The Salt Lake City Council is on the verge of finalizing a significant overhaul of the city’s mixed-use zoning code, with a potential vote anticipated in the coming days. In a work session on Tuesday, council members engaged in a series of straw polls to refine their proposals, addressing several key elements such as parking requirements related to transit access and timelines for transitioning between zoning codes.
During Tuesday’s session, the council opted to allow a six-month application window for developers to secure permits under both the current zoning code and the new mixed-use zoning (MU) code. This six-month window will commence upon the council’s approval of the updates, representing a shift from the previously approved three-month transition period.
Council Members Sarah Young and Darin Mano pushed for an even longer transition timeline, highlighting the need for developers to adapt to the evolving ordinance. Mano emphasized that a longer timeframe would enable developers to incorporate the changes into their project planning. Young echoed these sentiments, stressing the potential risks of developers being forced to start over on their designs if they miss the transition period, despite having already invested time and resources.
Daniel Echeverria, a senior planner for Salt Lake City, clarified that the revised MU zoning code would result in altered parking requirements based on proximity to public transit. Properties located closer to transit stations will see a reduction in the number of parking spaces required, while those situated further away will face increased requirements. Echeverria noted that there would be some areas, particularly in East Downtown, where parking requirements might increase, but nearby regions like Granary and along 300 West could expect reductions.
In addition to the changes regarding parking, the council deliberated on zoning adjustments in the Sugar House area. Earlier this year, members had voted in favor of increased building height limits in Sugar House, and on Tuesday, they considered upzoning the Snelgrove and Midas blocks from MU-5/6 to MU-8. Young stated that this upzoning could facilitate swifter development in the area, particularly pointing out that the Snelgrove block has remained vacant for an extended period.
The ongoing zoning overhaul has been years in the making, with the aim of consolidating Salt Lake City’s mixed-use zoning landscape. In February, council members first showcased the initiative, which seeks to reduce the existing 26 mixed-use and commercial zones to just six.
Despite approving some specific changes in Tuesday’s proceedings, the council refrained from conducting a final vote on the comprehensive zoning ordinance. Nick Tarbet, the council’s Legislative and Policy Deputy Director, advised members to postpone the vote, citing recommendations from the attorney’s office. He indicated that it would not be appropriate to vote at that moment due to necessary updates to the ordinance that would not yet be available for public viewing.
After engaging with the public during its formal meeting on the matter Tuesday night, the council chose to defer the vote on the ordinance, setting the stage for a potential decision on July 8. This deferral will allow for further review and ensure that all necessary changes are completed prior to the final voting process.
image source from：buildingsaltlake
