HYDE PARK — City Council members debated the possibility of approving the first green home in Cache Valley. If approved, this would be the third house in all of Utah to be a green house.

Christian and Jennifer Mansfield want to build at 183 E. Center St. in Hyde Park. The Mansfields wish to build a green home, one that is more friendly to the environment. In order to be considered a green home there are strict requirements. Some are that the home has to be built near a park and transportation. The home has limits on how much water is used and how much emission can come from the house. Other requirements and information on green homes can be found at LEED for Homes. Recent green structures built in Cache Valley including the new agriculture science building at Utah State University and the police department in Logan.

The lot the Mansfields want to build on is deemed by city ordinance as unbuildable due to its small size. But the lot meets all the requirements for a green home. The Mansfields are hoping to be granted a spot amendment to the zoning ordinance that would allow their future home to be built on the lot.

“Not only do we want to try and make Hyde Park a greener city, but we are also trying to build our dream home on a plot that is an eyesore,” said Christian Mansfield.

The Mansfield’s application was considered, but sent back to the Planning and Zoning Commission due to a lack of knowledge on requirements for green homes by the council.

The council also discussed their stance on mixed home living and multi-family developments for future investors. Mixed homes are apartments that are built on top of businesses. Multi-family developments are apartments and town houses.

“We need apartments in Hyde Park,” Councilman Reed Elder said. “The newer generations would rather go out and play tennis than have to worry about things like mowing their yards.”

Councilman Brent Kelly thought differently. “Our citizens don’t have interest in mixed uses apartments. I see no drive from our citizens at this time for something like mixed homes,” he said.

The council decided to split the decision. The council stated that they might give future investors a chance to build a green home if the council could have some influence over the architecture of the building.

Published in cooperation with the Hard News Cafe. Original story is here.