Council briefed on 180-day pause on new homeless shelters in three zones, clean energy plans and 2021 ADU report
March 8, 2022, 4:00 p.m.
The Council heard a proposal to pause new homeless resource centers and shelters in the CG, D-2 and D-3 zones for 180 days while the city rewrites its rules, a clean energy program update involving Rocky Mountain Power, and the 2021 accessory dwelling unit report. No votes were taken in open session other than entering and leaving a closed session. The minutes are marked pending and not yet approved.
From the draft minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Presentation
Updates from the Administration
Discussed
Staff reported COVID-19 numbers and community engagement projects. Andrew Johnston said the temporary overflow shelter would end in April with residents relocated to resource centers, and described a Medically Vulnerable People Housing Program for aging and medically frail people. Council members discussed funding and space for that program, abatements of camps along the Jordan River, the city's no-camping ordinance, and the need for about 300 additional beds.
Item 2 · Presentation
State legislative briefing
Discussed
Lobbyist Kate Bradshaw said 513 bills passed in the 2022 session and the city tracked 392. The Council discussed bills on transportation and UTA, Union Pacific electric switchers, cemetery funding, affordable housing, appropriations and water conservation tied to land use.
Item 4 · Other
Sustainability updates: Community Renewable Energy Program and Rocky Mountain Power documents
Discussed
Sustainability staff described the city's goals of 100% renewable electricity for participating customers by 2030, 100% renewable municipal operations by 2032 and an 80% cut in community emissions by 2040. They outlined a proposed schedule: an ordinance briefing in April 2022, a utility agreement in June 2022, and a vote on an ordinance in March 2023. The Clean Energy Cooperation Statement with Rocky Mountain Power is non-binding, and the Clean Energy Implementation Plan does not obligate the city to appropriate money. Staff noted an opt-out option and planned surveys and outreach.
Item 5 · City code
Homeless resource center and homeless shelter text amendments
Discussed
Staff proposed, as the first of three phases, removing homeless resource centers and shelters as conditional uses in the CG, D-2 and D-3 zones for 180 days starting about April 2, 2022, without affecting existing facilities or approved temporary shelters. Without action, anyone could apply for a new facility under existing rules. Phase two would update regulations and the approval process, with a Planning Commission review in June 2022; phase three would address temporary and seasonal shelters, including a winter overflow plan required by HB 440 by Sept. 1, 2022. Council members discussed floating versus overlay zones, accountability if the pause lapses, expanding where services may locate for geographic equity, and keeping the discussion compassionate. A legislative intent and two ordinance options were discussed.
Item 7 · Presentation
2021 Accessory Dwelling Unit annual report
Discussed
Planning Director Nick Norris reported ADU trends from 2019 to 2021, including that about two-thirds provide on-site parking and the largest cluster is near Liberty Park. The Planning Commission initiated changes in February 2022 to make ADUs permitted uses and align city code with state code for internal units, with a commission recommendation expected in July. Council members raised short-term rentals, the application backlog, alley ADUs and square footage limits, and asked for a follow-up briefing.
Item 10 · Other
Closed session on security and advice of counsel
Approved · 7-0
The Council met in closed session from 8:08 to 8:34 p.m. on deployment of security personnel, devices or systems and advice of counsel, then exited and adjourned.
What residents said
Placement of homeless shelters across the cityShort-term rentals near ADUsCamp abatements along the Jordan River