Council Provided Information - 2/21/2023CITY 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:February 21, 2023
RE: Rocky Mountain Power Zoning Map Amendment
1219, 1223, 1275, and 1407 West North Temple
PLNPCM2022-00450
PUBLIC HEARING UPDATE
Three people spoke at the public hearing, all expressing support for the proposed rezone. A suggestion for a
master plan was made to provide a broader vision for the area. A commenter stated a grocery store is
needed in the neighborhood.
The Council closed the public hearing and deferred action to a future meeting.
The following information was provided for the February 7, 2023 Council briefing. It
is included again for background purposes.
BRIEFING UPDATE
At the January 17, 2023 briefing, Council Members discussed how the proposed buildings will interface
with the Jordan River, which is seen as a significant amenity. The petitioner plans to enhance the riverfront
with placement of the headquarters building and include ground floor activation. They envision this as a
area for Rocky Mountain Power employees and the broader community to enjoy.
Questions were raised about the parking garage and surrounding residential units. Plans are for the
parking garage and residential units wrapping the garage to be constructed during the first phase, though
interior finishes may not be completed until a future phase.
Item Schedule:
Briefing: January 17, 2023
Set Date: January 17, 2023
Public Hearing: February 7, 2023
Potential Action: February 21, 2023
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Community engagement for the project was discussed. The petitioner noted a community meeting held in
December 2022, and January stakeholder meetings. This engagement plan is anticipated to continue
through future phases of the project.
Council Members expressed support for keeping the steam stacks on the property. The petitioner said
plans are to keep the stacks.
The following information was provided for the January 17, 2023 Council briefing. It
is included again for background purposes.
The Council will be briefed about a proposal to amend the zoning map for the parcel at 1223 West North
Temple and portions of parcels at 1219, 1275, and 1407 West North Temple from their current M-1 (Light
Manufacturing) and TSA-SP-C (Transit Station Area Special Purpose Area Core) zoning districts to TSA-
UC-C (Transit Station Area Urban Center Core) zoning district. Rocky Mountain Power owns the parcels
which total approximately 5.5 acres of the company’s roughly 100-acre site bordered by North Temple,
South Temple, Redwood Road, and the Jordan River as shown in the image below. The request’s stated
purpose is to accommodate construction of a new headquarters office building, and potentially additional
development on remaining land. The redevelopment of the full site will require additional rezoning actions
by the Council in future years.
According to the petitioner, the TSA-UC-C zone was specifically requested to allow an additional 15 feet in
height (90 feet total) than is available with the TSA-SP-C zone’s 75-foot height limit. This would allow the
new building to be constructed on a smaller footprint, leaving more land available for future development.
The proposed rezone being considered is the first step to facilitate Rocky Mountain Power’s redevelopment
of the larger site into the “Power District Campus” mixed-use development. Rocky Mountain Power is
working on a master development plan for its larger site but stated there is an immediate need to replace
its current headquarters office which is near the end of its useful life. The petitioner stated their request for
TSA-UC-C zoning on the subject parcels is not indicative of its intentions for the entire 100-acre site.
Appropriate zoning for future phases of development would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
This proposal was reviewed by the Planning Commission at its September 28, 2022 meeting and a public
hearing was held, at which two people spoke. Comments were generally supportive of the proposal. The
Commission closed the hearing and voted unanimously to forward a positive recommendation to the City
Council.
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Area zoning map with the subject parcels outlined in yellow
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. Some of the subject parcels would be “split zoned” (multiple zoning designations on a parcel) if the
proposed zoning map amendment is adopted. The Council may wish to ask the petitioner if the
master development plan contemplates eliminating split zoning of parcels.
2. The Council may wish to ask the petitioner about their public engagement relating to plans for
redevelopment of the larger 100-acre site, what areas were included in the engagement plan, and
plans for feedback.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Council is only being asked to consider rezoning the property. 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 five key considerations related to the proposal which are found on pages 3-8 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 North Temple Boulevard Plan (2010) is the most recently adopted plan for this area. Rocky Mountain
Power’s property is discussed in the Fairpark Station Area Plan and Cornell Station Area Plan sections of
the North Temple Plan. When the Plan was created redevelopment of the Rocky Mountain property was
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not anticipated, and development pressures were much different than today. As a result, the Plan did not
discuss potential changes to the property’s use.
Planning staff found proposed changes on the subject properties are not in conflict with general principles
found in the North Temple Boulevard Plan. As noted above, the proposed zoning map amendments are
limited to a small area of the overall Rocky Mountain Power property at this location. A master
development plan for the larger property is being developed by Rocky Mountain Power in conjunction with
the Planning Department and RDA to guide future development. Opportunities for additional public input
and City Council review will be included when processing the larger plan. Based on recent information,
staff anticipates this larger plan and rezone request could come to the Council by the fall of this year.
Planning staff also found the proposal is supported by general guiding principles found in the City’s general
planning document, Plan Salt Lake (2015). It would provide employment opportunities at a location served
by light rail. In addition, based on recent conversations with Rocky Mountain Power, it appears the master
development plan for the larger Rocky Mountain Power campus would help create a walkable
neighborhood with commercial services and housing options. Staff will confirm this once a final application
for the larger development is officially submitted to the City.
Consideration 2-Neighborhood Compatibility & Anticipated Impacts
Planning staff found the proposed zoning map amendment would not have any negative impacts on the
area. They also found potential benefits the zoning change could bring which include:
•A new office building will result in better activation of the Jordan River Corridor where it abuts the
subject parcels.
•Development along the Jordan River will provide more “eyes on the trail” potentially increasing
safety in this area.
•Facilitate a transition away from industrial uses in the area.
•Location of employment near mass transit, and eventually add density to the area.
Consideration 3-Riparian Corridor Considerations
The site’s eastern side is within the riparian corridor overlay, which applies to either current or proposed
zoning districts. It does not prohibit development but provides a process that ensures development is
compatible with the riparian corridor.
The overlay purpose statement is included in chapter 21A.34.130 of Salt Lake City Code, which states in
part:
“The purpose of the RCO riparian corridor overlay district is to minimize erosion and stabilize
stream banks, improve water quality, preserve fish and wildlife habitat, moderate stream
temperatures, reduce potential for flood damage, as well as preserve the natural aesthetic value
of streams and wetland areas of the city.”
Consideration 4-Consideration of Alternate Zoning Districts
Planning staff reviewed the requested zoning map amendments within the context of Rocky Mountain
Power’s stated objective of redeveloping the larger site into its “Power District Campus.” Current M-1 and
TSA-SP-C zoning would allow development of a new office building but would not allow the desired height.
TSA-UC-C zoning would allow a taller building to be constructed on a smaller footprint, resulting in more
land area available for adjacent development.
Planning found the differences between current TSA-SP-C and the proposed TSA-UC-C zoning to be
negligible in context of the site. Forms of TSA zoning is in place on this section of North Temple, which
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Planning believes to be appropriate as the Fairpark and Cornell TRAX stations are nearby. Planning staff
did not recommend alternate zoning districts for the subject properties.
Consideration 5-Public Input and Concerns
The subject parcels are located within the Poplar Grove Community Council’s boundaries and within 600
feet of Jordan Meadows and Fairpark Community Councils’ boundaries. Planning sent notice of the
proposed rezone to chairs of these three community councils. Notice of the proposal was also sent to
property owners and residents within 300 feet of the properties informing them of the proposed rezone.
Planning did not receive any comments from neighboring property owners. The Fairpark Community
Council Chair sent a letter (found in Attachment F, page 23, of the Planning Commission staff report)
expressing general support for the proposal, but shared concerns about the lack of required parking. They
acknowledged an opportunity to provide input as designs are presented. The community council voted in
support of the proposed rezone.
ZONING COMPARISON
M-1 and TSA-SP-C vs. Proposed TSA-UC-C
The following table is found on pages 18-19 of the Planning Commission staff report. It is included here for
convenience.
Parameter M-1 Zone
(Existing)
TSA-SP-C
(Existing)
TSA-UC-C
(Proposed)
Allowed Uses General industrial
and heavy commercial
uses.
Food production
(commercial scale),
offices, impound lots,
utilities include sewage
treatment plants and
electrical generations,
warehouse uses, freight
terminal, trucking uses
and repair. Dwelling
uses prohibited.
Uses allowed in the
TSA-SP-C zone that are
not allowed in the
TSA-UC-C zone include a
community correctional
facility, convention
center, exhibition hall,
outdoor flea market,
industrial assembly, light
manufacturing and a
solar array.
Uses in TSA-SP-C
and TSA-UC-C are very
similar and include
taverns, art galleries,
clinics and offices, a wide
variety of residential uses
with the exception of
single-family detached
dwellings, food
processing. Motels, retail
goods and stores,
theaters, and schools.
Maximum Building
Height
65-feet except
distillation columns
which may be up to
120 feet.
Maximum of 75- feet and
minimum of 25-feet
Maximum of 90- feet and
minimum of 40-feet
Front/Corner/Side/Rear
Yard Setbacks
Front and corner side
yards: 15 feet
Interior side and rear
yard: None
Front/Corner Side
Yard Setback
Minimum: None
For properties that are
adjacent to the Jordan
River, the building
setback from the Jordan
River shall be fifty feet
(50'), measured from the
annual high-water level.
For buildings over fifty
feet (50') in height, the
Same requirement in
TSA-UC-C zone
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setback shall increase
one foot (1') for every
foot in height over fifty
feet (50') up to a
maximum of seventy-five
feet (75'). Portions of
buildings over fifty feet
(50') in height may be
stepped back to comply
with this standard.
Required Build to Line Not applicable At least 50% of the street
facing building facade
shall be within 5-feet of
the front or corner side
property line.
Same requirement
in TSA-UC-C zone
Buffer Yard Required if abutting
residential
Landscaped yard
requirements.
Not applicable.
7 feet if abutting
residential.
Not applicable.
7 feet if abutting
residential.
Lot Size Minimum 10,000 SF 2,500 SF 2,500 SF
Minimum Lot Width 80 feet 40 feet 40 feet
Landscaped Yards Required 15-foot front
and corner side yards
must be maintained as
landscape yards.
All areas not occupied by
buildings, plazas,
terraces, patios, parking
areas, or other similar
feature shall be
landscaped.
All areas not occupied by
buildings, plazas,
terraces, patios, parking
areas, or other similar
feature shall be
landscaped.
Off-street Parking &
Loading (21A.44.030)
Varies depending on
use.
No spaces required for
any uses in Core area.
No spaces required for
any uses in Core area.
General Design
Standards:
• Ground floor uses
• Percentage glass
• Building materials
• Entrance Requirements
• Balconies
• Open space
requirements
No general design
standards other than
exterior and parking lot
lighting requirements.
Ground floor uses
required
• 60% of ground floor
facing façade must be
glass
• 90% of any ground
floor building facade
must be clad in high
quality, durable,
materials
• 60% of upper floors
must be clad in durable
materials.
• Specific entrance
requirements
• Maximum length of
blank walls
Same requirement in
TSA-UC-C
ANALYSIS OF FACTORS
Attachment E (pages 20-21) of the Planning Commission staff report outlines zoning map amendment standards
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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.
Complies
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
CITY DEPARTMENT REVIEW
Attachment G (pages 24-25) of the Planning Commission staff report includes City department review
comments on the proposed zoning map amendment. Transportation, Public Utilities, the Fire Department
and Airport had comments related to future development of the site but did not object to the proposed
rezone. Some of their comments related to parking, fire hydrants, fire access roads, and other parcels on
the larger Rocky Mountain Power site potentially requiring an aviation easement. These would all be
addressed as the larger site is developed. Other departments did not provide comments. For the complete
narrative, please see the Planning Commission staff report.
PROJECT CHRONOLOGY
• May 5, 2022-Petition for zoning map amendment received by Planning Division.
• May 24, 2022- Petition assigned to David Gellner, Senior Planner
• July 15, 2022-Information about petitions sent to Poplar Grove, Jordan Meadows, and Faipark
Community Councils
o 45-day recognized organization input and comment period begins. Online open house
period begins.
o 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.
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• August 30, 2o22-45-day public comment period for recognized organizations ended.
• September 15, 2022-Public notice posted on City and State websites and sent via the Planning
listserv for the September 28, 2022 Planning Commission meeting.
o Public hearing notice mailed.
o Public hearing notice posted on properties.
• September 28, 2022-Planning Commission public hearing. The Planning Commission voted
unanimously in favor of forwarding a positive recommendation to the City Council for the
proposed zoning map amendment.
• October 17, 2022-Ordinance requested from Attorney’s Office.
• October 17, 2022-Planning received signed ordinance from the Attorney’s Office.
• December 1, 2022-Transmittal received in City Council Office.