Salt Lake City mixed‑use zoning rewrite draws widespread neighborhood and business concerns; council continues hearing

Salt Lake City held a public hearing on a proposed zoning consolidation that would merge existing commercial form‑based and mixed‑use districts into six new mixed‑use (MU) districts. Nick Tarbot, council deputy director, described the measure as an effort “to simplify zoning regulations, improve clarity of language, and incorporate missing design standards.” The council has held three prior work sessions on the item, Tarbot said.

More than 20 members of the public signed up and spoke. Speakers included business representatives who warned that existing buildings and convenience stores could become noncompliant, historic‑preservation advocates who urged protections for rear yard setbacks and neighborhood residents who said increased allowable heights and reduced setbacks would shadow homes and alter neighborhood character.

Key concerns raised by speakers:

- Building compliance and unequal carve‑outs: Noah Shepperson, a law clerk representing Madbrook Donut Company, said Madbrook’s bakery at 375 West Hope Avenue is currently zoned CG but would fall into MU11 under the proposal. Shepperson argued the proposed…