Grand County commissioners, planners workshop MFR‑45 zoning to target low‑income housing

Grand County commissioners and the Planning Commission held a joint workshop Oct. 13 to discuss a draft MFR‑45 multifamily zoning district intended to make certain sites in the county eligible for federal Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) investments and allocations through the Utah Housing Corporation.

The discussion focused on how dense developments should be, how long deed restrictions on affordability should run, whether site plans should be approved before or after a rezone, and where the county should allow the new district. Commissioners and staff also discussed timelines developers would face to secure credits and complete projects.

County Commissioner Brian Martinez and Commissioner Winfield, joined by Planning Commission members and county staff, said the proposal aims to spur construction of very‑low‑ and low‑income housing by offering higher allowable units per acre than existing districts. Staff described the MFR‑45 draft language as requiring a development agreement and deed restriction as part of any MFR‑45 rezone, and the draft currently includes a provision describing affordability restrictions “in perpetuity.”

“We tried to get Steve Waldrop here, but he was unable to make it,” Martinez said, introducing the idea and describing the MFR‑45 draft as a tool to complement LIHTC and the Utah Housing Corporation programs…