Planning commission forwards mobility plan and water‑resource element updates to city council

The South Salt Lake City Planning Commission on Nov. 6 forwarded a unanimous recommendation to the City Council to adopt two General Plan updates: the "On the Move" mobility plan (to be incorporated into the General Plan as appendices) and a Water Resource Element required by state law (SB 110, 2022).

Carl Osberg, the city’s mobility planner, told commissioners the mobility update packages the 2020 mobility plan and subsequent amendments into the General Plan so it carries more weight under state statute and is easier for staff to reference during development reviews. The mobility materials include: the original 2020 mobility plan, proposed amendments, and a data appendix summarizing outreach and survey responses. Key themes highlighted in staff outreach include support for more walking routes, interest in a downtown "green loop," and widespread demand for traffic calming and road-safety improvements.

On the water-resource update, staff said the amendment responds to SB 110 (2022) and adds a four-part water element to the City’s General Plan: (1) effects of permitted development on water demand and infrastructure, (2) methods to reduce demand for existing development, (3) methods for future development including supply/demand comparisons at full buildout, and (4) operational opportunities to reduce water waste. Staff noted South Salt Lake has reduced per‑capita water use by more than 21 percent to date and that much of the data comes from the city’s 2023 Drinking Water System Master Plan prepared with the city engineer, Hansen Allen Luce. Staff emphasized the update is guidance only and does not impose immediate municipal-code changes; it is intended to guide future development review and potential code amendments.

A commissioner asked whether the recently approved low‑income development on State Street could be incorporated into a future green loop. Osberg said the State Street project’s lane repurposing and plaza elements are consistent with the mobility plan goals, but a full loop would require coordinated efforts across multiple property owners. No members of the public spoke during the hearing. Commissioner Southie moved to forward a recommendation of approval; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously by roll call.