Proposed Project Overview
In April 2025, the City Council adopted a legislative intent to consider updating the definition of “family” in the zoning code.
The term is an integral part of the housing definitions and determines the type of housing and the occupancy of a dwelling. The current definition has three parts: a definition for related people living as a single household, a definition of unrelated people living as a single household, and a definition of two unrelated people and their children living as a single household. All households must fit one of the definitions to occupy a dwelling in Salt Lake City. The definition creates different rules based on the relationship of the occupants of a dwelling. It also prohibits the mixing of unrelated and related individuals except for the children of two unrelated people. The current definition is difficult to enforce, limits living arrangements within a single dwelling and limits housing options.
The purpose of zoning regulations defining family is primarily to regulate population density and to separate incompatible land uses. There is no data that demonstrates that these purposes are achievable by defining a family.
This text amendment amends the definition of family in the zoning code to simplify the definition by removing occupant limits and relationship distinctions. Modifying this regulation allows enforcement to focus on addressing actual impacts associated with number of occupants and creates flexibility for different types of living arrangements. These changes have the potential to improve housing costs and benefit demographics that may be more comfortable with having roommates such as adult college students, young professionals, individuals working in various service and hospitality industries, those on fixed incomes, and those who work in small, local businesses.
Review Project Materials
What is the Role of the Planning Staff in this Process?
Planning Staff processes the application, communicates with the applicant to understand the project, and seeks input from the community.
Next Steps
Notice of this proposal has been sent to Chair(s) of the Community Council(s) in the area where the project is located. The Council(s) may choose to review the proposal at an upcoming meeting. Please contact the Chair(s) directly to find out if the proposal will be reviewed, and if so, when and how the meeting will take place.
Public Comment Period: March 31 – May 15, 2026
Notified parties are given a 45-day period to respond before a public hearing with the Planning Commission can be scheduled.
If you are interested in submitting a written comment, please contact the staff planner listed on this page.
During and following this comment period, the Planning Division will evaluate the proposal against the applicable standards, taking into consideration public comments as they relate to the standards, and develop a recommendation for the Planning Commission.
Public Hearings & Final Decisions
The Planning Commission will then hold a public hearing to gather additional comments and make a recommendation to the City Council, which will hold a final public hearing before making a final decision.
Petition Details
Project Location:
Citywide
Application Type:
Text Amendment
Petition Number:
PLNPCM2026-00244
Submit a Comment
To submit a comment or question contact the staff planner via email or leave a voicemail. Responses will be provided within one week after the comment period closes.
Comment Period:
March 31 – May 15, 2026
Contact Info:
Madison Blodgett, Principal Planner
[email protected]
(801) 535-7749