Council adopts parking‑code changes required by Utah HB181; council clarifies affordable‑housing definition

Tooele City Council on May 21 adopted ordinance 2025‑14, updating multiple sections of Tooele City Code Title 7 to align off‑street parking rules for townhouses and affordable single‑family housing with requirements in Utah House Bill 181. The council approved the ordinance by a 5‑0 vote.

Community Development Director Andrew Agard told the council the amendments affect four code sections — including off‑street parking requirements and design standards for multifamily and single‑family residential — and implement state rules about what counts toward required parking. Among the changes, the ordinance increases required visitor parking from one space per four dwelling units to one per three units, limits townhouse garage depth from 22 feet to 20 feet in response to state requirements, and clarifies that garage spaces may count toward required parking when present.

Agard also described an exception for homes that meet the state definition of affordable housing — defined during the meeting as 80% of the Tooele County median home price — which would allow a waiver of certain garage requirements. On council inquiry, Agard or staff noted that, as discussed at the planning commission, the median home price in Tooele County is roughly $470,000, making the 80% threshold about $376,000. Staff said applicants would have to demonstrate eligibility to qualify for the garage exception.

After no public comment, Councilman Hansen moved to approve the ordinance; Councilman McCall seconded. Roll call votes were Manzion — aye; Goetz — aye; Hansen — aye; McCall — aye; Bridal — aye. The ordinance passed 5‑0.

The amendments implement state law changes into local zoning rules; developers and builders interested in using the affordable‑housing garage exception must document eligibility to staff under the outlined income/price standard.