Transmittal - 10/8/2021ERIN MENDENHALL DEPARTMENT of COMMUNITY
Mayor and NEIGHBORHOODS
Blake Thomas
Director
SALT LAKE CITY CORPORATION
451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 404 WWW.SLC.GOV
P.O. BOX 145486, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84114-5486 TEL 801.535.6230 FAX 801.535.6005
CITY COUNCIL TRANSMITTAL
________________________ Date Received: _________________
Lisa Shaffer, Chief Administrative Officer Date sent to Council: _________________
______________________________________________________________________________
TO: Salt Lake City Council DATE:
Amy Fowler, Chair
FROM: Blake Thomas, Director, Department of Community & Neighborhoods
__________________________
SUBJECT: PLNPCM2021-00511 Technology Related Land Use Text Amendments
STAFF CONTACT: Nick Norris, Planning Director nick.norris@slcgov.com or 801-641-1728
DOCUMENT TYPE: Ordinance
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt the proposal as recommended by the
Planning Commission..
BUDGET IMPACT: None
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION: This proposal was initiated by Mayor Erin Mendenhall to
promote the development of the technology related industry in the City. The proposal updates
the zoning code and does the following:
Adds Biomedical, Technology Facility, and Data Center as defined terms in the zoning
code and adds the uses to the land use tables as permitted uses in specific zoning districts
identified in the draft ordinance.
Adds a qualifying provision as a footnote to the land use tables related to Biomedical
uses that would prohibit uses that produce hazardous waste from being located within ½
mile of a residential use.
Modifies and merges several defined land uses into one use called “Laboratory, related”
and updates the land use tables as indicated in the draft ordinance.
Updates the defined land use “research and development facility” so the definition
reflects the nature of the use and expands where the use is allowed in the land use tables
of the zoning code.
September 10, 2021
Lisa Shaffer (Sep 28, 2021 15:20 MDT)
09/28/2021
09/28/2021
This proposal was initiated to help achieve several goals found in adopted planning documents of
the city as well as identified in the Mayor’s 2021 Plan. The overall goal was to expand where
tech related land uses could be in the city, specifically capitalizing on the biomedical uses that
are created due to the proximity of the University of Utah. The full set of goals found in adopted
plans can be found in the Planning Commission staff report.
The changes were proposed because the uses are not defined in the code currently. This creates
uncertainty for tech related uses and forces most of the uses into the industrial areas of the city.
This results in the need for administrative interpretations that take time and staff resources, often
for uses that are not more impactful than other similar uses already allowed in the underlying
zoning districts. Time is important for perspective businesses looking to locate in the city. The
proposed definitions are intended to be “general definitions” which are defined in the code as
definitions that are intended to be applied broadly and to address a wide range of potential land
uses. This proposal helps address that uncertainty and makes the code more predictable.
Adding the proposed uses to mixed use zoning districts is based on the goals of multiple
community plans to create more mixed-use neighborhoods throughout the city and provide jobs
near where people live. Further research of other communities has found that there is a growing
desire for tech related companies to be in places that are close to housing, restaurants,
entertainment, transit, and cultural amenities. These factors were used to help identify where the
uses were appropriate.
The impacts of the potential uses were considered in determining the zoning districts where the
uses would be acceptable. Few technology related land uses create impacts that are different
than most general office uses. Some biomedical uses do produce hazardous waste. The proposal
includes a provision that would prohibit biomedical uses that produce hazardous waste from
being located within ½ mile of a residential use. Data Centers also could have a negative impact
on mixed use areas where street engagement is important to promote vitality and walkability.
Dat centers tend to have low numbers of employees and are in buildings with limited windows
and entrances. This proposal only allows the use in the M-1, M-2, and BP zoning districts
because the nature of those areas do not include creating more walkable and engaging pedestrian
areas due to the large footprints of the buildings and the nature of the land use.
The Salt Lake City Department of Sustainability provided a recommendation to the Planning
Commission asking that all bio-medical uses provide either an air quality permit or an exemption
from permit requirements from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality
Division. This was recommended to help the city have a better idea of the level of emissions
from bio-medical uses. The Zoning Ordinance already includes environmental performance
requirements for air quality. The code requires applicants to provide copies of any required
approval. However, it is difficult during the zoning review to know if a permit is required
because it requires extensive knowledge of the air quality requirements adopted by the State of
Utah. Requiring evidence does make administering the code and verifying compliance with the
standard easier.
The proposal also included updating medical laboratory related definitions. The code contains
multiple variations of this use, which has created some confusion and difficulty in administering
the code. This change was included in this proposal because some of the medical lab definitions
blurred the lines with the biomedical definition, so more distinction was added to avoid
confusion and make it easier to administer the code.
The research and development land use are proposed to be updated because the use tends to not
produce impacts that are different than most office uses. This is an existing land use definition in
the code, but it was updated to better reflect the nature of the use and how the use has evolved
over time.
PUBLIC PROCESS: The Planning Division created an online storyboard to explain the
proposal and provide a survey about the proposed uses. A link to the story map can be found
here: HERE. The information and link are posted to the Planning Division Open House page
and included in the notice to recognized organizations. Notice of the proposal was sent to all
registered recognized organizations in the City. Two organizations requested a presentation on
the proposal: The Downtown Alliance and the Sugar House Community Council. A summary
of the input received can be found in the Planning Commission Staff Report. The survey was
accessible from May 21, 2021 to July 31, 2021.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on August 25, 2021. Notice of the public
hearing was sent to all registered recognized organizations and Trolley Square Associated (who
requested notice of all zoning changes specifically effecting property the entity owns), was
posted on the Planning Commission Agenda page, the State of Utah Public Notice page, and was
emailed to the Planning Division email list.
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council adopt the
proposed text changes.
Planning Commission (PC) Records
a) PC Agenda for August 25, 2021 (Click to Access)
b) PC Minutes of May 26, 2021 (Click to Access)
c) Planning Commission Staff Report for August 25, 2021 (Click to Access Report)
EXHIBITS:
1) Chronology
2) City Council Public Hearing Notice
3) Petition Initiation
4) Mailing Labels
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
SALT LAKE CITY ORDINANCE 1
No. _____ of 2021 2
3
(An ordinance amending various sections of Title 21A 4
of the Salt Lake City Code pertaining to tech related land uses) 5
6
An ordinance amending various sections of Title 21A of the Salt Lake City Code pertaining 7
to tech related land uses pursuant to Petition No. PLNPCM2021-00511. 8
WHEREAS, the Salt Lake City Planning Commission 9
public hearing on August 25, 2021 to consider a proposal initiated by Mayor Erin Mendenhall to 10
amend the Salt Lake City Code to more specifically identify tech related land uses and allow tech 11
related uses in more areas of the City; and 12
WHEREAS, at its August 25, 2021 hearing, the Planning Commission voted in favor of 13
forwarding a positive recommendation of approval to the Salt Lake City Council 14
to adopt changes to the Salt Lake City Code pertaining to tech related land uses; and 15
WHEREAS, the Salt Lake City Council desires to modify its land use regulations as 16
provided herein; and 17
WHEREAS, the Salt Lake City Council finds, after holding a public hearing on this 18
matter, that adopting this ordinance promotes the health, safety, and public welfare of the 19
citizens of the City. 20
NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah: 21
SECTION 1. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.33.020. That Section 22
21A.33.020 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Land Use Tables: Table of Permitted and 23
Conditional Uses for Residential Districts) shall be and hereby is amended to remove the complete 24
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
Laboratory (medical, dental, optical)25
Residential Districts. 26
FR-
1/435
60
FR-
2/217
80
FR-
3/120
00
R-
1/120
00
R-
1/70
00
R-
1/50
00
S
R-
1
S
R-
2
S
R-
3
R
2
RM
F-
30
RM
F-
35
RM
F-
45
RM
F-
75
R
B
R-
M
U-
35
R-
M
U-
45
R-
M
U
R
O
Laborat
ory
(medica
l,
dental,
optical)
P P P P P
27
SECTION 2. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.33.020. That Section 28
21A.33.020 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Land Use Tables: Table of Permitted and 29
Conditional Uses for Residential Districts) shall be and hereby is amended to add three new rows to 30
development 31
f f32
Districts, which use category shall be inserted into that table in alphabetical order and shall read and 33
appear in that table as follows: 34
FR-
1/4356
0
FR-
2/2178
0
FR-
3/1200
0
R-
1/1200
0
R-
1/700
0
R-
1/5
000
SR
-1
SR
-2
SR
-3
R
2
RMF
-30
RMF
-35
R
M
F-
45
RMF
-75
R
B
R-
MU-
35
R-
M
U-
45
R-
M
U
R
O
Laborat
ory,
medical
related
P P P P P
35
36
37
38
39
FR-
1/43
560
FR-
2/21
780
FR-
3/12
000
R-
1/12
000
R-
1/7
000
R-
1/5
000
S
R
-1
S
R
-2
S
R
-3
R
2
R
M
F-
30
R
M
F-
35
R
M
F-
45
R
M
F-
75
R
B
R-
M
U-
35
R-
M
U-
45
R
-
M
U
R
O
Resear
ch and
develo
pment
facility
P P
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
FR-
1/4
356
0
FR-
2/2
178
0
FR-
3/12
000
R-
1/12
000
R-
1/7
00
0
R-
1/5
00
0
S
R
-1
S
R
-
2
S
R
-
3
R
2
R
M
F-
30
R
M
F-
35
R
M
F-
45
R
M
F-
75
R
B
R-
M
U
-
35
R-
M
U
-
4
5
R
-
M
U
R
O
Tech
nolog
y
facilit
y
P P P P
40
SECTION 3. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.33.030. That Section 41
21A.33.030 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Land Use Tables: Table of Permitted and 42
Conditional Uses for Commercial Districts) shall be and hereby is amended to remove two complete 43
rows Laboratory (medical, dental, optical) and testing in the Table of 44
Permitted and Conditional Uses for Commercial Districts. 45
CN CB CS CC CSHBD CG SNB
Laboratory (medical, dental, optical) P P P P P
Laboratory, testing P P P
46
SECTION 4. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.33.030. That Section 47
21A.33.030 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Land Use Tables: Table of Permitted and 48
Conditional Uses for Commercial Districts) shall be and hereby is amended to add four new rows to 49
the table for separate use categories titled, -medica f 50
development f to the Table of Permitted and Conditional Uses 51
for Commercial Districts, which use categories shall be inserted into that table in alphabetical order and 52
shall read and appear in that table as follows: 53
54
CN CB CS CC CSHBD CG SNB
Bio-medical
facility
P22 P22 P22 P22
55
CN CB CS CC CSHBD CG SNB
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
Technology
facility
P P P P
56
57
CN CB CS CC CSHBD CG SNB
Laboratory, medical related P P P P P
58
CN CB CS CC CSHBD CG SNB
Research and development facility P P P P
59
SECTION 5. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.33.030. That the 60
P Section 21A.33.030 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Land Use 61
Tables: Table of Permitted and Conditional Uses for Commercial Districts) shall be and hereby is 62
,which shall appear immediately succeeding 63
qualifying provision 21, as follows: 64
22. Prohibited within ½ mile of a residential use if the facility produces hazardous or 65
radioactive waste as defined by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality administrative 66
rules. 67
SECTION 6. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.33.035. That Section 68
21A.33.035 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Land Use Tables: Table of Permitted and 69
Conditional Uses for Transit Station Area Districts) shall be and hereby is amended to remove four 70
complete rows Laboratory (medical, dental, optical),testing, 71
facility (medical) in the Table of Permitted and Conditional Uses for Transit Station Area Districts. 72
TSA UC TSA UN TSA MUEC TSA SP
Core Transition Core Transition Core Transition Core Transition
Laboratory
(medical,
dental,
optical)
P P P P P P P P
Laboratory,
testing
P P P P
73
TSA UC TSA UN TSA MUEC TSA SP
Core Transition Core Transition Core Transition Core Transition
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
Research
facility
(medical)
P P P P P P P P
74
SECTION 7. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.33.035. That Section 75
21A.33.035 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Land Use Tables: Table of Permitted and 76
Conditional Uses for Transit Station Area Districts Districts) shall be and hereby is amended to add 77
three new rows to the table for separate use categories titled, -78
Facil to the Table of Permitted and Conditional Uses for Transit 79
Station Area Districts Districts, which rows shall be inserted into that table in alphabetical order by use 80
category and shall read and appear in that table as follows: 81
TSA UC TSA UN TSA MUEC TSA SP
Core Transition Core Transition Core Transition Core Transition
Bio-
medical
facility
P11 P11 P11 P11
82
TSA UC TSA UN TSA MUEC TSA SP
Core Transition Core Transition Core Transition Core Transition
Technology
facility
P P P P P P P P
83
TSA UC TSA UN TSA MUEC TSA SP
Core Transition Core Transition Core Transition Core Transition
Laboratory,
medical
related
P P P P P P P P
84
SECTION 8. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.33.035. That the 85
Section 21A.33.035 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Land Use 86
Tables: Table of Permitted and Conditional Uses for Transit Station Districts) shall be and hereby is 87
88
provision 10, as follows: 89
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
11. Prohibited within ½ mile of a residential use if the facility produces hazardous or radioactive 90
waste as defined by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality administrative rules. 91
SECTION 9. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.33.040. That Section 92
21A.33.040 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Land Use Tables: Table of Permitted and 93
Conditional Uses for Manufacturing Districts) shall be and hereby is amended to remove two 94
complete rows Laboratory (medical, dental, optical)t in the Table 95
of Permitted and Conditional Uses for Manufacturing Districts. 96
M-1 M-2
Laboratory (medical, dental, optical) P P
Laboratory, testing P P
97
SECTION 10. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.33.040. That Section 98
21A.33.040 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Land Use Tables: Table of Permitted and 99
Conditional Uses for Manufacturing Districts) shall be and hereby is amended to add four new rows 100
to the table for separate use categories titled, - 101
development f to the Table of Permitted and Conditional Uses 102
for Manufacturing Districts, which rows shall be inserted into that table in alphabetical order by use 103
category and shall read and appear in that table as follows: 104
M-1 M-2
Bio-medical facility P18 P18
105
M-1 M-2
Technology facility P
106
107
M-1 M-2
Laboratory, medical related P P
108
M-1 M-2
M-1 M-2
Data center P
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
Research and development facility P P
109
SECTION 11. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.33.040. That the 110
Section 21A.33.040 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Land Use 111
Tables: Table of Permitted and Conditional Uses for Manufacturing Districts) shall be and hereby is 112
113
provision 17, as follows: 114
18. Prohibited within ½ mile of a residential use if the facility produces hazardous or 115
radioactive waste as defined by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality administrative 116
rules. 117
SECTION 12. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.33.050. That Section 118
21A.33.050 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Land Use Tables: Table of Permitted and 119
Conditional Uses for Downtown Districts) shall be and hereby is amended to remove the complete 120
row Laboratory (medical, dental, optical)ble of Permitted and Conditional Uses for 121
Downtown Districts. 122
D-1 D-2 D-3 D-4
Laboratory (medical, dental, optical) P P P P
123
SECTION 13. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.33.050. That Section 124
21A.33.050 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Land Use Tables: Table of Permitted and 125
Conditional Uses for Downtown Districts) shall be and hereby is amended to add four new rows to 126
the table for separate use categories titled, -f 127
development f to the Table of Permitted and Conditional Uses 128
for Downtown Districts, which rows shall be inserted into that table in alphabetical order by use category 129
and shall read and appear in that table as follows: 130
D-1 D-2 D-3 D-4
Bio-medical facility P17 P17 P17 P17
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
131
D-1 D-2 D-3 D-4
Technology facility P P P P
132
D-1 D-2 D-3 D-4
Laboratory, medical related P P P P
133
D-1 D-2 D-3 D-4
Research and development facility P P P P
134
SECTION 14. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.33.050. That the 135
Section 21A.33.050 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Land Use 136
Tables: Table of Permitted and Conditional Uses for Downtown Districts) shall be and hereby is 137
138
qualifying provision 16, as follows: 139
17. Prohibited within ½ mile of a residential use if the facility produces hazardous or 140
radioactive waste as defined by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality administrative 141
rules. 142
SECTION 15. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.33.060. That Section 143
21A.33.060 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Land Use Tables: Table of Permitted and 144
Conditional Uses for the Gateway District) shall be and hereby is amended to remove the complete 145
row Laboratory (medical, dental, optical)146
the Gateway District. 147
GMU
Laboratory (medical, dental, optical) P
148
SECTION 16. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.33.060. That Section 149
21A.33.060 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Land Use Tables: Table of Permitted and 150
Conditional Uses for the Gateway District) shall be and hereby is amended to add four new rows to 151
the table for separate use categories titled, - 152
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
me development f to the Table of Permitted and Conditional Uses 153
for the Gateway District, which rows shall be inserted into that table in alphabetical order by use category 154
and shall read and appear in that table as follows: 155
GMU
Bio-medical facility P8
156
GMU
Technology facility P
157
GMU
Laboratory, medical related P
158
GMU
Research and development facility P
159
SECTION 17. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.33.060. That the 160
Section 21A.33.060 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Land Use 161
Tables: Table of Permitted and Conditional Uses for the Gateway District) shall be and hereby is162
hall appear immediately succeeding 163
qualifying provision 7, as follows: 164
8. Prohibited within ½ mile of a residential use if the facility produces hazardous or radioactive165
waste as defined by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality administrative rules. 166
SECTION 18. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.33.070. That Section 167
21A.33.070 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Land Use Tables: Table of Permitted and 168
Conditional Uses for the Special Purpose Districts) shall be and hereby is amended to remove three 169
complete rows Dental laboratory/research facility,facility (medical), and 170
in the Table of Permitted and Conditional Uses for the Special 171
Purpose Districts. 172
R
P
BP FP AG AG-2 AG-5 AG-20 OS NOS A PL PL-2 I UI MH EI MU
Dental
laboratory/
P P C C
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
research
facility
173
RP BP FP AG AG-2 AG-5 AG-20 OS NOS A PL PL-2 I UI MH EI MU
Research
and
developme
nt facility
P P P P C
Research
facility
(medical)
P P P P
174
SECTION 19. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.33.070. That 175
Section 21A.33.070 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Land Use Tables: Table of Permitted 176
and Conditional Uses for the Special Purpose Districts) shall be and hereby is amended to add 177
four new rows to the table for separate use categories titled, io-178
f development f to the Table of 179
Permitted and Conditional Uses for the Special Purpose Districts, which rows shall be inserted into 180
that table in alphabetical order by use category and shall read and appear in that table as follows: 181
RP BP FP AG AG-2 AG-5 AG-
20
OS NOS A PL PL-2 I UI MH E
I
MU
Bio-
medical
facility
P23 P23 P23 P23
182
183
184
R
P
BP FP AG AG-2 AG-5 AG-20 OS NOS A PL PL-2 I UI MH EI MU
Technology
facility
P P P P
185
RP BP FP AG AG-2 AG-5 AG-20 OS NOS A PL PL-2 I UI MH EI MU
Data
center
P
186
187
RP BP FP AG AG-2 AG-5 AG-20 OS NOS A PL PL-2 I UI MH EI MU
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
Laboratory
, medical
related
P P P P P
188
RP BP FP AG AG-2 AG-5 AG-20 OS NOS A PL PL-2 I UI MH EI MU
Research
and
developme
nt facility
P P P P P
189
SECTION 20. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.33.070. That the 190
Section 21A.33.070 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Land Use 191
Tables: Table of Permitted and Conditional Uses for the Special Purpose Districts) shall be and 192
hereby is 193
succeeding qualifying provision 22, as follows: 194
23. Prohibited within ½ mile of a residential use if the facility produces hazardous or 195
radioactive waste as defined by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality administrative 196
rules. 197
SECTION 21. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.33.080. That Section 198
21A.33.080 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Land Use Tables: Table of Permitted and 199
Conditional Uses in Form Based Districts) shall be and hereby is amended to remove three complete 200
rows Laboratory (medical, dental, optical)(medical/dental), and 201
in the Table of Permitted and Conditional Uses in Form Based 202
Districts. 203
FB-UN1 FB-UN2 FB-UN3 FB-SC FB-SE
Laboratory (medical, dental,
optical)
P P P P
204
FB-UN1 FB-UN2 FB-UN3 FB-SC FB-SE
Research and development
facility
P P P
Research Facility,
(medical/dental)
P P P P
205
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
SECTION 22. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.33.080. That Section 206
21A.33.080 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Land Use Tables: Table of Permitted and 207
Conditional Uses for the in Form Based Districts) shall be and hereby is amended to add four new 208
rows to the table for separate use categories titled, -f 209
development f to the Table of Permitted and 210
Conditional Uses in Form Based Districts, which rows shall be inserted into that table in alphabetical 211
order by use category and shall read and appear in that table as follows: 212
213
FB-UN1 FB-UN2 FB-UN3 FB-SC FB-SE
Bio-medical facility P4 P4 P4
214
FB-UN1 FB-UN2 FB-UN3 FB-SC FB-SE
Technology facility P P P P
215
FB-UN1 FB-UN2 FB-UN3 FB-SC FB-SE
Laboratory, medical related P P P P
216
FB-UN1 FB-UN2 FB-UN3 FB-SC FB-SE
Research and development
facility
P P P P
217
SECTION 23. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.33.080. That the 218
Section 21A.33.080 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Land Use 219
Tables: Table of Permitted and Conditional Uses on Form Based Districts) shall be and hereby is 220
all appear immediately succeeding 221
222
4. Prohibited within ½ mile of a residential use if the facility produces hazardous or radioactive223
waste as defined by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality administrative rules. 224
SECTION 24. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.60.020. That Section 225
21A.60.020 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: List of Terms: List of Defined Terms) shall be and 226
hereby is amend227
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
228
229
Dental laboratory/research facility 230
Laboratory, medical, dental, optical 231
Laboratory, testing 232
Research facility, medical 233
Research facility, medical/dental 234
SECTION 25. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.60.020. That Section 235
21A.60.020 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: List of Terms: List of Defined Terms) shall be and 236
hereby is amend237
in alphabetical order: 238
Bio-medical facility. 239
Laboratory, medical related. 240
Technology facility 241
SECTION 26. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.60.040. That Section 242
21A.60.040 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: List of Terms: Definitions of Terms) shall be and 243
hereby is amended to remove the following definitions from the list of as 244
follows: 245
DENTAL LABORATORY/RESEARCH FACILITY: A laboratory used for research, development 246
and processing of on or off site orders, limited to medical and dental testing and precision 247
fabrication of dental articles worn by patients. 248
LABORATORY, MEDICAL, DENTAL, OPTICAL: A laboratory processing on or off site orders 249
limited to medical testing and precision fabrication of dental/optical articles worn by patients. 250
LABORATORY, TESTING: A use engaged in determining the physical qualities of construction, 251
medical or manufactured materials. This use does not include research laboratories 252
RESEARCH FACILITY, MEDICAL: A structure or group of structures used primarily for applied 253
and developmental research, where product testing is an integral part of the operation 254
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
and goods or products may be manufactured as necessary for testing, evaluation, and test 255
marketing.256
257
RESEARCH FACILITY, MEDICAL/DENTAL: A structure or group of structures used primarily 258
for applied and developmental medical and dental research, where product testing is an 259
integral part of the operation and goods or products may be manufactured as necessary for 260
testing, evaluation, and test marketing. 261
SECTION 27. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.60.040. That Section 262
21A.60.040 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: List of Terms: Definitions of Terms) shall be and 263
hereby is amend264
and appear as follows: 265
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FACILITY: An establishment comprised of one or more A 266
structure or group of structures used primarily for applied and developmental research 267
conducted entirely indoors. where product testing is an integral part of the operation and goods 268
or products may be manufactured as necessary for testing, evaluation, and test marketing. The 269
use may include testing to determine the physical qualities of already manufactured materials or 270
materials used in the manufacturing of a prototype. Research and development facility is not a 271
bio-medical facility or light manufacturing. 272
SECTION 28. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.60.040. That Section 273
21A.60.040 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: List of Terms: Definitions of Terms) shall be and 274
hereby is amended to add the following additional definitions, which shall be inserted into the 275
in alphabetical order: 276
BIO-MEDICAL FACILITY: An establishment that performs research and development in the 277
field of medicine and produces biologic, biomedical, or pharmaceutical products. A bio-medical 278
facility is not a hospital, health care facility, medical incinerator, or medical office. 279
280
DATA CENTER: An establishment that centralizes information technology operations and 281
equipment for the purposes of storing, processing, and disseminating data and applications. 282
283
LABORATORY, MEDICAL RELATED: An establishment that performs research and analysis of 284
medical tests and biologic samples collected for the purpose of medical diagnosis. A medical 285
related laboratory is not a bio-medical facility. 286
287
TECHNOLOGY FACILITY: An establishment that is engaged in research, development, 288
production, service, or related functions that uses technology to produce, deliver, or maintain 289
data, information, equipment, computers, or related accessories or services to others. A 290
technology facility is not a bio-medical facility or a research and development facility 291
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
SECTION 29. Effective Date. This Ordinance take effect immediately after it has been 292
published in accordance with Utah Code §10-3-711 and recorded in accordance with Utah Code 293
§10-3-713. 294
Passed by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah this _______ day of 295
______________, 2021. 296
______________________________ 297
CHAIRPERSON 298
299
ATTEST: 300
301
______________________________ 302
CITY RECORDER 303
304
305
Transmitted to Mayor on _______________________. 306
307
308
_______Approved. _______Vetoed. 309
310
311
______________________________ 312
MAYOR 313
314
______________________________ 315
CITY RECORDER 316
317
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
(SEAL)318
319
Bill No. ________ of 2021.320
Published: ______________.321
322
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Date: _________________________________
By: ___________________________________
Hannah Vickery, Senior City Attorney
8/30/2020
ERIN MENDENHALL DEPARTMENT of COMMUNITY
Mayor and NEIGHBORHOODS
Blake Thomas
Director
SALT LAKE CITY CORPORATION
451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 404 WWW.SLC.GOV
P.O. BOX 145486, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84114-5486 TEL 801.535.6230 FAX 801.535.6005
CITY COUNCIL TRANSMITTAL
________________________ Date Received: _________________
Lisa Shaffer, Chief Administrative Officer Date sent to Council: _________________
______________________________________________________________________________
TO: Salt Lake City Council DATE:
Amy Fowler, Chair
FROM: Blake Thomas, Director, Department of Community & Neighborhoods
__________________________
SUBJECT: PLNPCM2021-00511 Technology Related Land Use Text Amendments
STAFF CONTACT: Nick Norris, Planning Director nick.norris@slcgov.com or 801-641-1728
DOCUMENT TYPE: Ordinance
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt the proposal as recommended by the
Planning Commission..
BUDGET IMPACT: None
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION: This proposal was initiated by Mayor Erin Mendenhall to
promote the development of the technology related industry in the City. The proposal updates
the zoning code and does the following:
Adds Biomedical, Technology Facility, and Data Center as defined terms in the zoning
code and adds the uses to the land use tables as permitted uses in specific zoning districts
identified in the draft ordinance.
Adds a qualifying provision as a footnote to the land use tables related to Biomedical
uses that would prohibit uses that produce hazardous waste from being located within ½
mile of a residential use.
Modifies and merges several defined land uses into one use called “Laboratory, related”
and updates the land use tables as indicated in the draft ordinance.
Updates the defined land use “research and development facility” so the definition
reflects the nature of the use and expands where the use is allowed in the land use tables
of the zoning code.
This proposal was initiated to help achieve several goals found in adopted planning documents of
the city as well as identified in the Mayor’s 2021 Plan. The overall goal was to expand where
tech related land uses could be in the city, specifically capitalizing on the biomedical uses that
are created due to the proximity of the University of Utah. The full set of goals found in adopted
plans can be found in the Planning Commission staff report.
The changes were proposed because the uses are not defined in the code currently. This creates
uncertainty for tech related uses and forces most of the uses into the industrial areas of the city.
This results in the need for administrative interpretations that take time and staff resources, often
for uses that are not more impactful than other similar uses already allowed in the underlying
zoning districts. Time is important for perspective businesses looking to locate in the city. The
proposed definitions are intended to be “general definitions” which are defined in the code as
definitions that are intended to be applied broadly and to address a wide range of potential land
uses. This proposal helps address that uncertainty and makes the code more predictable.
Adding the proposed uses to mixed use zoning districts is based on the goals of multiple
community plans to create more mixed-use neighborhoods throughout the city and provide jobs
near where people live. Further research of other communities has found that there is a growing
desire for tech related companies to be in places that are close to housing, restaurants,
entertainment, transit, and cultural amenities. These factors were used to help identify where the
uses were appropriate.
The impacts of the potential uses were considered in determining the zoning districts where the
uses would be acceptable. Few technology related land uses create impacts that are different
than most general office uses. Some biomedical uses do produce hazardous waste. The proposal
includes a provision that would prohibit biomedical uses that produce hazardous waste from
being located within ½ mile of a residential use. Data Centers also could have a negative impact
on mixed use areas where street engagement is important to promote vitality and walkability.
Dat centers tend to have low numbers of employees and are in buildings with limited windows
and entrances. This proposal only allows the use in the M-1, M-2, and BP zoning districts
because the nature of those areas do not include creating more walkable and engaging pedestrian
areas due to the large footprints of the buildings and the nature of the land use.
The Salt Lake City Department of Sustainability provided a recommendation to the Planning
Commission asking that all bio-medical uses provide either an air quality permit or an exemption
from permit requirements from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality
Division. This was recommended to help the city have a better idea of the level of emissions
from bio-medical uses. The Zoning Ordinance already includes environmental performance
requirements for air quality. The code requires applicants to provide copies of any required
approval. However, it is difficult during the zoning review to know if a permit is required
because it requires extensive knowledge of the air quality requirements adopted by the State of
Utah. Requiring evidence does make administering the code and verifying compliance with the
standard easier.
The proposal also included updating medical laboratory related definitions. The code contains
multiple variations of this use, which has created some confusion and difficulty in administering
the code. This change was included in this proposal because some of the medical lab definitions
blurred the lines with the biomedical definition, so more distinction was added to avoid
confusion and make it easier to administer the code.
The research and development land use are proposed to be updated because the use tends to not
produce impacts that are different than most office uses. This is an existing land use definition in
the code, but it was updated to better reflect the nature of the use and how the use has evolved
over time.
PUBLIC PROCESS: The Planning Division created an online storyboard to explain the
proposal and provide a survey about the proposed uses. A link to the story map can be found
here: HERE. The information and link are posted to the Planning Division Open House page
and included in the notice to recognized organizations. Notice of the proposal was sent to all
registered recognized organizations in the City. Two organizations requested a presentation on
the proposal: The Downtown Alliance and the Sugar House Community Council. A summary
of the input received can be found in the Planning Commission Staff Report. The survey was
accessible from May 21, 2021 to July 31, 2021.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on August 25, 2021. Notice of the public
hearing was sent to all registered recognized organizations and Trolley Square Associated (who
requested notice of all zoning changes specifically effecting property the entity owns), was
posted on the Planning Commission Agenda page, the State of Utah Public Notice page, and was
emailed to the Planning Division email list.
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council adopt the
proposed text changes.
Planning Commission (PC) Records
a) PC Agenda for August 25, 2021 (Click to Access)
b) PC Minutes of May 26, 2021 (Click to Access)
c) Planning Commission Staff Report for August 25, 2021 (Click to Access Report)
EXHIBITS:
1) Chronology
2) City Council Public Hearing Notice
3) Petition Initiation
4) Mailing Labels
1. CHRONOLOGY
Chronology
Petition Initiated May 12, 2021
Online Survey Opened May 21, 2021
Online engagement information posted May 24, 2021
45-day notice sent to recognized organizations May 25, 2021
Proposal routed for department review May 26, 2021
Downtown Alliance presentation June 30, 2021
Sugar House Community council presentation July 21, 2021
Engagement period ends July 31, 2021
Planning Commission agenda Published August 12, 2021
Planning Commission notice sent August 12, 2021
Planning Commission staff report posted August 19, 2021
Planning Commission public hearing August 25, 2021
2. NOTICE OF CITY
COUNCIL HEARING
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Salt Lake City Council is considering Petition PLNPCM2021-00511 Bio-medical,
Technology Facility, Medical Laboratory, Research and Development Facility, and
Data Center Zoning Text Amendment, initiated by Mayor Erin Mendenhall, that would
add the proposed land uses to the land use tables and definitions of each land use to the
zoning code. The proposal impacts zoning districts citywide and impacts multiple
sections of Title 21A Zoning. Related provisions of Title 21A may also be amended as
part of this petition. Information on this proposal can be found in the staff report prepared
for the Planning Commission that can be found here:
http://www.slcdocs.com/Planning/Planning%20Commission/2021/08.August/PLNPCM2
021-00511%20PC%20Staff%20report%20final.pdf
As part of their study, the City Council will hold an advertised public hearing to receive
comments regarding the petition. During the hearing, anyone desiring to address the City
Council concerning this issue will be given an opportunity to speak. The hearing will be
held electronically:
DATE: Date #1 and Date #2
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
PLACE: **This meeting will not have a physical location.
**This will be an electronic meeting pursuant to the Salt Lake City Emergency
Proclamation. If you are interested in participating in the Public Hearing, please
visit our website at https://www.slc.gov/council/ to learn how you can share your
comments during the meeting. Comments may also be provided by calling the 24-
Hour comment line at (801)535-7654 or sending an email to
council.comments@slcgov.com. All comments received through any source are
shared with the Council and added to the public record.
If you have any questions relating to this proposal, please call Nick Norris at 801-641-
1728 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or via e-mail
at nick.norris@slcgov.com.
People with disabilities may make requests for reasonable accommodation no later than
48 hours in advance in order to participate in this hearing. Please make requests at least
two business days in advance. To make a request, please contact the City Council Office
at council.comments@slcgov.com , 801-535-7600, or relay service 711.
3. ORIGINAL PETITION
SALT LAKE CITY CORPORATION
451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 406 WWW.SLC.GOV
PO BOX 145480 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5480 TEL 801-535-7757 FAX 801-535-6174
PLANNING DIVISION
DEPARTMENT of COMMUNITY and NEIGHBORHOODS
MEMORANDUM
To: Mayor Erin Mendenhall
Cc: Lisa Shaffer, Chief Administrative Officer; Blake Thomas, Department of Community and
Neighborhoods Director; Ben Kolendar, Economic Development Director; Michaela Oktay, Deputy
Planning Director
From: Nick Norris, Planning Director
Date: April 30, 2021
Re: Initiating a zoning amendment to implement the tech corridor goal in the Mayor’s 2021 Plan.
The Planning Division would like to request that a zoning text amendment be initiated to update the
zoning code to support the implementation of the City’s adopted policies related to economic
development and the 2021 Plan goals of advancing Tech Lake City and expanding the life science
industry in Salt Lake City. The Department of Community and Neighborhoods has been working
with the Economic Development Department to identify the current barriers in the zoning code to
accomplish this goal. We are now ready to start a public process to remove these barriers. The
proposal would include adding new tech related land use definitions to the code, updating existing
definitions, and adding the new uses to the tables of permitted and conditional uses in appropriate
zoning districts. The desired result is to make it quick, easy, and less time consuming for tech related
land uses to be established, expanded, and contribute to the overall goals of the city.
The process will include an engagement process led by the Department of Economic Development
that includes the community, industry stakeholders, and other interested parties. Through the
Health Care Innovation Blueprint Initiative, Clark Cahoon will be convening the Physical Capital
(Real Estate & Infrastructure) subcommittee led by Danny Walz and the Regulatory & City Led
Efforts subcommittee led by Blake Thomas to bring together stakeholders in the business community
across the city to get feedback on the proposed zoning changes. The Planning Division will help
coordinate outreach through the city’s Recognized Organizations. After the proposal is vetted
through the engagement process, the proposal will be presented to the Planning Commission for a
public hearing and transmitted to the City Council. The anticipated timeline is approximately 60
days for the public engagement process and 30 days for the Planning Commission. The timeline is
subject to available workloads of staff participating on the project, planning commission agenda
process, and if any unforeseen issues arise as part of the engagement process.
The proposal includes adding general definitions for at least the following uses:
• Bio-Medical: research, diagnostic, laboratories, manufacture of biologic,
biomedical, pharmaceutical products.
• Technology Facility: research, development, production, service, and related
functions that use technology to produce, deliver, or maintain data, information,
equipment, computers and related accessories, or services to other entities and the
public.
l Page 2
The proposal will update other related land use definitions in the code by modifying or consolidating
other defined uses that are more specific and which may create unforeseen barriers in the future. The
new and updated land use definitions will be added to the land use tables so they are permitted uses
in zoning districts that have the following characteristics:
• Allow a broad mix of residential, commercial, and entertainment uses to support employees.
• In industrial areas when the use includes manufacturing and distribution.
• Near transit lines.
• In areas of the city that are more walkable.
This memo includes a signature block to initiate the petition if that is the decided course of action. If
the decided course of action is to not initiate the application, the signature block can remain blank.
Please notify the Planning Division when the memo is signed or if the decision is made to not initiate
the petition.
Please contact me at ext. 6173 or nick.norris@slcgov.com if you have any questions. Thank you.
Concurrence to initiate the zoning text amendment petition as noted above.
_____________________________________ ______________
Erin Mendenhall, Mayor Date
May 12, 2021
4. MAILING LABELS
OWN_FULL_NAME OWN_ADDR OWN_CITY OWN_STATE OWN_ZIP
Douglas F White 630 East South Temple Slat Lake City UT 84102‐1102