Thursday, October 15, 2026TheUtah Ledger

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Salt Lake City development tracker

Rio Grande District rezone and Downtown Plan amendment

Rezones 32 properties in the Rio Grande District from G-MU to D-4 for more building height and amends the Downtown Plan for mid-block walkways. Hearing March 10; the council adopted it March 24 (Ordinance 11 of 2026). Speakers urged alignment with the public-led Rio Grande Plan to bury tracks on 500 West.

Where it stands
Approved
Type
Zone change
Location
Between 200 South and 400 South and 500 West and 600 West
Applicant
Salt Lake City Planning Division

Every hearing and vote

  1. February 3, 2026 · City Council work session

    Rio Grande Master Plan and zoning map amendment

    Discussed

    Cassie Younger presented a proposal to rezone 32 properties in the Rio Grande District from G-MU (Gateway-Mixed Use) to D-4 (Downtown Secondary Central Business District), allowing additional building height, and to amend the Downtown Plan to include mid-block walkways. The Planning Commission gave a positive recommendation. Members discussed traffic and street safety on 500 South, plans for ground leases on Community Reinvestment Agency-owned properties, and possible future transit rail changes and easements.

    • Current zone → proposed: G-MU → D-4
    • Properties: 32
    • Council District 2
    • Timeline: hearing Mar. 10; tentative action Mar. 24

  2. February 17, 2026 · City Council

    Consent agenda

    Approved · 7-0

    The council approved the consent agenda: setting Mar. 10 hearings on the Rio Grande rezone, the fence and hedge text amendment, the 527-539 South 400 East rezone and the recurring nuisance properties ordinance; Grant Holding Account Items (Batch No. 2); appointing Anna Sullivan to the Planning Commission; and reappointing Matthew Coles to the Arts Council.

    Moved by Council Member Chris Wharton, seconded by Council Member Alejandro Puy. Vote: 7-0

  3. March 10, 2026 · City Council

    Rio Grande master plan and zoning map amendment

    Continued · 7-0

    The council heard a proposal to rezone 32 Rio Grande District properties from G-MU to D-4 and amend the Downtown Plan. Seven speakers supported the rezone and most asked that it align with the public-led Rio Grande Plan, which proposes burying the railroad tracks along 500 West in a 'train box'; speakers also mentioned the Green Loop, restoring the Rio Grande Depot, and City Creek daylighting. Council Member Lopez Chavez said the Community Reinvestment Agency was working to incorporate the plan. Council Member Alejandro Puy noted the city's limited decision-making authority and funding over the project. The hearing was closed and action deferred.

    • Petitions: PLNPCM2025-00180, PLNPCM2025-00181
    • Current zone → proposed: G-MU → D-4

    Moved by Council Member Daniel Dugan, seconded by Council Member Victoria Petro. Vote: 7-0

  4. March 24, 2026 · City Council

    Rio Grande master plan and zoning map amendment

    Approved · 7-0

    The council adopted Ordinance 11 of 2026 rezoning 32 properties in the Rio Grande District from G-MU to D-4, allowing more building height, and amending the Downtown Plan to include mid-block walkways.

    • Petitions: PLNPCM2025-00180, PLNPCM2025-00181
    • Current zone → proposed: G-MU → D-4

    Moved by Council Member Victoria Petro, seconded by Council Member Daniel Dugan. Vote: 7-0