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Planning Commission backs changing how City measures proximity for alcohol licenses to match state standard
Summary
The South Salt Lake Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward an ordinance amendment aligning municipal proximity measurements for alcohol‑related uses with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS) pedestrian‑route standard, a staff move intended to streamline licensing and encourage restaurant investment.
Senior City Planner Spencer Cawley told the Planning Commission that staff would replace the City’s straight‑line measurement language in Sections 17.04.030 and 17.05.040 with a pedestrian‑route test used by the state.
“The phrase ‘as measured at the closest Property Lines’ would be replaced with ‘as measured by the shortest route of ordinary pedestrian travel,’” Cawley said, explaining the change is meant to align enforcement with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS) and reduce duplicate local quotas.
The amendment would not change the existing separation distances — 600 feet from residential districts and 2,640 feet from homeless shelters — but it would take into account actual walkable routes and barriers, staff said. Cawley and staff emphasized the proposal is not a regulatory expansion: the City would not impose a new cap on restaurant licenses because DABS enforces the 30/70 food‑to‑alcohol sales rule.
Commissioners asked about potential impacts on Police and Fire services and whether prior state legislation changed local authority on distances. Jonathan Weidenhamer, Community & Economic Development Director, said the City Attorney had advised staying consistent with State code and that staff would research recent legislative history. Assistant City Attorney Brianne Brass said she believed the referenced legislation failed but would follow up.
Chair Jeremy Carter opened the public hearing; there were no public comments. The Commission voted unanimously to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Council.
Next steps: the City Council will consider the ordinance; if approved the City’s code will use pedestrian‑route measurements for alcohol proximity determinations.
