HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLZAD2025-00740 - 2689 S HighlandAugust 7, 2025
ADMINISTRATIVE DETERMINATION OF NONCONFORMING USE
DECISION AND FINDINGS -Unit Legalization
PLNZAD2025-00740
Address: 2689 S. Highland Drive (Tax ID #: 16-02-478-003-0000)
REQUEST:
This is a request by property owner James McCullen for a Determination of a Nonconforming
Use – Unit Legalization, regarding the subject property at approximately 2689 S. Highland
Drive (Tax ID # 16-02-478-003-0000). The applicant specifically requests to legalize a unit on
the lower story of the two-story home and have the structure recognized as a legal
nonconforming duplex. The subject property has a lot area of approximately 0.135 AC or 5,663
SF, a lot width of approximately 48.19 FT, and is located in the R-1-5,000 (Residential) Zoning
District. The R-1-5,000 zoning district does not allow two-family dwellings (or duplexes).
DECISION:
Based on the review standards listed in 21A.38.075 and the documentation submitted by the
applicant, the Zoning Administrator approves the legalization of the excess dwelling unit and
recognizes the structure on the property as a legal nonconforming duplex. The determination is
subject to the following conditions of approval:
1. The unit owner shall allow the City’s Building Office or designee to inspect the dwelling
unit to determine whether the unit substantially complies with the basic life safety
requirements as provided in Title 18, Chapter 18.50, “Existing Residential Housing,” of
this code. The inspection can be scheduled by calling the Civil Enforcement division at
(801)535-7225 or emailing civilenforcement@slcgov.com.
2. All required corrections indicated during the inspection process must be completed
within one year unless granted an extension by the Zoning Administrator.
FINDINGS:
The applicant provided evidence that the excess dwelling unit existed prior to April 12, 1995, two
affidavits from neighbors indicating that the excess unit has been continuously occupied as a
separate unit since June of 1992, and the other noting July of 1995. The documents comply with
the standards of review for unit legalization in section 21A.38.075 of the Zoning Ordinance.
Standards for Unit Legalization:
Any request to approve an existing excess unit must comply with the following:
1. The dwelling unit existed prior to April 12, 1995. In order to determine whether a
dwelling unit was in existence prior to April 12, 1995, the unit owner shall provide
documentation thereof which may include any of the following:
a) Copies of lease or rental agreements, lease or rent payments, or other similar
documentation showing a transaction between the unit owner and tenants;
b) Evidence indicating that prior to April 12, 1995, the city issued a building permit,
business license, zoning certificate, or other permit relating to the dwelling unit in
question;
c) Utility records indicating existence of a dwelling unit;
d) Historic surveys recognized by the planning director as being performed by a
trained professional in historic preservation;
e) Notarized affidavits from a previous owner, tenant, or neighbor;
f) Polk, Cole, or phone directories that indicate existence of the dwelling unit (but not
necessarily that the unit was occupied); or
g)Any other documentation that the owner is willing to place into a public record
which indicates the existence of the excess unit prior to April 12, 1995.
2. The excess unit has been maintained as a separate dwelling unit since April 12, 1995. In
order to determine if a unit has been maintained as a separate dwelling unit, the
following may be considered:
a) Evidence listed in Subsection B.1 of this section indicates that the unit has been
occupied at least once every five (5) calendar years;
b) Evidence that the unit was marketed for occupancy if the unit was unoccupied for
more than five (5) consecutive years;
c) If evidence of maintaining a separate dwelling unit as required by Subsection B.1 of
this section cannot be established, documentation of construction upgrades may be
provided in lieu thereof.
d) Any documentation that the owner is willing to place into a public record which
provides evidence that the unit was referenced as a separate dwelling unit at least
once every five (5) years.
If you have any questions regarding this interpretation, please contact Diana Martinez, Senior
Planner at (801) 535-7215 or by email at diana.martinez@slcgov.com.
APPEAL PROCESS:
An applicant or any other person or entity adversely affected by a decision administering or
interpreting this Title may appeal to the Appeals Hearing Officer. Notice of appeal shall be filed
within ten (10) days of the administrative decision. The appeal shall be filed with the Planning
Division and shall specify the decision appealed and the reasons the appellant claims the
decision to be in error. Applications for appeals are located on the Planning Division website at
https://www.slc.gov/planning/applications/along with information about how to apply and
processing fees.
Diana Martinez
Senior Planner
CC: Mayara Lima, Zoning Administrator
Casey Stewart, Planning Manager and Development Review Supervisor
Sugar House Community Council Chair- Landon Clark
Posted to Web
Attachments:
Vicinity map of subject properties
Neighbor Affidavits