Planning commission backs reclassification of three Yale Avenue properties as contributing to proposed Upper Yale historic district

The Salt Lake City Planning Commission voted to forward a recommendation to the Salt Lake City Council to update the 2005 Yalecrest reconnaissance-level survey to list three properties at 1820, 1828 and 1833 East Yale Avenue as contributing to the proposed Yalecrest Upper Yale local historic district.

Planning staff presented the recommendation during the commission’s Jan. 8 meeting, telling commissioners that the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and city planning staff re-evaluated the properties and concluded the three structures retain the character-defining features required for contributing status. Nanette Larson, planner, explained the survey’s purpose and the recommendation to change the historic-status ratings.

The change applies only to the 2005 reconnaissance survey ratings for the three addresses; the local historic district designation itself was previously forwarded to council. Larson told the commission the Upper Yale proposed local historic district is inside the Yalecrest National Historic District and includes 24 properties. The Historic Landmark Commission previously recommended approval of the designation and the rating updates in June 2024, Larson said; planning commission action on the rating updates was omitted from its motion at that time and thus returned for a recommendation.

Cindy Cromer, who spoke during public comment, urged care in the rating correction process and said the city had acknowledged errors in the earlier survey, noting it took roughly 20 years to identify and correct the three discrepancies and that the errors represent three of the 24 properties in the proposed district.

Commission discussion touched on how historic preservation policy intersects with housing goals. One commissioner said the recent affordable housing overlay, which can permit demolition for multifamily housing, has worried residents and illustrates the balance between easing housing production and preserving neighborhood character; that commissioner said a broader training and policy discussion would be appropriate at a later date.

Commissioner Berry moved to forward a positive recommendation to city council; Commissioner Mike Christiansen seconded. The commission recorded unanimous support and the recommendation will be transmitted to the City Council for final action.

The planning commission’s recommendation applies only to the survey rating updates; any formal change in local historic district designation remains a separate council action.