Council adopts RMF zoning changes 6-1; defers license plate reader grant amid public opposition
December 9, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
The Council voted 6-1 to adopt the RMF-35 and RMF-45 multi-family zoning amendments, with Council Member Wharton opposed over historic district concerns. It approved Budget Amendment No. 3 by 5-2 after removing a $224,000 license plate reader grant for later consideration, and released the city's reversionary interest for the Saltair Lofts supportive housing project 7-0. The meeting was Council Member Darin Mano's last.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| TEFRA public hearing: Sky Harbour hangar development | No action · 7-0 |
| Budget Amendment No. 3 for fiscal year 2025-26 | Approved · 5-2 |
| Valley Behavioral Health reversionary interest release for Saltair Lofts | Approved · 7-0 |
| RMF-35 and RMF-45 multi-family zoning text amendment | Approved · 6-1 |
| Temporary zoning for Volunteers of America Youth Resource Center | Approved · 7-0 |
| Consent: fee schedule hearing date and board appointment | Approved · 7-0 |
Agenda, item by item
Item B1 · Development
TEFRA public hearing: Sky Harbour hangar development
No action · 7-0
The Council held the federally required hearing on the Sky Harbour hangars on 8.4 acres on the airport's east side, to be financed by a private activity bond with no city liability. No one spoke and the hearing was closed.
- BondAmount not given to Public Finance Authority of Wisconsin
- Acres: 8.4
Item B2 · Budget
Budget Amendment No. 3 for fiscal year 2025-26
Approved · 5-2
The Council adopted two of the amendment's three grants: $666,000 for the Jordan River Restoration and Recreation project and $3,249,704 for the FY26 Homeless Shelter Cities Mitigation grant (shelter-area police staffing). It deferred a $224,000 COPS Technology and Equipment subaward from Davis County for license plate reader cameras. Thirteen speakers addressed the item, most opposing the cameras over data security, access and civil liberties; one opposed the river project and added police funding, and one supported the public safety funding. Council Members Lopez Chavez, Petro and Puy cited unresolved questions about ending use of the technology, data-privacy policy and scope. Council Member Petro said the river project removes invasive species and plants native ones. Council Member Young asked what more information was sought on the deferred grant and said future budget and grant resources should be weighed for fiscal responsibility.
- Grant$666,000
- Grant$3.25 million
- Grant$224,000 to Davis County
- Ordinance 73 of 2025
- Item E-1 (license plate readers) deferred to a future meeting
Item B3 · Development
Valley Behavioral Health reversionary interest release for Saltair Lofts
Approved · 7-0
The Council released the city's reversionary interest in the property at 107 South 800 West so Saltair Lofts, a 68-unit permanent supportive housing project, can be built. The release is in exchange for a 50-year restrictive use agreement keeping all units affordable permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals. No one spoke.
- Resolution 42 of 2025
- Units: 68
Item C1 · Zoning
RMF-35 and RMF-45 multi-family zoning text amendment
Approved · 6-1
The Council adopted four ordinances (74A-74D) amending Title 21A and the zoning map, with a change eliminating the 100-foot maximum building length and raising the maximum to 50 dwelling units per building in RMF-45. Council Member Wharton spoke of concerns about impacts on historic districts and said he would vote no. Council Member Lopez Chavez voiced remaining concerns about parking and transportation in Central City and District 4 but supported the ordinances. Council Members Mano and Puy thanked colleagues and noted the balance of viewpoints and needs.
- Petition: PLNPCM2024-01388
- Ordinances 74A, 74B, 74C and 74D of 2025
Item E1 · Zoning
Temporary zoning for Volunteers of America Youth Resource Center
Approved · 7-0
The Council adopted a temporary zoning regulation that lets the youth homeless resource center increase overnight capacity to up to 50 people, within building and fire code limits, for up to 180 days.
- Ordinance 72 of 2025
Item G · Other
Consent: fee schedule hearing date and board appointment
Approved · 7-0
The Council set a Jan. 13, 2026 hearing on the Public Utilities fee schedule corrections (adding "Fire Lines" and "Per Inch" to a rate table) and appointed Mark McGrath to the Historic Landmark Commission through Dec. 9, 2029.
What residents said
License plate reader data securityHistoric districts and RMF zoningJordan River ecosystem disruption
Four speakers addressed non-agenda matters: a nonprofit's petition on humanoid robots; abandoned vehicles left on a newly purchased vacant business lot on State Street; opposition to license plate readers; and remarks on long-serving council members in connection with Council Member Mano's departure.