Sandy council tables transitional housing definition until the shelter applicant negotiates an agreement on security, staffing and funding
September 26, 2023, 5:15 p.m. · Council Chambers, Sandy City Hall, 10000 Centennial Parkway, and Zoom
The Sandy City Council tabled Ordinance 23-17, the transitional housing facility definition sought by Shelter the Homeless, until the applicant negotiates a memorandum of understanding with the council attorney covering security, staffing, funding and term definitions. The notes do not record the tally. The council also heard updates on wildfire preparedness and transportation projects and reviewed two Title 21 changes.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 2 · Presentation
Central Wasatch Commission update
Discussed
Commission representatives presented and council members asked questions.
Item 3 · Presentation
Rocky Mountain Power wildfire preparedness and mitigation
Discussed
A utility representative presented and council members asked questions.
Item 4 · Roads and utilities
Federal and state funded transportation projects
Discussed
City Engineer Ryan Kump reviewed completed, in-design and future projects, including an SR-209 pedestrian bridge concept. Council Member Marci Houseman was excused at 6:46 p.m.
Item 5 · City code
Title 21 Sensitive Area Overlay Zone: violations, enforcement and penalties
Discussed
Zoning Administrator Melissa Anderson presented; the Planning Commission recommended approval. Mike Wilcox and Community Development Director James Sorenson answered questions. The item was set to return for action.
Item 6 · City code
OneTen Apartments code amendment, Title 21 Chapter 8 (CBD zone)
Discussed
Mike Wilcox presented for applicant Think Architecture an amendment that would allow apartments in a limited area of the Central Business District. The Planning Commission recommended approval. The council recessed and reconvened at about 7:45 p.m.
Item 7-9 · Other
Consent: Aug. 29, Sept. 12 and Sept. 19 draft minutes
Approved
Approved by unanimous voice vote.
Item 10 · City code
Transitional housing facility definition, Ordinance 23-17
Tabled
The ordinance would define non-congregate interim housing of up to 24 months, by referral only, with on-site supportive services for people experiencing homelessness. Speakers: Elise Taylor opposed; Levy Woodruff and Kseniya Kniazeva supported; Jacob Wiedrich raised concerns; Brooke Christensen said she was not opposed if conditions were set and public safety costs reimbursed; Rachel Ross had concerns but saw the shelter as good; a letter from Father Tilley supporting it was read. City Attorney Lynn Pace said State Coordinator Wayne Niederhauser committed state funds to reimburse Sandy for added public safety costs, and provided a letter defining medically vulnerable people. Houseman rejoined virtually during the item. The council tabled the ordinance until the applicant negotiates the agreement with the council attorney.
What residents said
Transitional housing shelterPublic safety costsShelter visitor policy
Jason Richman supported helping the homeless but objected to the shelter's zero-visitor policy and asked for local oversight. Others spoke on the shelter ordinance as noted in the item.