The proposal is currently within the 45-day public input period. Comments may be submitted via email to the designated staff member for this project.

This request clarifies which daily limit of water use applies to categories of land uses with some exceptions. Currently, City Code limits the daily water use for commercial and industrial land uses  to 200,000 gallons per day. This code amendment expands that to include all non-residential land uses, with some exceptions.

The existing code allows exceptions to the 200,000 gallons for agricultural, residential, and institutional uses. The proposal changes the exceptions to clarify which institutional land uses are exempt and specifies that schools, government owned or operated facilities that provide social services, places of worship, and hospitals.

On March 24, 2026 the City Council adopted temporary land use regulations that include theses changes. These regulations are in place for 180 days from March 24, 2026. During the 180 days no land use application can be approved that does not comply with the temporary regulations. The intent of this proposal is to make the temporary regulations permanent. To do so, the City Council must act prior to the 180 day period expiring. 

Contact: Nick Norris, Planning Director
[email protected] or (801) 535-6173

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.

Contact: Madison Blodgett, Principal Planner 
[email protected]
(801) 535-7749

Salt Lake City is facing a housing shortage, with rising prices and limited availability making it increasingly difficult for many residents to find an affordable place to live.

To help address the housing shortage, Salt Lake City is considering changing some residential zoning rules to make it easier for residents to rent or own homes, specifically in areas zoned R-1, R-2, SR-1, and SR-1A. These are neighborhoods made up mostly of single-family and two-family homes. Because the project could impact your neighborhood, we want you to have a voice!

Petition Number: PLNPCM2025-01184
Contact Info: [email protected]

Mayor Mendenhall has initiated a text amendment to section 21A.62.040, Definitions of Terms, and chapter 21A.33, Land Use Tables of the zoning code to clarify the definitions of “Storage (Outdoor)” and “Storage, Public (Outdoor)” and re-evaluate the zones in which these uses are allowed.

The goal is to create clearer, more enforceable regulations that support community and economic objectives while minimizing the adverse effects of outdoor storage. The revised definitions will help streamline zoning determinations and recognize that some outdoor storage is essential for the function of certain land uses.

Staff Contact: Diana Martinez, Senior Planner
[email protected] or (801) 535-7215

Mayor Erin Mendenhall has initiated a petition for a text amendment to add the fine for violation of the City’s Affordable Housing Incentives (AHI) program into the City’s Zoning Code.

Currently, the Zoning Code refers to the City’s “Consolidated Fee Schedule” (CFS) for the fine, but that document legally cannot list fines. The fine that was adopted by the City Council when the Affordable Housing Incentives were adopted is $100.00 per day per affordable unit that is in violation of the approved incentives. The proposed amendment will place that specific fine in the Zoning Code itself, instead of referring to the CFS. The amendment affects Chapter 21A.20 “Enforcement” of the City’s Zoning Code.

Staff Contact: Jason Berntson, Associate Planner
[email protected] or (801) 535-6247

This proposal is scheduled to be heard at the Planning Commission meeting on February 25, 2026.

Mayor Erin Mendenhall has proposed modifications to update the Landscaping and Buffers Chapter (21A.48) of the Zoning Ordinance. The new chapter was adopted by the City Council on April 26, 2023. As the new regulations have been implemented, some sections were found to need further clarification and modifications to better understand and utilize the standards.

Additionally, changes to the State Code were adopted that limit the applicability of a landscape plan. The proposed text amendment will update the chapter to align with State Code. The proposal would also allow for artificial turf in some required landscaping areas where it was not previously permitted.

Contact: Noah Elmore, Principal Planner
[email protected] or (801) 535-7971

The Planning Commission forwarded a recommendation of approval to City Council on August 27, 2025. This proposal is tentatively scheduled for a briefing with the City Council on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

This text amendment clarifies when an application approval expires. This applies to:

• Design Review approvals.
• Final Plat applications to subdivide land;
• Street dedication plats;
• Conditional Uses;
• Planned Developments: and
• Design Review approvals.

Staff Contact: Nick Norris, Planning Director
[email protected] or (801) 535-6173

This amendment has been transmitted to City Council. The Planning Commission forwarded a recommendation of approval, with modifications, to the City Council on September 24, 2025.

At February 12, 2025, Planning Commission meeting, the Salt Lake City Planning Commission unanimously voted to initiate a zoning text amendment to modify Section 14.52 of the Salt Lake City Code. The purpose of the amendment is to address the factors considered in the review of petitions to close or vacate public right of ways.

Staff Contact: Ben Buckley, Principal Planner
[email protected] or 801-535-7142

The proposal has been transmitted to the City Council on November 15, 2024, for their consideration.

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.

Staff Contact: Katilynn Warr, Principal Planner
[email protected] or 801-535-6179

Planning Commission forwarded a positive recommendation to City Council on June 12, 2024.

The Salt Lake City Planning Division is proposing a text amendment to update the standards related to mobile businesses, which includes retail businesses operated from trucks, trailers, and vending carts. In 2017 and 2023, Utah State code was amended to expand where these types of businesses are allowed. The changes to state code also imposed limitations on what municipalities can require for the operations of such businesses in terms of zoning, business license and supplemental documentation.

Salt Lake City code needs to be updated to match these regulations. The amendment would focus on aligning the mobile business standards with city goals, supporting small businesses, and addressing state law.

Staff Contact: Seth Rios, Associate Planner
[email protected]
(801) 535-7758

The Planning Commission forwarded a positive recommendation to City Council on March 12, 2025.

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.

Staff Contact: Noah Elmore, Associate Planner
[email protected] or 801-535-7971

The Planning Commission held a public hearing on March 12, 2025. The Planning Commission forwarded a positive recommendation to City Council. 

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:

• Ensure uniformity in land-use tables found in chapter 21A.33 by standardizing the footnotes referencing Section 21A.02.050B
• 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. 

Staff Contact: David Stuenzi Jr., Associate Planner
[email protected] or 801-535-6135