Council straw polls favor permitting backyard ADUs without conditional use review, with a one-space parking rule near transit exceptions
February 7, 2023, 2:00 p.m.
In a work session, Council members took a series of non-binding straw polls on the proposed accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance, supporting making ADUs a permitted use and keeping the owner-occupancy requirement. They also heard briefings on a closed captioning ordinance, a right-of-way notification fee, the Bridge to Backman land exchange, the Airport Flight Path overlay at 130 North 2100 West, and $20.4 million in dormant housing program funds. These 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 cases down 15% in the U.S. and up 17% in Utah over two weeks, promoted a food equity micro grant, said the Big Cottonwood Canyon water treatment plant rebuild was in early stages with public engagement planned, and gave a homeless resource center update. Members discussed shelter capacity, which staffing affects, and urged the public to engage as the Legislature considers homelessness.
Item 2 · Presentation
Office of Equity and Inclusion initiatives
Discussed
The Office of Equity and Inclusion presented 2023 goals for the Human Rights Commission, including a CEDAW gender equity framework, a Thriving in Place study, a language access policy and a children and youth advocacy subcommittee. For the Racial Equity in Policing Commission, staff reported more than 75% of Phase I recommendations with the Police Department complete and listed 2023 goals including reviewing the Civilian Review Board structure and funding mental health professionals and victim advocates. Members asked how therapy funding in the Police Department budget is allocated.
Item 3 · City code
Public accommodation closed captioning ordinance
Discussed
Staff presented an ordinance requiring that closed captioning be activated on televisions in public areas. Accessibility and Disability Commissioners Pamela Mower, Stephen Persinger and Kayci Lynam spoke in favor, with one asking for larger caption text. Council members discussed public education, using business licensing for notification, including the Airport, and ensuring the rule is not used to target business owners who are unaware of it. Council action was tentatively set for Feb. 21.
Item 4 · Roads and utilities
Land exchange for the Bridge to Backman project
Discussed
Staff briefed the Council on the proposed swap of about 2,473 square feet (0.057 acres) of city open space at 592 N. Riverside Drive for an equal parcel owned by Riverwood Cove, LLC, to resolve utility and access issues with no net loss of open space. Council Member Mano clarified the Council's role is advisory. Members asked about adjacent parking lot ownership, setbacks, newspaper noticing, project funding and streamlining swaps that do not reduce open space.
- Land deal$0 to Riverwood Cove, LLC
Item 5 · Taxes and fees
Right-of-way permit notification fee
Discussed
Staff described an ordinance that would add a fee to the Consolidated Fee Schedule for postcards notifying adjacent properties of work in the public way. Engineering staff estimated the cost at $11.53 per notice with labor or $3.49 without. Council members asked about charging full cost, whether applicants should be allowed to send their own notices and how to verify them, and requested more information on planning permit costs. A hearing was set for March 7.
- Fee$12
Item 6 · Budget
Transparency in the Housing Stability Division budget
Discussed
Staff reported that an internal review, as of Nov. 30, 2022, located $20,412,990 in dormant program income and other funds that had been incorrectly accounted for by the Housing Stability Division. The Administration proposed formal policies, greater budget transparency and a Homeowner Revolving Loan Fund. Members asked about HUD restrictions, possible repayment to HUD, community land trust funding, how properties are chosen and how the fund relates to the Mayor's housing fund.
- Budget$20.4 million
Item 8 · City code
Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) text amendment follow-up
Discussed
Council members took non-binding straw polls ahead of that evening's hearing. Parking: five members (Fowler, Puy, Valdemoros, Petro, Mano) supported keeping one off-street space except within a quarter mile of a transit stop, with Wharton and Dugan opposed; Wharton, Valdemoros and Dugan favored removing the bike lane exception, while four opposed; five supported removing the on-street parking exception with Petro opposed and Valdemoros not voting. Size: four supported a 1,000 square foot limit (Puy, Petro, Mano, Valdemoros) and all supported removing the 12,000 square foot option. Owner occupancy: only Mano and Puy supported removing it. All supported a corner-yard setback of 20% of lot width or 10 feet, whichever is less, and making ADUs a permitted use. Six supported the Planning Department's suggested setback, with Dugan opposed. Only Dugan and Valdemoros supported barring an ADU from being taller than the primary dwelling.
- Petition No.: PLNPCM2022-000475
- Straw polls are non-binding
Item 9 · Zoning
Rezone at about 130 North 2100 West (Airport Flight Path overlay)
Discussed
The petition would remove a hotel property from the Airport Flight Path Protection Overlay Influence Zone B so the building can be used as 94 units of permanent supportive housing, mainly for people age 62 and older transitioning out of homelessness. The Planning Commission forwarded a positive recommendation with a condition that a development agreement require air circulation systems providing at least 30 dB of sound attenuation in sleeping areas and 25 dB elsewhere. Members discussed freeway versus airport noise, planting trees and expediting permits. A hearing was set for Feb. 21.
- Petitioner: Friends of Switchpoint
- Petition No.: PLNPCM2022-00833
- Units: 94
- Planning Commission: positive recommendation with condition
Item 10 · General plan
Local Link Study update to the 2013 Sugar House Circulation Plan
No action
The briefing on the update to the Sugar House circulation plan, including a transit alternatives analysis of streetcar extensions to the Brickyard, Millcreek and Holladay, was moved to a future agenda.
Item 11 · Other
State of Utah fraud risk assessment for 2022
Discussed
The Chief Financial Officer reviewed the 2022 fraud risk assessment required by state law, based on the State Auditor's report.
Item 12 · Appointment
Board appointment interview: Julie Bjornstad
Discussed
The Council interviewed Julie Bjornstad for the Transportation Advisory Board, term ending Sept. 29, 2025. Her name was placed on the consent agenda.
Item 14 · Other
Report from the Executive Director
Discussed
Staff reported the Mayor approved removing four public artworks from the city collection for structural, vandalism, cost and safety reasons. Members asked for feedback on spending $10.5 million of the $85 million parks, trails and open space bond on neighborhood parks, and chose small group meetings followed by a work session. Council Member Petro was chosen to take the Utah League of Cities and Towns Legislative Policy Committee seat held by Council Member Fowler. Members agreed staff would decide which grant applications to bring forward.
Item 15 · Other
Closed session
Approved · 7-0
The Council voted to enter closed session to discuss pending or imminent litigation, real property purchase, exchange or lease strategy, and attorney-client matters, then voted to exit.
What residents said
ADU parkingOwner occupancy for ADUsDormant housing funds