A General Plan is a document that outlines the vision, goals, and policies for Clinton City's future development. It addresses many aspects of community life, including housing, transportation, parks, economic development, and public safety. The State of Utah requires all cities to have an General Plan. It is generally recommended that cities also update their General Plan as new required elements become law, and as circumstances change in the community.

Utah law currently requires all General Plans to include specific elements, such as:

• Land use (how different areas of the city will be used)
• Transportation (roads, sidewalks, trails, and public transit)
• Moderate-income housing (ensuring housing options for all income levels)

The plan may also address water conservation, public facilities, recreation, and environmental considerations.

We're updating our General Plan to comply with state requirements, address new challenges and opportunities, and ensure the plan continues to reflect our community's values and priorities. Our last comprehensive update was completed in 2013, so this update will help guide Clinton City through the next decade.

We want to hear your thoughts on:

• The city's strengths, challenges, and opportunities
• Your vision for Clinton City's future
• Priorities for housing, transportation, parks, and economic development
• Ideas for improving quality of life in our community
• Concerns about growth, development, or other changes

A successful General Plan reflects the values and priorities of the entire community. That's why we need your voice! Since beginning this update process in February 2025, we've been reviewing our existing plan and are now eager to hear from you - our residents, business owners, and community members.

Your feedback will help shape the goals, policies, and recommendations in the updated General Plan. City staff and consultants will analyze all input received and use it to draft plan elements that reflect community priorities while meeting state requirements.

• Spring 2025: Community engagement (we are here!)
• Summer 2025: Continued research and refinement
• Fall 2025: Draft plan development and public review
• Early 2026: Plan adoption by City Council

Your participation will help shape Clinton City's future for years to come. We invite you to attend upcoming workshops, complete surveys, and share your vision for our community.

Yes. While the General Plan provides a long-term vision, it can be amended as needed to address changing circumstances or new opportunities. Major updates typically occur every 10 years, but smaller amendments may be considered between updates.

The General Plan establishes broad policies and goals for future development and is an advisory document for zoning decisions. Zoning ordinances contain specific, enforceable regulations that implement the policies from the General Plan. Zoning regulations provide more detailed standards for things like building heights, setbacks, and permitted uses.

After extensive public input and review, the Planning Commission will make a recommendation to the City Council, which has the authority to adopt the final General Plan. Both bodies will hold public hearings before making their decisions.

You can participate by:

• Attending community workshops and public meetings
• Completing online surveys
• Providing written comments
• Following updates on the city's website and social media
• Encouraging neighbors and friends to get involved

PRODUCT TYPES

• Attached: Housing units that share one or more walls with adjacent units, such as townhomes, duplexes, or condominiums.
• Detached: Stand-alone housing units that don't share walls with other structures, typically surrounded by their own yard or property.
• Alley-Load: Homes designed with garages accessed from an alley at the rear of the property, keeping driveways and garage doors off the main street.
• Front-Load: Traditional home design where the garage and driveway face and are accessed from the main street.

DEVELOPMENT TERMS

• Setbacks: Required minimum/maximum distances between a building and property lines, streets, or other structures.
• Land Use: How a specific piece of property is generally used, such as residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural purposes. Several zones could fit within each land use category. Land uses typically guide decision-making for zoning designations.
• Zoning: Regulations that divide land into different districts (zones) that have specific legal development requirements per zone. These zones govern how development occurs within the city.
• Single-Family Home: Traditionally has meant a detached residential building designed for occupancy by one household. Nowadays these have a higher tendency to become multi-generational (multi-family) homes. (For the purposes of this update, we will refer to these types of homes as "detached").
• Multi-Family Home: A residential building containing multiple separate housing units for different households, such as apartments or condominiums. (For the purposes of this update, we will refer to these types of homes as "attached").
• Mixed Use: Development that combines multiple uses (such as residential, commercial, retail, or office space) within the same building or in multiple buildings within the same project area. This approach can create more walkable neighborhoods where people can live, work, and shop in close proximity. This also cuts down on traffic and congestion.

GOVERNANCE

• Planning Commission: A group of appointed citizens who review development proposals, make recommendations on land use issues, and help implement the General Plan.
• City Council: Elected officials who serve as the legislative body of the city, making final decisions on zoning, development, and General Plan adoption. This body also has legal governing power and decision-making rights on development within the city.

Rambler: A single-level attached home design sharing one or more walls with adjacent units, offering accessibility benefits while maintaining a traditional look. Popular among seniors and those seeking single-level living with lower maintenance.

Twin Home / Duplex: Two attached homes sharing one common wall. Each unit has its own entrance and often its own yard, offering more privacy than other attached housing types while maintaining affordability.

Triplex (Large Traditional Home Look): Three attached units designed to resemble a larger single-family home from the exterior. This design helps integrate multi-family housing into traditional neighborhoods while preserving neighborhood character.

Fourplex: A building containing four separate living units, typically with two units on the ground floor and two above. Common in Utah's growing suburbs as a transition between single-family and larger multi-family developments.

Townhome: Multi-level attached homes sharing side walls with adjacent units. Each has its own entrance and may include a small private yard or patio area. Popular throughout Utah for their efficient use of land, water, and public utilities, while providing private ownership.

Live Work: Units that combine residential living space with commercial workspace, typically with business space on the ground floor and living quarters above. Growing in popularity in Utah's mixed-use developments and revitalized urban areas.

Garden Court: Attached homes arranged around a shared central courtyard or green space. This design creates a sense of community while providing residents with access to outdoor amenities and gathering spaces.

Motor Court: Attached homes arranged around a shared driveway or "court," allowing for garage access while minimizing street-facing garage doors. This design creates a more pedestrian-friendly streetscape while maintaining convenient vehicle access.

Condos: Individually owned units within a larger complex or building where owners share ownership of common areas and amenities. Available in various sizes and styles throughout Utah's urban and suburban communities.

Apartment: Rental units within a multi-unit building or complex, ranging from garden-style complexes to mid-rise buildings in more urban areas. Apartments provide flexible housing options throughout Utah's communities.

Traditional Homes: Classic single-family detached homes with conventional layouts, typically two stories with front and back yards. These homes often feature prominent front entrances, pitched roofs, and are set back from the street with traditional neighborhood styling.

Rambler: Single-level detached homes, also known as ranch-style houses, that spread living space across one floor. Popular in Utah for their accessibility, ease of maintenance, and appeal to both young families and aging residents

Motor Court: Detached homes arranged around a shared private driveway or "court," allowing for garage access while minimizing street-facing garage doors. This design creates more attractive streetscapes while maintaining convenient vehicle access.

Garden Cottage: Smaller detached homes designed with emphasis on outdoor living space and garden areas. These charming, compact houses typically feature front porches and are surrounded by landscaped yards, offering efficient living with character.

Alley-Load Cottage: Compact detached homes with garages accessed from rear alleys rather than the main street. This design creates more attractive, pedestrian-friendly streetscapes while maintaining the privacy and independence of detached housing.

Front Load Cottage: Smaller detached homes with street-facing garages, combining the convenience of front driveway access with the charm and efficiency of cottage design. These homes typically feature welcoming front entries alongside the garage.

Tiny Home: Very small detached dwellings, typically under 400 square feet, designed for efficient, minimal living. Growing in popularity in some Utah communities as affordable housing options or as accessory units on larger properties.

External Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU): Small, self-contained living units located on the same lot as a primary residence but physically separated from the main house. These may be built as new structures or converted from existing buildings like detached garages, providing housing flexibility for extended family or rental income.

Development intensity (higher density housing, commercial centers, and mixed-use projects) is typically best located near major transportation corridors, transit stops, and existing activity centers. This approach maximizes accessibility while minimizing traffic impacts on residential neighborhoods.

In Clinton City, areas near major roadways, commercial districts, and community facilities may be appropriate for more intensive development, while transitions to lower density can protect established neighborhoods. The General Plan will identify specific areas where various intensities of development are most appropriate based on infrastructure capacity, community character, and long-term city goals.

Property taxes in Clinton City are calculated based on your property's assessed value (determined by the Davis County Assessor's Office) multiplied by the combined tax rate set by various local government entities. These include Clinton City, Davis County, the school district, and special service districts. The assessed value is typically set at a percentage of your property's market value, with primary residences receiving a 45% exemption. Property tax rates are reviewed annually during the Truth in Taxation process, which includes public hearings. The General Plan itself doesn't directly set tax rates but can influence future property values through land use decisions.

Attached housing products typically use significantly less water than detached homes, primarily due to smaller or shared outdoor spaces requiring less landscape irrigation. A detached single-family home in Utah may use 50-60% of its total water consumption on outdoor irrigation, while attached products like townhomes or condos might use 30-40% less water overall. This difference is especially important in Utah's desert climate where water conservation is crucial. Higher-density housing also requires less water infrastructure per unit, potentially reducing system maintenance costs. The General Plan considers these water usage differences when planning for future development and infrastructure needs.

Roadway classifications organize streets based on their function, capacity, and design standards:

• Local Streets: Designed for low speeds and volumes, providing direct access to homes.
• Collector Roads: Gather traffic from local streets and move it to arterials, balancing access and mobility.
• Minor Arterials: Connect major activity centers with moderate speeds and volumes, with some access to adjacent properties.
• Major Arterials: Move large volumes of traffic between areas of the city at higher speeds with limited access to adjacent properties.
• Highways/Freeways: High-capacity roads designed for through traffic with controlled access points.

The General Plan uses these classifications to guide development decisions, ensuring appropriate connections between neighborhoods and managing traffic impacts.

Neighborhood commercial developments serve the daily needs of nearby residents with businesses like grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and personal services. These smaller-scale centers are designed to be accessible by walking or short drives from surrounding neighborhoods.

Regional commercial developments draw customers from a wider area (multiple cities) and feature larger retailers, shopping malls, entertainment venues, and specialized services. These centers require more land, generate higher traffic volumes, and are typically located near major transportation corridors.

Clinton City's General Plan designates appropriate locations for each commercial type to ensure residents have convenient access to services while managing traffic and maintaining community character.

Retail businesses select locations based on several key factors within a specified radius of their site:

• Demographics: They analyze population size, income levels, age distribution, and education within their target market area.
• Traffic Counts: Higher visibility and easy access from well-traveled roads are typically preferred.
• Complementary Businesses: Many retailers seek locations near businesses that attract similar customers.
• Competition: Some retailers avoid areas saturated with similar businesses, while others prefer to cluster with competitors.
• Real Estate Costs: Rent, property taxes, and development costs influence affordability.
• Zoning: Land use regulations determine where retail can operate and under what conditions.

The General Plan helps guide retail development to appropriate areas of Clinton City based on transportation networks, neighborhood needs, and community character goals.

Traditional Detached Homes: Excels in home ownership and privacy but performs poorly in affordability, walkability, and access to amenities. Has higher infrastructure costs and city taxes, making it the most resource-intensive but private option.

Mixed Detached Homes: Shows improvements over traditional detached in most categories, particularly in affordability and infrastructure efficiency, while still maintaining good home ownership rates and reasonable privacy levels.

Mixed Detached/Attached Homes: Delivers better affordability and lower infrastructure costs than detached options, with improved walkability and access to amenities. Represents a good balance between efficiency and maintaining some privacy.

Mixed Attached Homes: Achieves strong performance across most metrics with excellent affordability, low infrastructure costs, good walkability, and high access to amenities, though with some trade-offs in privacy and parking availability.

Mixed Use: Offers the best affordability and infrastructure efficiency, with exceptional walkability and access to amenities. However, it scores lowest on privacy and parking availability, representing the highest-density trade-offs.