Council briefed on special exception elimination, Encircle rezone, UTA transit agreements and capital project priorities
July 20, 2021, 3:30 p.m. · Hybrid meeting
In a hybrid work session the Council received briefings on zoning text amendments, the Encircle rezone, Rosewood Park street vacations, new transit agreements with the Utah Transit Authority and campaign finance reporting. Members also named their priorities among capital improvement requests. Council Member Darin Mano was absent.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Presentation
Updates from the Administration
Discussed
Mayor Mendenhall gave COVID-19 case and vaccination figures and an update on shelter availability, the Kayak Court initiative and camp abatements. Andrew Johnston said more than 300 people were unsheltered in the city. Jesse Stewart of Public Utilities described the drought and stage two of the water shortage contingency plan.
Item 3 · City code
Eliminating the special exception process from the zoning ordinance
Discussed
Nick Norris said the city processes an average of 156 special exceptions a year, covering things like fence height, outdoor dining, grade changes and accessory building height. The proposal would delete, permit by right or move each of more than 40 special exceptions to another process. Council Member Wharton asked how the public would benefit; Norris cited flexibility, fewer neighbor conflicts and predictability, with Historic Landmark Commission authority retained for historic properties.
Item 4 · City code
Administrative decision appeals text amendment
Discussed
Staff described changes to the zoning appeals chapter: the Appeals Hearing Officer could decide only matters of city code, appellants would be limited to applicants, city officers and adversely affected parties under new state law, and appeals would no longer automatically stay decisions. Council Member Fowler suggested a deadline for stay decisions; Norris said staff would work with the Attorney's Office.
Item 5 · Zoning
Rezone at 329-331 South 600 East (Encircle)
Discussed
The request would rezone the property, home to Encircle, a nonprofit serving LGBTQ+ youth and families, from RMF-35 to R-MU-35 so a cafe can operate in the existing building. Applicant representative Wade Budge said the cafe would activate the main level and provide jobs. Planning Director Nick Norris said the rezone would not affect adjacent properties and would help preserve the historic building's long-term use.
- Current zone → proposed: RMF-35 → R-MU-35
Item 6 · Development
Rosewood Park street and alley vacation
Discussed
The proposal would vacate five unimproved alleys and six unimproved streets within the park to simplify permitting for improvements. Public Lands Director Kristin Riker described a Public Utilities project including a new walkway, picnic pads, trees, an ADA entrance, parking lot paving and removal of two softball fields. Council Member Rogers asked about the timeline; Public Utilities promised an email.
Item 7 · Contract
Transit Master Plan agreements with the Utah Transit Authority
Discussed
Staff briefed the Council on the fourth and fifth addenda to the 20-year interlocal agreement with UTA: the fourth continues service on Routes 2 (200 South), 9 (900 South) and 21 (2100 South), and the fifth begins mobilization for new Route 1 (1000 North). Council Member Rogers worried that 600 North would be bypassed; UTA's Nichol Bourdeaux said the 205 extension was outside the agreement but planned for August 2022 under UTA's five-year plan.
- ContractAmount not given to Utah Transit Authority
Item 8 · Budget
Capital Improvement Program: member priorities
Discussed
Council Member Dugan supported item 54 (Dee Glen tennis courts), noting they are the only public courts open year-round. Council Member Valdemoros supported item 3 (Odyssey House) using the full $500,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds. Council Members Rogers and Wharton supported item 68 (Capitol Hill traffic calming) as a safety project. Council Member Fowler supported item 72 (Sugar House safe side streets), funded at $300,000 or with $35,000 for a study.
Item 9 · City code
Campaign finance reporting and personal campaign committees
Discussed
Lauren Shafer described a new reporting period of June 29 through Sept. 6, 2021, due Sept. 9, for the ranked choice voting pilot, plus changes aligning city code with state law. Council Members discussed the pilot program and the state's decisions.
Item 10 · Contract
Utah Performing Arts Center interlocal agreement
Discussed
The Council received a written briefing on a resolution ratifying a second amendment to the agreement among the city, the Redevelopment Agency and the Utah Performing Arts Center Agency for operating the Eccles Theater. There was no discussion.
What residents said
Zoning exceptionsTraffic calmingTransit service on 600 North