HomeMy WebLinkAbout074A of 2025 - Text Amendment - RMF-35 & RMF-45 Multi Family Zoning District Update1
SALT LAKE CITY ORDINANCE
No. 74A of 2025
(Amending Title 21A of the Salt Lake City Code to consolidate Moderate Density Multi-Family
Residential Districts)
An ordinance amending the text of Title 21A of the Salt Lake City Code pertaining to
consolidating Moderate Density Multi-Family Residential Districts, pursuant to PLMPCM2024-
01388.
WHEREAS, on May 14, 2025, the Salt Lake City Planning Commission (“Planning
Commission”) held a public hearing on a proposed ordinance amending Salt Lake City’s land
use regulations consolidating moderate density Multi-Family Residential Districts (Petition No.
PLMPCM2024-01388); and
WHEREAS, at its May 14, 2025 meeting, the Planning Commission voted in favor of
forwarding a positive recommendation to the Salt Lake City Council (“City Council”) on said
petition; and
WHEREAS, after a public hearing on this matter held on December 9, 2025, the City
Council determined that adopting this ordinance is in the city’s best interests.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah:
SECTION 1. Amending the heading of Subsection 21A.24.130. That heading of
Subsection 21A.24.130 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Residential Districts: RMF-35
Moderate Density Multi-Family Residential District) shall be and hereby is amended to read as
follows:
21A.24.130: RMF-35 and RMF-45 MODERATE DENSITY MULTI-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
SECTION 2. Amending the text of Subsections 21A.24.130.A and B. That Subsections
21A.24.130.A and B of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Residential Districts: RMF-35
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Moderate Density Multi-Family Residential District: Purpose Statement and Uses) shall be
amended with the following:
A. Purpose Statement: The RMF-35 and RMF-45 Moderate Density Multi-Family Residential
Districts are intended to provide an environment in the city suitable for a variety of
residential building forms that are moderate in scale, up to a height of 35 feet in the RMF-35
district and 45 feet in the RMF-45 district, with a density based on the land use policies
identified in the general plan. The districts serve as a transition between low-density
neighborhoods and areas with greater land-use intensity. The primary intent of both districts
is to enable infill development, encourage incremental construction of affordable and
attainable housing, and support the character of established residential neighborhoods. The
form-based standards for the districts are intended to promote a variety of housing options.
These districts are meant to facilitate an engaging pedestrian experience, support nearby
commercial uses, and encourage sustainable modes of transportation.
B. Allowed Uses: Land uses shall be allowed as a permitted or conditional use based on the land
use tables for each listed district in Chapter 21A.33. Any permitted or conditional use shall
also be limited by any specific provision in this chapter or as determined by the building type
definitions found in 21A.62.060.
1. Accessory Uses and Structures: Accessory uses and structures shall be allowed subject to
the requirements of 21A.36.020, 21A.36.030, and 21A.40 of this title and any other
provisions that specifically apply to accessory uses and structures that may be found in
this title.
SECTION 3. Amending the text of Subsection 21A.24.130.C.1 and accompanying
table. That Subsection 21A.24.130.C.1 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Residential
Districts: RMF-35 Moderate Density Multi-Family Residential District: Minimum Lot Area and
Lot Width) shall be deleted in its entirety, including the land use table, and hereby replaced with
the following text:
C. General Provisions:
1. Building Height:
a. Maximum: Building height maximums are based on building forms listed in
21A.24.130.F.
b. Measurement: Building height in this chapter shall be measured from finished grade.
2. Yard and Setback:
a. General Yard Applicability: When a development includes multiple lots, the
minimum required yards may apply to the perimeter of the development rather than to
individual lots.
b. Front and Corner Side Yard Exceptions:
(1) Adjacent Building Exception: A required minimum front or corner side yard may
be reduced to equal an abutting lot's front or corner side yard if the yard area is
located along the same block face.
(2) Curb Distance Exception: No minimum setback is required for the front or corner
side yard if the respective lot line is more than 20 feet from the street curb face.
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c. Side or Rear Yard Abutting an Alley: Half the width of an abutting alley may be
counted toward a required side or rear yard.
3. Lot Size Provisions:
a. Lot Width Maximum: The width of a new lot shall not exceed 110 feet. Where more
than one lot is created, the combined lot width of abutting lots within a new
subdivision, including area between lots, shall not exceed 110 feet.
b. Lot Area Requirement Exception: No minimum lot area is required for utility
buildings and structures or for allowed uses that do not involve the construction of a
principal building, such as parks and open space.
4. Open Space Area Requirements: Open space areas may include landscaped yards, patios,
dining areas, common balconies, rooftop gardens, and other similar outdoor living
spaces. Private balconies, required parking lot landscaping, or required perimeter parking
lot landscaping shall not be counted toward the minimum open space area requirement.
When required by the building form standards in this chapter, the following open space
standards shall apply:
a. Common Open Space Areas: A common open space area is an outdoor space shared
by all dwelling units within a development that meets the minimum size requirement
specified in an applicable building form table. For developments that involve
subdividing a site into multiple lots, common open space areas may use the entire
development area, provided each dwelling unit has legally established access to the
common open space area. At least 50% of the required common open space shall be
contiguous and include the following:
(1) A minimum of 33% live vegetation;
(2) A minimum width of 6 feet; and
(3) At least two of the following:
(A) A bench for every 250 square feet of common open space area;
(B) An outdoor amenity intended to provide outdoor recreation and leisure
opportunities, which may include playgrounds, seating areas, gardens, sports
courts, or similar amenities intended to promote outdoor activity; or
(C) A shade structure or tree with a minimum spread of 20 feet at mature height
for every 250 square feet of common open space area. If a tree is provided, the
tree canopy at maturity may count toward the required minimum area of
vegetation.
b. Personal Open Space Areas: A personal open space area is a private area that is
accessible only to its respective dwelling unit. Each personal open space area shall be
separated from other areas by a fence, hedge, or other physical barrier to distinguish it
as private. When required, the minimum personal open space area shall apply to each
dwelling unit in a development. Each personal open space area shall:
(1) Contain at least one shade area. Shade may include a tree, pergola, gazebo, or
other similar structure designed to provide shade to the area. Shade structures may
encroach into a required yard provided they are located at least one foot from all
lot lines;
(2) Have no more than 50% coverage of impervious surfaces;
(3) Not be located within a required front yard; and
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(4) Have a minimum width of 6 feet.
c. Proximity to Public Parks: The open space required by a building form standard does
not apply when the subject property is within 800 feet of a public park or open space,
as measured along the closest reasonable walking path.
5. Public Street Frontage:
a. Buildings Without Frontage: A lot may contain principal buildings without public
street frontage, provided that:
(1) At least one principal building on the lot has public street frontage;
(2) Each building has legally established access to a public street; and
(3) Each ground-floor dwelling unit of the Row House, Urban House, Two-Family,
and Cottage Development forms shall include an entry feature allowed by
21A.37.050, regardless of street frontage.
b. Lots Without Frontage: For the purpose of this provision, individual dwellings may
be on their own lot, including within a condominium development. Lots without
public street frontage, used for individual dwelling units or buildings, are allowed
subject to a preliminary subdivision plat process and recording a final subdivision plat
that:
(1) Documents that new lots have adequate access to a public street by way of
easements or a shared driveway; and
(2) Includes a disclosure of private infrastructure costs for any shared infrastructure
associated with the new lot(s) per Section 21A.55.110 of this title and all other
requirements therein.
6. Midblock Walkways: When identified in the general plan, midblock walkways are
subject to the following requirements:
a. Width: The midblock walkway shall meet the minimum width requirements
established in the applicable plan. If no minimum width is provided, it shall be 6 feet.
b. Encroachments: The following building encroachments are permitted in an outdoor
midblock walkway:
(1) Balconies: All balconies must be located at the third story or above;
(2) Building overhangs and associated cantilever: These coverings shall be located no
lower than 9 feet above the level of the sidewalk and may project up to 6 feet;
(3) Other architectural element(s) not listed above that offer refuge from weather
and/or provide publicly accessible usable space, projecting up to 1 foot into the
midblock walkway.
SECTION 4. Amending the text of Subsections 21A.24.130.D through H. That
Subsections 21A.24.130.D through H of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Residential Districts:
RMF-35 Moderate Density Multi-Family Residential District: D. Maximum Building Height; E.
Minimum Yard Requirements; F. Required Landscape Yards; G. Maximum Building Coverage;
and H. Landscape Buffers) shall be deleted entirely and hereby replaced with the following
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Subsections D through F:
D. Unit Density Bonus: Bonus dwelling units may be granted when an existing principal
building is retained as part of a development that adds at least one additional dwelling unit
pursuant to the following:
1. Two bonus dwelling units of any building type may be granted for retaining an existing
structure that contains one or two dwelling units, or retaining two dwelling units within
separate buildings on a site.
2. Four bonus dwelling units of any type may be granted for retaining an existing building
containing three or more dwelling units or retaining three or more dwelling units within
multiple buildings on a site.
3. A bonus dwelling unit may be added within or attached to an existing principal
building or as a separate building, provided that all other applicable zoning requirements
are met. Bonus units are not subject to minimum lot area requirements.
4. The addition of a bonus dwelling unit to an existing principal building does not change
the building type of the existing building.
5. Bonus dwelling units are exempt from minimum off-street parking requirements.
6. Bonus dwelling units are exempt from open space area requirements.
7. The exterior building walls and roofline of the existing principal building must be
retained to obtain a bonus dwelling unit. Additional stories are permitted and existing
architectural elements may be modified provided they meet applicable zoning or historic
preservation standards.
8. A density bonus may only be requested with a building permit application for
development that meets the minimum lot area requirements.
9. Any density bonus granted shall be documented through a restrictive covenant, the form
of which shall be approved by the city attorney. The restrictive covenant shall be
recorded on the property with the Salt Lake County Recorder prior to final inspection of
the bonus units. The restrictive covenant shall run with the land and shall provide for the
following, without limitation:
a. Indicate that bonus dwelling units were established by retaining existing structures on
a site.
b. Guarantee that the building(s) containing the unit(s) used to qualify for the bonus
units shall not be demolished unless the associated bonus units are also demolished;
and
c. Establish that the terms of the restrictive covenant are enforceable by the city or,
pursuant to Utah Code Section 10-9a-802 (or its successor), any adversely affected
party, and that in any such enforcement action the court shall award the prevailing
party its attorneys' fees.
E. Other Applicable Regulations: The following additional regulations apply to properties
within this district:
1. 21A.33 Land Use Tables
2. 21A.24.010 General Provisions for Residential Districts
3. 21A.36 General Provisions
4. 21A.37 Design Standards
5. 21A.38 Nonconforming Uses and Noncomplying Structures
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6. 21A.40 Accessory Uses, Buildings, and Structures
7. 21A.42 Temporary Uses
8. 21A.44 Off Street Parking, Mobility, and Loading
9. 21A.46 Signs
10. 21A.48 Landscaping and Buffers
F.Building Types, Forms and Standards: Allowed building forms shall be determined based on
the definitions in 21A.62.060. Standards for each allowed building form are listed in the
Building Form Standards tables below.
1. Urban House and Two-Family Building Form Standards:
TABLE 21A.24.130.F.1
(RMF-35 & RMF-Maximum: 35 feet
Maximum: 2
Building Coverage Maximum: 60%. When a development includes multiple lots, the
Landscape Buffer or FB-UN1 zoning districts. This standard supersedes any buffer
Attached Garage
of the width of the front facade of the building.
The width of the garage is equal to the width of the garage door, or in
the case of multiple garage doors, the sum of the widths of each garage
door plus the width of any intervening wall elements between garage
doors.
building" (as defined in section 21A.62.040 of this title).
Garage doors facing the side or rear lot line are not subject to these
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2. Cottage Development Building Form Standards:
TABLE 21A.24.130.F.2
3. Row House Building Form Standards:
TABLE 21A.24.130.F.3
(RMF-35 & RMF-Maximum: 23 feet
Maximum: 1
Open Space Area
Landscape Buffers or FB-UN1 zoning districts. This standard supersedes any buffer
(RMF-35 & RMF-Maximum: 35 feet
Interior Side Yard When the interior side yard abuts an R-1, R-
along the side lot line, the minimum is 10 feet unless a street or alley
Rear Yard When the rear yard abuts an R-1, R-2, FR, or SR zoning district along
the rear lot line, the minimum is 15 feet unless a street or alley
Maximum: 6
Open Space Area
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4. Multi-Family Residential Building Form Standards:
TABLE 21A.24.130.F.4
5. Non-residential Building Form Standards:
TABLE 21A.24.130.F.4
Landscape Buffers
Attached Garages
Interior Side Yard When the interior side yard abuts an R-1, R-
along the side lot line, the minimum is 10 feet unless a street or alley
Rear Yard When the rear yard abuts an R-1, R-2, FR, or SR zoning district along
the rear lot line, the minimum is 15 feet unless a street or alley
Building Form Maximum: 20
Building Form Maximum: 50
Open Space Area unit. For developments with 3 dwelling units,
Landscape Buffers
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SECTION 5. Effective Date: This ordinance shall become effective on the date of its
first publication.
Passed by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah, this 9th day of December,
2025.
______________________________
CHAIRPERSON
ATTEST AND COUNTERSIGN:
______________________________
CITY RECORDER
Transmitted to Mayor on _______________________.
Mayor’s Action: _______Approved. _______Vetoed.
______________________________
MAYOR
______________________________
CITY RECORDER
(SEAL)
Bill No. 74A of 2025.
Published: ______________.
Ordinance RMF Merger 1 21A.24 (final)
When the interior side yard abuts an R-1, R-2, FR, or SR zoning district
along the side lot line, the minimum is 10 feet unless a street or alley
Rear Yard When the rear yard abuts an R-1, R-2, FR, or SR zoning district along
the rear lot line, the minimum is 15 feet unless a street or alley
Landscape Buffers
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Salt Lake City Attorney’s Office
Date: _________________
By___________________________
Courtney Lords, Senior City Attorney
01/21/2026
Chris Wharton (Jan 21, 2026 15:20:42 MST)
01/21/2026
Erin Mendenhall (Jan 22, 2026 13:40:00 MST)
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1/23/2026
*Adopted December 9, 2025* - Ordinance 74A
of 2025 Planning RMF Merger Ordinance 1 -
21A.24_RMF35-4512.2
Final Audit Report 2026-01-23
Created:2026-01-21
By:DeeDee Robinson (deedee.robinson@slc.gov)
Status:Signed
Transaction ID:CBJCHBCAABAAeaIkTVF_dpa9JqY8Lm7Q4aHy3CXLI-RU
"*Adopted December 9, 2025* - Ordinance 74A of 2025 Plannin
g RMF Merger Ordinance 1 - 21A.24_RMF35-4512.2" History
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