Council Provided Information - 12/13/2022CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY
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COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL of SALT LAKE CITY
TO:City Council Members
FROM:Brian Fullmer
Policy Analyst
DATE:December 13, 2022
RE: 1518, 1530, 1540, 1546 South Main Street, 1515 South Richards Street
Zoning Map and Master Plan Amendments, Alley Vacation
PLNPCM2021-01191 and PLNPCM2022-00065/-00086
PUBLIC HEARING UPDATE
Several people spoke at the December 6, 2022 public hearing, most of whom expressed general support for
redeveloping the property. Concerns were expressed about no required setbacks, the proposed project’s
size not fitting the neighborhood fabric, and a loss of green space to allow for trees. Additional concerns
cited include height above what the recently adopted Ballpark Station Area Plan calls for in the Main Street
Area and whether this proposal is in harmony with the Plan. Concerns about potential loss of front yards
for neighbors to socialize with one another, and vacating the alley without a comprehensive plan for alleys
were also noted.
A commenter suggested a development agreement would benefit this project and recommended a public
process for it beginning with the Planning Commission.
The Council closed the public hearing and deferred action to a future Council meeting.
The developer agreed to a development agreement with the following conditions. These are included in the
first motion on the associated motion sheet.
•Include a minimum of 1,000 square feet of commercial space with frontage on Main Street
•Include a minimum of 10 two-bedroom dwelling units
•Include a minimum of ½ onsite parking space per dwelling unit
•Provide onsite bicycle maintenance facilities
•Provide onsite secure storage for a minimum of 15 bicycles
Item Schedule:
Briefing: November 10, 2022
Set Date: November 10, 2022
Public Hearing: December 6, 2022
Potential Action: December 13, 2022
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The following information was provided for the December 6, 2022 public hearing. It is
provided again for background purposes.
BRIEFING UPDATE
At the November 10, 2022 briefing, Planning staff updated the Council about how the proposal aligns with
the recently adopted Ballpark Station Area Plan. The subject parcels straddle the Plan’s “Main Street,” and
“Neighborhood” Areas, with the alley as a dividing line. It was noted the Plan calls for buildings in the
“Main Street Area” up to three stories, while the proposal is four stories. The “Neighborhood Area” says
new buildings should be compatible with existing structures. The proposed development would increase
both scale and intensity from what exists.
As shown in the image below, Kensington Avenue is at the northern edge of the subject parcels. In the
Ballpark Station Area Plan, buildings north of Kensington Avenue are recommended to be 3-4 stories,
while south of Kensington, it advises a maximum of three stories. Planning staff explained from an urban
design viewpoint, buildings on corner lots are often taller than mid-block.
Council Members asked about off-street parking, bicycle storage and maintenance facilities, and family-
sized units. The petitioner agreed to a minimum of 0.5 parking spaces per dwelling unit and said the
proposed development will likely include additional parking.
The petitioner stated each of their developments in the FB-UN2 zoning district includes bike rooms with
secure storage and maintenance facilities. Following the briefing, Council staff reached out to the petitioner
for details about larger units and bicycle storage/maintenance facilities. They are planning on a minimum
of 10 two-bedroom units. Design details are not finalized so the mix of studio and one-bedroom units is
unknown at this point.
The petitioner is willing to include a bike maintenance area. They were not planning on a bike storage area
but are amenable to include one provided they have flexibility to scale it based upon resident demand. The
Council may wish to confirm bike storage details the developer is willing to include in a development
agreement.
The following information was provided for the November 10, 2022 Council briefing.
It is provided again for background purposes.
STAFF NOTE
The Ballpark Station Area Plan was adopted by the Council after these petitions were submitted. That plan
overrides the Central Community Master Plan for the area, so the Council will not need to act on petition
PLNPCM2022-00065 to amend the Central Community Master Plan future land use map.
The Council will be briefed about a proposal to amend the zoning map and master plan for parcels at 1518,
1530, 1540, 1546 South Main Street, and 1515 South Richards Street in City Council District Five, from CC
(Corridor Commercial) and R-1/5,000 (single-family residential) to FB-UN2 (Form Based Urban
Neighborhood). A request to change the Central Community Master Plan future land use map from
Community Commercial to High Mixed-Use is also proposed. In addition, a request to vacate a City-owned
alley that runs through the properties is included in the proposal. (See image below.)
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The petitioner’s intent is to consolidate the seven parcels (some parcels share the same address), and the
alley into one larger (approximately 2 acre) parcel with FB-UN2 zoning to develop a mixed-use
development on the site. No specific site development proposal has been submitted as of the writing of this
report.
Two duplexes and two single-family homes would be removed for a total loss of six housing units as part of
the proposal. Replacement of the housing units was the option selected for housing loss mitigation as
discussed in Consideration 4 below.
These proposals were reviewed by the Planning Commission at its July 27, 2022 meeting and a public
hearing was held at which five people spoke. Some comments were supportive of redeveloping the area and
closing the alley. Concerns expressed included the size of the proposed development is out of scale for the
neighborhood and would impact the area, particularly those who live adjacent to the property; changing
the zoning from prevalent existing Corridor Commercial zoning of properties fronting Main Street in the
area; additional rental units will not benefit the already predominately renter occupied neighborhood; and
concern for residents who would be displaced when existing housing is removed.
The Commission closed the hearing and voted unanimously to forward a positive recommendation to the
City Council with the following conditions:
1. Housing removed from the site must be replaced.
2. Vacated alley property be integrated into the future development.
3. Rezoned parcels must be consolidated through the appropriate process.
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Area zoning map with subject parcels and alley outlined
Image courtesy Salt Lake City Planning Division
Goal of the briefing: Review the proposed zoning and future land use map amendments, determine if
the Council supports moving forward with the proposal.
POLICY QUESTIONS
1. The Council may wish to ask if any units in the proposed building will be affordable, and at what
percentage of AMI.
2. The Council may wish to ask if current residents of the properties will be assisted with relocation.
3. The Council may wish to ask the developer for the anticipated mix of rental units in the proposed
development.
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4. The petitioner expressed a willingness to provide “ample” off-street parking in the proposed
development. The Council may wish to ask what parking ratios are being considered and if the
petitioner is amenable to including this in a development agreement.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Council is only being asked to consider rezoning the property, amend the future land use map, and
vacate the alley. No formal site plan has been submitted to the City nor is it within the scope of the
Council’s authority to review the plans. Because zoning of a property can outlast the life of a building, any
rezoning application should be considered on the merits of changing the zoning of that property, not
simply based on a potential project.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Planning staff identified six key considerations related to the proposal which are found on pages 3-9 of the
Planning Commission staff report and summarized below. For the complete analysis, please see the staff
report.
Consideration 1-Compliance with City Goals, Policies and Plans
The Central Community Master Plan (2005) is the current relevant plan for this area. The Plan’s future
land use map shows the properties fronting Main Street, and the motel as “Community Commercial.” The
property fronting Richards Street is listed as “Medium Density Residential.”
Planning staff found the following Central Community Master Plan policies and statements applicable to
this proposal:
•RLU (Residential Land Use)-1.3- Restrict high-density residential growth to Downtown, East
Downtown, TOD areas and Gateway.
•RLU-1.5 - Use residential mixed uses zones to provide residential land uses with supportive retail,
service and commercial uses.
•Mixed Use Policy – RLU-4.0 - Encourage mixed use development that provides residents with a
commercial and institutional component while maintaining the residential character of the
neighborhood.
•Mixed Use Policy – RLU-4.2 – Support small mixed use development on the corners of major
streets that does not have significant adverse impact on the residential neighborhood.
•Commercial land use policy CLU-1.4 – High Density Mixed Use – Target areas adjacent to light rail
station in the downtown area for higher intensity commercial use and medium to high density
housing.
•Ensure that new development is compatible with existing neighborhood in terms of scale,
character, and density.
It is Planning’s opinion that the proposal is supported by some Central Community Master Plan policies
and statements, while others do not.
The Ballpark Station Area Plan is in draft form and has not been adopted. The draft Plan has been
discussed with the community and references to it were included in some comments to Planning. The
subject petitions may meet some elements of the Ballpark Station Area Plan while not meeting others. It is
worth noting since no specific development proposal has been submitted, and the Plan has not been
adopted, it is not possible to determine if the petitions would comply.
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Plan Salt Lake (2015) outlines an overall vision of sustainable growth and development in the city.
Included in the Plan is a recommendation to develop a mix of uses needed to accommodate responsible
growth. New development scale and character compatibility with the existing neighborhood is also a
consideration.
Planning staff stated
“The proposed development is supported by general principles and initiatives found in Plan Salt
Lake. It would provide additional housing options within a walkable neighborhood with
commercial services served by convenient transit opportunities.”
It is Planning staff’s opinion the proposal is in line with Growing SLC: A Five-Year Housing Plan – 2018-
2022 (2017), which calls for providing more housing units and housing variety in the neighborhood.
Consideration 2-Neighborhood Compatibility & Anticipated Impacts
Neighborhood compatibility and impacts from new development are important considerations when
reviewing zoning changes. The applicant stated they intend to remove the motel and other structures on
the subject parcels. As noted above, no specific site plan has been submitted and the property could
potentially be developed with other uses allowed under the FB-UN2 zoning designation.
Existing CC zoning would allow buildings up to 30 feet by right, and up to 45 feet through Design Review.
The proposed FB-UN2 zoning would allow buildings up to 50 feet tall if zoning standards are met. It is
worth noting the petitioner originally included a request additional height up to 65 feet on the parcels. That
request was withdrawn following community and staff feedback.
Additional standards including glass percentages, building materials and ground floor uses in the FB-UN2
zoning district are not required in CC zoning. When abutting single-family residential zoning, FB-UN2
zoning requires added upper floor step backs to lessen impact to lower scale adjacent development. CC
zoning does not include this requirement. (These standards are included in the Zoning District Comparison
table found on pages 8-10 below.)
Planning staff found the proposed FB-UN2 zoning designation would not create additional impacts to the
neighborhood beyond existing zoning if the properties were redeveloped.
Consideration 3-Consideration of Alternate Zoning Districts
Planning staff reviewed the R-MU-45 zoning district as a potential alternative to the requested FB-UN2. It
has similar characteristics as FB-UN2 including a maximum height of 45 feet which is why they selected it
for comparison. Development standards for the ground floor and upper floor step backs are also included
under R-MU-45, but not in the current CC zoning district. (See Zoning District Comparison below.)
A key difference between FB-UN2 and R-MU-45 is parking requirements. FB-UN2 does not require off-
street parking. The petitioner stated they intend to provide adequate parking and are amenable to a
development agreement including that requirement.
In its review, Planning found more of the allowed uses in R-MU-45 are conditional rather than permitted,
which would require additional processes when reviewing a development proposal. Other zoning districts
allow both residential and mixed-use developments, with varying height and other requirements.
Planning staff did not recommend consideration of alternate zoning districts.
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Consideration 4-Housing Loss Mitigation Requirements
When considering petitions for zoning changes that permit nonresidential land uses on property that
includes residential dwelling units, Salt Lake City Code requires a City approved housing loss mitigation
plan. The subject petition proposes to remove six existing housing units. Additional housing units are
proposed, but a plan is required as FB-UN2 zoning allows nonresidential uses.
Mitigating housing loss may include providing replacement housing or paying a fee to the City’s housing
trust fund based on the difference between the housing value and replacement cost of building new units.
For deteriorated housing, not caused by deliberate indifference by the property owner, a flat fee may be
paid by the petitioner to the City’s housing trust fund.
A plan satisfying the mitigation requirement by providing replacement housing was submitted. This plan
was evaluated and approved by the Community and Neighborhoods Department Director. The Council has
the option to work with the petitioner to include replacement housing units as part of a development
agreement.
Consideration 5-Alley Vacation Request
As discussed above, an alley vacation is part of the petitioner’s proposal. The subject alley is approximately
250 feet long and 16 feet wide. The alley is said to be blocked for most of its length and is being used for
parking and storage.
Alley vacation requests receive three phases of review, as outlined in section 14.52.030 Salt Lake City Code
(see pages 11-13 below). Those phases include an administrative determination of completeness; a public
hearing, including a recommendation from the Planning Commission; and a public hearing before the City
Council.
Salt Lake City Code requires alley vacations meet at least one of the following policy considerations:
A-Lack of Use, B-Public Safety, C-Urban Design, or D-Community Purpose. Urban Design and Public
Safety are the factors for this request. The petitioner believes the alley is not a positive urban design
element and would be better used as part of their proposed development. They also believe the alley
contributes to crime in the area. SLCPD officers reportedly discussed in community meetings the motel
and alley are problem areas in the area, though no reports have been provided detailing the alley’s
contribution to crime.
Alley vacations are also required to include a petition with signatures of at least 75% of abutting property
owners indicating support of the proposed vacation. The petitioner received signatures from six of the eight
abutting property owners. There was no opposition to the alley vacation expressed by those who didn’t sign
the petition.
City Department Review
During City department and division review of the petitions, the Engineering Division expressed
opposition to the alley vacation, stating “SLC Engineering does not support the proposed alley vacation.
The power runs down the alley on both sides (with the transformers) and it appears that underground
utilities may also exist. They are parking vehicles in the alley currently.”
Public Utilities provided comments saying it does not have utility lines in the subject alley. They noted
private water and sewer lines likely are within the alley, but those are owned by the petitioner.
No objections or concerns were received from other responding City departments or divisions.
Page | 8
Analysis of Factors
Pages 50-52 of the Planning Commission staff report outlines zoning map amendment standards that should be
considered as the Council reviews this proposal. The standards and findings are summarized below. Please see
the Planning Commission staff report for additional information.
Factor Finding
Whether a proposed map amendment is consistent
with the purposes, goals, objectives, and policies of
the city as stated through its various adopted
planning documents.
Complies
Whether a proposed map amendment furthers the
specific purpose statements of the zoning ordinance.
Complies
The extent to which a proposed map amendment will
affect adjacent properties
Complies
Whether a proposed map amendment is consistent
with the purposes and provisions of any applicable
overlay zoning districts which may impose additional
standards.
Not applicable
(not within any
zoning overlays)
The adequacy of public facilities and services
intended to serve the subject property, including, but
not limited to, roadways, parks and recreational
facilities, police and fire protection, schools,
stormwater drainage systems, water supplies, and
wastewater and refuse collection.
Complies
Pages 53-55 of the Planning Commission staff report includes an analysis of factors City Code requires the
Planning Commission to consider for alley vacations (Section 14.52.030 B Salt Lake City Code). In addition to
the information above, other factors are summarized below. Planning staff found the proposed alley vacation
complies with the factors below. For the complete analysis, please refer to the staff report.
•City Code required analysis: The City Police Department, Fire Department, Transportation Division
and all other relevant City departments and divisions have no reasonable objection to the proposed
disposition of the property.
Finding: Planning staff believes it complies. As noted above, City Engineering objected to the alley
vacation. Other City departments and divisions had no issues with the proposal or did not provide
comments. (Department review comments are found in Attachment H (page 95 of the Planning
Commission staff report).) Planning staff stated “The Engineering Department does not support the
request while Public Utilities has no objections. Part of the objections of Engineering concerned the
possible location of utilities underground in the alley. Public Utilities indicated that there may be some
water lines but did not have concerns. Since the site consists of multiple parcels to be combined, the
issue of utilities and any required relocation will be dealt with on an individual development proposal
under consideration.”
•City Code required analysis: The petition meets at least one of the policy considerations for closure,
vacation or abandonment of City owned alleys (Lack of Use, Public Safety, Urban Design, Community
Purpose).
Finding: Complies. Planning staff determined the proposed alley vacation satisfies the Urban Design
and Public Safety policy considerations.
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•City Code required analysis: The petition must not deny sole access or required off-street parking to
any adjacent property.
Finding: Complies. Vacating the alley would not impact parking or sole access to any property.
•City Code required analysis: The petition will not result in any property being landlocked.
Finding: Complies. No property would be landlocked because of this alley vacation request.
•City Code required analysis: The disposition of the alley property will not result in a use which is
otherwise contrary to the policies of the City, including applicable master plans and other adopted
statements of policy which address, but are not limited to, mid-block walkways, pedestrian paths, trails,
and alternative transportation uses.
Finding: Closing the alley will not result in uses that are contrary to any City policy.
•City Code required analysis: No opposing abutting property owner intends to build a garage
requiring access from the property, or has made application for a building permit, or if such a permit has
been issued, construction has been completed within 12 months of issuance of the building permit.
Finding: Complies. No abutting property owners expressed opposition to the proposed alley vacation.
•City Code required analysis: The petition furthers the City preference for disposing of an entire
alley, rather than a small segment of it.
Finding: Complies. The alley does not pass fully through the block between Andrew Avenue and Van
Buren. Planning stated, “Since there is no continuation to the alley, for all intents and purposes this
remaining segment would act as an “entire alley” so this factor has been met.”
•City Code required analysis: The alley property is not necessary for actual or potential rear access to
residences or for accessory uses.
Finding: Complies. The alley is not necessary for rear access to residences.
It is Planning staff’s opinion that the proposed alley vacation generally meets the policy considerations and
factors for alley vacations. They noted the Engineering Division is opposed to the request, but those
objections did not consider redevelopment of the site which will likely remove or relocate utilities on the
site.
Consideration 6-Public Input and Concerns
Most comments received by the Planning Division regarding the proposal are in opposition to the rezoning.
Many people expressed frustration with the existing motel and other properties that are included in this
proposal creating neighborhood issues, and a desire for change. Concern with the proposed building’s
height and scale, along with resulting neighborhood impacts are the primary reasons people expressed for
their opposition. The Ballpark Community Council sent a letter to Planning staff outlining its opposition to
the proposed zoning amendments, and support of the alley vacation. This letter and other written
comments received prior to the Planning Commission public hearing are found on pages 57-94 of the
Planning Commission staff report. Comments received by Planning following the Planning Commission
staff report was published are found on pages 65-87 of the Administration’s transmittal.
ZONING COMPARISON
CC and R-1/5,000 vs. Proposed FB-UN2
The following table is found on pages 46-49 of the Planning Commission staff report. It is included here for
convenience.
Parameter CC Zone
(Existing)
R-1/5,000
(Existing)
FB-UN2
(Proposed)
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Allowed Uses Multi-family and mixed-
use developments, gas
stations, alcohol uses,
animal cremation, art
gallery, food production,
various commercial retail
and service uses, assisted
living and support uses,
boarding house, funeral
home, crematoriums,
motel uses, offices,
school uses, commercial
parking, recreation,
storage uses, movie
theater, automobile sales,
service, repairs and
rentals among others.
Mostly single-family
detached uses.
Multifamily and
commercial uses are not
allowed. Some
government and
municipal and school
uses allowed as
conditional.
Dwellings to include
single, multi-family and
others, mixed use
developments, alcohol
uses, various commercial
retail and service uses,
assisted living and
support uses, assisted
living and support uses,
boarding house, funeral
home, clinic and medical
uses, motel uses, offices,
school uses and others.
Maximum Building
Height
30-feet by right 45-feet
through Design Review
28-feet to ridge for
pitched roofs or 20-feet
for flat roofed buildings.
50-feet for a multifamily
or mixed-use form. A
variety of other uses are
allowed and the height
limit varies. In the
absence of a specific
development proposal,
the applicant could build
any of the allowed uses
under the new zoning if it
were to be approved.
Front/Corner/Side/Rear
Yard Setbacks
Front and corner side
yards: 15 feet
Interior side: None
Rear yard: 10 feet
Front: The minimum
depth of the front yard
for all principal buildings
shall be equal to the
average of the front yards
of existing buildings
within the block face.
Interior side: Corner lots
– 4- feet Interior side for
Interior lots – 4 feet on
one side and 10 feet on
the other.
Rear yard: 25% of lot
depth or 20-feet,
whichever is less.
No minimum on front
and corner side.
Maximum 10 feet.
Side: 15-feet along a side
property line that that
abuts a residential zoning
district less than 35- feet
otherwise none.
Rear: Minimum 20 feet
along rear adjacent to
residential less than 35-
feet.
Required Build to Line Not applicable Not applicable Minimum of 50% of
street facing facade shall
be built to the minimum
setback line
Upper Lever Step Back None required Not applicable Buildings shall be
stepped back 1 additional
foot for every foot of
building height above 30'
along a side or rear
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property line adjacent to
FBUN1 or any residential
zoning district that has a
maximum building
height of 35' or less,
unless the building is set
back from the property
line 45' or more.
Buffer Yard Required if abutting
single-family residential
Specific landscaping
requirements and trees
are required.
Not applicable No specific buffer
required but a 20-foot
rear yard is required and
upper building step
backs are required when
located adjacent to
residential.
Lot Size Minimum 10,000 SF 5,000 SF but cannot
exceed 7,000 SF
4,000 SF
Minimum Lot Width 75 feet Not specified 30 feet
Landscaped Yards 15-feet required on all
front and corner side
yards. Additional
landscaping required is if
additional building
height is allowed.
Required yards must all
be maintained as
landscaped yards.
Open Space Area: A
minimum of ten percent
(10%) of the lot area
must be open space area
which may include
landscaped yards, patio,
dining areas, common
balconies, rooftop
gardens, and other
similar outdoor living
spaces.
Off-street Parking &
Loading (21A.44.030)
The CC zone requires the
following for multi-
family uses: 2 parking
spaces for each dwelling
unit containing 2 or more
bedrooms 1 parking
space for 1 bedroom and
efficiency dwelling 1/2
parking space for single
room occupancy
dwellings (600 square
foot maximum)
Additional parking will
be required for the
commercial aspects of
the project. This varies
depending on the use.
Two parking spaces for
each single-family
residence. Additional
spaces required for other
uses when allowed.
No parking minimum
specified or required.
General Design
Standards:
• Ground floor uses
• Percentage glass
• Building materials
• Entrance Requirements
No general design
standards or
requirements if building
to 30-feet. If requesting
Design Review,
None specified for
commercial or multi-
family as they are not
allowed.
Ground floor uses
required
• 60% of ground floor
facing façade must be
glass
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• Balconies
• Open space
requirements
additional elements may
be requested.
• 15% on all upper floors
on street facing facades.
• 70% of any street facing
building facade must be
clad in high quality,
durable, natural
materials
• Specific entrance
requirements based on
building type.
• Balconies required on
all street-facing units
• Open Space Required:
A minimum of ten
percent (10%) of the lot
area must be open space
area.
PROJECT CHRONOLOGY
• November 19, 2021-Petition for zoning map and accompanying text amendment received by
Planning Division.
• February 1, 2022-Petitions for the master plan amendment and alley vacation received by
Planning Division.
Petitions assigned to David Gellner, Senior Planner.
• February 9, 2022-Information about petitions sent to Ballpark Community Council and Midtown
District Community Council. 45-day recognized organization input and comment period begins.
Online open house period begins.
Early notification sent to property owners and residents within 300 feet of the project site
providing information about the proposal and how to give public input.
• March 3, 2022-Planning staff attended an online meeting of the Ballpark Community Council.
• March 30, 2o22-45-day public comment period for recognized organizations ended.
• May 15, 2022-Applicant made changes to the original request which included a text amendment to
allow additional building height on these properties. The text amendment portion of the
application was withdrawn by the applicant.
• May 23, 2022-Notice sent to the Ballpark Community Council and all property owners and
residents within 300 feet of the development informing them of changes to the proposal,
specifically that the text amendment request allowing additional building height was withdrawn
by the applicant.
• July 14, 2022-Public notice posted on City and State websites and sent via the Planning listserv for
the July 27, 2022 Planning Commission meeting. Public hearing notice mailed.
Public hearing notice posted on properties.
• July 27, 2022-Planning Commission public hearing. The Planning Commission voted
unanimously in favor of forwarding a positive recommendation to the City Council for the
Page | 13
proposed master plan and zoning map amendments, and alley vacation.
• August 23, 2022-Ordinance requested from Attorney’s Office.
• September 6, 2022-Planning received signed ordinance from the Attorney’s Office.
• September 21, 2022-Transmittal received in City Council Office.
Salt Lake City Code for Alley Vacation
The process for closing or vacating a City-owned alley is outlined in Section 14.52 Salt Lake City Code.
14.52.010: DISPOSITION OF CITY'S PROPERTY INTEREST IN ALLEYS:
The city supports the legal disposition of Salt Lake City's real property interests, in whole or in part,
with regard to city owned alleys, subject to the substantive and procedural requirements set forth
herein.
14.52.020: POLICY CONSIDERATIONS FOR CLOSURE, VACATION OR
ABANDONMENT OF CITY OWNED ALLEYS:
The city will not consider disposing of its interest in an alley, in whole or in part, unless it receives a
petition in writing which demonstrates that the disposition satisfies at least one of the following
policy considerations:
A. Lack Of Use: The city's legal interest in the property appears of record or is reflected on an
applicable plat; however, it is evident from an onsite inspection that the alley does not
physically exist or has been materially blocked in a way that renders it unusable as a public
right of way;
B. Public Safety: The existence of the alley is substantially contributing to crime, unlawful
activity, unsafe conditions, public health problems, or blight in the surrounding area;
C. Urban Design: The continuation of the alley does not serve as a positive urban design element;
or
D. Community Purpose: The petitioners are proposing to restrict the general public from use of
the alley in favor of a community use, such as a neighborhood play area or garden. (Ord. 24-02
§ 1, 2002)
14.52.030: PROCESSING PETITIONS:
There will be three (3) phases for processing petitions to dispose of city owned alleys under this
section. Those phases include an administrative determination of completeness; a public hearing,
including a recommendation from the Planning Commission; and a public hearing before the City
Council.
A. Administrative Determination Of Completeness: The city administration will determine whether
or not the petition is complete according to the following requirements:
1. The petition must bear the signatures of no less than seventy five percent (75%) of the
neighbors owning property which abuts the subject alley property;
2. The petition must identify which policy considerations discussed above support the petition;
3. The petition must affirm that written notice has been given to all owners of property located in
the block or blocks within which the subject alley property is located;
Page | 14
4. A signed statement that the applicant has met with and explained the proposal to the
appropriate community organization entitled to receive notice pursuant to title 2, chapter 2.60
of this code; and
5. The appropriate city processing fee shown on the Salt Lake City consolidated fee schedule has
been paid.
B. Public Hearing and Recommendation From The Planning Commission: Upon receipt of a
complete petition, a public hearing shall be scheduled before the planning commission to
consider the proposed disposition of the city owned alley property. Following the conclusion of
the public hearing, the planning commission shall make a report and recommendation to the
city council on the proposed disposition of the subject alley property. A positive
recommendation should include an analysis of the following factors:
1. The city police department, fire department, transportation division, and all other relevant city
departments and divisions have no reasonable objection to the proposed disposition of the
property;
2. The petition meets at least one of the policy considerations stated above;
3. Granting the petition will not deny sole access or required off street parking to any property
adjacent to the alley;
4. Granting the petition will not result in any property being landlocked;
5. Granting the petition will not result in a use of the alley property which is otherwise contrary
to the policies of the city, including applicable master plans and other adopted statements of
policy which address, but which are not limited to, mid-block walkways, pedestrian paths,
trails, and alternative transportation uses;
6. No opposing abutting property owner intends to build a garage requiring access from the
property, or has made application for a building permit, or if such a permit has been issued,
construction has been completed within twelve (12) months of issuance of the building permit;
7. The petition furthers the city preference for disposing of an entire alley, rather than a small
segment of it; and
8. The alley property is not necessary for actual or potential rear access to residences or for
accessory uses.
C. Public Hearing Before The City Council: Upon receipt of the report and recommendation from
the planning commission, the city council will consider the proposed petition for disposition of
the subject alley property. After a public hearing to consider the matter, the city council will
make a decision on the proposed petition based upon the factors identified above. (Ord. 58-13,
2013: Ord. 24-11, 2011)
14.52.040: METHOD OF DISPOSITION:
If the city council grants the petition, the city owned alley property will be disposed of as follows:
A. Low Density Residential Areas: If the alley property abuts properties which are zoned for low
density residential use, the alley will merely be vacated. For the purposes of this section, "low
density residential use" shall mean properties which are zoned for single-family, duplex or twin
home residential uses.
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B. High Density Residential Properties And Other Nonresidential Properties: If the alley abuts
properties which are zoned for high density residential use or other nonresidential uses, the
alley will be closed and abandoned, subject to payment to the city of the fair market value of
that alley property, based upon the value added to the abutting properties.
C. Mixed Zoning: If an alley abuts both low density residential properties and either high density
residential properties or nonresidential properties, those portions which abut the low density
residential properties shall be vacated, and the remainder shall be closed, abandoned and sold
for fair market value. (Ord. 24-02 § 1, 2002)
14.52.050: PETITION FOR REVIEW:
Any party aggrieved by the decision of the city council as to the disposition of city owned alley
property may file a petition for review of that decision within thirty (30) days after the city council's
decision becomes final, in the 3rd district court.