Council briefed on temple-reopening street closures, fence and hedge rules and business loan fund
February 10, 2026, 4:00 p.m. · Salt Lake City and County Building, 451 South State Street
In a briefing-only work session, the council reviewed the Economic Development Loan Fund, a proposal to temporarily close streets around the Salt Lake Temple during its 2027 reopening, and a fence and hedge height text amendment. Members indicated full support for raising side and rear yard fence limits to seven feet.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Budget
Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund year-end briefing
Discussed
Staff presented the history, statistics, application process and interest rates of the Economic Development Loan Fund. Members discussed default and repayment processes, how the program compares with traditional lending, and whether loan maximums remain adequate as startup costs rise. Council Member Sarah Young asked how long businesses stay open after a city loan and for a comparison to traditional rates; Council Member Erika Carlsen asked for a review of refinancing options and of application scoring over time.
Item 2 · Public safety
Temporary street closures for Temple Square 2027 reopening
Discussed
Tammy Hunsaker presented a proposal to temporarily close streets adjacent to the Salt Lake Temple between March and October 2027 for safety and crowd management during the reopening celebration, saying access to nearby businesses and public safety would be maintained. Representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said the church would cover additional public safety costs and permit fees. Members discussed traffic, emergency preparedness, transit, residential parking and business activation. Council Member Victoria Petro asked for a visitor directory and traveler communications.
- Closure period: March to October 2027
- Timeline: hearing Mar. 10; tentative action Mar. 24
Item 3 · City code
Fence and hedge height text amendment
Discussed
Two related proposals were presented. One would raise the maximum front-yard fence height in M-1 and M-1A districts from four to six feet. The other would replace the word 'hedges' with 'landscaping' in the fence and utility box rules, clarify clear-view standards, and raise side and rear yard fence height to a maximum of seven feet. Members and staff discussed privacy concerns and effects of the new standards. Members indicated full support for seven-foot side and rear yard fences.
- Timeline: hearing Mar. 10; tentative action Mar. 24
What residents said
Traffic and parking during temple reopeningPrivacy and fence heights