Council straw-polls mixed-use zoning consolidation changes and reviews housing funds and Northwest plan
July 1, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
At the July 1 work session the Council took unanimous straw polls on several changes to the mixed-use zoning consolidation, including a 10-foot stepback after 30 feet on streets narrower than 90 feet, MU-3 zoning for the Green Street strip mall and a six-month transition. Members were also briefed on design review standards, downtown parking rules, the Northwest Community Plan update, four housing program resolutions and the CIP funding log.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Presentation
Updates from the Administration
Discussed
Staff reported on Public Lands projects, July events and city drone shows for the 4th and 24th, homeless resource center occupancy, a July 14 resource fair, and park security patrols now running in four parks and expanding July 11 to Glendale, Jordan, International Peace Gardens, Cottonwood and Riverside parks, Fisher Mansion and Jordan River Parkway areas. Council Member Wharton asked which park restrooms are open and which are closed temporarily or permanently.
Item 2 · Zoning
Mixed-Use zoning consolidation text and map amendment follow-up
Discussed
Planners updated the Council on a proposal to consolidate up to 27 commercial, form-based and mixed-use districts into six new mixed-use (MU) districts. All Council Members present supported by straw poll: a 10-foot stepback after 30 feet on streets under 90 feet wide across the MU districts; keeping the Midas and Snelgrove blocks at MU-8; adding outdoor storage, outdoor equipment rental and outdoor contractor's yard as conditional uses and indoor contractor's yard/office as a permitted use in the 700 West transitional overlay; MU-3 zoning for the Green Street strip mall; and a six-month transition period for old and new zoning. Other topics were stepbacks next to landmarks, parking distance from transit, residential setbacks and Sugar House heights.
Item 3 · City code
Design Review Standards amendment
Discussed
Staff described a proposal to clarify when each design review section applies, remove duplicate standards and add standards for pedestrian interest, building massing, street-facing facade length and added height. Members discussed process streamlining, affordable housing exemptions and window requirements for longer facades inside and outside historic districts. A hearing was planned for August 12.
Item 4 · City code
Parking regulations in the Downtown zoning districts
Discussed
Planners described consolidating parking design standards into one location for the D-1 through D-4 and G-MU districts, covering parking lots and garages and upper-floor design. The Planning Commission forwarded a positive recommendation. Members asked about glazing requirements for ground-floor parking, building materials on upper stories and parking on street-facing upper floors. A hearing was planned for August 12.
Item 5 · General plan
Northwest Community Plan update
Discussed
In an early check-in, staff said the plan, last updated in 1992, covers Rose Park, Fairpark, Westpointe, Jordan Meadows and part of Poplar Grove, with a new boundary that no longer includes the airport. Members asked how it differs from the Northpointe Small Area Plan and whether it addresses safety. Council Member Petro asked for reporting on what large-scale development could bring to the Westside, citing a risk of gentrification, and for the area's positives to be highlighted.
Item 7 · Budget
The Blocks (Cultural Core) budget update
Discussed
A Downtown Alliance program director reported The Blocks had 148 days of activation in 2024, a $600,000 city and county budget, over 4 million attendees across arts venues and 94 local artists hired. The city's annual appropriation is $300,000.
- Budget$300,000 to Downtown Alliance (The Blocks)
Item 8 · Other
Housing program fund policy resolutions
Discussed
Housing staff presented four resolutions setting legislative policies for Housing Program Funds, the Home Repair Program, the Community Land Trust Program and the NOAH (naturally occurring affordable housing) Preservation Program. Council Member Mano asked for future budget reporting on usage and sufficiency. Council Member Dugan asked to discuss capping total grants and loans available to owners of many rental units. Action was tentatively set for July 8.
Item 9 · Budget
Capital Improvement Program follow-up
Discussed
Staff said the Council had approved a total of $44.2 million for CIP projects and reviewed funding log items including park restrooms, street reconstruction, 700 North (2200 West to Redwood Road), public way concrete, Liberty Lake dredging, irrigation replacement, bridge preservation, a Sugar House Park pavilion with Salt Lake County, traffic signals, transit capital and missing sidewalks and bikeway gaps. Council Member Young asked for a revised scope on Item 4 and that similar requests be grouped on the log. Council Member Lopez Chavez asked for a list and priority order of Public Lands restrooms needing repair.
- Budget$44.2 million
Item 10-12 · Appointment
Board appointment interviews: Disciplinary Appeals Hearing Officers
Discussed
The Council interviewed Bradley Jeppsen, Christine Hashimoto and Neal Geddes for terms ending July 1, 2027. Council Member Wharton said all three would be on the consent agenda.
Item 14 · Other
Executive Director report
Discussed
Jennifer Bruno said the calendar was changed for conference travel, adding a formal meeting on September 9 and a work-session-only meeting on September 16.
What residents said
Mixed-use zoning heights and stepbacksGentrification on the WestsidePark restroomsHousing program funds