Salt Lake City considers zoning change for more family-sized rental units

The Salt Lake City Planning Commission meeting on January 22, 2025, focused on a proposed zoning change for a residential area, aiming to increase housing density while addressing community concerns. The discussion centered around transitioning from the current SR-1A zoning to RMF-30, which would allow for more flexible building standards and increased density.

The proposed RMF-30 zoning would raise the maximum building height from 23 feet to 30 feet and reduce the lot area requirement per dwelling unit from 5,000 square feet to 2,000 square feet. This change is intended to facilitate the construction of multifamily buildings and allow multiple structures on a single parcel without requiring each to have street frontage. Additionally, the proposal includes provisions for bonus units to encourage the preservation of existing structures, such as a historic fourplex on the site.

Parking requirements were a significant point of discussion, particularly during the public comment period. The proposal would require a minimum of half a parking space per dwelling unit, resulting in a total of four spaces for the seven units planned. The current proposal meets this requirement with five spaces.

Support for the zoning change was noted from citywide plans, including Plan Salt Lake and the Thriving in Place initiative, both advocating for moderate density increases and diverse housing options. However, the proposal faced opposition from residents concerned about the impact of similar past developments in the area, particularly a nearby project that had been disruptive and resulted in vacant, unaffordable homes.

Residents expressed fears that the new development could lead to increased congestion and negatively affect the neighborhood's character. In response to public feedback, the applicant revised the site plan to address some of these concerns, indicating a willingness to adapt to community needs.

The Planning Commission's recommendations will be forwarded to the City Council, which will ultimately decide on the zoning change and any associated development agreements. The outcome of this proposal could significantly influence housing availability and neighborhood dynamics in Salt Lake City.