On June 6, 2023, the Council voted to approve an ordinance text amendment that changes how the City informs residents and other stakeholders of various land use projects. The purpose of the changes is to increase awareness and participation by the public and recognized community organizations while still providing a timely review process for applicants.
Changes
- Adds additional project types that require early engagement, including Design Review and New Construction in a historic district
- Requires an initial public mailing to property owners and residents within 300 feet once a project is assigned to a planner and application is deemed complete and a sign will be posted on the property
- Requires applicants to post notice on their property as required by state code rather than city staff
- Allows for an outreach event that does not need to be an in-person open house but could be held online, through social media, or other similar events
- Creates a requirement for recognized community organizations to respond to staff within 14 days about a future meeting or an outreach event will be held
- Allows for a public hearing during a 45-day period, but no decision can be made
What City Code changes were made?
The approved text amendment moves all planning and zoning-related items out of City Code 2.60-Recognized Community Organizations and places them into City Code 21A-Zoning.
How will this increase public participation and provide a timely review process for land-use items?
The changes add projects requiring early engagement, including Design Review and New Construction in a historic district. The changes may create a quicker process on land use items by allowing a public hearing to be held within the required 45-day comment period. Previously, a public hearing could not be held during the 45-day period.
What is early engagement?
Salt Lake City must provide Registered Community Organizations and nearby residents advanced notice on certain changes to City ordinances and other projects. Learn more about Registered Community Organizations.
What is the 45-day comment period for land use items?
Salt Lake City must provide notice of pending land use proposals to residents and property owners near the subject property and chairs of recognized community organizations where the subject property is located. City ordinance also requires at least 45 days to be given for the recipients of this notice to provide input on the pending land use proposal before a decision may be made by a decision-making body.
Previously, a public hearing could not be held during the 45-day comment period. The approved changes allow a public hearing to be held during the 45-day period, but a decision still cannot be made during that time.
Other Changes
https://www.slcdocs.com/council/WebDoc/EarlyNotification/PresentationEarlyEngagement.pdf
Meeting Recaps
June 6, 2023
At its formal meeting, the Council voted to adopt the Early Notification Text Amendment.
May 16, 2023
The Council held and closed a public hearing about the Early Notification Text Amendment. The Council will vote on this proposal at a future Council meeting.
April 11, 2023
The Council held a follow-up discussion about the Early Notification Text Amendment. During the meeting, Council Members provided Council and Planning Staff with feedback on the proposed text amendment.