The Planning Commission and Historic Landmark Commission forwarded a recommendation to City Council. The proposal is in the process of being transmitted to the City Council who will make the final decision. The City Council will schedule a briefing and public hearing and will make a decision on the proposal at a later date. For additional information, please contact the Staff Planner listed under the “Public Comments and Questions” section of this page. Thank you!
Text Amendment Related to Window Requirements for New Construction in the City’s Local Historic Districts
Petition Number: PLNPCM2023-00444
Application Type: Zoning Text Amendment
Project Location: Applies Citywide
Overlay District: H-Historic Preservation Overlay District
Mayor Erin Mendenhall has initiated a petition directing the Salt Lake City Planning Division to update the Salt Lake City Zoning Ordinance, and the Historic Residential and Multifamily/Historic Apartment Design Guidelines, to address the use of vinyl windows in new construction projects in the City’s local historic districts (LHDs). Please note that this only applies to new construction in the City’s local historic districts and to individually listed landmark sites throughout the City. View map of the City’s local historic districts.
Two work sessions regarding this matter were held with the Historic Landmark Commission on March 2 & May 4, 2023. The Historic Landmark Commission directed Planning Staff to pursue a “hybrid” approach to the use of vinyl windows in new construction in the City’s LHDs. A “hybrid” approach to the use of vinyl windows includes the exploration of where vinyl windows may be appropriate in new construction projects, how windows are installed, and the relation of the vinyl window to proposed building cladding. A hybrid approach would allow for the reasonable use of vinyl windows on a new construction project along with the use of more historically appropriate windows such as wood, wood clad, or composite windows. Further, a “hybrid” approach means not allowing vinyl windows where they are readily visible from the right-of-way (public or private), and allowing them on secondary or rear façades where they are not readily visible from the right-of-way (public or private), on a case-by-case basis.
The City has prepared a draft ordinance. Through the public and City Staff review process this draft will be further revised. The draft ordinance is attached below for review.
Additional Information
Next Steps
- Notice of this application has been sent to the attention of all registered Recognized Organizations. Please contact these organizations to determine whether a Recognized Organization will review this petition and when and how that meeting will occur. View contact information for these groups.
- During and following this comment period, the Planning Division will evaluate the proposal against the applicable standards for zoning ordinance text amendments, taking into consideration public comments as they relate to the standards, and develop a recommendation for the Historic Landmark Commission & Planning Commission.
- The Historic Landmark Commission & Planning Commission will then hold public hearings for additional public comments and make recommendations to the City Council for consideration.
What is the role of the Planning Staff in this Process
Planning Staff processes the application and seeks input from the community.
Public Comments and Questions
We want to hear from you! To submit a comment or question please contact the staff planner via email or leave a voicemail, your questions will be answered within a week after the comment period has ended.
- Start of Comment Period: August 21, 2023
- End of Comment Period: September 20, 2023
During and following this comment period, the Planning Division will evaluate the proposal against the applicable zoning standards, taking into consideration public comments as they relate to the standards, and develop a recommendation for the Historic Landmark Commission and Planning Commission.
Lex Traughber, Senior Planner // lex.traughber@slcgov.com // 801.535.6184