Summum appeals approval of 10-story Salt Lake City apartments near its pyramid
The group says shadows would fall on its sanctuary in March, June, September and December.
Based on reporting by The Salt Lake Tribune. Read the original story →
Summum, a Salt Lake City spiritual group, is appealing the planning commission's preliminary approval of a 10-story apartment building next to its pyramid in the Poplar Grove neighborhood, saying shade would burden its religious practices, The Salt Lake Tribune reported. [1]
The group said in an Oct. 2 appeal that a shadow study submitted by the developer, Helix Architecture + Design, shows the West End Apartments would put its sanctuary in some degree of shadow in March, June, September and December. Summum President Su Menu said sunlight is vital to its meditations, candle-lighting and the growing of plants used in its sacred wines. The appeal says the approval violates Utah's Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the First Amendment. [1]
The planning commission first approved the design in June 2025. Summum appealed, and the city rescinded the approval that September and told the developer to provide more information on the impact. Last month the commission gave preliminary approval again. Its decision letter says the project provides "equal or greater sunlight availability" than other developments allowed under current zoning. [1]
The proposal includes a parking garage and the apartment building. Summum filed the latest appeal with the Salt Lake City law firm Fabian VanCott. [1]
Sources
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