BACKGROUND
This chapter provides a summary of the community’s background, its opportunities and constraints, and a discussion of the community design and historic resources. Context and character issues include a discussion of the area’s special landscape, commercial and employment districts, gateways and entrances, and other special places.
SUMMARY OF THE CURRENT PLAN: BACKGROUND
- Fruit Heights grew from 4,943 to 6,205 residents between 2010 and 2020, about 2.3% per year. That’s faster than Davis County and the state.
- The 2023 plan projected roughly 9,000 residents by 2050, an additional 2,000–3,000 people.
- The City is nearly built out. Most remaining change will come from infill and redevelopment rather than new subdivisions.
- The community is aging. The share of seniors is rising, while young adults (15–34) and children under five are declining.
- Average household size fell from 3.61 to 3.02 persons between 2010 and 2020. That’s below Davis County (3.25) but above the nation (2.60).
- Household income ranks fifth among Utah cities, at a median adjusted gross income of about $99,400.
- About 68% of adults hold an associate degree or higher, compared to 49% in Davis County and 45% statewide.
- Residents rely on Farmington and Kaysville for most shopping and services.
- In the 2021 public engagement, residents’ top concerns were preserving open space, adding commercial uses, traffic and road safety, park and trail improvements, and city beautification.
- Residents consistently said they want to preserve the city’s small-town atmosphere while creating a central gathering place.
Note for the update: most of this data dates from 2020–2021 and will need refreshing.
Current Plan Goals and Action Steps
This chapter doesn’t have formal goals. Instead it sets six Guiding Principles for the rest of the plan. The action steps below come from each principle’s own wording.
1. Preserve and enhance small-town character and a peaceful lifestyle
- Use carefully considered zoning ordinances
- Preserve environmentally sensitive lands
- Provide high-quality open space
2. Locate small-scale neighborhood commercial and mixed-use development in central areas
- Focus on local businesses
- Increase access to goods and services for residents
- Integrate light institutional and civic assets seamlessly with neighboring zones.
3. Plan for the future of the golf course
- Prepare a redevelopment strategy for a town center
- Have the strategy ready in case the facility changes ownership or use
- Carefully manage limited infill projects to ensure compatibility with existing structures.
4. Provide a range of housing options
- Allow a mix of housing types and densities
- Respect the existing scale and character of the city
- Safeguard crucial riparian areas, local creeks, and environmental corridors.
5. Develop a well-connected transportation system
- Minimize traffic congestion
- Accommodate bus, bicycle, and walking
- Prioritize pedestrian safety
6. Create a comprehensive parks and trails system
- Link parks, public spaces, and neighborhoods
- Connect natural areas, drainages, and waterways
- Coordinate traffic mitigations around highly visited community institutions.
Key Exhibits: BACKGROUND
Figure 1.5 Guiding Principles
