Mayor Erin Mendenhall initiated a text amendment to multiple sections of Title 21A – Zoning related to how to administer the zoning code. The changes include:

• Adding design standards as a recognized type of zoning regulation.

• Formalizing zoning approval through building permit or business license and removing obsolete site plan review process.

• Clarifying when a use or structure is considered nonconforming.

• Distinguishing and clarifying the administrative interpretation and the determination of nonconforming use processes. 

• Removing the AG-20 zoning district because the district is not mapped on the city’s zoning map and is not an active zoning district.

• Deleting chapter 21A.35 – Character Conservation Districts because none has been created since chapter was added to the code in 2013. 

This amendment will not substantially change existing standards nor change how the planning division administers the zoning code. The intent is to align the code with established processes and current practice, which will strengthen legal standing, assist staff, and enhance transparency.

Learn more // View Open House

Staff Contact: Mayara Lima, Planning Manager/Zoning Administrator // mayara.lima@slc.gov // 801.535.6141

The Salt Lake City Council has initiated a text amendment to increase front yard hedge heights alongside property lines from 4-feet to 6-feet, as well as to increase back yard fence, hedge, and wall heights from 6-feet to 7-feet in residential zoning districts.  

A separate petition – PLNPCM2025-00138 – has been initiated by the Planning Commission to increase fence heights to 6 ft. in front yards in all M-1 (Light Manufacturing) zoning districts city-wide. These petitions will be processed concurrently.

Learn more // View Open House

Staff Contacts:

Jason Berntson, Associate Planner // jason.berntson@slc.gov // 801-535-6247

Diana Martinez, Senior Planner // diana.martinez@slc.gov // 801-535-7215

This is a text amendment initiated by Mayor Erin Mendenhall to make changes to Chapter 21A.52 of the zoning ordinance related to Adaptive Reuse/Building Preservation Incentives. Specifically, this zoning amendment focuses on the following:

• Allows for a one-year extension of preliminary approval for zoning incentives.

• Expands the scope of modifications that can be reviewed administratively by planning staff for building preservation incentive applications.

• Makes clarifying changes to design standards for new construction associated with preservation incentives applications.

Learn more // View Open House

Staff Contact: Amy Thompson, Planning Manager // amy.thompson@slc.gov // 801.535.7281

At the November 13, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to initiate a zoning text amendment to review the land uses that are subject to, or should be subject to, the 1,000’ prohibition from residential zoning districts. The amendment also includes reviewing whether other land uses should have the provision applied, clarifying whether the distance applies to the property or the boundaries of a use, and other related provisions that may help protect the health and safety of residents.

Learn more // View Open House

Staff Contact: Noah Elmore, Associate Planner // noah.elmore@slc.gov // 801.535.7971

Mayor Erin Mendenhall initiated a petition to clarify exemptions in Section 21A.02.050.B and to revise footnotes in the land use tables in 21A.33. The purpose of the amendment is to:

• Clarify the city’s longstanding practice of exempting necessary utility equipment (as listed in Section 21A.02.050B and updated as needed) from zoning regulations.
• Include fencing required to secure specific utility equipment within the exemption from zoning regulations.
• Emphasize that certain utility uses, such as water treatment plants and electricity generating plants, are not exempt and must comply with applicable zoning regulations. 
• Ensure uniformity in land-use tables found in chapter 21A.33 by standardizing the footnotes referencing Section 21A.02.050B

Learn more // View Open House

Staff Contact: David Stuenzi Jr., Associate Planner // david.stuenzi@slc.gov // 801.535.6135

Salt Lake City is proposing to update the RMF-35 (Moderate Density Multi-Family) and RMF-45 (Moderate/High Density Multi-Family) zoning districts by combining them into a single district. 

This change aims to promote the development of more affordable and attainable housing while supporting residents in existing moderate-density neighborhoods. The primary focus is to fulfill the intent of the RMF-35 and RMF-45 zoning districts by facilitating more moderate-density housing, while retaining neighborhood character and preserving existing units.

Learn more about the proposal and upcoming public engagement opportunities by visiting the project StoryMap.

At the May 7, 2024 Council Formal Meeting, the Salt Lake City Council voted unanimously to initiate a zoning text amendment that would allow live performance theater use either indoors or outdoors in the General Commercial zone and other districts that may be appropriate based on the intensity, scale, and location of the district, by changing the title “theater, live performance” to “theater, live performance (indoor or outdoor)” in the land use table. Additionally, the live performance theater use is currently prohibited within 1,000 feet of a Single- or Two-Family Zoning District; this prohibition is proposed to remain.

Learn more // View Open House

Staff Contact: Noah Elmore, Associate Planner // noah.elmore@slc.gov // 801.535.7971

The Planning Commission forwarded a positive recommendation to the City Council on October 23, 2024, to approve the proposal with conditions.

Salt Lake City is proposing to update its zoning ordinance and zoning map by consolidating up to 27 existing commercial, form-based, and mixed-use zoning districts into six new mixed-use (MU) districts. This effort seeks to streamline zoning regulations, clarify language, and integrate missing design standards. The goal is to create a more manageable code for the city to administer and increase accessibility and understanding for the public. The new mixed-use districts will resemble current ones but will feature adjustments to setbacks, building height, lot coverage, permitted land uses, and related provisions.

Learn more about the proposal and upcoming public engagement opportunities by visiting the project StoryMap.

Contact Email: MUconsolidation@slc.gov

Salt Lake City is proposing to amend the Sign Ordinance to create standards regulating electronic message centers, or electronic signs. The proposed standards will include things like brightness limits, display hours, and identify zones where they are not permitted.

Planning Commission forwarded a positive recommendation to City Council on April 24th, 2024.

Learn more // View Open House

Staff Contact: Katilynn Warr, Principal Planner // katilynn.warr@slc.gov // 801.535.6179

This proposal was adopted by the City Council on January 21, 2025. For additional information regarding the decision please visit the City Council’s Minutes and Records page.

Mayor Erin Mendenhall has initiated a petition to amend the zoning ordinance to propose minimum distances that any gas station can be from a river, stream, or other water body, a park, or open space area over a certain size and establish more stringent zoning standards for any gas station that is located in the secondary groundwater recharge area of the city.

Learn more // View Open House

Staff Contact: Diana Martinez // diana.martinez@slc.gov // 801.535.7215

This proposal was adopted by the City Council on October 1, 2024. For additional information regarding the decision please visit the City Council’s Minutes and Records page.

Mayor Erin Mendenhall has initiated a zoning text amendment to correct driveway and loading area standards found in the zoning code that are creating unintended consequences. The proposed changes fix issues with the current standards to adequately address vehicular access needs and support good urban design. 

Learn more // View Open House

Staff Contact: Madison Blodgett, Principal Planner // madison.blodgett@slc.gov // 801.535.7749

This proposal was adopted by the City Council on August 13, 2024. For additional information regarding the decision please visit the City Council’s Minutes and Records page.

Salt Lake City Planning Division is working to revise sections in Chapter 21A.27 – Form Based Districts that are incorrect or inconsistent with the purpose of the district. More specifically:

• Subsection 21A.27.020.C Building Form Standards: The section contains language that exempts certain building additions from development standards, such as setback, height, density and design standards. We propose to delete this section because it conflicts with the purpose and intent of the zoning ordinance, and it is inconsistent with the purpose of the district.
• Section 21A.27.030: Building Configuration and Design Standards: Some exemption to building additions is warranted and will be included in this section. For example, changes to existing buildings not affecting a building entrance will not require compliance with entry features standards, and small additions will not trigger open space area requirements.
• Footnotes in Table 21A.27.050.C.3.

Any other inconsistent regulations or incorrect regulations that are identified as part of the project will also be included in the proposal.

Learn more // View Open House

Staff Contact: Noah Elmore, Associate Planner // noah.elmore@slc.gov // 801.535.7971

This amendment was adopted by the City Council on January 7, 2025. For additional information regarding the decision please visit the City Council’s Minutes and Records page.

*The original proposal was called the “M-3” zone but has been changed to “M-1A”.

Salt Lake City Council initiated a zoning text amendment to create a new Northpoint Light Industrial M-1A Zoning District. The proposed text amendment is intended to establish a new zoning district that aligns with the goals, policies, future land use recommendations, and vision established in the Northpoint Small Area Plan. This includes providing an environment for light industrial, office, and research uses, while reducing the impact on adjacent residential and agricultural properties. The proposed zoning district includes several design standards for new development, building size restrictions, and open space preservation incentives to meet the vision of the Northpoint Small Area Plan.

Learn more // View Open House

Staff Contacts:

• Krissy Gilmore, Senior Planner // kristina.gilmore@slc.gov // 801.535.7780
• Andy Hulka, Principal Planner // andy.hulka@slc.gov // 801.535.6608

This amendment was adopted by the City Council on November 12, 2024. For additional information regarding the decision please visit the City Council’s Minutes and Records page.

At the February 14, 2024, Planning Commission meeting, the Salt Lake City Planning Commission unanimously voted to initiate a zoning text amendment to modify Table 21A.36.020.B, Table 21A.36.020.C, and any other necessary changes to Title 21 A that are related to either table. The purpose of the amendment is to address zoning administration issues, modify provisions to match building code requirements, eliminate outdated provisions, and to allow rooftop uses to exceed the maximum height in some zoning districts.

Learn more // View Open House

Staff Contact: Ben Buckley, Associate Planner // benjamin.buckley@slc.gov // 801.535.7142

A decision was made by the City Council on May 21, 2024. For additional information regarding the decision please visit the City Council’s Minutes and Records page.

Salt Lake City has initiated a petition to amend sections of the Salt Lake City Zoning Ordinance relating to the proposed MU-8 Form Based Mixed Use Subdistrict 8. Specifically, amendments to chapter 21A.46 Signs, which addresses sign regulations for each zoning district. The proposed amendments are intended to establish sign regulations for the proposed MU-8 zoning district.

Learn more // View Open House

Staff Contact: Brooke Olson, Principal Planner // brooke.olson@slc.gov // 801.535.7118

The City Council adopted the proposed ordinance as ordinance number 17 of 2023 on April 4, 2023.

The Planning Commission initiated a petition to make modifications to regulations related to accessory dwelling units, including allowing ADUs as permitted uses instead of conditional uses in single family residential zoning districts, updating regulations for internal ADUs to comply with Utah Code, and clarifying other ADU regulations. 

Staff Contact: Michael McNamee // michael.mcnamee@slc.gov // 801.535.7226

The City Council adopted the proposed amendments on December 5, 2023, with an effective date of April 30, 2024. For more information see the Salt Lake City Council Affordable Housing Incentives page.

This proposal would add incentives to the zoning ordinance to promote more affordable housing.

Learn more // Affordable Housing Incentives

Staff Contact: Sara Javoronok // sara.javoronok@slc.gov // 801.535.7625

The City Council adopted the proposed ordinance as ordinance number 68 of 2022 on October 18, 2022. The ordinance will become effective in 180 days.

Modifications to the RMF-30 zoning district include changes to density requirements, bulk and mass standards, allows more housing types in the zone, and adds design standards.

Staff Contact: Kelsey Lindquist // kelsey.lindquist@slc.gov // 801.535.7930

The City Council adopted the proposed ordinance on July 11, 2023.

This proposal would update portions of the Land Use Code related to building heights, review processes, and pedestrian spaces within downtown. The code revisions aim to accommodate growth and respond to new development pressures while developing standards for public spaces. Changes seek to have a positive impact on human-scale orientation, pedestrian accessibility, and community character.

Learn more // Downtown Building Height & Street Activation Updates

Staff Contacts:

• Amanda Roman, Principal Planner // amanda.roman@slc.gov
• Kelsey Lindquist, Planning Manager // kelsey.lindquist@slc.gov

The City Council adopted the proposed ordinance as ordinance number 23 of 2023 on June 6, 2023.

Some projects require early engagement with the community. This section may impact the timing of your project and add additional steps. Types of applications that may be impacted: 

• Alley or street vacation or closure

• Conditional use

• Design review when required to be reviewed by the Planning Commission

• Demolition of any landmark site or contributing structure in a local historic district

• General plan amendments

• New construction within a local historic district (except single-family and two-family dwellings)

• Planned development

• Zoning amendments (map and text)

Staff Contact: John Anderson // john.anderson@slc.gov // 801.535.7214

On December 5, 2023, the City Council adopted the proposed new form-based zoning district (Form-Based Mixed Use or FB-MUN11) and applied it to the Fleet Block, located between 300 and 400 West and 800 and 900 South. For more information see the Salt Lake City Council Fleet Block Rezone page.

Creates a new form based zoning district for the city owned block located between 300 – 400 West and 800 – 900 South. The rezone includes one privately owned parcel on the block. View the proposed changes and recommendation from the Planning Commission.

Staff Contact: Daniel Echeverria // daniel.echeverria@slc.gov // 801.535.7165

The City Council adopted the proposed ordinance as ordinance number 19 of 2023 on May 2, 2023.

Homeless Resource Center Amendments
The Planning Division is proposing that the City Council adopt an overlay zoning district to regulate future homeless resource centers and homeless shelters. The overlay would be adopted into the zoning code, along with updates to the existing regulations that apply to homeless resource centers and homeless shelters. Prior to opening a new homeless resource center, the overlay would have to be applied to the zoning map. This means that anyone who wants to establish an HRC or shelter, would have to apply for a zoning map amendment.

Staff Contacts: 

• Nick Norris, Planning Director // nick.norris@slc.gov
• Michaela Oktay, Deputy Planning Director // michaela.oktay@slc.gov
• Kelsey Lindquist, Planning Manager // kelsey.lindquist@slc.gov

The City Council adopted the proposed ordinance as ordinance number 14 of 2023 on March 21, 2023.

The State of Utah and the Central Water Conservancy District offer rebates to property owners who remove sod and replace landscaping with more appropriate vegetation for our climate with the goal of conserving water. Both rebate programs are being modified and those modifications require cities to update landscaping regulations for property owners to qualify for the rebate programs.

Learn more // Modifications to Landscape Regulations in Order to Qualify for Rebates.

Staff Contact: Nick Norris, Planning Director // nick.norris@slc.gov

The City Council adopted the proposed ordinance as ordinance number 67 of 2022 on October 18, 2022.

Updates to the off-street parking requirements including basing parking requirements on transit access, neighborhood context in terms of walkability, and proximity to cycling infrastructure. Changes are city wide.

Learn more // City Council’s Information Page – Proposal to Update Off-street Parking Regulations.

Staff Contact: Eric Daems // eric.daems@slc.gov // 801.535.7236