Planning commission recommends rezoning 2650 S. Main to allow temporary public parking with one-year sunset

On Oct. 16, 2025, the South Salt Lake Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward a recommendation to the City Council to amend the zoning map for 2650 South Main Street (parcel 482026) from the Commercial Neighborhood Land Use District to the City Facility Land Use District, enabling a stand‑alone public parking lot as a temporary use.

Senior Planner Spencer Cawley, presenting the staff recommendation, told commissioners the four city‑owned parcels at the corner of 2700 South and Main Street are currently underdeveloped and include remnants of a former Maverik parking lot. “The request is from city staff to change from commercial neighborhood to city facility,” Cawley said, adding the city‑facility zone allows a stand‑alone parking lot and that rezoning would provide flexibility for future city uses.

The change is intended to address an immediate neighborhood parking need while leaving open longer‑term possibilities. “There has been discussions from the neighborhoods department regarding a skate park. Council has also indicated this could be a good site for affordable housing,” Cawley said, adding the rezoning would not require the site to remain a parking lot permanently.

A member of the public who identified himself only as Dylan, a South Salt Lake resident who said his house borders the lot, urged caution. “It’s literally, like, 6 feet away from my window ... people park right facing my window,” Dylan said, and said he would prefer affordable housing or another long‑term use rather than active parking.

Commissioners and staff discussed notice, enforcement and design. A commissioner asked whether neighbors were notified; Cawley said only the affected parcel(s) are noticed for a zone change. Commissioners raised concerns about nighttime use, lighting and security; staff said those issues had not yet been analyzed because the rezoning request is a preliminary step and that site plans, lighting and stall counts would be developed only if the zoning change proceeds.

Commissioner Self gave a rough estimate of parking capacity: “I did the math. I think you could fit about 37 stalls there. It’s about a quarter acre and with 20% for circulation, that leaves you 7,500 square feet, which is give or take 37, 35 stalls.” Commissioners proposed site‑specific conditions including limiting the active parking area to the larger southern parcel (parcel 482026), blocking or otherwise making the northern parcels less accessible for parking, prohibiting overnight parking, prohibiting generators and limiting lighting to reduce impacts on adjacent homes.

The motion forwarded to council asked staff to study future lighting and security for the planned parking lot, include a one‑year sunset clause, and block the northern portion of the property to dissuade parking there. The commission moved the recommendation by Commissioner Peschmann and seconded by Commissioner Southey; the motion passed unanimously on roll call.

The recommendation will be considered by the South Salt Lake City Council at a future meeting; commissioners and staff said they will present the specific site plan, enforcement approach and design details if the council approves the rezoning.

Votes at a glance: Planning Commission — Rezoning for 2650 South Main Street (Parcel 482026) — motion to forward recommendation of approval with conditions (sunset, study lighting/security, block northern portion) — Passed unanimously.