Council hears rezone request from First Step House for 34-unit supportive housing project at 273 E. 800 S.; council asks staff to draft development agreement

First Step House and city planning staff presented a request to rezone 273 East 800 South from Institutional (I) to RMF‑45 (moderate‑to‑high‑density multifamily) so the nonprofit can pursue a four‑story building with 34 one‑bedroom units and on‑site supportive services.

Sean (applicant) and Brianna Benaboz (co‑owner) described the project as permanent supportive housing for single adults with disabilities, serious mental‑health conditions or who are at risk of homelessness; the applicant said services would include move‑in orientation, case management and referrals to off‑site treatment providers. Sean said the target tenants would be at or below 30% area median income and that the project would include 24/7 on‑site staff and property management partners experienced in tax‑credit and voucher compliance.

City planning staff noted the parcel is surrounded by mixed multifamily zoning (RMF‑35/40/45) and that the applicant would be vested to the zone in effect at time of building permit or planning submittal. Planning staff said the Planning Commission held a public hearing on March 12 and tabled a related zone consolidation item; the commission’s recommendation on the rezone would go to council with public hearing and a council vote to follow.

Several council members and neighborhood representatives raised concerns about saturation of deeply affordable housing in Central City, neighborhood safety and parking. Council member Lopez Chavez asked whether the applicant would enter a development agreement to require security measures recommended by Salt Lake City Police Department; Sean said the applicant was willing to discuss a development agreement with neighbors and partners but noted other partners (tax credit investors, lenders, managing agents) would also need to approve binding terms.

The council conducted a straw poll asking staff to work with planning to prepare a development agreement that includes SLCPD’s recommendations and other neighborhood safety measures; the straw poll passed by general assent. A separate straw poll asking that the affordability/community‑benefit component be set at 30% AMI was also taken and affirmed by council members during the session. Staff said the applicant intends to submit a tax‑credit application in April and noted the council must complete zoning and any development‑agreement discussions in time for that application.

Why it matters: the rezone would allow First Step House to build permanent supportive housing intended to house individuals with high needs; council members requested explicit security and affordability commitments to accompany the zoning change.

Next steps: staff to draft proposed development‑agreement language and return to council for a public hearing and vote on the rezone; planning staff and the applicant will coordinate a public hearing notice and schedule.