Salt Lake City Council approves Sunnyside Park baseball lease, tenant displacement rules and new landscaping code
March 5, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
The Council met March 5 with six of seven members voting (Darin Mano absent; Eva Lopez Chavez arrived partway through the hearings). It approved a 99-year ground lease of Sunnyside Park land to the University of Utah for $4.2 million in park improvements, adopted tenant displacement and landscaping code changes, passed Budget Amendment No. 4 and confirmed Jill Love as Chief Administrative Officer. It deferred the Woodland Commons and Simondi Avenue rezones and the federal grant allocations.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item B1-B6 · Public hearing
Public hearing on six grant applications, including Rudy Drain land purchase and 1300 East reconstruction
Approved · 5-0
The Council heard six grant applications as one hearing: Public Utilities' request to the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust to buy up to 200 acres next to Great Salt Lake wetlands (Rudy Drainage property); Transportation's Surface Transportation Program request for 1300 East from 2100 South to the south city boundary; a Police request for the Rocky Mountain HIDTA narcotics task force; a Fire Department EMS per capita grant for medical supplies; a Public Lands UCORE grant for park ranger education supplies; and a Fire Department first-responder grant for a flammable-gas flaring system. One speaker thanked Public Utilities staff for the Rudy Drain project; another spoke on preserving wetlands and asked the city to gather resident input before the 1300 East work. The Council closed the hearing and sent all six to a future consent agenda.
- GrantAmount not given to State of Utah Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust
- GrantAmount not given to Wasatch Front Regional Council
- GrantAmount not given to Office of National Drug Control Policy
- GrantAmount not given to Utah Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
- GrantAmount not given to Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation
- GrantAmount not given to Marathon Community Investment Programs
- Motion: close the hearing and refer items B-1 through B-6 to a future consent agenda
- Staff recommendation: close and refer to consent
Item B7 · City code
Zoning text amendment for daycare facilities (citywide)
Approved · 5-0
The Council adopted Ordinance 8 of 2024, which amends Title 21A rules on daycare centers, home daycares and home occupations to align city regulations more closely with Utah state code and reduce zoning barriers to childcare. It applies citywide (Petition PLNPCM2019-00225). One speaker supported it as a way to create safer, more affordable childcare.
- Petition: PLNPCM2019-00225
- Ordinance 08 of 2024
Item B8 · Zoning
Rezone and Sugar House plan amendment at about 2445 South 500 East (Woodland Commons)
Continued · 5-0
The Council held a hearing on rezoning property at about 2445 South 500 East from R-1/7,000 single-family to RMF-35 moderate-density multi-family, with a matching Sugar House Community Master Plan amendment, to allow eight townhomes. No one spoke. The Council closed the hearing and deferred action to a later meeting.
- Applicant: the applicant, Atlas Architects, for the property owner
- Current zone → proposed: R-1/7,000 → RMF-35
- Proposed use: eight townhomes
- Petitions: PLNPCM2023-00538 and PLNPCM2023-00462
Item B9 · Zoning
Yalecrest-Laird Heights Local Historic District
Approved · 5-0
The Council adopted Ordinance 9 of 2024, applying the H-Historic Overlay to 66 homes on Laird Avenue from 1300 East to 1500 East, including Laird Circle and Uintah Circle, creating the Yalecrest-Laird Heights Local Historic District. Nine speakers, including the petitioner, spoke in support, citing preservation of local history, reuse of existing buildings and community connection. No one spoke against in the minutes.
- Petitioner: the applicant
- Homes included: 66
- Petition: PLNHLC2023-00074
Item B10 · Zoning
Rezone and master plan amendment at Simondi Avenue and 300 North (NeighborWorks)
Continued · 5-0
The Council held a hearing on rezoning eight properties on West Simondi Avenue and West 300 North from R-1/7,000 single-family to RMF-30 low-density multi-family, with a Northwest Community Master Plan amendment, to allow more housing types. Two speakers opposed, asking for an impact study, more discussion with residents about parking and other effects, and noting limited information had been shared. Council Member Puy said NeighborWorks had a trusted record on affordable housing and west-side investment. Council Member Petro supported the applicant but hesitated to move ahead before residents had more time. The Council deferred action.
- Applicant: NeighborWorks
- Current zone → proposed: R-1/7,000 → RMF-30
- Petitions: PLNPCM2023-00361 and PLNPCM2023-00499
Item B11 · City code
Zoning terms and definitions amendment
Approved · 5-0
The Council adopted Ordinance 10 of 2024, which removes Chapter 21A.60 (List of Terms), amends the definitions in Chapter 21A.62 and makes clarity edits throughout Title 21A. The minutes say no zoning standards or land-use rules change. There was no public comment.
- Petition: PLNPCM2023-00194
Item B12 · Development
Housing Connect authority for 44 North Apartments (44 and 48 North 1000 West)
Continued · 5-0
The Council held a hearing on a resolution declaring a need for the Salt Lake County Housing Authority, doing business as Housing Connect, to operate in the city so it can build 67 one- and two-bedroom apartments with nonprofit First Step House. Rents would be affordable to households earning 25% to 35% of area median income. Two speakers supported the proposal. The Council referred the item to a future date for action.
- Units: 67
- Rents affordable at 25%-35% of area median income
- Partners: Housing Connect and First Step House
Item B13 · Budget
Fiscal year 2024-25 federal grant allocations and One-Year Action Plan (CDBG, HOME, ESG, HOPWA)
Continued · 6-0
The Council held the hearing on its funding allocations for Community Development Block Grant, HOME, Emergency Solutions Grant and HOPWA funds, the One-Year Action Plan and an interlocal agreement with HUD, plus one-time pandemic-related funds. Ten speakers from housing and service organizations spoke for specific recommended programs, including Habitat for Humanity, Alliance House, Volunteers of America Utah, Family Promise, Road Home, First Step House, Assist, Housing Connect and South Valley Services. One speaker said tax dollars should go to projects directly in Salt Lake City. Council Member Puy thanked the organizations. Council Member Lopez Chavez joined during this item. The Council referred the item to a future date for action.
- Funds: CDBG, HOME, ESG, HOPWA, plus American Rescue Plan and CARES Act one-time funds
Item C1 · Contract
University of Utah baseball stadium public benefits analysis and ground lease at Sunnyside Park
Approved · 6-0
The Council adopted Resolution 6 of 2024, approving the public benefit analysis, finding the lease fee waiver appropriate and authorizing a 99-year below-market ground lease of 1.175 acres at about 1735 Sunnyside Avenue to the University of Utah. The land would let the university expand its baseball field to meet NCAA requirements, and would remove one city softball field and one multipurpose field at Sunnyside Park. In exchange the university would commit $4.2 million for improvements and new amenities at the park, chosen through community engagement. Council Member Dugan thanked those involved in the analysis and said he was excited about park improvements; Council Member Lopez Chavez said she was excited to conserve the park in partnership with the university.
- Land deal$4.20 million to University of Utah
- Resolution 06 of 2024
- Lease: 99 years, 1.175 acres
Item C2 · City code
Community benefit and tenant displacement amendments
Approved · 6-0
The Council adopted Ordinance 11 of 2024, enacting a new Title 19 on general plans and amending Titles 18 and 21A to prevent loss of existing affordable housing, counteract tenant displacement and provide relocation assistance when tenants are displaced by new development. It implements the Thriving in Place anti-displacement plan the Council approved in 2023. The motion changed the community benefit "Preserving historic structures" to "Preserving historic structures not otherwise protected."
- Ordinance 11 of 2024
Item C3 · City code
Landscaping and buffers chapter text amendment
Approved · 6-0
The Council adopted Ordinance 12 of 2024, revising the landscaping and buffers chapter of the zoning code to reduce water use, strengthen the urban forest, improve air quality and green infrastructure, and simplify the chapter. The motion delays enforcement of provisions on artificial turf installed before the effective date by 18 months so residents can comply, and directs the Administration and Council staff to tell affected residents. Council Member Wharton said he was glad to finalize a project that could help water conservation.
- Ordinance 12 of 2024
- Enforcement delay: 18 months for artificial turf installed before the effective date
Item C4 · Budget
Budget Amendment No. 4 for fiscal year 2023-24
Approved · 6-0
The Council adopted Ordinance 13 of 2024 amending the fiscal 2023-24 budget. The amendment includes more than $1.8 million for police overtime tied to the Clean Neighborhoods Program, three new Fleet Division mechanics, $230,000 to expand an air quality incentive program and software to identify non-compliant short-term rentals. It also amends the appointed pay plan for items on the motion sheet.
- Budget$1.80 million
- Budget$230,000
- Ordinance 13 of 2024
Item E1 · Appointment
Appointment of Jill Love as Chief Administrative Officer
Approved · 6-0
The Council approved the appointment of Jill Love as the city's Chief Administrative Officer.
Item E2 · Other
Council public comment policy
Approved · 6-0
The Council adopted Resolution 7 of 2024 amending its public comment policy. Council Member Wharton said anyone unable to speak during public comment could submit written comments. The minutes note that general public comment was closed earlier because of disruption in the chamber.
- Resolution 07 of 2024
Item F1 · City code
Division of Planning and Design in the Public Lands Department
Approved · 6-0
The Council adopted Ordinance 14 of 2024 amending city code section 2.08.130 to create a Planning and Design Division in the Public Lands Department and update the department's listed functions. It relates to an item in Budget Amendment No. 4.
- Ordinance 14 of 2024
Item F2 · Contract
Transfer of Foreign Trade Zone authority to World Trade Center Utah
Approved · 6-0
The Council adopted Resolution 8 of 2024 consenting to the transfer of the city's Foreign-Trade Zone grantee status to World Trade Center Utah. The Administration asked for the transfer to use that organization's staff capacity and resources.
- Resolution 08 of 2024
Item G · Other
Consent agenda: hearing dates, library budget, grants and board appointments
Approved · 6-0
The Council approved the consent agenda 6-0. It set March 26 hearings on the Yalecrest-Princeton Heights Local Historic District (43 homes from 1323 Princeton Avenue to 1500 East), a rezone of about 756 South Montgomery Street from R-1/5,000 to RMF-30, and Library Budget Amendment No. 2 (over $1.3 million more for the Main Library roof). It also approved Grant Holding Account Items Batch No. 5 and appointments of Aaron McKnight and Clayton Preece (Appeals Hearing Officers), Craig Smith (Airport Board), Brittany Dew and Jeff Carleton (Business Advisory Board).
What residents said
Parking and limited resident information on Simondi Avenue rezoneWetland preservationResident input on 1300 East reconstruction
General public comment was closed because of disruption in the chamber. Hearing speakers are summarized in the items above.