Council supports lowering Ballpark rezoning from MU-11 to MU-8 in straw poll; short-term rental ordinance stays in effect
July 14, 2026, 3:45 p.m.
In a work session with Council Member Puy absent, members briefed on the Ballpark rezone and agreed in a straw poll to lower the proposed height district from MU-11 to MU-8. They also agreed to leave the short-term rental ordinance in effect while staff study changes, and heard presentations on the six-year Capital Asset Plan (about $1.5 billion in needs) and the Climate Forward plan.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Presentation
Updates from the administration
Discussed
Katie Riser highlighted a July 3 drone show at Jordan Park, recycling events, Arts Council programming and Love Your Block mural projects. Andrew Johnston said shelter capacity was functionally full and reviewed encampment mitigation and rapid response services, resource fairs and cooling center options. Council Member Dugan asked for the opening date of the second phase of the micro-shelter expansion, which staff said had restarted construction, and for an update on water conservation after the mayor's Stage Two drought declaration.
Item 2 · Presentation
Climate Forward SLC plan update
Discussed
Sustainability staff presented the plan's Existing Conditions Report, which covers extreme heat, drought, flooding, wildfire, air quality, public health and economic risks. Staff expect to return in late 2026 with a final draft and a possible adoption vote. Members discussed grant funding and coordination with neighboring jurisdictions and the state.
Item 3 · Zoning
Ballpark zoning map and text amendment
Discussed
Staff briefed a proposal to rezone parcels around the former Ballpark property, including 55 West Paxton Avenue, 77 West 1300 South, 1355 and 1357 South West Temple, 1356 South Main Street and 1381, 1395 and 1397 South West Temple, from Public Lands or RMF-35 to MU-11 or MU-5, with a text change to MU-11 standards and removal of Ballpark-specific sign rules. The rules would align with the Ballpark NEXT Community Design Plan, adopted by the Community Reinvestment Agency board in December 2025. Planning staff recommended approval and the Planning Commission voted 5-2 to recommend it; the two opposed cited the height allowed in MU-11. Members discussed MU-11 versus MU-8 height and capacity, keeping the land in public ownership with long-term ground leases, and green space. In a straw poll, all members present supported rezoning all parcels proposed for MU-11 to MU-8. A hearing is set for August 18.
- Current zone to proposed: Public Lands and RMF-35 to MU-11 and MU-5
- Planning Commission: 5-2 recommend approval
Item 4 · City code
Short-term rental business license ordinance follow-up
Discussed
Mark Kittrell reviewed Ordinance 38 of 2026 (licensing standards, a 10 percent multifamily limit, local contact requirements, a two-night minimum, a 200-night annual maximum, and penalties). Members discussed enforcement, how the cap applies to condominiums with several owners, treatment of existing operators and housing supply. Council Members Petro, Dugan and Wharton asked for further review of the condo question, comparisons with other cities, housing data and ways to notify operators. In a straw poll, all members present supported keeping the ordinance in effect, as adopted and published July 1, while staff develop possible amendments.
Item 5 · Budget
Six-year Capital Asset Plan
Discussed
Mary Beth Thompson, Rachel Molinari and Mike Atkinson presented the plan, its prioritization framework and its relationship to the Capital Improvement Program. It projects about $1.5 billion in capital needs through fiscal 2032-33 and a gap between needs and available funding.
- Budget$1500.0 million
Item 6 · Budget
Capital Improvement Program briefing
Discussed
Rachel Molinari described the review process, fiscal 2026-27 applications, available funding and the mayor's recommended allocations. Members discussed how constituent and department applications are weighed and agreed to hold detailed project discussion for a later meeting when more members could take part.
Item 7-8 · Appointment
Board interviews: Community Development and Capital Improvement Programs Advisory Board; Fire Code Board of Appeals
Discussed
The council interviewed six candidates for the community development advisory board and five for the Fire Code Board of Appeals. Council Member Carlsen said all names would go on the evening's consent agenda.
What residents said
Building height at Ballpark siteShort-term rental limitsCapital funding gapDrought