273 East 800 South rezone (First Step House)
Rezones the property at about 273 East 800 South from I (Institutional) to RMF-45 for a deeply affordable project of 34 one-bedroom apartments for households at or below 30% of area median income, on a site with a vacant office building. The Council adopted the rezone April 15, 2025 on the condition of a development agreement.
- Where it stands
- Approved
- Type
- Zone change
- Location
- 273 East 800 South
- Homes
- 34
- Applicant
- A representative of First Step House
Every hearing and vote
March 18, 2025 · City Council work session
Zoning map amendment at approximately 273 East 800 South (First Step House)
Discussed
Planning staff and the applicant briefed the Council on a request to rezone a vacant office building from I Institutional to RMF-45 Moderate/High-Density Multi-Family to allow 34 one-bedroom apartments for households at or below 30 percent of area median income; the zone could be changed to a similar district. Council members asked who would benefit and the waiting list size, whether First Step House would agree to a development agreement with security measures such as fencing, involving the Central City Community Council, and community benefit. In a straw poll, all members present supported asking staff to work with Planning on a development agreement reflecting Police Department review suggestions on safety and other suggestions from public comment. Council Members Alejandro Puy and Victoria Petro were absent for the poll.
- Applicant: the applicant, on behalf of First Step House
- Units: 34 one-bedroom apartments at 30% AMI or lower
- Current zone → proposed: I → RMF-45
- Council District 4
- Hearing set for April 15, 2025
March 25, 2025 · City Council
Zoning map amendment at approximately 273 East 800 South: set hearing (Petition PLNPCM2024-01153)
Approved · 7-0
On consent, the Council set an April 15, 2025 hearing on rezoning the property from I to RMF-45 for 34 one-bedroom apartments at 30 percent of area median income or lower. Petitioner: the applicant, for First Step House.
April 15, 2025 · City Council
Public hearing: rezone at 273 East 800 South (First Step House)
Approved with conditions · 5-1
The Council rezoned the property from I (Institutional) to RMF-45 for 34 one-bedroom apartments for households at 30% of area median income or less, replacing a vacant office building. Speakers opposed it citing crime, drug use and homelessness, a concentration of low-income housing in the area and a call for fairer distribution citywide. The applicant described on-site security and support services, and a First Step House representative described the population served. Initial motion to defer was amended. Council Member Wharton cited First Step House's record and the urgency of federal funding. Council Member Lopez Chavez backed the mission but opposed the rezone, called for a citywide distribution policy and asked for a development agreement. Council Member Mano supported the organization's work. Council Member Petro raised concentration of low-income housing in some districts and asked for a development agreement on safety. Council Member Dugan echoed support. The adopted ordinance includes a development agreement condition.
- Applicant: the applicant for First Step House
- Current zone → proposed: I → RMF-45
- Units: 34
- Condition: development agreement
- Ordinance 19 of 2025
- Council District 4