Council briefed on Sugar House hotel rezone, three other rezones, nuisance property ordinance and small lot housing
February 17, 2026, 2:00 p.m. · Salt Lake City and County Building, 451 South State Street
The work session covered rezone requests for a Sugar House hotel, a five-story building on 400 East and a 26-unit project on 1300 South, a revised recurring nuisance property ordinance, a Small Lot Dwelling proposal, and updates on the Capitol Hill plan and the 2027 Temple open house. No votes were taken.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Zoning
Sugar House hotel master plan and zoning map amendments
Discussed
Staff and the applicants presented a request to rezone about 0.80 acres next to the northwest corner of Sugar House Park from MU-3 to MU-8 and amend the Sugar House master plan map so a hotel can be built on the vacant, privately owned site. The Planning Commission gave a positive recommendation. The applicants described a rooftop restaurant, lobby cafe, underground parking and a GREENbike station. Members discussed a 25% commercial rent discount for local businesses, public parking as a community benefit and environmental risks of underground parking. Council Member Sarah Young asked for more on the discount, and Council Member Alejandro Puy said questions on community benefits and environmental concerns were outstanding.
- Applicant: John Potter, Magnus Commercial Properties, for the property owner
- Acres: 0.80
- Current zone → proposed: MU-3 → MU-8
- Council District 7
- Timeline: hearing Mar. 24; tentative action Apr. 7
Item 2 · Zoning
Master plan and zoning map amendment at 527, 537 and 539 South 400 East
Discussed
Staff presented a request to rezone three properties from RMF-45 to MU-5 and amend the Central Community master plan map to allow a five-story residential building with ground-floor commercial space, to join an existing building by the same owner. The Planning Commission recommended approval. Thrive Development and Lift Property Management said the project (Citizen 2) would connect to the completed Citizen 1. Members discussed the unit mix versus the council's goal of family-sized housing, parking and overflow, and that all units except three replacing former single-family rentals would be market rate. Council Member Puy asked about possible hidden renter fees, especially for parking. Council Member Young left during this item.
- Applicant: Russ Poulsen, Thrive Development (owner)
- Current zone → proposed: RMF-45 → MU-5
- Council District 4
- Timeline: hearing Mar. 10; tentative action Mar. 24
Item 3 · City code
Recurring nuisance properties ordinance follow-up
Discussed
Arturo Garcia presented a revised 'responsible owner' ordinance that removed a previously considered alcohol consumption provision and now sets an administrative process for identifying and enforcing against nuisances, with safeguards against misuse. Staff said it applies mainly to business properties but could apply to residential properties involving litter or illegal activity, that owners can cure problems through an abatement plan, and that other cities use similar processes. Council Member Chris Wharton asked for a list of defined nuisances.
- Timeline: hearing Mar. 10; tentative action Mar. 24
Item 4 · City code
Expanding Housing Options zoning text amendment update
Discussed
Staff presented a council-initiated proposal to create a Small Lot Dwelling land use in the R-1, R-2 and SR1-A districts and modify flag lot standards, citing affordability, walkability and water conservation. Members raised concerns about investors using it for profit without improving affordability, its timing alongside flag lot changes, the 50%-of-lot dwelling limit, and setbacks for nonconforming properties. Council Member Puy asked for deeper analysis of setbacks; Council Members Wharton and Puy asked for creative ways to reach residents.
Item 5 · Zoning
Zoning map amendment at 2260, 2270 and 2290 East 1300 South
Discussed
Staff presented a request to rezone three properties with existing single-family homes from R-1-7000 to MU-3 for a 26-unit project of eight townhomes and 18 condominiums, with 10% of units set aside for buyers at 80% of area median income. The Planning Commission recommended approval. Applicants described underground parking, traffic mitigation and housing for middle-income families. Members discussed parking, a possible future design review for added height, and a guarantee of three affordable units drafted into the development agreement.
- Applicant: J-Development, LLC, for the property owner
- Units: 26 (8 townhomes, 18 condominiums)
- Current zone → proposed: R-1-7000 → MU-3
- Council District 6
- Timeline: hearing Mar. 24; tentative action Apr. 7
Item 7 · Presentation
Downtown Alliance planning and support for 2027 Temple open house
Discussed
Dee Brewer of the Downtown Alliance presented expected economic and area effects of the Temple reopening, visitor numbers, transportation and a recent assessment of Main Street conditions. Members discussed an upcoming funding request at the March 10 Community Reinvestment Agency meeting and recent state legislation that may limit funding approval. Council Member Puy asked about funding sources and the rescoping of Open Streets funds; Council Member Petro asked for visitor demographics.
Item 8 · General plan
Capitol Hill Community Plan update
Discussed
Planning staff gave an overview of the scope, goals, demographics and next steps of the Capitol Hill Community Plan update, which is at an early stage. Members raised concern about meeting the diverse needs of neighborhoods, particularly Guadalupe, alignment with the West-East Connection Study, realistic priorities, and including Warm Springs Park.
Item 9 · Presentation
Wasatch Front Transit to Trails program
Discussed
Josh Stasinos of Utah Open Lands described the program, piloted in 2022 for Nordic skiers and made permanent in the Park City system in summer 2025, and its proposed expansion into the Salt Lake Valley to reduce canyon congestion and parking pressure. Members discussed reservations, bus capacity and including underserved communities. Council Member Petro asked for outreach to Westside residents.
Item 10 · Presentation
Council communications performance report
Discussed
Staff presented the July to December 2025 communications report on the council's website, email and social media. Members discussed gamification of the council website and improvements. Council Member Puy asked for updated website templates and Council Member Wharton for reporting of outcomes to constituents.
Item 11 · Appointment
Planning Commission appointment: Anna Sullivan
Discussed
The council interviewed Anna Sullivan, a District 1 resident, for a term ending Feb. 17, 2030. Council Member Puy said her name would be on the consent agenda.
What residents said
Parking and hidden renter feesAffordability of small lot housingEnvironmental risk of underground parking