As directed by Mayor Jackie Biskupski, the Salt Lake City Planning Division will begin updating the zoning regulations within the inland port designated area to strongly respect Salt Lake City’s values and community concerns. The project will specifically address the following objectives and policies:

• Improving air quality,
• Minimizing resource use within the inland port designated area,
• Respecting and maintaining sensitivity to the unique natural environments in proximity to inland port designated areas,
• Identifying neighborhood impacts and community concerns, and
• As required by statute, add inland port uses as permitted and/or conditional to the zoning districts that are located within the inland port designated area

HB 2001 requires the City to update its zoning ordinance to support inland port uses before December 31, 2018. The City loses its opportunity to regulate inland port uses if it does not adopt updated zoning regulations before the end of 2018—however, based on existing legislation, the Inland Port Authority Board continues to maintain final land use authority within the designated inland port area.

“My Administration will explore every possible opportunity to protect the City’s interests and our Constitutional authority over how land is developed in our jurisdiction,” said Mayor Jackie Biskupski. “While we are being forced to expend tremendous effort and time to meet this arbitrary deadline, the troubling fact remains even our updated regulations can be overturned by the Inland Port Authority Board at any time.”

One of the main focuses of the zoning change project will be to evaluate the types of uses that might be associated with an inland port and develop regulations that supports Salt Lake City’s sustainability and master plan goals. Many inland port uses are already allowed in the M-1 Light Manufacturing zone, which occupies the majority of the defined inland port area.

“While we continue to explore our legal options, it is important that we update our zoning in the impacted areas to ensure our values are clearly defined prior to any significant action taken by the unelected Inland Port Authority Board,” said Mayor Jackie Biskupski. “This effort will also provide a meaningful way for the public to finally have their voices heard.”

The Planning Division wants to hear from the public, property owners, special interest groups and developers regarding how zoning standards can address the objectives listed above. The Planning Division also seeks input on how the City can address the standards that the inland port authority appeal panel is required to use related to impacts from an inland port use.  Those standards include:

• The potential environmental impacts inland port uses may have on air quality, surface water, and ground water;
• The extent to which an inland port use will apply the best available technology or systems to mitigate any environmental impacts; and
• The potential impact an inland port use may have on abutting property owners and migratory birds.

The engagement period will occur over the next 6 weeks and include a variety of community meetings, online engagement, Planning Commission presentations and hearings, and the City Council adoption process.

Engagement Calendar:

Glendale Community Council Meeting
August 15^th, 7:00 PM
Glendale Library

Community Open House (1)
August 20^th, 6-8:00 PM
Day Riverside Library

Online Engagement
August 20^th

Planning Commission Briefing
August 22^nd, 5:30 PM
City and County Building

Community Open House (2)
August 23^rd, 6-8:00 PM
Sorenson Unity Center

Community Open House (3)
September 5^th, 6-8:00 PM
Sorenson Unity Center

Planning Commission Public Hearing
September 12^th, 5:30 PM
City and County Building

Planning Commission Public Hearing and Potential Recommendation
September 26^th, 5:30 PM
City and County Building

More information can be found at: https://www.slc.gov/planning/2018/08/02/inlandport/