Expanding Housing Options zoning text amendment
A Council-initiated zoning text amendment on small-lot dwellings, base zoning and flag lots. Staff briefed the Council September 8, 2026, which asked for a mailer to affected addresses after the Planning Commission recommendation. The council's Oct. 20 recap sets public hearings for Nov. 10 and Nov. 17, 2026, and says members discussed possible changes, including requiring owner occupancy of at least one unit on a property. That requirement is a discussion point, not part of any adopted rule.
In review
- Type
- Code change
- Location
- Affected residential zones citywide
- Applicant
- Salt Lake City Council
- Two public hearings were set for Nov. 10 and Nov. 17, 2026; no decision has been made.
- City Council work session: Briefing: Expanding Housing Options zoning text amendment
- City Council work session: Expanding Housing Options zoning text amendment update
In brief
Expanding Housing Options zoning text amendment appears on 2 recorded agendas, from the City Council work session meeting of February 17, 2026 to the City Council work session meeting of September 8, 2026.
Updates
October 20, 2026
Two public hearings were set for Nov. 10 and Nov. 17, 2026; no decision has been made. Source
Follow the money and project delivery
Expanding Housing Options zoning text amendment
- Council action
No approval or denial linked in the records collected.
- Money in the record
No itemized amount linked in the records collected.
- Signed agreement and payments
Execution and project-level disbursements are not verified by this tracker. They require separate records; meeting approval alone does not establish either.
- Work and operating costs
Check the linked records for completion and recurring operating costs; this tracker does not verify them. Record →
Every hearing and vote
September 8, 2026 · City Council work session
Briefing: Expanding Housing Options zoning text amendment
Discussed
Planning staff updated the Council on a Council-initiated zoning text amendment that would set small-lot dwelling standards, change base zoning and flag lot rules in affected residential zones, with a 1,200-square-foot dwelling size and 2,000-square-foot lot size cited. Council Members discussed the square-footage limits, concerns that the proposal could undercut affordable housing incentives or accessory dwelling unit policy or contribute to displacement, setback, height and privacy impacts (especially in the Avenues), and possible changes on rear-yard setbacks, alley-access lots, internal conversions, lot coverage and porch encroachments. Members requested a resident mailer after the Planning Commission recommendation (Wharton), plain-language outreach with a QR code survey (Petro), visual materials correcting misunderstandings (Young), a cost estimate for the mailer (Puy) and a list of housing barriers outside city authority for state legislative priorities (Young). A straw poll to mail all addresses in affected zones and add targeted digital advertising had all Council Members present in favor.
February 17, 2026 · City Council work session
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.