Entity Staff Report - 9/8/2021COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL of SALT LAKE CITY
TO:City Council Members
FROM: Nick Tarbet, Policy Analyst
DATE: September 7, 2021
RE: Rezone: 554 and 560 South 300 East
from RO to R-MU
PLNPCM2020-00604 & 00712
PROJECT TIMELINE:
Briefing: September 7, 2021
Set Date: September 7, 2021
Public Hearing: Oct 5, 2021
Potential Action: Oct 19, 2021
ISSUE AT-A-GLANCE
The Council will receive a briefing about a proposal that would amend the zoning of property at 554 and
560 South 300 East from RO (Residential/Office District) to R-MU (Residential/Mixed Use District) and
would amend the Central Community Master Plan Future Land Use Map. The applicant is proposing to
amend the Central Community Master Plan to designate the subject sites as High Mixed Use land use
designation. The applicant is not proposing to alter the site in anyway at this time
According to the Planning Commission Staff report, the existing buildings are used for offices and medical
offices. Earlier this year a business license application for retail services was submitted. The application
was denied because the RO district does not permit retail services. The proposed amendments are intended
to allow retail service uses on the property, in addition to office use.
Page | 2
Vicinity and Zoning Map
(pages 2-3 of the Planning Commission Staff report)
Page | 3
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Pages 4-9 of the Planning Commission staff reports includes a discussion about three key issues
identified by the Planning Staff. A short summary of those is provided below. See the planning
commission staff report to view the full analysis.
1. RO and R-MU Zoning District Comparison
Allowed Use Comparison
The majority of land uses between the RO and R-MU zoning districts are very similar.
The few notable exceptions are included in the table below
Permitted / Conditional Land Use Table Comparison
Zone Office
Clinic
(Medical
dental)
Tavern,
Bar,
Brewpub
Mobile
Food
Business
Reception
Center
Retail
Goods
Retail
Service
Assisted
Living
(large/Small)
RO P P
R-MU P P C P P P P P
Building height for non-residential uses actually reduces the maximum building height
allowed if the amendments are approved.
Height and Yard Requirements
Zone Building Height Front Yard Side Yard Rear Yard
Non-residential
RO 60’25’15’/25’25% lot depth
Max 30’
R-MU 45’0’0’25% lot depth
Max 30’
Residential
RO 60’25’15’/25’25% lot depth
Max 30’
RM-U 75’0’0’25% lot depth
Max 30’
Page | 4
2. Compatibility with Master Plan Policies
Planning Staff found the proposed amendments meet many of the initiatives identified in the
Central Community Master plan and Plan Salt Lake such as: supporting commerce in Salt Lake
City by encouraging a diversity of land uses, locating retail and other uses closers to residences
which reduce energy consumption through making a wider range of uses accessible, and by
reducing the number of vehicle trips thereby reducing the production of vehicle emissions.
3. Zoning Compatibility with Adjacent Properties
The applicant is not proposing to alter the site in anyway at this time. However, the proposed
amendments would allow for the future redevelopment of the site that would be considered
denser and more urban oriented.
The differences between the RO and R-MU center around the walkability and density allowed
in the R-MU as well as an increase in the number of uses allowed, and that any potential
development which will become available if the amendments are approved have been found
compatible with the surrounding existing neighborhood. (Planning Commission staff report,
page 9)
PUBLIC PROCESS
The public process is outlined on page three of the transmittal letter. It met the standard requirements
of noticing surrounding property owners, informing the Community Council and a public hearing at
the Planning Commission.
This item had to go back to the Planning Commission for a new public hearing due to a noticing error
at the first public hearing.