Council briefed on ADU rules, Rocky Mountain Power rezone and turf limits; backs extending shelter bed caps to April 30
January 17, 2023, 2:00 p.m.
The Salt Lake City Council heard briefings on a proposed accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rule change, two rezones, a citywide urban forest plan and limits on turf grass. In a straw poll, members unanimously supported extending the shelter bed-cap emergency declaration to April 30, 2023. Council Member Ana Valdemoros was absent.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Adopting the Urban Forest Action Plan | Discussed |
| Zoning map amendment at about 704 East 900 South | Discussed |
| Rocky Mountain Power rezone at 1223 West North Temple | Discussed |
| Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) text amendment | Discussed |
| City's annual financial audit report | Discussed |
| Extension of local emergency declaration on shelter bed caps | Discussed |
| Zoning text amendment on landscape materials (turf limits) | Discussed |
| Board appointment interviews | Discussed |
| Closed session | Approved · 6-0 |
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Presentation
Updates from the Administration
Discussed
Administration staff gave updates on COVID-19 (U.S. cases flat, Utah cases down 13% over two weeks), community engagement efforts including a Love Your Block listening session and the Ballpark Next design competition, and the homeless resource center bed availability and outreach teams.
Item 2 · Other
Adopting the Urban Forest Action Plan
Discussed
Staff briefed the Council on the final Urban Forest Action Plan, meant to guide the city's resources toward sustainability and equity goals and to inform a future zoning amendment on trees. They covered the public engagement process, plan strategies and staffing and cost, and noted that language on using impact fees for the plan was removed. Council Member Puy asked about a Council-funded tree care education effort; Urban Forestry Director Tony Gliot said a watering and education campaign would launch in spring 2023.
Item 3 · Zoning
Zoning map amendment at about 704 East 900 South
Discussed
The proposal would rezone a 0.24-acre property from R-2 (single- and two-family residential) to SNB (small neighborhood business) so that dwelling units added without permits could be brought up to code. Planning staff recommended approval, citing the Central Community Master Plan and zoning of other corner properties; the Planning Commission recommended denial, saying the request was not consistent with Plan Salt Lake and would not reduce congestion. The property is under enforcement for short-term rental use of three units. Council Member Petro asked whether a development agreement could ensure the existing home is preserved; staff said one was recently used for another rezone. Council Member Puy asked whether non-compliance fees could be paused; the City Attorney said fees are a separate process and she would report back.
- Petitioner: the applicant
- Acres: 0.24
- Current zone → proposed: R-2 → SNB
- Planning Commission: negative recommendation; no ordinance drafted
Item 4 · Zoning
Rocky Mountain Power rezone at 1223 West North Temple
Discussed
The proposal would rezone 1223 West North Temple and parts of three neighboring properties from M-1 light manufacturing and TSA-SP-C to TSA-Urban Center-Core to accommodate new Rocky Mountain Power headquarters. Staff said the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval and described riparian corridor protections. The company's team said groundbreaking on Phase I is planned for spring or summer 2023, with a full-site master plan process to follow.
- Petitioner: Rocky Mountain Power
- Current zone → proposed: M-1 and TSA-SP-C → TSA-UC-C
- Planning Commission: unanimously recommended approval
Item 5 · City code
Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) text amendment
Discussed
The proposal would end the conditional use requirement for detached ADUs in single-family zones and lower other zoning barriers, such as size, height and yard rules, while keeping owner-occupancy. Council Member Dugan raised concern about ADUs on lots without driveways or garages and favored one off-street parking space and keeping the four-foot setback instead of a proposed three feet. Council Member Mano suggested dropping the owner-occupancy requirement as a barrier to housing. Council Member Wharton was concerned about removing the conditional use process entirely; planning staff said conditional use reviews over three years rarely added conditions and that the department could not show detrimental effects from ADUs. Council Member Puy asked about financial incentives; staff said an internal group including the Redevelopment Agency was studying them.
- Petition No.: PLNPCM2022-000475
Item 7 · Budget
City's annual financial audit report
Discussed
Auditors from Eide Bailly briefed the Council on the audit of the city's financial report. They noted two findings: the Arts Council Fund spent about $21,000 over budget, an immaterial non-compliance under state law, and a roughly $13 million WIFIA loan was left off the federal awards schedule and later added. The Chief Financial Officer said the overage came from a raise placed in the budget in July 2022 that would be corrected by budget amendment in January 2023 with a follow-up in May.
- PaymentAmount not given to Eide Bailly
Item 8 · Public safety
Extension of local emergency declaration on shelter bed caps
Discussed
The Council was briefed on a resolution to extend the Mayor's December 20, 2022 emergency proclamation on winter overflow shelter bed caps. Staff said state legislation identified April 30, 2023 as the date to extend to and shelter providers agreed; the St. Vincent de Paul overflow is limited to April 15 by its conditional use. In a straw poll, the Council unanimously supported the extension to April 30; Council Member Valdemoros was absent.
Item 9 · City code
Zoning text amendment on landscape materials (turf limits)
Discussed
Staff described a proposal to limit turf grass so the city can qualify as an eligible city for water-wise landscaping rebates. Turf would be capped at 35% of landscaped area for single- and two-family uses (with at least 250 square feet allowed), 20% for multifamily and other uses, and barred in areas under 8 feet wide or on slopes over 25%. The rules would apply to new development and projects needing landscape plans, with recreation areas exempt, and would also require tree irrigation access, mulch and a WaterSense controller.
- Petition No.: PLNPCM2022-01055
Item 10-14 · Appointment
Board appointment interviews
Discussed
The Council interviewed Kristy Chambers, Ivana Powell and Damon Talbot (Accessibility and Disability Commission, terms ending December 28, 2026) and Uliva Guadarrama and Olivia Joylani Kavapalu (Racial Equity in Policing Commission, terms ending December 30, 2024). Council Member Mano said all five were on the consent agenda for formal consideration.
Item 17 · Other
Closed session
Approved · 6-0
The Council voted to enter closed session for attorney-client matters, then voted to exit.
What residents said
Accessory dwelling unitsShort-term rentals