Transmittal - 10/17/2023ERIN 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: _________________ ________________________
Rachel Otto, Chief of Staff Date sent to Council: _________________
______________________________________________________________________________
TO: Salt Lake City Council DATE: October 17, 2023
Darin Mano, Chair
FROM: Blake Thomas, Director, Department of Community & Neighborhoods
__________________________
SUBJECT: Subdivision Code Amendments (petition PLNPCM2023-00494)
STAFF CONTACT: Nick Norris, Planning Director at nick.norris@slcgov.com or 801-535-6173
DOCUMENT TYPE: Ordinance
RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Commission adopted a motion that recommends that
the City Council adopt the proposed amendment.
BUDGET IMPACT: None
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION: This proposal is an update to the city’s subdivision code. The
subdivision code establishes regulations related to the division of land, how lots and parcels can
be altered and combined, and how streets are dedicated. A subdivision is a technical type of
review that results in the layout of lots, the location of streets, and the construction of public
improvements. A public improvement is any sort of public infrastructure that is required to be
built as part of a subdivision of land. This includes streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, water and
sewer lines, storm drains, street lighting, and street trees. These are all installed and paid for by
the subdivider and turned over, or dedicated, to the city once the improvements are completed.
Under Utah Law, subdivisions are required to be approved if adopted standards are complied
with. The proposed subdivision chapter establishes the standards either directly in the code or by
adopting construction standards by reference. The code includes a long list of information that
must be shown on a plat, in public improvement construction agreements, or in supplementary
documents that are the responsibility of the applicant to provide. The city departments use this
information to determine if standards are complied with.
rachel otto (Oct 17, 2023 11:37 MDT)10/17/2023
10/17/2023
This proposal replaces the existing subdivision code in Chapter 20 of the City Code of Ordinances.
Most of the requirements are in the existing code, but the chapter is being reorganized so the
changes are shown as new. The proposed code is in Attachment A. The version in attachment A
is the legislative version that is prepared for the city council. The version that was presented to
the commission and the public included footnotes that indicate sections that are new and changes
that have been made based on the review done by various city departments. A link to that version
can be found in attachment C.
The proposed code is organized into the following sections:
• 20.02: Title, Authority, Purpose, and Applicability
o This establishes the legal purpose for the chapter, why the city has adopted the
regulations, and how the regulations apply.
• 20.04 Decision Making Bodies
o This describes the roles and powers of the different city departments and
individuals who are involved in any of the processes identified within the chapter.
• 20.10 Application Requirements
o This is a list of all the items that an applicant must submit for the specific type of
application.
• 20.12 Public Improvement Requirements and Agreements
o This chapter identifies all the public improvements (streets, curbs, gutters,
sidewalks, utilities, trees, and other infrastructure) that are necessary to serve the
subdivision. It also outlines the agreements between the city and the developer
installing the infrastructure to ensure it is installed according to adopted
standards.
• 20.14 Public Hearing and Notice Requirements
o This chapter identifies the noticing requirements for each type of application and
the way applications are approved. Please note, that public hearings are only
required if the Utah Code requires a public hearing or if the application includes a
planned development (or other zoning application) that requires a public hearing.
• 20.16 Preliminary and Final Plats
o This outlines the process for reviewing and approving subdivisions. It is typically
a two-step process, one process for preliminary plats and one process for final
plats. The state code mandates a certain number of review cycles for subdivision
improvement plans, which in Salt Lake City occurs during the final plat process.
• 20.18 Lot and Parcel Line Adjustments
o This outlines the process for reviewing and approving changes to a property line.
• 20.20 Lot and Parcel Consolidations
o This outlines the process for combining adjoining properties.
• 20.22 Street Dedication Plats
o This is a rarely used process for creating new streets when a subdivision plat is not
otherwise required.
• 20.26 Subdivision Standards
o This is a list of standards that must be included and implemented by the applicant.
• 20.30 Appeals
o The appeals chapter outlines the process for appealing a final decision related to a
subdivision application.
• 20.40 Enforcement
o Establishes the process for enforcing violations of the subdivision chapter.
• 20.50 Definitions
o The definitions are used to administer and interpret the subdivision code.
The Planning Commission held a briefing on August 23, 2023, and a public hearing on October
11, 2023. After the public hearing, the Planning Commission approved a motion that
recommended that the city council adopt the proposal. The motion included giving planning staff
the ability to modify some sections of the code prior to transmitting the proposal to the council.
Those modifications included clarifying how specific regulations in the subdivision code that
refer to other zoning districts apply. After the staff report was published, a few sections of the
code that reference specific categories of zoning districts did not include all zoning districts. The
modifications included:
• Clarifying that any reference to an underlying zoning district also included any
underlying overlay district; and
• Clarifying which sidewalk widths apply to which types of zoning districts (these are
existing standards but did not include references to all zoning districts which would have
resulted in sidewalks not being required).
These changes have been made to the version of the ordinance attached to this transmittal.
PUBLIC PROCESS: This proposal is subject to the required 45-day public input period
required by City Code 2.60 because it is a code amendment that impacts the process for someone
to obtain a permit or license (subdivision application approval). The 45-day public input process
started on August 8, 2023, and ended on September 22, 2023. All registered, recognized
organizations receive an email notice of the proposal, the public input period, a summary of the
proposal, and instructions regarding how to access project-specific information on the Planning
Division website. In addition, the same information was emailed to the Planning Division’s
email list which contains email addresses for people, businesses, and organizations that have
requested to receive information regarding land use and zoning applications.
The Planning Commission held a briefing on the proposed changes on August 23, 2023. The
briefing was a public meeting, open to the public, and broadcast on SLCTV and on the city’s
YouTube live channel. The briefing was advertised by posting the agenda as required by the
Utah State Code and City Code and emailed to those on the Planning Division email list.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on October 11, 2023. The public hearing was
posted as required by the Utah State Code and City Code. Utah State Code 10-9a-602 requires
specific noticing requirements for adopting amendments to the city’s subdivision code. The
specific noticing requirements are identified as a class B Notice. A class B notice for a city the
size of Salt Lake City requires the following for noticing the first public hearing on a text
amendment:
• Posting a notice on the Utah Public Notice Website;
• Posting a notice on the city’s website;
• Posting a notice in a public location within the city that is reasonably likely to be seen by
residents of the municipality. To comply with this requirement, notice was posted within
three city libraries: the Main Library, Anderson Branch, and Glendale Branch.
One written comment was submitted prior to the Planning Commission Public Hearing. That
written comment was submitted 15 minutes before the start of the public hearing. It was not
included in the staff report for the commission due to the date and time it was submitted, but it
was provided to the commissioners and summarized by staff during the presentation of the
proposal.
Planning Commission Briefing Records
a) PC Agenda of August 23, 2023 (Click to Access)
b) PC Minutes of August 23, 2023 (Click to Access)
c) Planning Commission Staff Report for August 23, 2023 (Click to Access Report)
Planning Commission Public Hearing Records
a) PC Agenda of October 11, 2023 (Click to Access)
b) PC Minutes of October 11, 2023 (Due to the time frame required by Utah Code for
adoption, this link is to the general PC agenda page. For minutes, follow the link and
scroll down to the October 11, 2023 page. The minutes were not available at time of
transmittal)
c) Planning Commission Staff Report for October 11, 2023 (Click to Access Report)
EXHIBITS:
1) Chronology
2) Notice of City Council Public Hearing
3) Original Petition
4) Public Comment Received After Publishing of PC Staff Report
1. Chronology
June 20, 2023 Petition initiated by Mayor Erin Mendenhall.
June 22, 2023 Petition routed to city departments for review.
.
July 17, 2023 Department review comments due.
August 8, 2023 45-day public input period started.
August 23, 2023 Planning Commission briefing held.
September 22, 2023 45-day public input period ended.
September 28, 2023 Public Notice for planning commission public hearing sent and
posted.
October 11, 2023 Planning Commission public hearing held.
2. City Council Public Hearing Notice
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Salt Lake City Council is considering Petition PLNPCM2023-00494 Subdivision Code
Updates. The changes are necessary to bring the city's subdivision regulations into compliance
with recent state code changes that require cities to update their codes by February 1, 2024.
This proposal reorganizes the subdivision regulations, updates application requirements, makes
minor changes to subdivision approval processes, updates the standards for approval for
dividing land and modifying lots and parcels, updates the subdivision standards to align with
city goals identified in the city's general plan, and makes changes necessary to align with state
code mandates for review times and review processes.
As part of their study, the City Council is holding 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 Council may consider
adopting the ordinance the same night of the public hearing.
DATE: October 17, 2023, at 7:00 PM
PLACE: Electronic and in-person options.
451 South State Street, Roon 326, Salt Lake City, Utah
** This meeting will be held via electronic means, while also providing an in-person
opportunity to attend or participate in the hearing at the City and County Building, located at
451 South State Street, Room 326, Salt Lake City, Utah. For more information, including Zoom
connection information, please visit www.slc.gov/council/virtual-meetings. 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 or would like to review the file, please call
Nick Norris at 801-535-6173 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. The application details can be accessed at
https://citizenportal.slcgov.com/, by selecting the “planning” tab and entering the petition
number PLNPCM2023-00494.
The City & County Building is an accessible facility. People with disabilities may make
requests for reasonable accommodation, which may include alternate formats, interpreters, and
other auxiliary aids and services. 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
4. Public Comment Received After Publishing PC Staff Report
SHCC Letter to PC Subdivision Text Amendments www.sugarhousecouncil.org 1
October 11, 2023
TO: Salt Lake City Planning Commission
FROM: Judi Short, Vice Chair and Land Use Chair
Sugar House Community Council
RE: PLNPCM2023-00494Text Amendment Subdivision Code
The Subdivision Code Revision was necessitated by changes in Utah State Code and Salt Lake City is using this
opportunity to enact further revisions.
There are some proposed changes that are concerning, such as:
1. Proposed subdivisions, lot line, or parcel lot line adjustments and consolidations are deemed to be
administrative processes to be decided by the Planning Director or designee. While changing more and more
processes formerly requiring some form of public input into administrative decisions does cut down on the time
and effort by the Planning Commission, it removes valuable public oversight. It is a dangerous precedent and
can lead to outcomes that are sometimes contrary to the intent of zoning such as that promoting a more
pedestrian friendly environment. For example, the recent decision by the Planning Director for the sidewalk
widths in the 2157 S Lincoln project shows why this is a bad idea. The disregard for the hard-fought for new
sidewalk widths in the new zoning was extremely discouraging and disappointing to those who worked so hard
to try to make SLC more walkable.
2. There are no public hearings required for proposed subdivisions, lot line or parcel line adjustments or
consolidations. While this is current practice and “public notice " is required, which is entirely inadequate, and
"public input " is allowed, this is not enough public oversight for people who live in the neighborhood. We
should want more public engagement not less.
3. State mandated review times mean some projects will " go to the head of the line ". While this is probably
unavoidable, it is nonetheless not an optimal situation.
We ask that you approve this text amendment after the text is modified as described above.
1
SALT LAKE CITY ORDINANCE
No. _____ of 202_
(An ordinance repealing and replacing all text, tables, and illustrations in Title 20
of the Salt Lake City Code pertaining to subdivisions and condominiums)
An ordinance repealing and replacing all text, tables, and illustrations in Title 20 of the
Salt Lake City Code pertaining to the regulation of subdivisions and condominiums pursuant to
Petition No. PLNPCM2023-00494.
WHEREAS, on October 11, 2023, the Salt Lake City Planning Commission (“Planning
Commission”) held a public hearing to consider a petition submitted by Mayor Erin Mendenhall
(Petition No. PLNPCM2023-00494) to repeal and replace all of the text, tables, and illustrations
in Title 20 of the Salt Lake City Code pertaining to subdivisions and condominiums; and
WHEREAS, at its October 11, 2023 meeting, the Planning Commission voted in favor of
transmitting a positive recommendation to the Salt Lake City Council (“City Council”) on said
petition; and
WHEREAS, after a public hearing on this matter the City Council has determined that
adopting this ordinance is in the city’s best interests.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah:
SECTION 1. Repealing and replacing the text, tables, and illustrations of Salt Lake City
Code Title 20. That Title 20 of the Salt Lake City Code (Subdivisions and Condominiums) as it
appears up to the time of adoption and publication of this ordinance, including all text, tables,
and illustrations, is hereby repealed in its entirety and is hereby replaced with the following text,
tables, and illustrations:
2
TITLE 20
SUBDIVISIONS
Title, Authority, Purpose, and Applicability 20.02
Decision Making Bodies 20.04
Application Requirements 20.10
Public Improvement Requirements and Agreements 20.12
Public Hearing and Notice Requirements 20.14
Preliminary and Final Plats 20.16
Lot and Parcel Line Adjustments 20.18
Lot and Parcel Consolidations 20.20
Street Dedication Plats 20.22
Subdivision Standards 20.26
Appeals 20.30
Enforcement 20.40
Definitions 20.50
CHAPTER 20.02
TITLE, PURPOSE, AUTHORITY, AND APPLICABILITY
20.02.010: TITLE:
This title shall be known and cited as TITLE 20, SUBDIVISIONS ORDINANCE OF SALT
LAKE CITY, UTAH.
20.02.020: AUTHORITY:
This title is enacted pursuant to Chapter 10-9a and Title 57 of the Utah Code, or their
successors. This title is further enacted as an implementation element of the adopted Salt
Lake City general plan and the components of the adopted general plan for Salt Lake City.
20.02.030: PURPOSE:
The purpose of this title, and any rules, regulations and specifications hereafter adopted, is to
regulate the subdivision of land, condominiums, and adjustments to and consolidations of
lots and parcels, within Salt Lake City to:
A. Acknowledge property ownership rights;
B. Preserve and enhance the health, safety, welfare, and amenities of the community; and
C. Implement the adopted general plan.
3
20.02.040: APPLICABILITY:
This title shall apply to all properties in the city where the owner of the property or
authorized agent of the property intends to:
A. Divide land within the city.
B. Amend or modify any existing subdivision within the city.
C. Create, modify, or dissolve any condominium within the city.
D. Modify any property line between adjacent properties.
E. Consolidate any number of existing lots or parcels with other lots or parcels.
F. Exceptions: This title is not applicable to properties owned by the federal government or
State of Utah or other entity that is exempt from local land use regulations applicable to
subdividing, amending, modifying, or consolidating land.
20.02.040: INTERPRETATION:
The regulations contained in this title shall be interpreted and applied in accordance with the
following rules:
A. Minimum Requirements: All regulations shall be construed as the minimum requirements
necessary to promote the public health, safety, morals, convenience, order, prosperity,
and welfare of the present and future inhabitants of the city.
B. Relationship to Easements, Covenants and Other Agreements: The provisions of this title
are not intended to interfere with, abrogate or require enforcement by the city of any
legally enforceable easements, covenants, or other agreements between private parties
that may restrict the use of land or dimensions of structures more than the provisions of
this title. When the regulations of this title impose greater restrictions than are imposed
by such easements, covenants, or other agreements between parties, or than are required
by laws or other applicable ordinances, the provisions of this title shall control.
C. Number: A word importing the singular number may be applied to plural persons and
things. The use of the plural number shall include any single person or thing.
D. Tense: The present tense of a word includes the future tense as well.
E. Shall, May: The word “shall” is mandatory; the word “may” is permissive.
F. Computation of Time: The time within which an act is to be done shall be computed by
excluding the first and including the last day. If the last day is a Saturday, Sunday or legal
4
holiday recognized by the city, that day shall be excluded. Deadlines shall be interpreted
to be 11:59 p.m. on the date listed.
G. Year: The word “year” shall mean any consecutive 12 month period unless otherwise
indicated.
H. The numbered sections of this title shall be referred to as follows:
1. Title shall be the first two numbers followed by a decimal point.
2. Chapter refers to the two numbers that follow the first decimal point.
3. Section refers to the three numbers that follow the chapter numbers and separated
from the chapter with a decimal point.
I. Conflicts with State or Federal Code: Whenever this code conflicts with a state or federal
requirement, the state or federal requirement shall take precedence.
J. Any reference to an underlying zoning district shall also include any applicable overlay
zoning district identified in Title 21A.
20.02.050: AMENDMENTS TO TITLE:
Any amendment to this title shall follow the requirements of Utah Code Section 10-9a Part 6,
the requirements of Chapter 2.60 and the noticing requirements in this title for public
hearings.
CHAPTER 20.04
DECISION MAKING BODIES
SECTION:
20.04.010: Summary of Authority
20.04.020: City Council
20.04.030: Mayor
20.04.040: Planning Commission
20.04.050: Other City Officials
20.04.010: SUMMARY OF AUTHORITY:
The entities described in this chapter, without limitation upon such authority as each may
possess by law, have responsibility for implementing and administering this title in the
manner described hereto.
5
20.04.020: CITY COUNCIL:
The city council shall have the authority for the following actions described in this title,
subject to the processes, standards, and factors identified hereto:
A. Initiating amendments to the text of this title.
B. Final approval of amendments to the text of this title.
C. Final decision authority for subdivision amendments involving closure, vacation (in
whole or in part), alteration, amendment, or dedication of public right of way or public
easements.
20.04.030: MAYOR:
The mayor, or the mayor’s designee, shall have the authority for the following action
described in this title, subject to the processes, standards, and factors identified hereto:
A. Initiating amendments to the text of this title.
B. Final approval of final subdivision plats or other recordable instruments evidencing any
action under this title.
C. Acceptance of lands and public improvements that may be proposed for dedication.
20.04.040: PLANNING COMMISSION:
The planning commission, or designee, shall have the authority for the following actions
described in this title, subject to the processes, standards, and factors identified hereto:
A. Initiate amendments to the text of this title.
B. Recommend amendments to the text of this title to the city council.
C. Provide a recommendation to the city council on subdivision amendments where the city
council has final authority to decide on a proposed amendment.
D. Final approval authority on applications required by this title that specify the planning
commission is the approval authority, when the planning director defers final authority to
the planning commission, or when associated with a planned development as defined in
Title 21A.
6
20.04.050: OTHER CITY OFFICIALS:
This title shall be administered by city staff as indicated in this section. The specific position
listed may designate another employee to fulfill the roles and authority granted within this
chapter. Each city position, when specifically authorized by this title, shall have the authority
to administer and interpret this title as indicated in the various chapters found within this title
and as listed in this section.
A. City Attorney: The city attorney shall be responsible for reporting to the mayor as to the
form of the final plat or other recordable instruments evidencing any action under this
title. The city attorney shall certify that any lands dedicated to the public are dedicated in
fee simple and that the person or persons subdividing and dedicating the land are the
owners of record.
B. City Engineer: The city engineer shall coordinate final approval authority over all
subdivision improvement plans with other city departments, inspect all public
improvements in coordination with the director of public utilities, administer any
assurance devices related to the installation of public infrastructure, and enforce the
provisions of this title as the subdivision is developed.
C. Director of Public Utilities: The public utility director shall have final approval authority
over all subdivision improvement plans involving utility infrastructure administered by
the department, inspect all public utility installations in coordination with the city
engineer, administer any agreements between a subdivider and the city related to the
department, and enforce the provisions of this title related to public utilities as needed.
D. Planning Director: The planning director has the responsibility to process and decide any
application required by this title. The planning director shall also interpret this title as it is
administered.
E. Building Official: the building official has the authority to review applications related to
condominiums as provided in this title.
F. Transportation Director: the transportation director has the authority as indicated in this
title.
G. Any of the above city officials may seek advice, input, and recommendations from other
city personnel not listed in this section at their discretion to ensure compliance with this
title.
CHAPTER 20.10
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
20.10.010: Application Required
20.10.020: Fees
20.10.030: Complete Application
7
20.10.040: Submittal Requirements for Preliminary Subdivision Applications
20.10.050: Submittal Requirements for Final Plats and Other Recordable Instruments
20.10.060: Submittal Requirements for Lot and Parcel Line Adjustments
20.10.070: Submittal Requirements for Lot and Parcel Consolidations
20.10.080: Submittal Requirements for Street Dedication Plats
20.10.010: APPLICATION REQUIRED:
Any proposal that is authorized by this title is required to submit an application, provided by
the zoning administrator, to the city. The application shall include all information required
by this title.
20.10.020: FEES:
The application shall be accompanied by the applicable fees shown on the Salt Lake City
consolidated fee schedule. The subdivider shall also be responsible for payment of all fees
established for providing the public notice required by this title, in accordance with the
consolidated fee schedule, including costs of mailing, preparation of mailing labels and all
other costs relating to notification. Plan review fees required for public utility requirements
and any public improvements shall be required to pay a separate fee when the fee is listed on
the Salt Lake City consolidated fee schedule.
20.10.030: COMPLETE APPLICATION:
An application required under this title will be considered complete when a completed
application form is submitted, all submittal requirements have been provided, and all
required fees paid. An application will not be processed until it is complete as required in
this section. A substantive review of a complete application will start after the application is
considered complete. The substantive review may identify missing or incorrect information
necessary to verify compliance with the requirements of this title. The applicant shall be
responsible for responding to requests for missing and to correct information as necessary for
the city to verify compliance with the requirements of this title.
A. Subdivisions that include single family, two family, and single family attached uses: A
subdivision that includes single family, two family, or single family attached uses shall
be reviewed for completeness as specific in Utah Code Section10-9a-604.2 or its
successor.
B. All other subdivisions: All other subdivisions shall be reviewed for completeness within
30 days of the subdivider submitting the application and paying the required fees.
C. Incomplete Applications: It shall be the responsibility of the subdivider to ensure that all
applications are completed in full, include all submittal requirements required by this
section, and pay all required applications fees. A subdivider who fails to provide all the
required information that is necessary to start a comprehensive, substantive review of the
8
application will be provided with one written notice of missing submittal requirements.
The notice shall itemize each item that is missing, including the citation from this code
and provide a deadline of 30 days to provide the missing information. A subdivider that
fails to submit the information or that fails to negotiate a different deadline to submit the
information, may be considered withdrawn and closed.
20.10.040: SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISIONS:
An application for a preliminary subdivision shall include all information listed in this
section. The preliminary subdivision application is required for all new subdivisions,
subdivision amendments, and condominiums, including new condominiums, conversions of
existing buildings to condominiums, and modifications to an existing condominium.
A. Required forms as provided by the planning director;
B. All applicable fees;
C. The name and address of the subdivider, if different than the recorded owner, there shall
be a statement from the recorded owner authorizing the subdivider to act on the owner’s
behalf;
D. The name, address, phone number, email, of the person and organization preparing the
subdivision documents;
E. A preliminary plat map that includes:
1. A name that is not a duplicate of any other subdivision in the city or county. Plat
maps that are amending an existing subdivision shall include in the name of the
original subdivision with the term “amendment” and a number indicating the next
number of amendment that is proposed. Example: “Subdivision X, Amendment 1” or
“Subdivision X, Amending Lot Y”;
2. The names and addresses of the record of owner or owners. Each name shall match
with the names that appear on the title report for the property;
3. The date the preliminary plat map was prepared;
4. A written and graphic scale that is adequate to be able to determine compliance with
all applicable subdivision and zoning standards;
5. A description that defines the location and boundaries of the proposed subdivision;
6. The location, names, and existing widths and grades of adjacent streets;
7. The location, name, widths, and grades of all proposed streets. All street names must
be approved by Salt Lake County prior to preliminary plat application being
submitted. If a street is a numbered road, such as 100 South Street, it must be
approved by the city engineer. To receive a name, a private street must be labeled as
such on the plat. A street name will not be provided for cross access easements;
8. The names of adjacent subdivisions and the names of owners of adjacent land that is
not within a recorded subdivision;
9
9. Elevation contours at one-foot intervals, for predominant ground slopes within the
subdivision between level and 5%, and five-foot contours for predominant ground
slopes within the subdivisions over 5%. Such contours shall be based on the Salt Lake
City datum. The elevation shall reference an existing benchmark or street monument
set by the surveyor provided the elevation is provided and it is consistent with the
vertical datum designation shown;
10. A statement about the present zoning and proposed use of the property;
11. Any proposed public areas;
12. Any proposed lands to be retained in private ownership for common use by the
owners of property within the subdivision. When a subdivision contains such lands,
the subdivider shall submit, with the preliminary plat, the name, and articles of
incorporation of the owner or organization empowered to own, maintain, and pay
taxes on such lands;
13. The approximate radius of each curve;
14. The approximate layout and dimensions of each lot;
15. The area of each lot in square feet;
16. A statement of the water source;
17. A statement of provisions for sewerage and sewage disposal;
18. All required or needed major storm drain facilities. This may be provided in public
improvement plans submitted with a final plat;
19. Any existing or proposed dedications, easements, and deed restrictions;
20. If the development contains lots that are units, the boundaries of such units shall be
shown on the preliminary plat;
21. A slope classification map that indicates slopes more than 30% (three feet of rise for
every ten horizontal feet) demarcated with a cross hatch and labeled as undevelopable
when located in a foothill zoning district;
22. Any required setback or no build area from any water body when required by the
adopted general plan or Title 21A Zoning;
23. The area of all blocks within the subdivision;
24. Demonstrate that the subdivision complies with all applicable subdivision design
standards found in Chapter 20.26 Subdivision Standards and any requests for a
modification to a subdivision design standard;
25. Identification of any adjacent parcels or lots that abut the subdivision, including
providing parcel or lot boundaries, tax identification numbers, and addresses; and
26. Identification of any special flood hazard areas subject to inundation by the 1%
annual chance (100 Year) flood based on the most recent FEMA FIRM panel.
F. Supplementary documents that include:
1. A grading plan, showing by appropriate graphic means the proposed grading of the
subdivision including existing and proposed contours and finished floor elevations of
all buildings;
2. The approximate location of all isolated trees with a trunk diameter of four inches or
greater, within the boundaries of the subdivision, and the outlines of wooded areas;
10
3. The approximate boundaries of areas subject to inundation or stormwater overflow,
and the location, width, and direction of flow of all watercourses. This may be
provided in public improvement plans submitted with a final plat;
4. The approximate widths, locations, and uses of all existing or proposed easements for
drainage, sewerage, and public utilities;
5. The existing use or uses of the property, and the outline of any existing buildings and
their locations in relation to existing or proposed street and lot lines, drawn to scale;
6. The locations, names, widths, approximate grades and a typical cross section of curbs,
gutters, sidewalks and other improvements of the proposed street and access
easements, including proposed locations of all underground utilities. This may be
provided in public improvement plans submitted with a final plat;
7. The location of any of the foregoing improvements which may require to be
constructed beyond the boundaries of the subdivision shall be shown on the
subdivision plat or on the vicinity map as appropriate. This may be provided in public
improvement plans submitted with a final plat;
8. A phase one environmental site assessment report to identify the presence of any
harmful, dangerous, or hazardous material or pollutant that may be present on any
land within a subdivision that is intended to be dedicated to the public. This is not
required if there is no land dedication within the boundaries of the subdivision; and
9. If the subdivision includes slopes over 30% or is in a fault rupture zone, a preliminary
geotechnical report prepared by a civil engineer specializing in soil mechanics and
registered by the State of Utah, based upon adequate test borings or excavations shall
be submitted. If the preliminary soil report indicates the presence of critically
expansive soils, or other soil problems which, if not corrected, would lead to
structural defects, a soil investigation of each lot in the subdivision may be required.
The soil investigation shall recommend corrective action intended to prevent
structural damage. This may be required to be submitted after the application is
considered complete as part of the substantive review of the application or as a
condition of preliminary approval;
G. If the preliminary plat map is for a condominium, the following information must be
provided:
1. A condominium declaration and plat that complies with applicable Utah Code
Chapter 57-8 Condominium Ownership Act or its successor. The declaration shall
also include:
a. A statement that the homeowners’ association may regulate, limit, or prohibit
rentals of condominium units;
b. A statement that the homeowners’ association may require the rental of
condominium units to be conducted through the homeowners’ association or a
designated management company, and may require that all lease agreements be
reviewed and approved by the homeowners’ association or the management
company, that any tenants be screened and approved by the homeowners’
association or the management company prior to renting the condominium, and
11
that the approval of the homeowners’ association or the management company
shall not be unreasonably withheld;
c. A statement that prior to renting any condominium unit, the condominium owner
and the tenant shall execute a written lease agreement which shall include the
following provisions:
(1) The tenant shall agree to comply with all the terms and conditions of the
condominium declaration and bylaws;
(2) The tenant shall agree not to allow or commit any nuisance, waste, unlawful
or illegal act upon the premises; and
(3) The owner and the tenant shall acknowledge that the homeowners’ association
is an intended third-party beneficiary of the lease agreement, that the
homeowners’ association shall have the right to enforce compliance with the
condominium declaration and bylaws and to abate any nuisance, waste,
unlawful or illegal activity upon the premises; and that the homeowners’
association shall be entitled to exercise all the owner’s rights and remedies
under the lease agreement to do so;
d. A statement requiring that prior to a tenant’s occupancy of a condominium unit,
the condominium owner must provide to the homeowners’ association the name,
address and telephone number of the tenant and a copy of the written lease
agreement;
e. A statement that the homeowners’ association shall have the right and the
obligation to enforce compliance with the condominium declaration and bylaws
against any owner and/or occupant of any condominium unit and shall have all
rights and remedies available under state or local law, in addition to its rights and
remedies as a third-party beneficiary under any lease agreement, to enforce such
compliance;
f. A statement that the maintenance of the shared utilities and other shared
infrastructure is the responsibility of the homeowner’s association; and
g. Each condominium unit must be identified by a number in numerical order;
2. If the proposed condominium is converting an existing building, the following
additional info is required:
a. A property report must be prepared consistent with the requirements of Section
18.32.050 of this code (adopted building code appendix; nonconforming building
conversion), and submitted as part of the application, together with a plan for
proposed improvements, renovations, or repairs to existing structures/facility;
b. Proof of notice to occupants shall be required before final approval. The notice
shall include the estimated purchase price of the units, and information regarding
proposed improvements. The notice shall describe any financing packages or
economic incentives being offered to tenants to assist in unit purchase. The notice
shall also include a date occupants must vacate or purchase, said date shall be no
earlier than 90 days after service of the notice. Relocation information for the
tenants, specifying available housing relocation resource agencies, and a plan of
12
any services to be voluntarily provided by the owner/developer, shall be included
in the notice; and
c. The preliminary plat map shall include all information required by Utah Code
Section 57-8-13 or its successor; and
H. If the application is a subdivision amendment, the following shall be provided in addition
to the previous listed items for preliminary plat:
1. A name that is not a duplicate of any other subdivision in the city or county. Plat
maps that are amending an existing subdivision shall include in the name of the
original subdivision with the term “amendment” and a number indicating the next
number of amendment that is proposed. Example: “Subdivision X, Amendment 1” or
“Subdivision X, Amending Lot Y”;
2. The boundaries of the proposed subdivision amendment and the total number of lots
being proposed because of the amendment;
3. Identification of the lots that are subject to the amendment;
4. If the amendment includes land that is outside of the existing boundary of the
subdivision, a new description of the boundary, the legal descriptions of the land that
is proposed to be added to the subdivision, the number, size, and dimensions of all
lots subject to the proposed amendment;
5. The signature of all owners within the subdivision indicating consent to the proposed
subdivision. If not all owners have consented, a list of recorded names of the owners
who have not consented to the subdivision amendment; and
6. If the amendment includes an alteration to a public street, alley or other right of way
or an alteration to any public easement or note on the plat that grants any public
interest, consent from the entity that has a right to the street, easement, or note that
the subdivider may proceed with the proposed amendment. In addition, the
application shall include the following information about any alterations:
a. The legal description of the public street, alley or other right of way or easement
or note as it currently exists and how it would be described if the amendment
were to be approved;
b. Appropriate infrastructure plans for the modification of any public street, alley, or
other right of way. This may be provided in public improvement plans submitted
with a final plat; and
c. If required, a draft written agreement to purchase the entirety or portion of any
street, alley, or right of way or any public easement that is proposed to be
amended by the subdivision.
20.10.050: SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FINAL PLATS AND OTHER
RECORDABLE INSTRUMENTS:
An application for a final plat shall include all information provided in this section. The final
plat application is required for all new subdivisions, subdivision amendments, and
condominiums, including new condominiums, conversions of existing buildings to
13
condominiums, and modifications to an existing condominium. All final plat documents shall
be consistent with the preliminary approval and reflect any conditions of approval. If a final
plat is not required, the application shall include all information provided for in the
applicable section below.
A. Submission Requirements for Final Plat:
1. At the time a final plat of a subdivision is submitted to the planning director, the
subdivider shall submit therewith the following documents:
a. The final plat shall be accompanied by a current property title report naming the
persons whose consent is necessary for the preparation and recordation of such
plat and for dedication of the streets, alleys and other public places shown on the
plat, and certifying that as of the date of the preparation of the report, the persons
therein named are all the persons necessary to give clear title to such subdivision;
b. If a preliminary soil report was required for the preliminary plat review, a copy of
that report shall be included with the final plat. The fact that a soil report has been
prepared shall be noted on the final plat and the report shall be recorded as a
supporting document with the plat;
c. Environmental site assessments and remediation, if remediation was needed, as
specified in Subsection 20.26.060.B.
d. The public improvement plans, agreement and bonds specified in Chapter 20.12
of this title, or successor sections; and
e. Copies of all proposed deed restrictions.
2. Preparation and Materials on Final Plat: A digital final plat shall be submitted by the
subdivider with the attributes listed below and that includes all the following
information:
a. 24 inches x 36 inches in size with a minimum of ½ inch margins from the edge of
the sheet;
b. The map shall be oriented with north or east at the top of the sheet, whichever
orientation best accommodates the proposed subdivision;
c. A north arrow, with all labels and descriptions oriented with the north direction;
d. The actual plat drawing shall be made on a scale large enough to clearly show all
details, and the workmanship on the finished drawing shall be neat, clear, and
readable. The preferred scales are one-inch equals twenty feet (1” = 20’) or one-
inch equals thirty feet (1” = 30’), but in no cases shall the scale be smaller than
one-inch equals one hundred feet (1” = 100’);
e. The location of the subdivision within the city shall be shown by a small-scale
vicinity map inset on the title sheet;
f. The title of each sheet of such final plat shall consist of the approved name of the
subdivision at the top center and lower right-hand corner of the sheet, followed by
the words “Salt Lake City”. Plats filed for the purpose of showing land previously
subdivided as acreage shall be conspicuously marked with the words “Reversion
to Acreage”;
14
g. An accurate and complete boundary survey to second order accuracy shall be
made of the land to be subdivided. A traverse of the exterior boundaries of the
tract, and of each block, when computed from field measurements on the ground,
shall close within a tolerance of one foot to 15,000’ of perimeter;
h. The final plat shall show all survey and mathematical information and data
necessary to locate all monuments and to locate and retrace all interior and
exterior boundary lines appearing thereon, including bearing and distance of
straight lines, and central angle, radius, and arc length of curves. Identify the basis
of bearing between two existing monuments;
i. All lots, blocks, and all parcels shall be delineated and include the following
information:
(1) All dimensions, boundaries, size, and courses clearly shown and labeled No
ditto marks shall be used for lot dimensions;
(2) Lot numbers shall begin with the numeral “1” and continue consecutively
throughout the subdivision with no omissions or duplications. Condominium
plats may use a number, such as “101” to label individual condominium units
when there are multiple buildings or floors; where the first number indicates a
different building or floor within an existing building;
(3) Addresses for each lot within the subdivision, assigned by the city engineer,
shall be shown on the plat. Parcels offered for dedication other than for streets
or easements shall be designated by letter and address;
(4) All common areas shall include a unique address;
(5) Sufficient linear, angular and curve data shall be shown to determine readily
the bearing and length of the boundary lines of every block, lot and parcel
which is a part thereof; and
(6) Sheets shall be so arranged that no lot is split between two or more sheets and,
wherever practicable, blocks in their entirety shall be shown on one sheet;
j. The plat shall show the right of way lines of existing and new streets with the
street name and number value of the street, the width of any portion being
dedicated, label all streets as private or public, and widths of any existing
dedications. The widths and locations of adjacent streets and other public
properties within 50’ of the subdivision shall be shown. If any street in the
subdivision is a continuation or an approximate continuation of an existing street,
the conformity, or the amount of nonconformity of such street to such existing
streets shall be accurately shown;
k. All easements shall be shown by fine dashed lines. The widths of all easements
and sufficient ties thereto to locate the same with respect to the subdivision shall
be shown. All easements shall be clearly labeled and identified;
l. If the subdivision is adjacent to a waterway or any portion of the subdivision is
located in special flood hazard area, the map shall show the line of high water
with a continuous line and shall also show with a fine continuous line any lots
subject to inundation by a 1% chance flood, frequency flood, i.e., a flood having
an average frequency of occurrence in the order of once in 100 years although the
flood may occur in any year (the 100-year floodplain is defined by the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers). Land that is subject to any overlay district in Chapter
15
21A.34 that requires a buffer from a waterway shall be depicted on the plat where
restrictions to future development apply and include appropriate notes on the plat
referencing the applicable overlay district restrictions including the minimum
flood elevation of all buildings;
m. The plat shall show fully and clearly:
(1) All monuments found, set, reset, replaced, or removed, stated at each point or
in legend. Monument caps set by surveyor must be stamped with L.S. number
or surveyor and/or company name, and date. Drawings of brass caps, showing
marked and stamped data for any existing monuments and the monuments to
be set, shall be included on the plat;
(2) Type of boundary markers and lot markers used; and
(3) Other evidence indicating the boundaries of the subdivision as found on the
site;
n. The title sheet of the plat shall show the following information:
(1) Name of the subdivision at the top center and lower right-hand corner of the
sheet; with location indicated by quarter section, township, range, base, and
meridian;
(2) Number of sheets in the lower right right-hand corner;
(3) Name of the engineer or surveyor with the date of the survey;
(4) North direction;
(5) Scale of the drawing;
(6) The location of the subdivision within the city shall be shown by a small-scale
vicinity map inset; and
(7) Plats filed for the purpose of showing land previously subdivided as acreage
shall be conspicuously marked with the words “Reversion to Acreage”;
o. The following certificates, acknowledgments, and boundary descriptions:
(1) Registered, professional land surveyor’s “certificate of survey” together with
the surveyor’s professional stamp, signature, name, business address, and
phone number;
(2) Owner’s dedication certificate (with subdivision name included);
(3) Notary public’s acknowledgment (with subdivision name included);
(4) A boundary description of all property being subdivided, with sufficient ties to
section corner, quarter corner, land corner or recorded subdivision, etc., and
with reference to maps or deeds of the property as shall have been previously
recorded or filed. Each reference in such description shall show a complete
reference to the book and page of records of the county. The description shall
also include reference to any vacated area with the vacation ordinance number
indicated;
(5) The tax parcel identification numbers for all existing parcels shown on the
plat; and
16
(6) Such other affidavits, certificates, acknowledgments, endorsements, and
notary seals as are required by law and by this chapter;
p. Signature blocks for all required entities that are required to sign the recordable
document shall include space for a signature and date of signing. Required
signature blocks include:
(1) The owners of the property to be subdivided, which shall be identical to the
recorded owners of record of the property as indicated in the title report;
(2) County health department;
(3) Public utilities director;
(4) City Engineer;
(5) Planning director;
(6) Building official, if the plat is a condominium;
(7) City attorney;
(8) Mayor;
(9) City recorder; and
(10) City surveyor.
q. If the final plat is a condominium: the final documents required under Subsection
20.10.040.C that are updated to include any requirement or condition approved as
part of the preliminary approval; and
r. After review and approval by the city of the draft final plat, the subdivider shall
provide the plat in a form that is acceptable to the county recorder’s office for
recording the plat after the plat has all required signatures. This version shall be
identical to the approved draft final plat.
B. Public Improvement Plans: Construction plans and details, reports, studies, and permit
applications for all required public improvements shall be provided at the time of final
plat applications. Public improvement plans shall include all required information to
address the requirements of Chapter 20.12 and any applicable provision of Chapter 20.26
and any other applicable section of the Salt Lake City Code of Ordinances, federal law,
or Utah Code that regulate the construction or improvement of public infrastructure and
improvements.
C. Final Plats for Subdivision Amendments: If a final plat is a subdivision amendment, the
final plat shall comply with all the requirements for final plats and include the following
additional information:
1. Final condominium declaration as required under applicable Utah Codes;
2. If the amendment includes a public street:
a. A binding agreement to pay the fair market value to the city for any portions of
the street that are proposed to be vacated; and
17
b. The plat shall indicate how the vacated portion of a public street will be
identified, whether added to an existing lot or creating a new lot if authorized by
this title; and
3. A traffic impact study that provides an analysis of the impacts of closing or vacating a
public street.
D. Exceptions to Final Plat: If, after preliminary approval, a subdivision plat is not required
as provided in this title or by Utah Code, a subdivider shall submit the following
documents to record the subdivision without a plat:
1. A draft “notice of subdivision approval for ten lots or less” on a form that is provided
by the planning director;
2. The legal descriptions of the existing parcels that are proposed to be subdivided; and
3. Copies of deeds that transfer the ownership of new lots that include the legal
descriptions of each lot that is within the proposed subdivision.
20.10.060: SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LOT AND PARCEL LINE
ADJUSTMENTS:
An application to amend a lot or parcel line shall include all the following information:
A. Required forms as provided by the planning director;
B. All applicable fees;
C. The name and address of the subdivider, if different than the recorded owner there shall
be a statement from the recorded owner authorizing the subdivider to act on the owner’s
behalf;
D. The name, address, phone number, email, of the person and organization preparing the
subdivision documents;
E. The signatures of all property owners of record whose land is involved in the adjustment;
F. Digital copies of a site plan, record of survey and other items necessary for proper review
as specified by the planning director. The site plan shall be verified by a Utah registered
land surveyor or licensed engineer and include the following information:
1. Current lot or parcel lines;
2. Proposed adjustment(s) to the existing and adjusted lot or parcel lines;
3. Location of the home(s) and/or building(s) on the parcels involved, including
accessory buildings;
4. Setbacks from all buildings to the existing and adjusted lor or parcel line(s);
5. Subdivision standards that are applicable to lot and parcel line adjustments;
18
G. A deed or other recordable instrument that will be used to execute the adjustment on a
form provided by the planning director; and
H. Verification that relocation of a lot or parcel line(s) will not leave in place a utility
easement(s) that will impede future development.
20.10.070: SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LOT AND PARCEL
CONSOLIDATIONS:
An application to combine lots or parcels shall include all the following information:
A. Required forms as provided by the planning director;
B. All applicable fees;
C. The name and address of the property owner, if different than the recorded owner(s) there
shall be a statement from the recorded owner(s) authorizing the subdivider to act on the
owner’s or owners’ behalf;
D. The name, address, phone number, email, of the person and organization preparing the
consolidation documents;
E. The signatures of all property owners of record whose land is involved in the
consolidation;
F. A site plan, verified by a Utah registered land surveyor depicting the following
information:
1. Current lot or parcel lines;
2. Location of any home(s) and/or building(s) on the lots or parcels involved, including
accessory buildings; and
3. Inclusion of all subdivision standards that are specifically applicable to
consolidations;
G. Verification that elimination of a lot or parcel line(s) will not leave in place any utility
easement(s) that will impede future development; and
H. A copy of the deed or other recordable instrument that will be used to execute the
consolidation on a form provided by the planning director. The instrument shall clearly
indicate that the parcels or lots are to be consolidated into one parcel or lot and one legal
description. If the consolidation includes land within an existing subdivision, the name of
the existing subdivision and recording reference to the subdivision plat or most recent
amended plat shall be referenced and the specific lots that are intended to be consolidated
identified.
19
20.10.080: SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR STREET DEDICATION PLATS:
An application to dedicate a street as a public street, whether the street is proposed or
existing, shall include the following information:
A. Required forms as provided by the planning director;
B. All applicable fees. A street dedication application shall be charged the same fee as a
final plat;
C. The name and address of the applicant. If different than the recorded owner there shall be
a statement from the recorded owner authorizing the subdivider to act on the owner’s
behalf;
D. The name, address, phone number, email, of the person and organization preparing the
dedication documents;
E. The signatures of all property owners of record whose land is involved in the dedication;
F. A draft plat that complies with all the requirements for a final plat, except those
requirements pertaining to proposed lots;
G. Construction plans that demonstrate compliance with all adopted and applicable
standards for public streets. If the street was approved as a substandard public street as a
planned development under Title 21A, the applicant shall provide evidence that the street
dedication plat complies with the planned development approval; and
H. If the street dedication plat is for an existing street that is not a public street, the applicant
shall demonstrate all requirements and processes required by Chapter 14.54 or its
successor.
I. Any private utilities located in the street dedication shall meet current standards or be
replaced and dedicated to Salt Lake City.
CHAPTER 20.12
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS AND AGREEMENTS
20.12.010: Subdivision Improvement Construction Agreement Required
20.12.020: Public Improvements Required
20.12.030: Timing and Phasing of Public Improvements
20.12.040: Underground Utility Installation
20.12.050: Subdivision Improvement Construction Agreements
20.12.060: Bond and Security Requirements
20.12.070: Security Devices Securing Payment Risk
20.12.080: No Public Right of Action
20.12.090: As Built Plans Filed for Public Improvements
20
20.12.010: SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT
REQUIRED:
A subdivider for a subdivision that requires construction, repair, or replacement of public
improvements shall be required to provide subdivision improvement plans with a final plat
application. The review cycles in Utah Code Sections 10-9a-604.1 and 10-9a-604.2 or its
successor shall apply. When the only public improvements required by this chapter relate to
public utilities, any reference to the city engineer shall be interpreted to apply to the director
of public utilities.
20.12.020: PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS REQUIRED:
The subdivider shall be responsible for providing all public improvements as required by this
section. Any missing or deficient public improvement identified by this section shall be
brought up to current standards.
A. The subdivider shall improve all streets, pedestrianways or easements in the subdivision,
and adjacent streets required to serve the subdivision to the standards and specifications
adopted by the city that are found in the Salt Lake City Code of Ordinances or adopted by
reference. The subdivider may not begin permanent improvement work until public
improvement plans and profiles have been approved by the city engineer and a
subdivision improvement construction agreement has been executed between the
subdivider and the city. The subdivider shall cause improvements to be installed to
permanent line and grade and to the satisfaction of the city engineer, and in accordance
with the standard subdivision specifications contained in Chapter 20.12 of this title. The
subdivider shall pay the cost of inspection. The subdivider may request that certain public
improvements be waived by the city’s complete streets committee. The complete streets
committee may waive those improvements for which it has authority.
B. The following are minimum improvements that the subdivider normally must agree to
install at the subdivider’s cost before acceptance and approval of the final subdivision
plat by the city:
1. Grading, curbs and gutter, paving, drainage, and drainage structures necessary for the
proper use and drainage of streets and pedestrianways, and for the public safety;
2. Site grading and drainage, taking into consideration the drainage pattern of adjacent
improved and unimproved property and treating upstream areas, where appropriate,
as though fully improved. All site grading must conform to the specifications
contained in Chapter 20.12 of this title;
3. All streets and pedestrianways must be graded, and surfaced to widths and grades
shown on the improvement plans and profiles. The subdivider must improve the
extension of all subdivision streets and pedestrianways to any intercepting or
intersecting streets;
4. Sidewalks must be installed as shown on the improvement plans;
21
5. Sanitary sewer facilities connecting with the existing city sewer system must be
installed to serve the subdivision, with a separate private lateral for each lot, and to
grades and sizes shown on the plans;
6. Stormwater drains and detention/retention basins must be installed as shown on the
plans. Long term stormwater best management practices for stormwater quality must
be installed as shown on the plans and the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
(SWPPP). All other conditions of the SWPPP shall be completed and permits
terminated;
7. Water mains and fire hydrants connecting to the water system serving the city must
be installed as shown on the plans signed by the director of public utilities. Mains and
individual lot services must be of sufficient size to furnish an adequate water supply
for each lot or parcel in the subdivision and to provide adequate fire protection;
8. Street trees, if required, must be of a type approved by the city and planted in
approved locations;
9. Street lighting facilities must be provided in accordance with city policy for the area
of the city where the subdivision is located, and must be so screened as not to
interfere with views from hillsides of the city;
10. All natural gas lines, and telephone, electric power, cable television or other wires or
cables must be placed underground. Equipment appurtenant to the underground
facilities, such as surface mounted transformers, pedestal mounted terminal boxes and
meter cabinets, and concealed ducts may be above ground subject to compliance with
Section 21A.40.160, “Ground Mounted Utility Boxes”, of this code or its successor.
The subdivider shall make necessary arrangements with the utilities involved for the
installation of the underground facilities. All installed utilities must meet the
minimum separation requirements as shown on the plans; and
11. Provisions must be made for any railroad crossings necessary to provide access to or
circulation within the proposed subdivision.
C. All public improvements required by this section or provided by the subdivider must be
documented in the public improvement plans that show all public improvements are
constructed to comply with all applicable provisions of the Salt Lake City Code of
Ordinances, referenced standards adopted by the city, and any applicable federal standard
or Utah Code. All public improvements required by this section that are shown in the
public improvement plans shall meet the applicable standards, which include:
1. American Public Works Association Manual of Standard Specifications and Manual
of Standard Plans 2017 edition;
2. Standard Practices for Salt Lake City Public Utilities (January 2010) or its successor;
3. Any standard or reference to a standard specifically identified in the Salt Lake City
Code of Ordinances;
4. Any applicable standard that has been adopted by the State of Utah; and
5. Any applicable federal standard.
22
20.12.030: TIMING AND PHASING OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS:
The subdivider may propose a timing and phasing plan for installation of public
improvement that complies with this section.
A. All public improvements must be installed in each respective phase of the subdivision or
future subdivisions.
B. All public improvements must be designed such that the first phase has the capacity to
accommodate the capacity of future phases.
C. The subdivider shall include a phasing plan that details how each aspect of the
subdivision will be platted and subdivided and the anticipated public improvements for
each phase.
D. The subdivider shall provide an overall concept plan for required public improvements,
indicate on the plan what public improvements will be included in each phase, and
enough information to demonstrate that the capacity is sufficient for all phases of the
subdivision.
E. The public improvement plan must acknowledge that if a subdivision standard or public
improvement requirement changes before future phases are platted or constructed, the
future phases must comply with those future improvements.
F. Any monument or benchmark that is disturbed or destroyed before acceptance of all
improvements, must be replaced by the subdivider under the direction of the city
engineer.
20.12.040: UNDERGROUND UTILITY INSTALLATION:
All underground utilities including water mains and laterals, sanitary sewers and storm drains
installed in streets or alleys must be constructed before the surfacing of such streets or alleys.
Connections for all underground utilities and sanitary sewers must be laid to such length as
will avert the necessity for disturbing the street or alley improvements when service
connections thereto are made.
20.12.050: SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT:
A. Before the approval by the mayor of the final plat, and if public infrastructure
improvements were conditions of preliminary approval, the subdivider shall execute and
file a subdivision improvement construction agreement between the subdivider and the
city, specifying the period within which the subdivider must complete all public
infrastructure improvement work to the satisfaction of the city engineer, and providing
that if the subdivider shall fail to complete the public improvement work within such
23
period, the city may complete the same and recover the full cost and expense thereof
from the subdivider’s security device. The subdivision improvement construction
agreement must also provide for inspection and testing of all public infrastructure
improvements and require the subdivider to pay the cost of such inspections and testing.
B. The subdivision improvement construction agreement may also provide for the
following:
1. Construction of the public infrastructure improvements in units or phases; or
2. An extension of time under the conditions specified in this agreement.
20.12.060: BOND AND SECURITY REQUIREMENTS:
The subdivider shall file with the city engineer, together with the subdivision improvement
construction agreement, a security device in the manner and as described in the subdivision
improvement construction agreement.
20.12.070: SECURITY DEVICES SECURING PAYMENT RISK:
The terms of a corporate surety payment bond held by the city as a security device together
with the applicable provisions of the subdivision improvement construction agreement shall
govern claims to the corporate surety by a claimant.
20.12.080: NO PUBLIC RIGHT OF ACTION:
Sections 20.12.040 and 20.12.050 of this chapter shall not be construed to provide any
private right of action on either tort, contract, third party contract or any other basis on behalf
of any property holder in the subdivision as against the city or on the security device required
under Section 20.12.050 of this chapter or its successor in the event that the public
improvements are not constructed as required. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, any
security device obtained pursuant to Section 20.12.050 of this chapter to secure payment
obligations with respect to the public improvements shall provide a private right of action to
any person, at any tier, who supplies labor, material, or equipment with respect to the public
improvements.
20.12.090: AS BUILT PLANS FILED FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS:
A complete improvement plan “as built” (a.k.a. “record documents”) shall be filed with the
city engineer upon completion of said improvements. The as built plans shall be in a digital
format and a minimum of 24”x36” in size.
24
CHAPTER 20.14
PUBLIC HEARING AND NOTICING REQUIREMENTS
20.14.010: Purpose
20.14.020: Public Hearing Requirements
20.14.030: Public Meeting Requirements
20.14.040: Notice of Application
20.14.050: Identifying Property Owners to be Noticed.
20.14.060: Noticing Errors
20.14.070: Subdivider Responsible for Posting of Property
20.14.080: Applications Not Requiring Public Notice
20.14.010: PURPOSE:
The purpose of this section is to identify required public processes for each application that is
required by this title. The intent of public notice and input is to provide an opportunity for
the public to learn about the application and provide input regarding the impact of the
proposed subdivision to their ability to utilize their own property.
20.14.020: PUBLIC HEARING REQUIREMENTS:
Public hearings shall be held and noticed as identified in this section.
A. A public hearing shall be held for the following applications required by this title:
1. Subdivision amendments that:
a. Include closing or vacating, in whole or in part, a public right of way;
b. Alters a public easement when the public easement restricts or prohibits
development other than public utility or public walkways or trails;
c. Originally were notified through a notice of application and where a property
owner within the subdivision has submitted a written objection to the proposed
amendment within the timeline identified on the notice of application; and
d. A public hearing for a subdivision amendment shall be heard within 45 days of
the application being considered complete.
2. Any application that includes an application for a planned development; and
3. Any application that includes a modification to a subdivision design standard.
B. Public Hearing Noticing Requirements: Any application that requires a public hearing
shall be subject to the noticing requirements found in Section 21A.10.020.
25
20.14.030: PUBLIC MEETING REQUIREMENTS:
The purpose of this section is to identify when a public meeting is required to be held to
approve an application under this Title. A public meeting is a meeting that is open to the
public to witness the discussion and decision-making process regarding an application that
may be required by this title but does not include a public hearing for the application.
A. A public meeting shall be held for subdivision amendments when eligible under Utah
Code Section 10-9a-608 or its successor.
B. Noticing Requirements for Public Meetings: Noticing requirements and notice content
shall be the same as in Section 21A.10.020 of this code.
C. The planning director may decide the matter during the public meeting or after the public
meeting. If the decision is made after the public meeting, the planning director shall
indicate the timeframe for a decision at the public meeting.
20.14.040: NOTICE OF APPLICATION:
The purpose of this section is to identify the public notice process for a notice of application
as required by this title.
A. When authorized: Notice of application shall be provided for the following applications
that may be required by this title:
1. Preliminary subdivisions that do not require a public hearing or public meeting;
2. Subdivision amendments that include the signatures of all property owners; and
3. Street dedication plats.
B. Noticing Requirements:
1. A notice of application shall be mailed to all property owners within 300 feet of the
property subject to the application. If the application is for a subdivision amendment,
the notice of application shall be mailed to all owners of property within the existing
subdivision in addition to the property owners within 300 feet of the properties
subject to the subdivision amendment. The notice shall provide at least 12 days for
public comment to be submitted to the city before a decision is rendered on the
application.
2. A notice of application shall be sent to all entities as required in Utah Code Sections
10-9a-206, 10-9a-207, 10-9a-208, and 10-9a-603 or the successors of each section.
3. The property shall be posted with a sign advertising the public hearing. Each street
frontage shall be posted with one sign that is posted within at least 10 feet of the
property line along the street.
C. Public Notice Content: Each public notice required under this section shall include:
26
1. The type of application that is subject to the public hearing;
2. The approximate address of the property subject to the application;
3. The date, time, and location of the public meeting, if required;
4. Information on how to attend the meeting if the meeting is an electronic meeting; and
5. Instruction on how the public may find out more information about the application
and how input may be submitted.
D. Timing of Notice: The notice of application shall indicate that no decision will be made
within 14 days of the date of the notice.
20.14.050: IDENTIFYING PROPERTY OWNERS TO BE NOTICED:
All notices shall be mailed to the property owners of record identified in the city’s GIS
database for parcel ownership.
20.14.060: NOTICING ERRORS:
If the noticing requirements of this chapter are not complied with, the required notice shall be
redone with the error corrected and the timing of the notice restarted.
20.14.070: SUBDIVIDER RESPONSIBLE FOR POSTING OF PROPERTY:
The subdivider shall be responsible for any notice required by this chapter to be posted on the
property. The posting shall be completed following the requirements of Subsection
21A.10.015.B.3.
20.14.080: APPLICATIONS NOT REQUIRNG PUBLIC NOTICE:
The following applications are not required to provide public notice:
A. Lot line or parcel line adjustments; and
B. Lot or parcel consolidations.
CHAPTER 20.16
PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLATS
20.16.010: Purpose
20.16.020: When Required
27
20.16.030: Applications Entitled to Approval
20.16.030: Timing of Public Notice
20.16.040: City Review Process
20.16.050: Preliminary Approval Standards
20.16.060: Determination of Recordable Instrument
20.16.070: Final Plat Review Process
20.16.010: PURPOSE:
The purpose of this chapter is to identify the required process and standards for reviewing
and deciding applications to subdivide property. This section applies to any new or amended
subdivision, condominium, or condominium conversion.
20.16.020: WHEN REQUIRED:
A preliminary subdivision application is required for any proposal to create lots or parcels on
any land within the city. Preliminary subdivision applications are required for new or
amended subdivisions, new or amended condominiums, and condominium conversions. All
preliminary subdivision applications are subject to the provisions of this chapter.
20.16.030: SUBDIVIDER ENTITLED TO APPROVAL:
Any preliminary subdivision application that complies with all required standards shall be
approved provided all process requirements identified in this code are followed. A
preliminary subdivision that includes a planned development application shall only be
approved subject to the approval of the planned development as required in Chapter 21A.55
Planned Developments.
20.16.040: PRE-SUBMITTAL MEETINGS:
An application may request a pre-submittal application for the preliminary subdivision
application subject to the provisions of this section in accordance with Utah Code Section 10-
9a-604.1. Feedback at the pre-submittal meeting is limited to the information provided by the
applicant and is not considered binding.
20.16.040: CITY REVIEW PROCESS:
A. A preliminary subdivision application shall comply with Utah Code Chapter 10-9a Part 6.
Any public notice required by this Title or Utah Code Chapter 10-9a shall be started after
the application is considered complete.
28
B. A subdivision application that includes closing or vacating a public street, alley, or other
right of way or vacating an easement that the city has a right to shall be decided by the
city council after receiving a recommendation from the planning commission. The
process shall be in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 21A.10.
20.16.050: PRELIMINARY APPROVAL STANDARDS:
A. Timing of Approval: At the conclusion of any review cycle where no further corrections
or additional information is required, each city department shall indicate that the
application is eligible for approval. If all the requirements of Chapter 20.14 have been
satisfied, the application shall be approved upon finding it complies with all the
applicable standards found in this section, Chapter 20.26, and applicable provisions of
Utah Code Chapter 10-9a. For an application that does not comply with the applicable
standards in this title, and the subdivider has not responded within 90 days from the date
the subdivider was provided with an itemized, written notice of any deficiency or
noncompliance with the standards of this title shall be sent by the city and the application
may be denied by the planning director.
B. Approval Standards:
1. All preliminary subdivisions shall comply with the following standards:
a. The preliminary plat map and associated documents include all information and is
properly formatted as required by this title;
b. The subdivision shall comply with all subdivision design standards or with
approved modifications to the subdivision design standards in Chapter 20.26 of
this title;
c. Water supply and sewage disposal including all offsite utility improvements,
required easements and infrastructure upgrades shall be satisfactory to the public
utilities department director;
d. The location and design of all water supply and sanitary sewer facilities are
appropriately sized, connect to adequately sized infrastructure and found to be
compliant with the adopted standards;
e. The location and design of drainage elements to handle stormwater, ensure
compliance with floodplain regulations, prevent erosion, and minimize formation
of dust has been found to be compliant with adopted city standards and if
applicable, Salt Lake County Flood Control and the Utah Department of
Environmental Quality;
f. The subdivision provides access and infrastructure necessary for firefighting
equipment as required by the applicable fire code adopted by the city;
g. The subdivision provides adequate easements and locations for all necessary
utilities that are not provided by the city;
h. All required dedications of land for streets, midblock walkways, alleys, parks,
trails, and open space are provided for on the preliminary plat as indicated in the
29
adopted general plan of the city or as agreed to as part of any land use approval or
development agreement. Any exactions that are not agreed to as part of a land use
approval or development agreement shall be roughly proportionate and directly
related to the impact of the proposed subdivision;
i. The subdivision includes recommendations in the subdivider’s traffic impact
study when the transportation director indicates the recommendations are required
to mitigate adverse impacts; and
j. The proposed subdivision will not create any injury or harm to any other property
or persons.
2. Condominiums: The following additional standards shall apply to all condominium
conversions preliminary subdivisions:
a. The building official shall identify any improvements, repairs or replacements
which must be made to bring the structure into compliance with applicable
building codes prior to recording the final plat. The building official may require
any existing code violations identified to be corrected prior to final approval; and
b. Any existing nonconforming use or noncomplying structure that creates an
immediate health or safety hazard to the public or future owners within the
condominium has been brought into compliance with current standards or has
been identified as a condition of approval to be addressed prior to the planning
director signing the final plat.
C. Effect of Approval: The effect of preliminary subdivision approval shall authorize the
subdivider to prepare the final recording documents as required by this title.
D. Approval Expiration: Preliminary approval shall expire 18 months from the date of
preliminary approval unless a final plat has been submitted. If a final plat is not required,
the required recording documents shall be submitted within 18 months from the date of
preliminary approval. If the preliminary approval indicated that the subdivision will be
divided into phases, the final plat for the first phase shall be submitted within 18 months.
Future phases shall be subject to the phasing plan that was approved as part of the
preliminary plat.
20.16.060: RECORDABLE INSTRUMENT:
A. A final plat is required to be recorded for all subdivisions except those that contain fewer
than 10 lots and when the subdivision of fewer than 10 lots does not include any of the
following: new public improvements, dedications of land, easements, or amendments to
any existing public street or alley.
B. Subdivisions with fewer than 10 lots and when this title does not otherwise require a plat,
may be recorded without a final plat as authorized under Utah Code Chapter 10-9a Part 6
or its successor.
30
20.16.070: FINAL PLAT REVIEW PROCESS:
A. After preliminary subdivision approval has been granted, the subdivider may submit all
requirements for a final plat under Chapter 20.10. The final plat documents shall be
consistent with the approved preliminary subdivision documents and shall be approved if
it complies with applicable provisions of this title, matches the preliminary approval,
includes all conditions of preliminary approval, and all applicable provisions of Utah
Code Chapter 10-9a. All final plat applications shall be submitted within 18 months of
preliminary approval except for:
1. A subdivision that was indicated during preliminary approval to be phased; in which
case the final plat shall be consistent with the phasing plan approved as part of the
preliminary approval. Each phase shall require a separate final plat application; and
2. Condominiums where the subdivider desires to complete the framing of the building
to ensure the interior dimensions of the condominium as shown on the final plat are
consistent with the built dimensions of the building. In this case, the final plat shall
be submitted within 30 days of final framing inspection.
B. City Review: City review processes and timelines shall be consistent with Utah Code
Chapter 10-9a, Part 6 or its successor.
C. Subdivision Improvement Construction Agreement: The subdivider and the city shall
finalize an agreement regarding the construction of all public improvements required or
proposed as part of the subdivision. The agreement shall be finalized prior to the city
engineer signing the final subdivision plat.
D. The final plat to be recorded shall be on typical mylar material or the common material
for plats at the time. The printing or reproduction process used shall not incur any
shrinkage or distortions, and the reproduced copy furnished shall be of good quality, to
true dimension, clear and readable, and in all respects comparable to the approved final
plat. The mylar plat shall be signed separately by all required and authorized parties and
shall contain the information set forth in this chapter.
E. Prior to the filing of the final plat with the mayor, the subdivider shall file the necessary
tax lien certificates and documents.
CHAPTER 20.18
LOT AND PARCEL LINE ADJUSTMENTS
20.18.010: Purpose
20.18.020: Applicability
20.18.030: Standards for Lot or Parcel Line Adjustments
20.18.040: City Internal Review and Decision
31
20.18.050: Recordable Instrument
20.18.060: Expiration of Approval
20.18.010: PURPOSE:
The purpose of this chapter is to enable lot and parcel line adjustments to be considered and
approved administratively by the planning director or designee.
20.18.020: APPLICABILITY:
This chapter applies to property line adjustments of existing adjoining parcels or lots that are
described by either a metes and bounds description, a notice of subdivision approval, or a
recorded plat.
20.18.030: STANDARDS FOR LOT OR PARCEL LINE ADJUSTMENTS:
An application for a lot or parcel line adjustments shall result in lots or parcels that comply
with the following standards:
A. Existing structures comply with all applicable regulations in Title 21A regarding lot size,
lot width, and required setbacks unless modified through a planned development or when
necessary to comply with a finalized development agreement;
B. The resulting lots or parcels do not alter any existing easement unless the existing
easements are included in the application for an adjustment. If the easement is shown on
a recorded plat and is impacted by the proposed adjustment, a subdivision amendment is
required;
C. The proposed adjustment does not create any new or increase the amount of
noncompliance with Title 21A or does not result in a use expanding to a portion of a
property where the use is not authorized in the applicable land use tables in Chapter
21A.33;
D. The resulting adjustment will not result in more than one principal building on a single
lot unless authorized by Title 21A;
E. The resulting adjustment will not alter any public right of way; and
F. The resulting adjustment will not create any new lots or parcels.
G. The proposed adjustment complies with the applicable standards in Sections 20.26.070
and 20.26.080.
32
H. The proposed adjustment does not place the consolidated lot(s) into noncompliance with
public utility requirements, such as meter standards, utility placement, shared facilities,
and other adopted standards.
20.18.040: CITY INTERNAL REVIEW AND DECISION:
The planning director shall review the application for completeness and for compliance with
the standards of review for this type of application. The planning director shall forward the
lot line application to the city surveyor for review of the new legal descriptions. Upon review
of the application, site plan and finding that the standards of review are complied with, the
planning director shall approve the lot line adjustment. If the standards of review are not
complied with, the planning director shall deny the application.
20.18.050: RECORDABLE INSTRUMENT:
If the lot line adjustment is approved, the planning director shall provide the subdivider with
a document approving the adjustment that includes the director’s signature. The notice shall
contain the descriptions of both the original parcels and the modified parcels as provided by
the subdivider and approved by the city surveyor and state any conditions of approval. A
document of conveyance shall be recorded by the subdivider, property owner, or their
representative at the same time as the notice of approval with the Salt Lake County
Recorder’s office. The lot line adjustment is not valid unless the document of conveyance is
recorded.
20.18.060: EXPIRATION OF APPROVAL:
City approval for lot or parcel line adjustment is only valid upon recording of the approved
deed or other recordable instrument, and any document of approval issued by the city shall
clearly indicate the same. Furthermore, city approval shall expire 180 calendar days from the
date the city document was notarized unless both the city approval document and the
approved recordable instrument are recorded within that time.
CHAPTER 20.20
LOT AND PARCEL CONSOLIDATIONS
20.20.010: Purpose
20.20.020: Applicability
20.20.030: Standards for Lot or Parcel Consolidations
20.20.040: City Internal Review
20.20.050: Recordable Instrument
20.20.060: Expiration of Approval
33
20.20.010: PURPOSE:
The purpose of this chapter is to allow for the consolidation of adjacent parcels and/or
subdivision lots.
20.20.020: APPLICABILITY:
This section applies to adjacent lots or parcels, regardless of a lot or lots being part of a
previously recorded subdivision. An application to consolidate parcels is not required when
specifically exempt under Utah Code Section 10-9a-523.
20.20.030: STANDARDS FOR LOT OR PARCEL CONSOLIDATIONS:
For two or more adjacent lots or parcels to be consolidated into one lot, the following criteria
shall be met:
A. Compliance with all applicable zoning regulations including maximum lot size, if
applicable; and
B. A lot consolidation cannot yield two principal buildings on one lot, unless permitted in
the zoning district or by an approved planned development.
C. The proposed adjustment complies with the applicable standards in Sections 20.26.070
and 20.26.080.
D. The proposed adjustment does not place the consolidated lot(s) into noncompliance with
public utility requirements, such as meter standards, utility placement, shared facilities,
and other adopted standards.
20.20.040: CITY INTERNAL REVIEW:
The planning director shall review the application for completeness and for compliance with
the regulations of the zoning ordinance. Upon review of the application, the planning director
may either approve or deny the lot consolidation.
20.20.050: RECORDABLE INSTRUMENT:
City approval of the consolidation shall be in the form of a notarized findings and order
executed by the planning director and provided to the subdivider and/or owners. The findings
and order shall specify, according to Section 20.20.060 of this chapter, the period after which
city approval shall expire. If any portion of the consolidation includes land in a recorded
34
subdivision, the subdivision name shall be referenced in the recording document. The
subdivider shall record the approved recordable instrument and the associated findings and
order in the office of the Salt Lake County Recorder.
20.20.060: EXPIRATION OF APPROVAL:
City approval for lot consolidations is only valid upon recording of the approved deed or
other recordable instrument, and any document of approval issued by the city shall clearly
indicate the same. Furthermore, city approval shall expire 180 calendar days from the date
the city document was notarized unless both the city approval document and the approved
recordable instrument for transferring property are recorded within that time.
CHAPTER 20.22
STREET DEDICATION PLATS
20.22.010: Purpose
20.22.020: Applicability
20.22.030: Standards
20.22.040: City Internal Review
20.22.050: Recordable Instrument
20.22.010: PURPOSE:
The purpose of this section is to establish a process for dedicating streets that are not already
dedicated for public use and when no subdivision of land is proposed.
20.22.020: APPLICABILITY:
This process may be used when:
A. Additional right of way for an existing road is proposed by the adjacent landowner;
B. Additional right of way for an existing road is necessary to provide adequate width for
public improvements when the public improvements are required as part of a land use
application authorized under Title 21A or as a condition of approval for a land use
application under Title 21A.
C. A public street is proposed to access property that does not currently have access to a
public street; or
D. When a property owner is proposing to construct a public street or portion thereof on land
that is currently not part of a public street.
35
E. This process does not apply to the dedication of existing private streets unless the
requirements of Chapter 14.54 have been satisfied and after the city has accepted a
private street for donation to be a public street.
F. A street dedication application shall be charged the same fee as a final plat.
20.22.030: STANDARDS:
A street dedication plat shall be subject to the following standards:
A. The proposed street to be dedicated complies with all adopted standards for public streets
that apply to the classification, size, or typology for the area, property, or land use
identified in the general plan or the zoning map;
B. The land to be dedicated complies with all applicable subdivision standards in Chapter
20.26;
C. The proposed street does not create any new lots or result in any existing lot or parcel
being separated or split by the proposed street. In this case, the street can only be
dedicated through a subdivision plat; and
D. The proposed street does not create parallel streets that are separated by less than 200
feet.
20.22.040: CITY INTERNAL REVIEW:
A. A street dedication plat shall be submitted to the planning division and reviewed by the
necessary city departments who may be impacted by the proposed dedication.
B. Each city department shall review the street dedication plat to determine if it complies
with adopted regulations that apply to the width, construction, cross section, subdivision
design standards applicable to public streets, public improvements, and any other
applicable standard.
C. After each city department has indicated that the street dedication plat complies with all
applicable regulations, the subdivider shall prepare a final plat for recording the street
dedication. The final plat shall comply with all requirements for final plats that relate to
the dedication of public streets.
D. A public improvement agreement is required for all street dedication plats that include
any new public improvements or modifications to existing public infrastructure.
36
20.22.050: RECORDABLE INSTRUMENT:
The dedication of the street shall be recorded as a final plat, absent the creation of any new
lots, and only having to comply with the subdivision design standards related to streets. The
final plat shall comply with all the applicable requirements for preparation of a final plat. The
plat shall not be recorded until the public improvement agreement has been finalized and
agreed to by the applicant and the city.
CHAPTER 20.26
SUBDIVISION STANDARDS
20.26.010: Applicability
20.26.020: Modification to Standards
20.26.030: Standards for Utilities
20.26.040: Standards for Flood Control
20.26.050: Standards for Connectivity
20.26.060: Standards for Street Design
20.26.070: Standards for Natural Features
20.26.080: Standards for Blocks
20.26.090: Standards for Lots and Parcels
20.26.010: APPLICABILITY:
All subdivisions of land within Salt Lake City shall comply and conform with the standards
and requirements as set forth and as referred to in this section.
20.26.020: MODIFICATION TO STANDARDS:
A subdivider may request a modification to a subdivision standard as provided for in this
section.
A. Authority to Approve Modifications: The authority to approve modifications to a
subdivision design standard are as follows:
1. Standards for Public Utilities and Flood Control: Shall be determined by the director
of public utilities based on the standards for approving modifications in Subsection B.
2. Standards for Connectivity and Street Design: Shall be determined by the
transportation director based on the standards for approving modifications in
Subsection B.
3. Standards for Natural Features, Blocks, and Lots and Parcels: Shall be determined by
the planning director based on the standards for approving modifications in
Subsection B. Modifications may also be considered as part of a planned
37
development pursuant to Chapter 21A.55 Planned Developments when a subdivision
is associated with a planned development application. However, a planned
development may not be submitted when the only modification requested is a
modification to a subdivision standard.
B. Standards for Approving Modifications: Any request for a modification shall be
identified in the preliminary subdivision application or as a supplement to an application
in response to city review comments and include evidence provided by the subdivider
that the following standards are satisfied:
1. The proposed modification will not diminish the ability of the city to provide service
to the properties within the subdivision;
2. The proposed modification does not negatively impact any future city plans related to
transportation or public utilities;
3. The proposed modification complies with adopted engineering standards, or a
different engineering standard endorsed by a professional organization that provides
standards for public infrastructure and the authority identified in Paragraph A finds
that the modified standard is substantially similar to the city adopted standard;
4. The proposed modification does not jeopardize the integrity, structure, function,
future needs, capacity, or purpose of any other public infrastructure; and
5. The proposed modification does not result in a detrimental effect to nearby properties
that may be caused by the proposed modification during the construction process. A
detrimental effect includes:
a. Dirt, rock, or other debris falling or being placed on adjacent property;
b. Storm water, snow melt, or irrigation water flowing onto other property;
c. A decrease in access to adjacent properties;
d. Degradation of any public property or easement;
e. Any impact that jeopardizes the health or safety of any person, structure,
vegetation, or property.
20.26.030: STANDARDS FOR UTILITIES:
All subdivisions and subdivision amendments shall comply with the requirements of this
section. This section shall be administered by the director of public utilities.
A. All water and sewer shall be provided through underground services and connections;
B. Storm water may not use underground services and connections and shall be managed
through surface flow, swales, retention basins or other similar methods for storm water
management.
C. All lots within the subdivision that are developable shall be provided with access to all
required utilities by the subdivider with necessary and required easements shown on the
plat;
38
D. Easements for utility and drainage purposes shall be provided within the subdivision as
required by the director of public utilities. However, in no event shall such an easement
be less than five feet in width when proposed along the front lot line; and
E. Watercourses: The subdivider shall dedicate an easement for storm drainage conforming
substantially with the lines of any natural watercourse or channel, stream, creek, or
floodplain that enters or traverses the subdivision.
20.26.040: STANDARDS FOR FLOOD CONTROL:
All subdivisions and subdivision amendments shall comply with the requirements of this
section, any applicable requirements of Title 17, and the requirements of Chapter 18.68 of
this code. Any applicable state or federal requirement shall also apply. This section shall be
administered by the director of public utilities:
A. The subdivision design shall be consistent with the need to minimize flood damage;
B. Adequate drainage must be provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards;
C. All public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical and water systems shall be
located, elevated, or constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage; and
D. The subdivider shall dedicate an access easement for storm and flood management that
provides adequate access to perform flood control within any river, stream, creek, or
similar water way or floodplain that enters or traverses the subdivision.
20.26.050: STANDARDS FOR CONNECTIVITY:
All subdivisions and subdivision amendments shall comply with the standards of this section.
This section shall be administered by the transportation director unless otherwise indicated.
A. The subdivision design shall conform to the pattern of major street as designated in the
general plan or on the major street plan map of the city transportation master plan.
Whenever a subdivision fronts on a street so designated or contains within the boundaries
of the proposed subdivision a public street identified in the general plan, that street shall
be platted and dedicated by the subdivider in the location and width so indicated.
B. The street pattern in the subdivision shall be in general conformity with a plan for the
most advantageous development of adjoining areas and the entire neighborhood or
district. The following principles shall be observed:
1. Where appropriate to the design and terrain, proposed streets shall be continuous and
in alignment with existing planned or platted streets, or, if offset, streets shall be
39
offset a minimum of 100’ between centerlines of intersecting that are 50’ or less in
width and a minimum of 400’ between centerlines of intersecting streets that are
wider than 50 feet;
2. Where streets extend to the boundary of the property, resulting in dead end streets
may be approved with a temporary turnaround of a minimum 45’ radius. In all other
cases, a permanent turnaround shall conform to specifications in Subsection G,
“Turnaround”, of this section or have a design otherwise approved by the
transportation division;
3. Proposed streets shall intersect one another as nearly at right angles as topography
and other limiting factors of good design permit. “T” intersections rather than “cross”
intersections shall be used wherever possible for local streets; and
C. The proposed subdivision shall include street connections to any streets that abut, are
adjacent to, or terminate at the subdivision site. The proposed development shall also
include street connections in the direction of all existing or planned streets adjacent to the
development site as identified in the adopted general plan. Exceptions to this requirement
include situations where the street connection would alter a drainage channel, natural
feature, steep slope, utility easement that prohibits such a connection, or other legally
existing restriction on the land that would prohibit the street connection.
D. The proposed subdivision shall include streets that extend to the boundary of the
subdivision and undeveloped or partially developed land that is adjacent to the
subdivision. The streets shall be in locations that will enable adjoining properties to
connect to the proposed subdivision street system when the streets are public. Exceptions
to this requirement include situations where the adjacent land is separated from the
development site by a drainage channel, natural feature, steep slope, utility easement that
prohibits such a connection, or other legally existing restriction on the land that would
prohibit the future development of the land.
E. The subdivider shall dedicate or grant an easement for pedestrian and bicycle
infrastructure through the subdivision and connecting to similar infrastructure as required
by this section:
1. When in a right of way that is to be dedicated as part of the subdivision, the
pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure shall comply with the adopted general plan
related to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure;
2. When the general plan identifies a trailhead or connects to a trail on land that is
within the proposed boundaries of the subdivision;
3. When the general plan identifies public pedestrian or bicycle infrastructure abutting
the proposed subdivision and connections to the pedestrian or bicycle infrastructure
within the boundaries of the proposed subdivision are necessary to complete the
pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure;
4. When existing trails, sidewalks, walkways, bike path, or other infrastructure is
located on land that is adjacent to the boundary of the proposed subdivision;
5. When required by Chapter 14.06 of this code; and
40
6. Any required pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure required by this section shall be
the minimum width necessary to provide the connection. The connection may be in
the form of a dedication of land on the plat or as a public access easement. The area
of the dedication or easement shall count towards the minimum lot areas of the
adjacent lots as determined by the subdivider.
F. Cul-De-Sacs: Cul-de-sacs are prohibited in new subdivisions or when new streets are
proposed as part of a subdivision amendment except as provided in this section.
1. Physical conditions are present that prohibits development of a connecting street. A
physical condition includes slopes over 30 degrees, the presence of a river, stream,
wetland, or other body of water, upland wildlife habitat area, the boundary of an
Open Space, Natural Open Space, or Foothill Protection zoning district, or other land
identified in Subsection C.1. If this condition is present, the subdivider may be
required to provide a public access easement through the cul-de-sac to any public
land where one of the physical conditions identified in this section exist;
2. The land adjacent to the subdivision is already developed in a manner that makes it
impracticable to connect the proposed subdivision to the existing streets; or
3. When required by the applicable fire code.
G. Turnaround: If allowed cul-de-sacs in residential zoning districts should be no longer
than 400’ (measured from centerline of intersecting street to radius point of turnaround)
and shall have a minimum of 45’ curb radius. Cul-de-sacs in all other zoning districts
should be no longer than 650’ and should have a minimum of 60’ curb radius. Other cul-
de-sac lengths or turnaround configurations may be approved by the fire department and
the transportation director.
20.26.060: STANDARDS FOR STREET DESIGN:
The following minimum standards apply to all public streets and design criteria shall apply
unless deemed unwarranted by written recommendation of the city engineer and
transportation division director. Said standards and criteria shall be supplemented by other
applicable existing engineering and construction requirements and standards as specified by
the city engineering and transportation divisions.
A. General:
1. Where higher standards have not been established as specified in Subsection A.1 of
this section, all streets shall be platted, designed, and constructed according to the
principles outlined in the transportation division’s Street and Intersection Typologies
Design Guide and the design and constructions for public streets adopted by the
city. Exceptions to the Street and Intersection Typologies Design Guide may be
granted through a planned development subject to Chapter 21A.55 or by the
transportation director based on the following standards:
41
a. The subdivision serves 10 lots or fewer and justifies a narrower cross section than
what is identified in the Street and Intersection Typologies Design Guide;
b. A different street design is warranted due to the slope, waterways, existing
infrastructure, or other similar unique circumstance that doesn’t generally exist on
other properties within the same zoning district;
c. The adopted general plan establishes a different guide or standard for streets in
the geographic area where the proposed subdivision is located; and
d. The subdivider provides an alternative cross section for a street that provides all
of the required components identified in the guide but in a different arrangement
that is consistent with the intent of the specific street type.
B. Street Grades: Curves and sight distances shall be subject to approval by the city
engineering division, to ensure proper drainage and safety for vehicles and pedestrians.
The following principles and standards shall be observed:
1. Grades of streets shall be not less than 0.5% and not greater than 7%;
2. The maximum grade applies at the street centerline; and
3. Short runs of steeper grades may be permitted if there are no objections from the fire
department, transportation division, and city engineer.
C. Vertical Alignment of Nonintersecting Streets: Transition curves over crests of hills shall
be designed to provide both a smooth transition from upward movement to minimize
potential roller coaster effect and to provide safe stopping sight distance at all times. The
stopping sight distance is the distance required to safely stop a vehicle after viewing an
object calculated on a formula set forth in standards adopted by the transportation
division.
D. Vertical Alignment at Street Intersections: Transition curves shall be required to provide
a smooth transition from road grade to intersections. For an approach distance (“A”) from
each edge of the intersecting street line, the grade may not exceed 2%. The minimum
length of the approaches (“A”) and transition curves (“L”) shall be calculated upon the
formulas below:
A = The minimum approach distance required where grade may not exceed 2%
from the curb line of the intersecting street. Said distance of “A” shall be not
less than 35’ for intersections with local streets and not less than 100’ for
intersections with major or arterial streets.
L = The minimum transition curve length required between points of tangency,
“X”, where L = 10(a), “a” being the difference between the grade of the road
less the grade of “A”.
42
E. Intersection Site Distance: Intersections shall be planned and located to provide as much
sight distance as possible. In achieving a safe road design, as a minimum, there shall be
sufficient corner sight distance for the driver on the approach roadway to cross the
intersecting street without requiring approaching traffic to reduce speed. Such corner
sight distance is a field of vision which shall be measured from a point on the approach
roadway at least 15’ from the edge of the intersecting roadway pavement at a height of
3.5’ on the approach roadway. The minimum corner sight distance for local streets (30
miles per hour design speed) shall be 350’. For collector streets (40 miles per hour design
speed) the minimum corner sight distance shall be 450’.
F. Horizontal Alignment of Streets: In addition to the specific street design standards set
forth above, horizontal alignment shall be subject to the following criteria:
1. Consistent with topography, alignments shall be as straight as possible;
2. Maximum curvatures shall be avoided whenever possible;
3. Consistent patterns of alignment shall be sought. Sharp curves at the end of long
tangents or at the end of long flat curves shall be avoided;
4. Short lengths of curves shall be avoided even for very small deflection angles;
5. Flat curvatures shall be provided on long fills;
6. Compound circular curves with large differences in radii shall be avoided;
7. Direct reverse curves shall be avoided; a tangent shall be used between them;
8. “Broken back curves” (two curves in the same direction on either side of a short
tangent or large radius curve) shall be avoided; and
43
9. To effectuate the above general criteria, the minimum curve centerline radii for local
streets and collector streets shall be 100’ and 150’, respectively. The maximum
allowable degree of curvature shall be 23° for local streets and 12.5° for collector
streets.
G. Street Lighting: Lighting shall comply with the policies and standards outlined in the Salt
Lake City Street Lighting Master Plan.
H. Curb, Gutter, and Sidewalks: The following principles and standards shall apply to the
design and installation of curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and pedestrianways. Low impact
development standards may be substituted at the discretion of the engineering and
transportation divisions, according to best practices as determined by the public utilities
department:
1. Vertical curbs and gutters as shown on the city’s standard detail drawings shall be
required in all subdivisions unless otherwise approved by the city engineer and
transportation director. The minimum gutter slope at a street intersection and at the
crest and sag of vertical curves is 0.5%;
2. Sidewalks shall be designed to comply with ADA Guidelines. Sidewalks are required
on both sides of a street except when the transportation director authorizes an
exception when a subdivision includes land that is in a manufacturing zone located
west of I-215, BP Business Park District located west of I-215, or EI Extractive
Industries District.
3. Sidewalks shall normally be located within the street right of way and shall be
required to be a minimum width as indicated in this subsection:
a. Four feet wide in any FR, R-1, R-2, or SR zoning districts when adjacent to a park
strip;
b. Five feet wide in any FR, R-1, R-2, or SR zoning districts zoning districts when
the sidewalk is directly adjacent to the back of curb;
c. Six feet wide in all other zoning districts unless specified otherwise in those
districts;
d. Eight feet wide in the central business district; or
e. Ten feet wide along Main Street in the central business district.
The transportation director may require the subdivider to provide a pedestrian impact
study to determine if additional width for a sidewalk is necessary based on the
proportional impact the subdivision may have on the sidewalks within the
subdivision;
I. Protection Strips: Protection Strips: Where subdivision streets create frontage for
contiguous property owned by others, the subdivider may, upon approval by the city
engineer create a protection strip not less than one foot in width between said street and
adjacent property, to be deeded into joint ownership between the city and subdivider.
Such a lot requires an agreement from the subdivider contracting to deed to the owners of
the contiguous property the one foot or larger protection strip lot for a consideration
44
named in the agreement, such consideration to be not more than the cost of street
improvements properly charged to the contiguous property as determined by the city
engineering division in their estimate of cost of improvements for the
subdivision. Jointly owned protection strip lots shall not be permitted at the end of or
within the boundaries of a public street, or proposed street, or within an area, or abutting
an area, intended for future public use.
J. Traffic Report: New subdivisions have traffic impacts on existing street systems that may
or may not be adverse in nature. The transportation director may require the subdivider to
provide a detailed traffic report of the effects and impacts of the proposed development.
This report shall detail the expected number of trips to be generated, the type of vehicles
expected, and the times of day that the most severe impact can be expected. It shall also
detail the effect on street capacity by the development, as well as nearby intersections
that will be impacted by the development’s traffic as may be designated by the
transportation division director. Based on a review of the traffic impact study, the
transportation division may require additional mitigations including street improvements
and other multi-modal transportation enhancements.
20.26.070: STANDARDS FOR NATURAL FEATURES:
All subdivisions and subdivision amendments shall comply with the provisions of this
section. This section shall be administered by the planning director.
A. Preservation of Natural Features: all subdivisions and subdivision amendments shall be
designed to preserve the natural features of a site as follows:
1. Rivers, streams and creeks shall not be piped or placed in any culvert or man-made
channel;
2. Wetlands shall be protected and buffered as required within the underlying zoning
district, overlay district, or as identified in the general plan;
3. Wooded areas within a subdivision shall be preserved. Lots that include wooded
areas are allowed to exceed the maximum lot size of the underlying zoning district
and may count towards any required landscaping, regardless of location of the
wooded area or the required landscaped area;
4. Wildlife habitat shall be preserved when the general plan identifies areas to be
protected or Title 21A specifically requires protection of habitat or buffers from
wildlife habitat. Area preserved as wildlife habitat may count towards the landscaping
requirements of the underlying zoning district, regardless of the location of the
wildlife habitat or the required landscaped area; and
5. Natural features identified in this section shall be identified as undevelopable areas on
the final plat. The size of the undevelopable area shall be determined by the general
plan if the general plan provides an objective metric to determine the area to be
protected or as required by Title 21A Zoning. If both the general plan and Title 21A
include conflicting regulations regarding this provision, the smaller requirement shall
take precedent. If the general plan or Title 21A does not provide a minimum
45
requirement, the document that does indicate a minimum requirement shall take
precedent.
B. Environmental Conditions of Land to Be Dedicated: Environmental Site Assessments
(ESAs) and remediation must be conducted on any land that is to be dedicated to the
public, as follows:
1. ESAs shall be performed in accordance with the most recent version of ASTM
Standard E1527.
2. The city reserves the right to conduct ESAs using a city-contracted environmental
consultant if needed to avoid legal liability, if there are concerns with the
environmental work conducted to date, or other reasons as determined by the director
of sustainability, other department directors as applicable, or their designees.
3. If remediation is required to clean up the land to the appropriate land use standards,
the remediation shall be completed prior to dedicating the land.
4. All ESAs and remediation reports shall be reviewed and approved by the director of
sustainability, other department directors as applicable, or their designees.
20.26.080: STANDARDS FOR BLOCKS:
All subdivisions and subdivision amendments shall comply with the provisions of this
section. This section shall be administered by the planning director.
A. Public Streets Required: All subdivisions shall include public streets as required by the
adopted general plan of the city. The subdivision may include additional streets not
identified in the general plan. Streets shall be used to create blocks that comply with this
section. Local streets within a subdivision shall be public unless private streets are
approved through a planned development in accordance with Chapter 21A.55.
B. Blocks shall be created by streets as required in the adopted general plan. For the purpose
of this section, a midblock walkway identified in the general plan shall be considered a
street for determining block size. Blocks shall be created by local streets as follows:
1. In zoning districts that allow residential uses, proposed streets that comply with the
applicable street cross section in the Street and Intersection Typologies Design Guide
are required when the proposed subdivision is over five acres in size unless the
subdivision is approved as part of a planned development. For the purpose of this
section, a residential use does not include a dwelling for a caretaker when allowed in
zoning districts that do not allow other residential land uses. This section shall also
apply to any lot/parcel line adjustment or lot/parcel consolidation; and
2. In all other zoning districts, there is no maximum block size.
46
20.26.090: STANDARDS FOR LOTS AND PARCELS:
All subdivisions and subdivision amendments shall comply with the provisions of this
section. This section shall be administered by the planning director.
A. Frontage on Public Streets: All lots or parcels shall have frontage on a public street and
the frontage shall comply with the minimum lot width requirements of the underlying
zoning district. This standard is not applicable if Title 21A allows lots or parcels without
street frontage. This provision may be modified as part of a planned development in
accordance with Chapter 21A.55. Access that crosses multiple lots shall include
appropriate cross access easements.
B. Buildable Areas: All subdivisions shall result in lots or parcels that provide a practically
sized buildable area except for lots or parcels that are:
1. Identified as undevelopable on a subdivision plat;
2. Identified as a public park or open space;
3. Identified as a protection strip intended to prevent access across property provided the
protection strip complies with the standards of this title; or
4. Intended to be used for public infrastructure.
C. Minimum Lot or Parcel Size: All lots or parcels shall comply with the minimum lot size
and lot width required within the applicable zoning district or overlay district in Title
21A.
D. Lot or Parcel Shape: all lots and parcels shall generally be rectangular in shape except
when one of the following conditions exist:
1. The lot or parcel shares a property line with a lot or parcel that is not part of the
subject subdivision and that property line is curved, angled, or has multiple angles
along the length of the property line;
2. The lot or parcel has frontage on a public right of way or private street and the
boundary of the public right of way or private street is curved, angled, or has multiple
angles along the length of the boundary. Side property lines shall be approximately at
right angles or radial to the street line;
3. The property line follows a natural feature that includes a water way, slope over 30
degrees, rockfall area, wetland, ridge line, or other natural area that necessitates a
different shape lot;
4. This standard does not apply when:
a. The shape is approved as part of a planned development;
b. The lot or parcel is a flag lot; or
c. The lot or parcel is in a special purpose zoning district other than MU Mixed Use
District.
47
E. Double Frontage Lots: Double frontage lots are prohibited in subdivisions located in
residential zoning districts.
F. Developable Area Limitation on Steep Slopes: The applicant shall provide a slope
classification map with any subdivision application when the subdivision is in any
foothill zoning district or open space zoning district. The slope classification map shall
use a “ten-foot averaging” to determine the locations of any slope that exceeds 30%. All
slopes that are 30% or greater shall be considered significant steep slopes and are
undevelopable. This section shall also apply to zoning map amendments that propose
changing the zoning from a foothill zoning district to any other zoning district.
1. All areas of significant steep slope shall be identified as “undevelopable area” on the
plat. A legal description of the undevelopable area shall also be included on the plat;
2. The boundary line of the undevelopable area shall be identified as a “transition area”
on the plat. The transition area shall be a minimum of 10 feet;
3. Undevelopable areas shall be protected from subsequent alteration or encroachment
by an open space preservation easement granted to Salt Lake City on the subdivision
plat;
4. Grading, landscaping, construction activities, streets (public or private) and other
disturbances of the land are prohibited within the portions of the plat designated as an
undevelopable area except as follows:
a. Any construction activity necessary to provide utility access to the lot when the
undevelopable area is located between the street and the developable area on a lot
and there is no other legally existing location to construct the necessary public
utilities. Any excavation and grading work necessary to construct necessary
utilities shall be the minimum necessary and any disturbance shall be returned to
its natural condition;
b. Any driveway or walkway and associated retaining walls necessary to provide
access to the building area when the undevelopable area is located between the
street and the developable area and there is no other legally existing location to
construct the driveway, walkway, and associated retaining walls. No driveway
that qualifies for this exception may exceed 15 feet in width and no walkway may
exceed six feet in width. All retaining walls shall comply with the applicable
provisions for retaining walls found in Title 21A;
c. Exceptions listed in Subsections a. and b. shall occupy the same space unless the
engineering specifications for either requires a different location. The preference
of the subdivider or property owner is not a valid reason to allow separate
locations; or
d. Modifications to landscaping when necessary to comply with requirements or
guidelines for vegetation in wildfire interface zones as recommended by a
government agency.
5. A lot that has undevelopable area within its boundaries is allowed to exceed the
maximum lot size in the underlying zone without a planned development and without
48
needing to comply with the provisions in Title 21A for exceeding maximum lot size
provided:
a. The parcel has a minimum of 1,500 square feet of net buildable area. The net
buildable area shall not include any areas of thirty percent (30%) or greater slope
or the required zoning setbacks or the portion of the transitional area that is
required that lies within the required ten foot (10’) minimum setback or twenty
foot (20’) average setback from the proposed development limit line, as defined
by the Salt Lake City Zoning Ordinance;
b. The parcel has city sewer and water services that are located or can be extended to
access the lot directly from the street; or
c. The applicant must present a construction plan, acceptable to the city, which
demonstrates the ability to manage staging for construction in a manner that will
not impact transitional or steep slope areas; and
6. The plat shall include the following language to indicate that the developable area
limitation on steep slopes shall be shown on all building permits for new buildings or
structures and additions to existing buildings or structures: “The developable area
limitations and all undevelopable areas shall be shown on all building permits when
the building permit includes the construction of any new building or structure and
additions to any existing building or structure. The undevelopable area shall not be
used for any construction activity, staging, or storage during the construction
process.”
G. Solar Oriented Lots: For subdivisions with 25 or more single-family residential lots at
least 50% of lots less than 15,000 square feet, upon which detached single-family
dwelling units are planned for construction, shall be oriented with the longest dimension
lot line oriented towards the south to accommodate future solar panel installations on the
property. Exceptions to this provision may be made by the planning director when:
1. The land that is proposed to be subdivided is along an existing street that is oriented
in a manner that does not make it practical for the lots to comply with this
requirement;
2. Where unusual topographic, environmental, soil, and similar conditions exist that, as
determined by the planning director, make compliance with these provisions
physically infeasible;
3. The property is within an existing subdivision and the proposal is a subdivision
amendment; or
4. The existing lot or parcel is proposed to be modified through a lot line adjustment,
parcel boundary adjustment, or consolidation.
49
CHAPTER 20.30
APPEALS
20.30.010: Appeal Authority
20.30.020: Appeal Procedures
20.30.010: APPEAL AUTHORITY:
A. Appeals of any final decision made under this Title shall be subject to the requirements of
this chapter.
B. Appeal of Final Decision: The applicant, a board or officer of the municipality, or an
adversely affected party may, within 10 days of a final decision regarding a preliminary
subdivision application, appeal that decision to the appeal hearing officer by alleging that
there is error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by the land use
authority who made the final decision. All appeals shall be based on the record and
subject to the appeal process established in Chapter 21A.16. An appeal filed under this
section does not require a public hearing with the appeals hearing officer. A final
decision that involves approving the recordable instrument cannot be appealed.
C. Appeal of decision regarding subdivision improvement plans. Any dispute between the
city and the subdivider shall be conducted in accordance with Utah Code Section 10-9a-
508(5) or its successor. Appeals under this section are limited in accordance to Utah
Code Section 10-9a-508(5).
D. Appeal of a residential roadway standard. Any appeal related to Utah Code Section 10-
9a-508(5) or its successor is subject to the specific appeal requirements of that section.
Any appeal filed under this section shall comply with the appeal application and fee
process required by this chapter.
20.30.020: APPEAL PROCEDURES:
A. All appeals shall be filed within 10 days of the final decision on an application provided
by the city and following the submittal process required by the city for filing an
application.
B. Any appeal of a subdivision approval shall be based on the record of approval. A public
hearing is not required for an appeal and no additional information may be presented by
the appellant that was not made available to the land use authority prior to the final
decision.
C. The process for filing an appeal, except as indicated in this chapter, shall be the same as
the process outlined in Chapter 21A.16. If Utah Code provides an appeal process that
differs from this chapter, Utah Code shall be followed.
50
CHAPTER 20.40
ENFORCEMENT
20.40.010: Unlawful Acts Involving Sale or Lease of Property
20.40.020: City Engineer to Enforce Subdivision Design Standards
20.40.030: Violation and Penalty
20.40.040: Issuing a Certificate of Occupancy
20.40.050: Illegal Subdivisions, Consolidations, and Adjustments
20.40.060: Civil Penalties
20.40.010: UNLAWFUL ACTS INVOLVING SALE OR LEASE OF PROPERTY:
A. No person shall offer to sell, contract to sell, sell, deed, or convey any property contrary
to the provisions of this title.
B. The city, in addition to any other remedy provided by law, may seek to prevent any
remedy or violation of this title that has occurred or is about to occur by instituting a
proceeding for an injunction, mandamus, abatement or any other appropriate action.
C. The city may enforce the provisions of this title by refusing to issue building permits.
20.40.020: CITY ENGINEER TO ENFORCE SUBDIVISION DESIGN STANDARDS:
The city engineering division will have responsibility for inspection and enforcement of
subdivision design standards and requirements of this title. When it is found by inspection
that conditions are not substantial as stated or shown in the approved subdivision plans, the
city engineering division shall stop further work until approval is obtained for an amended
subdivision plan.
20.40.030: VIOLATION AND PENALTY:
It shall be unlawful for any person to fail to comply with the provisions of this title, and
failure to comply with the provisions of this title shall constitute a class C misdemeanor.
20.40.040: ISSUING A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY:
The building official may withhold the issuance of certificate of occupancy for any building
within a subdivision if the subdivider or designee violates any provision of this title and fails
to correct the violation to the satisfaction of the city engineer.
51
20.40.050: ILLEGAL SUBDIVISIONS, CONSOLIDATIONS, AND ADJUSTMENTS:
Any subdivision, consolidation, or adjustment to land that is not authorized and approved
under this title or Utah Code shall not be recognized by the city and no future land use
approval or building permit shall be issued until the subdivision, consolidation, or adjustment
complies with the requirements of this title and is approved by the city.
20.40.060: CIVIL PENALTIES:
Any violations of the provisions of this title shall subject the violator to a civil penalty in the
following amounts:
A. $200.00 per day if the violation occurs in FR-1, FR-2, or FR-3 districts as listed in Title
21A.
B. $100.00 per day for any other violation.
CHAPTER 20.50
DEFINITIONS
20.50.010: Definitions Generally
20.50.020: Definition of Terms
20.50.010: DEFINITIONS GENERALLY:
Terms used within this title shall be defined as indicated. Terms defined in Utah Code
Section 10-9a-103 shall take precedence. Terms not defined in Utah Code shall be as defined
in this section. Terms not defined in Utah Code Chapter 10-9a or in this section shall be as
defined in Title 21A. Any words that remain undefined shall be defined as stated in Miriam-
Webster Online Dictionary.
20.50.020: DEFINITION OF TERMS:
ALLEY: A public or private right of way within a block primarily intended for service and
access to abutting property by vehicles and not designated for general travel.
ADA: Americans With Disabilities Act.
APPLICATION: A form provided by the zoning administrator that is required to initiate a
process identified by this chapter.
52
ARTERIAL STREET: A street that facilitates through traffic movement over relatively long
distances such as from one end of the city to the other. Arterials are generally multilane
streets carrying high traffic volumes at relatively high-speed limits. These are commuter
streets and sometimes offer controlled access to abutting property, and curbside parking may
be restricted or prohibited. Arterial streets are designated as such on the major street plan
map of the transportation master plan.
BICYCLE INFRASTRUCTURE: Public facilities intended to support the use of a bicycle or
similar vehicles which may include, but is not limited to, paved ramps, paths, bridges,
bicycle storage facilities, trails, and the accessory structures necessary to support the
facilities.
BLOCK: An area of land within a subdivision entirely bounded by streets (other than alleys),
freeways, and other types of rights of way identified by this chapter.
BUILDABLE AREA: That portion of the lot remaining after required yards have been
provided and after the limitations of any pertinent environmental regulations have been
applied. Buildings may be placed in any part of the buildable area subject to complying with
other applicable standards.
CITY ATTORNEY: The Salt Lake City Attorney or designee.
CITY COUNCIL: The legislative body of Salt Lake City.
CITY ENGINEER: The Salt Lake City Engineer or designee.
CITY RECORDER: The Salt Lake City Recorder or designee.
COLLECTOR STREET: A street that provides the connection between arterial and local
streets. Collector streets can be multilane, but they are meant to carry less traffic at lower
speeds and for shorter distances than arterial streets. They provide direct access to abutting
property and carry a mix of local and commuter traffic headed for nearby destinations.
Collector streets are identified as such on the major street plan map of the transportation
master plan.
CONDOMINIUM: A property or portions thereof conforming to the definition set forth in
Utah Code Section 57-8-3 or its successor.
CONDOMINIUM CONVERSION: The process of converting an existing building(s) into a
condominium.
CONDOMINIUM DECLARATION: As defined in Utah Code Section 57-8-3, or its
successor.
CONSERVATION EASEMENT: An encumbrance against real property that restricts uses of
the land to protect the land for conservation purposes.
53
CONSOLIDATION: The act of combining two or more lot or parcels into one lot or parcel.
CONTOUR LINE: A line on a map joining points of equal elevation as measured from sea
level.
COUNTY RECORDER: The Salt Lake County Recorder or designee.
CUL-DE-SAC: A local street open at only one end which has a turnaround for vehicles at the
closed end.
DEDICATION: The act of converting private land to public land.
DEED: A legal document that transfers an ownership interest in real property to another
person or entity.
DEED RESTRICTION: A signed document recorded against the title of a property that
limits the use of the property.
DEVELOPMENT LIMIT LINE: A line on a plat which defines the boundary between
developable and undevelopable areas. This line may be identified with different terms, such
as nonbuildable area line, on existing recorded plats.
DOUBLE FRONTAGE LOT: A lot that has frontages on two different streets where the
streets do not intersect adjacent to the property. This term shall also apply to double frontage
parcels.
DRIVEWAY: A way or route for use by a vehicle leading from a parking area or from a
house, garage, or other structure to a road or street.
EASEMENT: An interest in land owned by another that entitles its holder to a specific
limited use or enjoyment.
ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION: The cleanup of pollution or contaminants from the
environment to the standards appropriate for the proposed land use, including the soil,
groundwater, surface water, or air.
EXCAVATION: Any act by which vegetation, earth, sand, gravel, rock, or any other similar
material is cut into, dug, quarried, uncovered, removed, displaced, relocated, or bulldozed,
and shall include the conditions resulting therefrom.
FINAL SUBDIVISION PLAT: A map of real property in the form of lands and/or building
units being laid out and prepared in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 10-9a or Title
57, Utah Code or its successor, and of this title, designed to be placed on record in the office
of the Salt Lake County Recorder.
54
FOOTHILL SUBDIVISION: A subdivision of property located within the FP Foothills
Protection District or the FR-1/43,560, FR-2/21,780, or FR-3/12,000 Districts.
FREEWAY: Routes, typically divided arterial highways, provide for rapid movement of
large volumes of vehicles between urban areas. No local access to individual sites is
provided.
GENERAL PLAN: Land use planning policy document(s) adopted by the Salt Lake City
Council in accordance with the provisions of Utah Code Chapter 10-9a, Part 4 and defined in
Title 19 General Plan.
GRADING: Excavation or fill or any combination thereof that alters the elevation of the
terrain and shall include the conditions resulting from any excavation or fill.
GRADING PLAN: A plan that shows the extent of all grading activity that is proposed to
occur within the boundaries of a subdivision or on a lot or parcel.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: The written description of a lot or parcel. The legal description
may be metes and bounds, a lot number or combination of lot numbers when located within a
subdivision recorded by plat, or other lawful description of land that is recorded with the
county recorder’s office.
LOCAL STREET: A street which provides direct access to and from abutting properties they
serve. Local streets are usually relatively narrow and meant to carry traffic over short
distances and at low speeds.
LOT: A tract of land, regardless of any label, that is created by and shown on a subdivision
plat that has been recorded in the office of the county recorder.
LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT: The relocation of the property boundary lines, with the consent
of the owners of record as required by this title, between adjoining lots or parcels that are
described by either a metes and bounds description or a recorded plat.
MIDBLOCK WALKWAY: A pedestrian walkway that provides access through a block.
NONCOMPLIANCE: The result of an action that does not comply with a requirement of this
title.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION: A public notice sent to property owners or tenants within a
specified distance of a property that is subject of a land use application that is intended to
provide information about a proposed application authorized by this title.
NOTICE OF SUBDIVISION APPROVAL FOR 10 LOTS OR LESS: A document that is
recorded with the Salt Lake County Recorder’s Office that indicates the approval of a
subdivision of 10 lots or fewer as authorized by this title.
55
PARCEL: Any unit of real property that is not a lot.
PEDESTRIAN INFRASTRUCTURE: Public facilities intended to support the movement of
people in a safe, inclusive, and protected space separated from automobiles. This may
include, but is not limited to, paved ramps, sidewalks, paths, bridges, trails, street crossings,
and the accessory structures necessary to support the facilities.
PHASE ONE ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT: A report that identifies potential
or existing environmental contamination that impacts or may impact land.
PLANNING COMMISSION: The Salt Lake City Planning Commission.
PLANNING DIRECTOR: The director of the Salt Lake City Planning Division or designee.
PREAPPLICATION MEETING: A meeting between a subdivider and various city
representatives where initial subdivision applications, process, and regulations are discussed.
PRELIMINARY PLAT MAP: A plat showing the design of a proposed subdivision and the
existing conditions in and around the subdivision. It need not be based upon a detailed final
survey of the property, except as provided in Chapter 20.16 of this title.
PRELIMINARY GEOTECHNICAL REPORT: A report that describes the general
topography and geology of land which includes subsurface conditions and that is intended to
provide information about the structural needs of future development based on the soil
characteristics.
PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION: The first phase of the subdivision approval process that
precedes final subdivision.
PROPERTY REPORT: A report that analyzes all structures, building systems, and
infrastructure on a property that is proposed to be converted to a condominium. The report
includes information about the status, age, anticipated future maintenance needs, and other
issues associated with the property and is intended to be disclosed to future purchasers of
units within a condominium.
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT: Street work, utilities, public landscaping improvements, public
infrastructure improvements, and other facilities proposed or required to serve a subdivision
and be installed within the public way.
PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT: An infrastructure improvement as
defined in Utah Code Section 10-9a-103 required by this title that is intended to be dedicated
or granted for public use.
PUBLIC LANDSCAPING IMPROVEMENT: Landscaping described in Utah Code Section
10-9a-604.5 or its successor.
56
PRIVATE STREET: A street that is not dedicated for public use by a legally binding
document.
RECORDABLE INSTRUMENT: The documents that are used to document the approval of
any application required by this title and recorded with the Salt Lake County Recorder’s
office.
RECORDED PLAT: A subdivision plat that has been recorded with the Salt Lake County
Recorder’s office.
RESIDENTIAL LAND USE: A principal use of the land for primarily residential purposes.
RESIDENTIAL ROADWAY: As defined in Utah Code Section 10-9a-103.
RETAINING WALL: A structure that is used to hold earth in place.
REVIEW CYCLE: A subdivision review process defined in Utah Code Section 10-9a.604.2
SECURITY DEVICE: Any of the following, in a form acceptable to the city attorney, that
secures the performance of the subdivider’s obligations under the subdivision improvement
construction agreement:
1. A separate payment bond and a separate performance bond provided by a corporate
surety company;
2. A cash bond or escrow agreement; or
3. A letter of credit.
SIGNIFICANT STEEP SLOPE: An area of 30% or greater slope, as determined using 10’
averaging, which is intended to be protected from development or other disturbance.
SITE: A lot or parcel of land, or a contiguous combination thereof, where grading work is
performed as a single unified operation.
SITE PREPARATION: Grading and underground utility installation in preparation for an
approved, pending development.
SLOPE: The slant of the earth within a lot or parcel or other defined area of land.
SLOPE CLASSIFICATION MAP: A map prepared as a colored exhibit by a registered
professional engineer or land surveyor based upon a contour map of the specified scale and
contour interval, upon which the measured and calculated percent of slope (measured
between every contour interval on the map) is classified or grouped into percentage of slope
data in 10% slope groupings as follows:
57
Slope Classification Percent Of Slope Mapped Color
Level 0 - 9.9% Uncolored
Slight 10 - 19.9% Yellow
Moderate 20 - 29.9% Orange
Severe 30% and greater Red
SOILS ENGINEER: A registered civil engineer of the state of Utah, specializing in soil
mechanics and foundation engineering, familiar with the application of principles of soil
mechanics in the investigation and analysis of the engineering properties of earth materials.
SOLAR ORIENTED LOT:
A. A lot with a front line oriented to within 30° of a true east-west line. When the lot line
abutting a street is curved, the “front lot line” shall mean, for the purposes of this
definition, the straight-line connecting ends of the curve. For a flag lot, the “front lot line”
shall mean the lot line that is most parallel to the closest street, excluding the pole portion
of the flag lot; or
B. A lot that, when a straight line is drawn from a point midway between the side lot lines at
the required front yard setback to a point midway between the side lot lines at the
required rear yard setback, is oriented to within 30° of true north along such line; or
C. A corner lot with a south lot line oriented to within 30° of a true east-west line, where the
south lot line adjoins a public street or open space and the abutting street right of way or
open space has a minimum north-south dimension of at least 50’. For purposes of this
definition, “open space” shall include, without limitation, parks, cemeteries, golf courses
and similar outdoor recreation areas, drainage ditches and ponds, irrigation ditches and
reservoirs, lakes, ponds, wetlands, open spaces reserved for use of residents of the
development, and other similar open space.
SPECIAL NATURAL TOPOGRAPHIC FEATURE: A naturally occurring feature which is
determined to be unique among similar features of its kind (i.e., rock formation, water
feature) or has historical associations (e.g., Ensign Peak).
STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS: All the specific requirements and standard detailed
drawings adopted, utilized, and administered by the responsible city departments.
STREET: A public or private vehicular way, between property or boundary lines and
including parking, sidewalks, and gutters, that may also serve for all or part of its width as a
way for pedestrian traffic, whether called street, highway, thoroughfare, parkway,
throughway, road, avenue, boulevard, lane, place, alley, mall or otherwise designated.
STREET DEDICATION PLAT: A plat that is used to dedicate streets for public use but does
not create any additional lots. A street dedication plat cannot be used when the land to be
dedicated is part of an existing subdivision.
58
SUBDIVIDER: Any person, firm, corporation, partnership, or association who causes land to
be divided into a subdivision.
SUBDIVISION: Any land that is divided, resubdivided or proposed to be divided into two
(2) or more lots, parcels, sites, units, plots, or other division of land for the purpose, whether
immediate or future, for offer, sale, lease, or development. For purposes of this chapter,
“subdivision” includes:
A. The division or development of land whether by deed, metes and bounds description,
devise and testacy, lease, map, plat, or other recorded instruments, for all residential and
nonresidential uses; and
B. Any condominium project which involves dedication of real property to the ownership
and use of the public.
SUBDIVISION AMENDMENT INVOLVING STREETS: An application that includes a
proposed change to any subdivision for which a subdivision plat has been previously
approved and recorded and which proposes to vacate all or a portion of any of the dedicated
public streets, rights of way, or easements of the original subdivision plat.
SUBDIVISION AMENDMENT NOT INVOLVING STREETS: An application that
includes a proposed change to any subdivision, for which a subdivision or plat has been
previously approved and recorded and which does not propose to vacate all or a portion of
any of the dedicated public streets, rights of way, or easements of the original subdivision
plat.
SUBDIVISION DESIGN: The overall layout of the proposed subdivision, including, but not
limited to, the arrangement of streets and intersections, the layout and size of lots, the widths
and locations of easements and rights of way for utilities, drainage structures, sewers and the
nature and location of public or semipublic facilities, programs for the preservation of natural
features, and the installation of public improvements.
SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT: An agreement
between the city and subdivider regarding constructing subdivision improvements required
by this title.
SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT PLANS: As defined in Utah Code Section 10-9a-604.2.
SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE REVIEW: As defined in Utah Code Section 10-9a-604.2.
SUBDIVISION PLAN REVIEW: As defined in Utah Code Section 10-9a.604.2
SUBSTANTIVE REVIEW: The review of a subdivision application and all submittal
requirements to determine if the documents comply with the requirements of this title.
TEN FOOT AVERAGING: Calculating the percent of slope between 10’ elevation intervals
on an accurate slope classification map. The first interval can start at any elevation line, and
59
subsequent intervals shall be set at 10-foot increments. For example, if the first interval starts
at 4721, the next interval line must be 4731, followed by 4741 and so forth. This technique is
used to determine areas of significant steep slope.
TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY: A study performed by a transportation engineer that analyzes
the impact future development has on public streets to determine how the impacts can be
mitigated or if the development is appropriate.
TRAILHEAD: The point of public access to a public trail.
UNDEVELOPABLE AREA: The portion of a lot that is unusable for or not adaptable to the
normal uses made of the property, which may include areas covered by water, areas that are
excessively steep, included in certain types of easements, or otherwise not suitable for
development, including areas designated on a plat as undevelopable.
WATERCOURSE: A path where water flows in a natural, altered, or artificial manner.
WATER SOURCE: A source for drinking water.
WETLAND, FUNCTIONAL: Areas inundated, permanently or intermittently, with water
that contain wetland plant species. Functional wetlands do not include jurisdictional
wetlands.
WETLAND, JURISDICTIONAL: Areas that are inundated by water and declared as
wetlands by the United States Army Corp of Engineers.
WILDLIFE HABITAT: Land in a natural state with minimum human disturbances that is
used by wildlife.
WOODED AREAS: Areas of land that are naturally and primarily covered by trees and are a
minimum of ¼ acre in size.
SECTION 2. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective on the date of its
first publication.
60
Passed by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah, this ______ day of ______________,
202_.
______________________________
CHAIRPERSON
ATTEST AND COUNTERSIGN:
______________________________
CITY RECORDER
Transmitted to Mayor on _______________________.
Mayor’s Action: _______Approved. _______Vetoed.
______________________________
MAYOR
______________________________
CITY RECORDER
(SEAL)
Bill No. ________ of 202_.
Published: ______________.
Ordinance repeal and replace Title 20 subdivisions (final) 10-12-23
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Salt Lake City Attorney’s Office
Date:__________________________________
By: ___________________________________
Paul C. Nielson, Senior City Attorney
October 12, 2023