Planning Commission initiates code amendments on public rights‑of‑way vacations and fence heights in manufacturing zones

Salt Lake City Planning Commission unanimously voted to initiate two city code text amendments: one to revise review criteria and policy considerations for petitions to close or vacate public rights‑of‑way (the staff memo initially referenced alleys but staff asked that the scope explicitly include streets and other rights‑of‑way), and a second, separate amendment to address fence‑height regulations in manufacturing zones.

Planning director (name recorded as planning director in the meeting file) summarized the request, explaining the first item responds to a prior commission request to clarify standards for alley vacations and that staff recommended expanding the scope to all public rights‑of‑way so code language would be comprehensive. The fence‑height amendment was previously raised by the City Council and staff suggested the commission initiate a narrow manufacturing‑zone fence text amendment. The commission made the motion to initiate both amendments, with the motion to change the alley language to read “public rights‑of‑way” rather than only alleys.

Motion and vote - Motion to initiate both amendments (modify City Code 14.52 factors for closing/vacating public rights of way; initiate a separate fence‑height amendment for manufacturing zones). Moved by Commissioner Berry; seconded by Commissioner Mike Christiansen. Vote: unanimous in favor.

Next steps - Staff will proceed with drafting the text amendments, include the expanded language covering public rights‑of‑way (alleys and streets), and return the proposed amendments for public review and formal hearing before the Planning Commission.

Speakers recorded during the item - Planning Director (name not specified in excerpt) — introduced the item and recommended the scope include streets in addition to alleys. - Commissioner Amy Berry — moved the motion to initiate. - Commissioner Mike Christiansen — seconded the motion.

Authorities referenced - Salt Lake City Code Chapter 14.52 (staff recommended code language to be amended) (type: code)

Provenance:{"transcript_segments":[{"block_id":"block_5161.7","local_start":0,"local_end":28,"evidence_excerpt":"The next item is, in the other business section. This is a city code amendment initiation. I believe director Norris is going to Yeah. Talk us through this.","tc_start":"00:86:01.70","tc_end":"00:86:08.70","reason_code":"topicintro"},{"block_id":"block_5396.2256","local_start":0,"local_end":48,"evidence_excerpt":"Kinsey: And I will also vote yes. Kinsey: So that passes unanimously. Thank you.","tc_start":"00:89:56.225","tc_end":"00:90:05.225","reason_code":"topicfinish"}]}