations

7396

Dance halls

(Enacted 2010-31, Am 2020-03, Am 2020-53, Am 2025-52)

14.21B.040 Prior Created Lots.

Existing lots or parcels of land that do not meet the minimum lot standards found in Section 14.21B.050 may not obtain a building permit without approval of a conditional use permit. A conditional use permit may only be issued if the proposed project meets the conditions outlined in Section 14.02.040(2), in addition to the following:

(a) The applicant has demonstrated that consolidation of property to meet the minimum lot requirements is not feasible due to surrounding projects, developments, or buildings;

(b) Requiring a development that meets the minimum lot requirements would result in a project that would be inconsistent with the characteristics of the surrounding area or with the established pattern of the existing buildings; and

(c) The applicant has demonstrated that the property can be developed to comply with the purposes and requirements of this title without further need of variances or exceptions.

(Enacted 2010-31)

14.21B.050 Lot Standards.

Lots within the DT2 Zone shall be developed according to the following:

(1) Minimum Lot Area:

20,000 square feet

(2) Minimum Lot Width:

90 feet

(3) Minimum Lot Depth:

90 feet

(4) Minimum Lot Frontage:

90 feet

(5) Maximum Lot Coverage:

No requirement

(Enacted 2010-31)

14.21B.060 Yard Requirements.

Yards shall be provided according to the following:

Yard

Minimum

Maximum

(1) Front Yard:

0 feet

10 feet

(2) Side Yard:

0 feet

10 feet

(3) Street Side:

0 feet

10 feet

(4) Rear:

0 feet

No requirement

(5) Driveway Access:

16 feet

24 feet

(6) Clear Vision Area:

See Section 14.34.100 – Clear Vision – Corner Lots.

(7) Side Yard Functions: Side yards on primary streets may only be used for pedestrian access to a building or rear portion of a lot.

(8) Courtyards: Front yards may be extended beyond maximum setback limitations for a public space upon recommendation by the Design Review Committee and the City Engineer. In determining the appropriateness of the courtyard, the approving body shall make the following findings in addition to the conditional use permit criteria:

(a) That the proposed courtyard will serve a legitimate public purpose;

(b) That the design of the courtyard enhances the public realm and will reasonably attract activity throughout each day and not on a limited special event basis;

(c) That the courtyard is not raised more than two feet above street sidewalk grade;

(d) That landscaping or other elements do not obscure more than twenty-five per cent (25%) of the street view into the setback; and

(e) Minimum habitable floor area required by section 14.21B.090 shall be provided along the increased courtyard.

(9) Valet Drive: A driveway access is permitted for hotels and theaters within the required yards for vehicular access and valet services according to the following:

(a) Traffic shall be one-way;

(b) No parking shall be permitted within the courtyard;

(c) Driveways shall be no wider than twenty (20) feet;

(d) The outside radius of the driveway shall be no greater than forty (40) feet;

(e) The space between ingress and egress driveways shall be landscaped;

(f) That it is not located on Center Street or University Avenue; and

(g) Minimum habitable floor area required by section 14.21B.090 shall be provided along the increased setback.

(Enacted 2010-31)

14.21B.070 Building Height.

Building height, measured from the top of the street curb, shall be determined by the following:

(1) Total Maximum Building Height:

180 feet

(2) Minimum Number of Building Stories:

3 stories

(3) Maximum Parapet/Cornice Height:

5 feet

(4) Commercial.

(a) Maximum Main Floor Elevation:

1 foot above curb

(b) Minimum First Story Height:

14 feet floor to ceiling

(c) Maximum First Story Height:

20 feet floor to ceiling

(d) Maximum Upper Story Height:

14 feet

(5) Residential.

(a) Maximum Main Floor Elevation:

3 feet above curb

(b) Minimum First Story Height:

10 feet floor to ceiling

(c) Maximum Story Height:

14 feet

(6) Roof mounted mechanical equipment shall be permitted so long as it is completely screened behind an architectural feature of the primary structure.

(7) Section 14.34.090, Provo City Code, Height Limitations and Exceptions, shall be adhered to within the DT2 zone.

(Enacted 2010-31, Am 2015-20)

14.21B.080 Minimum and Average Residential Unit Size.

Each development that includes a residential use shall provide a minimum unit size of no less than five hundred (500) square feet and a minimum average unit size of no less than eight hundred (800) square feet. This requirement shall not apply to institutional housing units (i.e., elderly housing, assisted living facilities, etc.).

(Enacted 2017-15)

14.21B.090 Minimum Habitable Main Floor Depth.

(1) Each structure in the DT2 zone fronting a public street shall have a minimum habitable main floor depth of thirty (30) feet along the entire street frontage yard line other than for permitted side yards and driveway approaches. Structured parking shall not be permitted above the minimum habitable floor area along primary streets.

(2) In the case of a corner lot that abuts two (2) primary streets, driveway access to the property may be permitted from one (1) of the primary street frontages subject to approval by the City Engineer and the Design Review Committee.

(Enacted 2010-31)

14.21B.100 Facade Step-back.

(1) Each floor located above the sixth story shall step-back fifteen (15) feet from the first story building facade elevation adjacent to any street. An architectural expression line, such as a cornice or similar feature, shall be used at the fourth story roof line.

(Enacted 2010-31)

14.21B.110 Projections.

(1) The following structures may be erected on or project into a required yard provided it does not obstruct a required driveway:

(a) Fences and walls in conformance with the Provo City Code;

(b) Landscaping elements including trees, shrubs, and other planting materials;

(c) Necessary appurtenances for utility services with property-impact protection if located adjacent to driveway areas.

(2) Buildings may project over required driveways provided that a minimum of (10) feet of clearance is provided for vehicular access.

(3) Signs may project into a street right-of-way as permitted by Section 14.38.105 - Signs.

(4) Marquees and canopies may project into the street right-of-way under the provisions of Section 14.34.490.

(5) Balconies may project into the street right-of-way a maximum of five feet so long as a minimum of 10 feet of vertical clearance is provided between the sidewalk and the projecting balcony.

(Enacted 2010-31)

14.21B.120 Distance Between Buildings.

No requirement except as regulated by the provisions of the adopted version of the International Building Code.

(Enacted 2010-31)

14.21B.130 Project Plan Approval.

See Sections 15.03.300 and 15.03.310, Provo City Code.

(Enacted 2010-31)

14.21B.140 Parking, Loading, and Access.

(1) Each lot or parcel in the DT2 zone shall provide a minimum of seventy-five percent (75%) of the required off-street parking as set forth in Chapter 14.37, Provo City Code.

(2) Residential parking may be reduced to one (1) space per unit for one (1) bedroom units and to one and one-quarter (1 1/4) spaces for units with two (2) or more bedrooms subject to Planning Commission approval of a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program as described in Section 14.37.050(2), Provo City Code.

(3) Existing structures on properties described in Subsection (3)(a) of this Section shall not be required to provide any new off-street parking due to a change in use so long as the building is not being expanded.

(a) The above parking exception in Subsection (3) of this Section shall apply to properties that front Center Street between 500 West and 100 East, and properties that front University Avenue between Center Street and 300 North.

(4) Parking Design. Parking shall be designed to the requirements of Section 14.37.100, Provo City Code.

(a) Surface parking shall not be provided within thirty (30) feet of a front or street side yard property line of any property adjacent to a primary street. Surface parking is not permitted within the first six (6) feet of properties fronting secondary streets and must be separated from the street by a six (6) foot wide berm that is a minimum of twenty-four (24) inches in height.

(Enacted 2010-31, Am 2017-09, Am 2021-33, Am 2023-22)

14.21B.150 Landscaping and Recreational Amenities.

(1) Landscaping meeting the guidelines of Chapter 15.20 (Development Landscaping Requirements), Provo City Code, shall be required for all yards and open areas not used for vehicular parking or access.

(2) In any new project consisting of twenty (20) or more residential units, an area equivalent to ten percent (10%) of the residential gross floor area must be developed as recreational amenities in accordance with the requirements set forth in Section 14.34.330, Provo City Code. Landscaping in front and street side yards, the fifteen (15) foot minimum facade setback, and other required areas (such as distance provisions required by the International Building Code) shall not be calculated towards meeting this provision. Only fifty percent (50%) of the required recreational amenity space may be located outdoors at the ground floor level. The open space must be massed or accumulated to be functional as a recreational amenity or gathering space.

(Enacted 2010-31, Am 2022-07, Am 2025-15)

14.21B.160 Design Standards.

(1) Design standards detailed in Section 14.34.295 – Downtown Development Design Standards, shall apply to the DT2 zone.

(2) The standards set forth in Section 14.34.300 – Transitional Development Standards, shall not apply in the DT2 zone.

(Enacted 2010-31)

14.21B.170 Signs.

(1) Signs shall be regulated by 14.38.105 – Signs Permitted in the Downtown (DT) Zones.

(Enacted 2010-31)

14.21B.180 Trash Storage and Location.

All trash storage areas shall be designed according to the standards of Section 14.34.080 – Trash Storage except the following provisions shall prevail:

(1) Trash storage container enclosures shall not be located between a building and any primary or secondary street right-of-way. A conditional use permit under the provisions of Section 14.34.080 cannot be issued to allow trash storage within a front or street side yard.

(2) Trash storage containers shall be located behind a principal building (accessed via a driveway, alley or other internal block right-of-way). If this is not possible due to site constraints, trash storage containers may be enclosed within a required habitable floor area on secondary streets, if:

(a) It is completely enclosed within the building; and

(b) A one hundred per cent (100%) opaque lockable garage door or other equivalent, that measures no more than ten (10) feet in width and eight (8) feet in height is provided.

(Enacted 2010-31)

14.21B.190 Walls and Fences.

The following fence heights are permitted within the DT2 zone. Chain link fences are not permitted in the DT2 zone.

(1) Front Yard:

3 feet

(2) Street Side Yard:

3 feet

(3) Side Yard:

6 feet

(4) Rear Yard:

6 feet

(5) A decorative masonry wall, at least six feet in height, shall be erected along all property lines which lie adjacent to a R1 or RC zone. In the case where there is mutual agreement between the property owners of the commercial zone and the adjacent residential zone, the masonry wall requirement may be modified to allow other suitable materials. A signed agreement must be submitted to the Planning Commission or its designee, indicating this agreement. In the case where there is not mutual agreement, the masonry wall will be required.

(Enacted 2010-31)

14.21B.200 Notice of Parking and Occupancy Restrictions.

(1) Prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for new multiple residential dwelling units a permanent notice must be placed on the electrical box within each unit indicating the maximum allowable occupancy of each unit based on the approved occupancy consistent with the recorded parking and occupancy contract. This notice must be a six (6) by six (6) inch metal or plastic plate that is permanently attached to the electrical box with minimum one half (0.5) inch engraved letters.

(2) Upon submission of these documents any violation to the restrictions and regulations noted therein will be considered a misdemeanor offense and will be subject to criminal action as provided in Section 1.03.010, Provo City Code.

(Enacted 2010-31)