Sugar House Hotel Rezone & Master Plan Amendment
On April 7, 2026, the Council voted to deny a request to rezone property at 2111 S. 1300 E. and amend the Sugar House Master Plan to allow the development of a hotel.
The Proposal
The applicant requested the following changes to redevelop the property at 2111 S. 1300 E.:
- Change the zoning from MU-3 (Mixed-Use 3) to MU-8 (Mixed-Use 8). The proposed zone would allow buildings up to 90 feet tall and permit hotels.
- Update the Sugar House Master Plan’s future land use map from Mixed-Use-Low Intensity to Business District Mixed-Use–Town Center Scale. If approved, this would expand the Sugar House Business District east to 1300 E.
The applicant also offered these community benefits as part of a development agreement:
- Discounted retail space for local businesses (at 25% below market rate).
- Interest-free financing to pay for interior space improvements, up to $100 per square foot.
- Free meeting space for community and nonprofit groups, available 12 times a year.
- A new GREENbike station.
- Public access to an underground paid parking garage with 180 stalls.
The development agreement would also set rules for ground-floor uses and require new Sugar House signage along 1300 E.
Project Location
The property, located at 2111 S. 1300 E., is next to the northwest corner of Sugar House Park and has been vacant since 2024.
The Planning Commission Recommendation
On Oct. 22, 2025, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the proposal. For more information, you can view the meeting materials or watch the meeting.
Council Discussions
April 7 Council Vote
During the formal meeting, the Council unanimously rejected the rezoning proposal, citing risks of expanding the business district beyond the community plan and strong opposition over traffic, views, and environmental impacts.
Council Member Sarah Young, who represents District 7, led the motion, stating: “We have not yet seen the full potential of development within the existing business core, and I believe we should allow that work to take shape before considering expansions of the business district that could have long-term implications for Sugar House.”
She also took a moment to recognize the applicant directly: “I want to sincerely thank the applicant for their professionalism and collaboration throughout this process—they have been a class act.”
Council Member Young then expressed deep appreciation for neighbors, community organizations, and subject-matter experts who engaged and shared their expertise. She stated, “Our community is stronger when people care, and this process has clearly demonstrated how much our residents value the future of our city—and especially cherished public spaces like Sugar House Park.”
March 24 Public Hearing
At the public hearing, many speakers voiced opposition to the proposal, raising concerns about worsening traffic and congestion, flooding, potential risks to nearby bird habitats, and the scale of project next to open space. Additional concerns included limited community benefits, and blocked views.
Others expressed support for the proposal, saying there are no clearly better alternatives. They questioned using the site as a park extension due to nearby traffic and noted the proposed hotel could reduce short-term rental demand and remove the blight of the current site.
Feb. 17
Planning staff and the applicants provided the Council with an overview of the rezone request and the proposed hotel. Council members raised several concerns during the discussion, including potential environmental impacts, parking, and the building’s height. They also asked clarifying questions about the community benefits and requested more information.
Resources
- Administrative Transmittal
- Sugar House Master Plan
- Planning’s Project Page
- Learn more about Salt Lake City Zoning Districts
Explore more: