HomeMy WebLinkAbout051 of 2025 - Text Amendment - Design Review Standards1
SALT LAKE CITY ORDINANCE
No. 51 of 2025
Amending Title 21A of the Salt Lake City Code pertaining to the Design Review process)
An ordinance amending the text of Title 21A of the Salt Lake City Code pertaining to the
Design Review process, pursuant to Petition No. PLMPCM2024-00294.
WHEREAS, on August 28, 2024, the Salt Lake City Planning Commission (“Planning
Commission”) held a public hearing on a petition initiated by the Planning Commission to
amend Salt Lake City’s land use regulations pertaining to the design review process (Petition No.
PLMPCM2024-00294); and
WHEREAS, at its August 28, 2024 meeting, the Planning Commission voted in favor of
forwarding 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. Amending the text of Subsection 21A.59.030.B. That Subsection
21A.59.030.B of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Design Review: Design Review Process:
Complete Application) is hereby amended as follows:
B. Complete Application: The design review application is considered complete when it
includes all of the following:
1. All of the application information required for site plan review as identified in
Chapter 21A.58 of this title.
2. Photos showing the facades of abutting development, trees on the site, general
streetscape character, and views to and from the site.
3. Streetscape study that illustrates how the building integrates with the block face.
The study shall include the building height, height of the ground floor or building base, street
facing façade length, front yard setback, and location of vehicular entrances of existing
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buildings. If the proposed building is located on a corner lot, the analysis shall incorporate both
block faces.
4. Demonstration of compliance with the purpose of the individual zoning district in
written narrative and graphic images.
5. Demonstration of compliance with the purpose of the applicable design standards
of the individual zoning district in written narrative, graphic images, and relevant calculations.
6. Demonstration of compliance with the applicable design review objectives
Section 21A.59.060 of this chapter) in written narrative, graphics, images, and relevant
calculations.
7. The zoning administrator may waive a submittal requirement if it is not necessary
in order to determine if a request for a modification to a design standard complies with the
standards of review.
SECTION 2. Amending the text of Subsection 21A.59.045.A. That Subsection
21A.59.045.A of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Design Review: Design Review Standards
Applicability) is hereby amended as follows:
A. Design Review applications shall be reviewed for compliance with the design review
standards of Section 21A.59.050 as follows:
1. General Modification Requests: Applications to modify a design standard in
Chapter 21A.37, or other zoning standard specifically authorized for modification through design
review, shall be reviewed for compliance with all the design review standards, with the following
exceptions:
a. Subsection 21A.59.050.E is only applicable for modifications to a street facing
façade length regulation;
b. Subsection 21A.59.050.G is only applicable for additional building height; and
c. A standard in Section 21A.59.050 may be considered met when the proposal
complies with a corresponding design standard in Chapter 21A.37 and both standards align in
purpose and intent.
SECTION 3. Amending the text of Section 21A.59.050. That Section 21A.59.050 of
the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Design Review: Standards for Design Review) is hereby
amended as follows:
21A.59.050 STANDARDS FOR DESIGN REVIEW:
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A. Any new development shall comply with the intent of the purpose statement of the
zoning district and specific design regulations found within the zoning district in which the
project is located as well as the city's adopted "urban design element" and adopted general plan
policies and design guidelines governing the specific area of the proposed development.
B. Development shall be primarily oriented to the sidewalk, not an interior courtyard or
parking lot by including:
1. Primary entrances that face the public sidewalk (secondary entrances can face a
parking lot);
2. Building(s) located close to the public sidewalk, following the desired
development patterns of the immediate vicinity; and
3. Parking located within, behind, or to the side of buildings.
C. Building facades shall facilitate pedestrian interest and interaction by including:
1. Active ground floor uses at or close to the public sidewalk;
2. Maximum transparency of street facing facades. Ground floor glass shall not have
reflective treatments, be covered by interior walls or opaque signage, or use other similar
features that prevent passers-by from seeing inside of the building for non-residential uses;
3. Traditional storefront elements such as sign bands, clerestory glazing, articulation,
and architectural detail at window transitions on the ground floor. If the ground floor contains
residential uses, each primary building entrance and individual unit entrance shall include a
defined entry feature;
4. Buildings located on corner lots shall incorporate architectural features that
emphasize the building's corner, including a prominent building entrance that is publicly
accessible, transparent, and unobstructed; and
5. Outdoor dining patios, courtyards, plazas, habitable landscaped yards, and open
spaces, if provided, should be situated so that they have a direct visual connection to the street or
midblock walkway.
D. Building masses shall be divided into heights and proportions that minimize the
perceived mass of the structure and relate to human scale by demonstrating compliance with the
following standards:
1. Relate building scale and massing to the size and scale of the surrounding
buildings, and context of the site, such as alignments with existing foundation lines, established
cornice heights, building massing, stepbacks and vertical emphasis;
2. For buildings with more than three stories, compose the design of a building with
a distinct base to create a sense of human scale orientation. For buildings taller than 50 feet, the
height of the base shall be at least 20 feet. For buildings taller than 100 feet, the minimum base
height should be three stories or be consistent with the existing street wall;
3. Include secondary architectural elements such as balconies, porches, vertical bays,
belt courses, fenestration or window reveals; and
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4. Reflect the scale and solid (wall) to void (window/door openings) ratio of the
established character of the neighborhood or that which is desired in the general plan. Windows
shall have a consistent spacing pattern and alignment.
E. This subsection is only applicable to buildings requesting additional street facing building
façade length. Street facing building facades shall contribute to the character of the
neighborhood, reinforce the established street wall, promote ground-level activation, create a
sense of enclosure, and be designed to minimize negative impacts on the streetscape. The street
facing building façade may only be increased up to 25% of the allowed maximum in Section
21A.37.060, subject to the following standards:
1. Reductions to the ground floor use requirement of the underlying zoning district,
as specified in Section 21A.37.060, are not permitted. For zoning districts without a designated
ground floor use requirement, a minimum of 75% of the ground floor shall contain qualifying
active uses as defined in Section 21A.37.050.A.
2. Building facades that exceed the maximum street facing façade length shall be
designed to reduce the perceived length of the façade and provide visual interest, by including
elements such as:
a. Significant changes in wall plane measuring at least 2 feet;
b. Massing changes; or
c. Distinguished roof lines.
3. Exemptions:
a. The following land use are exempt from the maximum increase of 25% of
building façade and the reduction in ground floor use provision above: utility buildings and
structures (other than the offices for utility providers), stadiums/arenas, libraries, convention
centers, places of worship, government offices, public and private schools, universities, movie
theaters, live performance theaters, and other similar general assembly land uses as determined
by the zoning administrator.
b. Developments that comply with the affordability level in Table 21A.52.050.G
Affordable Housing Incentives may exceed the building length by up to 75% of the allowed
maximum in Section 21A.37.060. Such developments shall be subject to Subsections
21A.52.050.E and F.
F. If provided, publicly accessible outdoor spaces shall include at least three of the seven
following elements:
1. At least one sitting space for each 250 square feet shall be included in the plaza.
Seating shall be a minimum of 16 inches in height and 30 inches in width. Ledge benches shall
have a minimum depth of 30 inches;
2. Seasonal shade in the form of permanent shade structures, pergolas, or
overhanging building elements such as canopies that enhance comfort and usability of the space;
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3. Trees in proportion to the space at a minimum of one tree per 800 square feet. At
the time of planting, deciduous trees shall have a minimum trunk size of 1.5 inches in caliper,
while evergreen trees shall have a minimum size of 5 feet in height;
4. Water features or public art;
5. Outdoor dining areas;
6. Children’s amenity space in the form of playgrounds, splash pads, or other similar
features; or
7. Other amenities not listed above that provide a public benefit.
G. This subsection is only applicable to buildings requesting additional building height, as
authorized in the underlying zoning district. Building height shall be modified to relate to human
scale and minimize negative impacts by demonstrating compliance with the following standards:
1. Design tall buildings to minimize wind impacts on primary building entrances,
parks and open space, and public and private outdoor amenity areas. Design elements may
include a wind break above the first level of the building, recessed entryways or vestibules, or
canopies;
2. Design and orient buildings to prevent snow, ice, or water from falling directly
onto a public sidewalk, public space, neighboring property, or directly onto the walkway leading
to the building entrance;
3. Roof-top mechanical equipment shall be screened from public view; and
4. Buildings abutting a landmark site shall feature at least one horizontal element on
the street facing façade (base, belt course, frieze, cornice) that aligns with a corresponding
element of the historic building. The alignment shall foster visual continuity and respect the
historic context.
H. Parking and on site circulation shall be provided with an emphasis on making safe
pedestrian connections to the sidewalk, transit facilities, or midblock walkway. Parking lots and
structures shall be setback a minimum of 25 feet from required midblock pedestrian access
locations or as required in the underlying zoning district if the underlying zoning requires a
larger setback.
I. Screening of Service Areas: Service areas, loading facilities, refuse containers, utility
meters, and similar areas shall be fully screened from public view or located along a side yard.
All screening enclosures viewable from the street shall be either incorporated into the building
architecture or shall incorporate building materials and detailing compatible with the building
being served.
J. Site and building lighting shall support pedestrian comfort and safety, neighborhood
image, and dark sky goals.
1. Outdoor lighting should be designed for low-level illumination and to minimize
glare and light trespass onto abutting properties and uplighting directly to the sky.
2. Coordinate lighting with architecture, signage, and pedestrian circulation to
accentuate significant building features, improve sign legibility, and support pedestrian comfort
and safety.
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K. Streetscape improvements shall be provided as follows:
1. Impervious surfaces shall be utilized to differentiate privately-owned public
spaces from public spaces. All paving for public sidewalks shall follow applicable design
standards. Permitted materials for privately-owned public spaces shall meet the following
standards:
a. Use materials that are durable (withstand wear, pressure, damage), require a
minimum of maintenance, and are easily repairable or replaceable.
b. Where practical, as in lower-traffic areas, use materials that allow rainwater to
infiltrate into the ground and recharge the water table.
c. Limit contribution to urban heat island effect by limiting use of dark materials and
incorporating materials with a high Solar-Reflective Index (SRI).
d. Utilize materials and designs that have an identifiable relationship to the character
of the site, the neighborhood, or Salt Lake City.
e. Use materials (like textured ground surfaces) and features (like ramps and seating
at key resting points) to support access and comfort for people of all abilities.
f. Asphalt shall be limited to vehicle drive aisles.
SECTION 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective on the date of its
first publication.
Passed by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah, this 19th day of August, 2025.
CHAIRPERSON
ATTEST AND COUNTERSIGN:
CITY RECORDER
Chris Wharton (Oct 15, 2025 14:19:54 MDT)
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Transmitted to Mayor on _______________________.
Mayor’s Action: _______Approved. _______Vetoed.
MAYOR
CITY RECORDER
SEAL)
Bill No. 51 of 2025.
Published: ______________.
Ordinance amending design review process
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Salt Lake City Attorney’s Office
Date: _________________________________________
By: ___________________________________________
Katherine D. Pasker, Senior City Attorney
10/10/2025
10/15/2025
Erin Mendenhall (Oct 15, 2025 15:15:37 MDT)
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10/ 15/202510/16/2025
Ordinance 51 of 2025 Design Review Process
Amendments
Final Audit Report 2025-10-15
Created:2025-10-10
By:Thais Stewart (thais.stewart@slc.gov)
Status:Signed
Transaction ID:CBJCHBCAABAAaxoNJaNIOSV74ZRRHeYvRjYXkFENyloY
Ordinance 51 of 2025 Design Review Process Amendments" Hi
story
Document created by Thais Stewart (thais.stewart@slc.gov)
2025-10-10 - 11:05:48 PM GMT
Document emailed to katherine.pasker@slc.gov for signature
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Email viewed by katherine.pasker@slc.gov
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Signer katherine.pasker@slc.gov entered name at signing as Katherine D. Pasker
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Document e-signed by Katherine D. Pasker (katherine.pasker@slc.gov)
Signature Date: 2025-10-10 - 11:16:48 PM GMT - Time Source: server
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Email viewed by Chris Wharton (chris.wharton@slc.gov)
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Document e-signed by Chris Wharton (chris.wharton@slc.gov)
Signature Date: 2025-10-15 - 8:19:54 PM GMT - Time Source: server
Document emailed to Erin Mendenhall (erin.mendenhall@slc.gov) for signature
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Document e-signed by Erin Mendenhall (erin.mendenhall@slc.gov)
Signature Date: 2025-10-15 - 9:15:37 PM GMT - Time Source: server
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Document e-signed by Keith Reynolds (Keith.Reynolds@slc.gov)
Signature Date: 2025-10-15 - 9:21:03 PM GMT - Time Source: server
Agreement completed.
2025-10-15 - 9:21:03 PM GMT