Planning Commission recommends rezoning Ellerbeck parcel but denies adjacent cottage’s commercial upzone

Salt Lake City’s Planning Commission split a contested rezoning request Tuesday, recommending that the City Council rezone the historic Ellerbeck Bed & Breakfast parcel at 140 B Street to a mixed‑use designation while denying a companion rezoning for the neighboring one‑bedroom cottage at 272 East 3rd Avenue.

Planning staff recommended denying the combined petition (petitions 202600034 and 202600008), saying the small bungalow at 272 would be taken off the residential market if rezoned and that the change would conflict with adopted city policies prioritizing housing preservation. "The change of use effectively takes that house off the market indefinitely and qualifies as a loss of the housing unit," planner Alicia Seeley said, noting staff found no feasible plan to replace the unit on site.

Applicants Kara and Tyler Alden, who operate the Ellerbeck Bed & Breakfast and Cafe 140b, told the commission the rezones would align zoning with a long‑standing commercial use and help protect the business. "This historic building and cafe are vital neighborhood gathering places — zoning that matches our use helps us remain viable and retain staff," Kara Alden said. The applicants said they are open to a development agreement spelling out permitted uses and community benefits, and said donations and donated space for nonprofit use could be formalized.

Public comment was sharply divided. Supporters described the cafe as a busy, walkable community space and urged protection of the business from enforcement uncertainty. Opponents cited on‑street parking, noise, and the loss of an attainable historic single‑family home. "Converting another starter home into commercial property in one of the few relatively attainable parts of the Avenues should require a compelling public benefit," neighbor Emily Sloan Pace said.

Commissioners debated whether the two parcels should be considered together. Staff said a split recommendation was possible because the Ellerbeck property aligns with historic commercial use while the small bungalow does not; the community‑benefit commitments in the application were drafted to apply only if both properties were rezoned. After discussion, the commission voted 3–1 to forward a split recommendation: approve the general plan and zoning change for 140 B Street and deny the petitions for 272 East 3rd Avenue. Recorded votes included Commissioners Barrett, Leverett and Rosenfield in favor and Commissioner Scott opposed.

The commission suggested the City Council consider a development agreement if it chooses to adopt the rezoning for the Ellerbeck parcel to limit future uses (for example, short‑term rentals) and to formalize any community benefits. The matter now moves to the City Council for final action.