Westfield Central New Neighborhood Plan removes artificial wood texture siding requirement

In a pivotal move aimed at reducing housing costs, the Springville City Council has amended its design standards, allowing for the use of smooth-finished fiber cement siding in new developments. This decision, made during the December 16 meeting, seeks to alleviate financial burdens on developers and ultimately make housing more affordable for residents.

Previously, the city mandated the use of textured siding to maintain aesthetic authenticity, a requirement that was seen as a significant cost driver. Council members acknowledged that the shift away from this stipulation could lower construction costs by as much as 20 to 30 percent, enabling developers to allocate funds more effectively towards building homes.

Council member Lafferty highlighted the importance of this change, stating, "In an effort to lower the costs of housing and hopefully get something built that is more within line of people being able to afford them, we went ahead and took that out." The council believes that this adjustment will not detract from the overall look and feel of the Westfield Central New Neighborhood Plan, which aims to foster a vibrant community.

The discussion also touched on the original intent behind the design standards, which was to ensure authenticity in materials used in construction. However, some council members expressed that the legislative approach to these standards may not be necessary, suggesting that educating developers on material choices could be more effective.

As Springville continues to navigate the challenges of affordable housing, this amendment marks a significant step towards balancing aesthetic standards with practical financial considerations. The council's decision reflects a growing recognition of the need to adapt to current market conditions and support developers in creating accessible housing options for the community.