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Planning commission backs ordinance to define “luxury vehicle,” allow automotive restoration in Business Park
Summary
On Oct. 2, 2025, the South Salt Lake Planning Commission unanimously recommended the City Council amend municipal code Title 17 to define “luxury vehicle,” broaden the definition of automotive restoration, and permit such restorations as a permitted use in the city’s Business Park District with specific operating standards.
On Oct. 2, 2025, the South Salt Lake Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward a recommendation to the City Council to amend Title 17 of the South Salt Lake City Municipal Code to establish a definition for “luxury vehicle,” expand the definition of automotive restoration, and allow automotive restoration as a permitted use in the city’s Business Park District.
Planner Spencer Cawley told commissioners the change is tied to a single property in the Business Park District and was submitted by the property owner to allow Alpine Auto Renovation to expand. Cawley said staff and the applicant drafted a definition of “luxury vehicle” and accompanying permitted-use standards for automotive restoration that address hours, outdoor storage, parking and proximity to residences.
“Luxury vehicles are vehicles that offer higher to exceptional levels of driving comfort…use high quality materials, craftsmanship, and design and construction, and attention to detail and account for higher repair and replacement cost than most other vehicles,” Cawley read from the proposed code language. The amendment would also add automotive restoration as a permitted use in the Business Park land‑use matrix and create standards limiting operations to 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., prohibiting outdoor storage (only operable vehicles are allowed to park outdoors in designated stalls), and banning vehicle inventory or vehicles under repair from parking in the right of way.
Blaine Klissold, president of Alpine Auto Renovation, described the shop’s long history and the specialized certifications it holds, saying the shop has worked on high-end brands including BMW, Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini and Aston Martin and must meet manufacturer requirements to obtain and keep certain certifications. “It really is so specific, and we’re one of a very select few in the entire country that holds these type of certifications,” said Sam Plumb, representing Alpine, arguing the business and its certifications make the proposed definition narrow in practice.
Commissioners asked how the 200‑foot proximity rule and the qualitative definition would be applied. Staff said applicants would need to provide evidence showing that vehicles to be restored meet the luxury-vehicle definition and that proposals would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis; staff acknowledged legal challenges could arise from any qualitative definition but said they and the applicant worked to balance specificity and flexibility.
Commissioner Dolbert moved to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Council to amend chapters 17.01, 17.03 and 17.04 of the municipal code to add the luxury-vehicle definition, amend the automotive-restoration definition, update the Business Park land-use matrix, and add permitted-use standards for automotive restoration. Commissioner Spencer seconded the motion; the commission approved it unanimously.
The staff report says the proposal supports General Plan economic goals to develop and preserve neighborhood-based jobs and services and to provide zoning tools that encourage local businesses. The staff report also notes the site is in the only Business Park District in the city and is located just east of the Jordan River.
