Planning Commission forwards micro-unit code changes to City Council, citing transit access and parking study

The South Salt Lake Planning Commission on Jan. 15 voted to forward a recommendation of approval to City Council on a text amendment to Title 17 that would add a definition for "Dwelling, Multi-Family Micro-Unit," allow it as a conditional use in the Downtown Station District, and modify related parking, design, and form-based code sections.

City Planner Tereza Bagdasarova explained that the amendment is prompted by the aQui2194 development proposed at 2194 South West Temple — a 48-unit, transit-adjacent micro-unit project intended to expand attainable housing at roughly an 80% area median income price point. Staff proposed standards tied to transit proximity (within one-quarter mile of a transit stop), project scale (no fewer than 30 and no more than 49 units), unit floor area (approximately 250–500 sq ft), private kitchens and bathrooms in each unit, and a requirement for e-bike charging infrastructure. The draft language would allow projects in the Downtown Station District to apply for up to a 65% parking reduction under Section 17.06.160(D) if they meet qualifying amenities and requirements.

Developer dbURBAN (Dustin Holt, Bryce Baker, Danielle Clark) described the aQui product and resident profile, noting the project’s 48 studios, proposed 15 on-site parking stalls, and experience from aQui355 where on-site parking was substantially underused. A city-commissioned October 2024 Hales Engineering study recommended roughly 18–22 stalls for a 48-unit scheme; dbURBAN said typical resident car-ownership in this product is 10–15%. Mr. Holt told commissioners, “There are no subsidies, housing tax credits, or trust credits associated with the aQui projects,” and described shared e-bikes, unbundled parking, transit passes and amenity programs intended to reduce auto dependence.

Commissioners asked for more specifics on e-bike implementation, unbundled parking details, ADA and unit-occupancy standards, and contingency plans for overflow parking. Community and Economic Development Director Jonathan Weidenhamer flagged an error in the redline relating to maximum dwelling units per acre and indicated staff would correct the numeric language before council action. Chair Carter opened the public hearing; no public comment was received. Commissioner Pechmann moved and Commissioner Southey seconded forwarding a positive recommendation (the motion record includes amending the maximum dwelling units per acre to 253 in the redline); the motion was recorded on the record for the City Council recommendation.