Council gives unanimous straw poll support to consolidating R-1 zones and allowing up to four dwellings
February 18, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
In a work session, the Council took a straw poll, supported by all members present, to consolidate the R-1 single-family zoning sections and allow duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and townhomes with up to four dwellings in R-1, R-2 and SR districts. Members also heard briefings on a credit union rezone request that the Planning Commission opposed, a school zoning moratorium, the City's annual audit and a new parental leave policy, and interviewed three appointees.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 2 · Zoning
R-1 Single-Family Residential districts zoning text amendment
Discussed
Planning staff presented a proposal to consolidate R-1/12,000, R-1/7,000 and R-15,000 sections into one, add housing types (duplex, triplex, fourplex, townhome) with up to four dwellings in R-1, R-2 and SR districts, set regulations for each type, and add a guiding principle on affordability. Council members asked about lot sizes, parking, cottage-home setbacks, subdividing lots, deed-restriction expiration (about 30 years), maximum building coverage, historic overlays and notice to property owners. A straw poll supporting the legislative intent was supported by all members present. Council Member Sarah Young asked for a comparison with the Affordable Housing Initiative; Council Member Alejandro Puy asked about maximum building coverage.
Item 3 · Zoning
Zoning map amendment at approximately 455 and 475 East 500 South (America First Credit Union)
Discussed
The Council was briefed on a request to rezone the properties from R-MU-45 Residential/Mixed Use to RO Residential/Office to allow added height to replace a three-level noncomplying parking garage. The Planning Commission forwarded a negative recommendation. The applicant's representatives described the garage as unusable and unsafe, said the project would add jobs and activate Denver Street, and mentioned a possible development agreement. Council members asked about ground-floor activation, charging stations, design standards and next steps. Council Member Puy asked for a clear construction plan and neighbor impact plan before work begins.
- Applicant: the applicant for America First Credit Union
- Current zone → proposed: R-MU-45 → RO
- Council District 4
Item 4 · Zoning
Extension of rezone conditions at approximately 704 East 900 South
Discussed
Staff presented a resolution giving the owner six more months to meet the conditions of Ordinance 6 of 2023, which rezoned the property from R-2 to SNB Small Neighborhood Business. Council members asked why the project had received multiple extensions and the basis for six months.
Item 5 · City code
Temporary land use regulation: public school development standards
Discussed
Staff briefed the Council on a temporary regulation changing zoning standards for K-12 public school development in the Public Lands District. Members asked whether the 180 days was to vest or execute the zoning, what happens if permanent zoning is not approved after 180 days, and how to keep the process moving.
Item 6 · Contract
Economic Development Loan Fund: Policy Kings Brewery, LLC
Discussed
The Council was briefed on a $75,000 loan to Policy Kings Brewery, LLC at 79 West 900 South, described as Utah's first Black-owned brewery, relocating from Cedar City. The loan is meant to help create 15 jobs and retain 15. Members asked about the status of the company's first loan and the share of the building it would occupy.
- Payment$75,000 to Policy Kings Brewery, LLC
Item 7 · Budget
Annual financial audit report (fiscal year ended June 30, 2024)
Discussed
Finance staff and auditors from Eide Bailly presented the findings of the City's audit of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Council Member Young thanked staff for transparency, and members discussed next steps and corrective actions.
Item 9 · Other
Update on the City's parental leave policy
Discussed
Human Resources said the policy now includes two types of leave, Recovery Leave and Bonding Leave, and that short-term disability insurance will no longer be used. Council Member Young asked for flexibility for employees grieving the loss of a child, which HR said it was researching. Council Member Petro asked about Fire Department differences, which HR attributed to work hours.
Item 10 · Appointment
Interview: Mark Kittrell for Salt Lake City Attorney
Discussed
The Council interviewed Mark Kittrell; Council Member Chris Wharton said his name would go on the consent agenda for formal consideration.
Item 11 · Appointment
Interview: Alyn Toalepai, Business Advisory Board
Discussed
An interview was held; the appointment was to go on the consent agenda.
Item 12 · Appointment
Interview: Channae Haller, Human Rights Commission
Discussed
An interview was held; the appointment was to go on the consent agenda.
Item 13 · Other
State legislative briefing follow-up
Discussed
The legislative affairs director updated the Council. Members asked which flags HB77 would restrict in government facilities, which agencies SB154/SJR4 affects, whether HB329 addresses drug use in shelters, HB501 and the status of energy bills. Council Member Petro thanked the lobby team.
What residents said
Housing density in single-family zonesCredit union parking garage rezone