HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report - 2024 Annual ReportWelcome to the Planning Division's
2024 Annual Report
This report provides an overview of the work completed by the
Salt Lake City Planning Division throughout the year, including
the contributions of the Historic Landmark Commission and
Planning Commission. It also outlines the Division's efforts to
implement the goals established in adopted community plans, and
tackle growth-related challenges in the city.
Planning Division 2024 Annual Report
Planning Division
2024 Annual Report
Summary of the work performed throughout the year by the Planning Division.
Planning Division
February 25, 2025
About the Division
Planning Teams
The Planning Division consists of 6 Planning
Teams, Management, and Administrative
Staff, totaling 42 employees.
Equity Team | Manager, Kelsey Lindquist
The Equity Team focuses on initiatives to enhance the city's
zoning equity, including removing zoning barriers that have led
to inequities in the regulation of different areas.
Growth Team | Manager, John Anderson
The Growth Team focuses on initiatives for the city’s future
growth, creating policies that encourage development around
existing infrastructure and amenities.
Sustainability Team | Manager, Amy Thompson
The Sustainability Team focuses on initiatives aimed at
encouraging environmentally responsible growth throughout the
city.
Opportunity Team | Manager, Krissy Gilmore
The Opportunity Team focuses on initiatives that improve access
to opportunities, such as removing zoning barriers for starting or
operating businesses and creating housing opportunities for
lower income households.
Development Review Team | Manager, Casey Stewart
The Development Review Team performs zoning reviews for
building permits that require a site plan.
Zoning Administrator Team | Mayara Lima
The Zoning Administrator team serves as a primary point of
contact to customers, offering guidance on interpreting zoning
codes, assisting customers in locating relevant information, and
explaining how regulations apply to their specific needs. The
team also helps customers navigate planning processes and
actively participates in developing amendments to clarify code
language and improve usability.
2024 Statistics
Administrative Team
The Administrative Team supports every
aspect of the Planning Division's work, acting
as the interface between the public and the
services provided by the division.
The team consists of 4 staff people, responsible for:
Organizing and supporting all public meetings, which include
Planning Commission, Historic Landmark Commission,
Appeals Hearing, and Administrative Hearings.
Maintaining the division's website.
Producing graphics for public documents and presentations.
Budget support.
Record management.
Planning Counter
The Planning Counter is the first contact
with the Planning Division, where
constituents can obtain information and
guidance on a project, and meet one-on-one
with a planner.
The team consists of 4 staff planners, responsible for:
Application intakes and pre-screenings to ensure all
submittal requirements are included.
Responding to planning and zoning Inquiries.
Conducting zoning reviews for business licenses.
Processing land use applications.
Statistics
Applications Pre-screened: 914 Conducted 914 application pre-
screens.
Business License Reviews: Conducted 2,026 reviews for zoning
compliance.
Quick Turnaround Reviews: Conducted 281 quick turnaround
reviews, which include 214 Zoning Verification Letters and 67
Minor Alterations approved within 2 days of submission.
Zoning Verification Letters: Processed 214 zoning verification
letters.
Walk-ins: Assisted a total of 505 walk-ins.
Phone Calls: Responded to 4,186 phone calls to the planning
counter.
Email Inquiries: Responded to 1,864 email inquiries sent to the
zoning@slc.gov email address.
Development Review Team
The Development Review Team performs
zoning reviews for all building permits that
require a site plan.
The team consists of 6 planners and 1 supervisor, responsible
for:
Conducting zoning reviews for all building permits that
require a site plan.
Conducting and overseeing Development Review Team*
(DRT) meetings.
* Development Review Team (DRT) is where people preparing
for an application can meet with representatives from all city
departments that have to review permits to get input and
guidance on applicable codes, regulations, and any significant
issues. This is often misnamed as the design review team, but
no design review occurs with this team.
Statistics
Zoning Reviews: Conducted 4,451 zoning reviews on building
permits.
DRT Meetings: Conducted 198 meetings with applicants.
Land Use Applications
This year, a total of 914 applications were
submitted to the Planning Division. Land Use
Applications are categorized as follows:
Appeals
Historic Landmark Commission
Planning Commission
Subdivisions
Zoning Administration
Breakdown of Land Use Applications
Submitted
Appeals
Historic Landmark Commission
Planning Commission
Subdivision
Zoning Administrator
Appeals
A total of 10 appeal applications were
submitted in 2024, including 3 appeals of
decisions made by the commissions, and 7
appeals of administrative decisions.
Appeals of Commission Decisions:
Appeal of Historic Landmark Commission Decision at
approximately 1345 E Normandie.
Appeal of a Planning Commission Decision at 220 & 250 S 200
East.
Appeal of a Planning Commission Decision at 675 N F Street.
Appeals of Administrative Decisions:
Appeal of a Zoning Violation at approximately 1443 E
Kensington Ave.
Appeal of an Administrative Interpretation at approximately
950 S 500 West.
Variance Request for an oversized Accessory Building at
approximately 1185 S Jeremy St.
Appeal of a COA Denial at Approximately 370 N 200 West.
Variance Request for Off-Street Parking at Approximately 563
Center Street.
Appeal of Administrative Interpretation at Approximately 617
S 1200 E,
Variance Request for Setback and Building Coverage at
Approximately 1101 W 400 S.
Historic Landmark Commission
A total of 413 Historic Landmark
Commission applications were submitted in
2024. This category of application includes all
requests to modify a property that is either
designated as Local Historic Landmark or
within a Local Historic District.
Breakdown of Submitted Applications
Demolition of Contributing Building | 4
Demolition of Non-Contributing Building | 2
Major Alteration | 8
Minor Alteration | 388
New Construction | 7
Reconstruction | 3
Relocation | 1
Historic Landmark Commission
The HLC reviewed 19 agenda items in 2024, the agenda website
was accessed 1,330 times, and HLC meeting recordings were
viewed over 619 times on the Salt Lake City YouTube channel.
Planning Commission
A total of 126 Planning Commission
applications were submitted in 2024. This
category of applications includes 10 different
request types, some of which are reviewed
and approved administratively by staff.
Breakdown of Submitted Applications
Alley Vacations | 5
Conditional Use | 13
Design Review | 16
General Plan Amendment | 1
Planned Development | 24
Street Closure | 1
Transit Station Development | 17
Zoning Amendments | 29
Zoning Incentives | 20
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission reviewed 139 agenda items in 2024,
the agenda website was accessed 9,208 times, and PC meeting
recordings were viewed over 4,693 times on the Salt Lake City
YouTube channel.
Subdivisions
A total of 118 Subdivision applications were
submitted in 2024. This category of
applications includes 4 different request
types.
Breakdown of Submitted Applications
Consolidations | 24
Final Plat Approvals | 33
Lot Line Adjustments | 12
Preliminary Subdivisions | 49
Zoning Administration
A total of 247 Zoning Administration
applications were submitted in 2024. This
category of applications includes 4 different
request types.
Administrative Interpretations | 8
Determinations of Non-Conforming Use | 14
Variances | 11
Zoning Verification Letters | 214
Online Open Houses
In 2024, the division hosted 120 Online Open
Houses, including 60 projects from previous
years and 60 projects for 2024, with a total of
13,254 visits.
At the beginning of 2020, the Planning Division launched Online
Open Houses, providing constituents with the opportunity to
review projects and submit comments and questions without
attending in-person events. These online open houses have
attracted significantly higher traffic and engagement
compared to traditional in-person events.
Accomplishments
Mixed Use Zoning Consolidation
Planning staff from multiple teams led one of
the most comprehensive zoning amendments
in the City’s history.
The proposed text and map changes aim to consolidate 26
existing commercial, form-based, and mixed-use zoning
districts into six new mixed-use (MU) districts. This effort seeks
to streamline zoning regulations, promote a blend of
commercial and residential uses, and encourage neighborhood-
oriented amenities. The new mixed-use zoning districts will be
like the current zones but will have changes to setbacks,
building height, lot coverage, permitted land uses, and related
provisions. This proposal seeks to create a desirable mix of
commercial and residential uses, as well as neighborhood-
focused amenities. Within this framework, buildings are scaled
to be context appropriate and to enhance neighborhood
placemaking and walkability. This effort also incorporates
enhanced building design standards to ensure that new
development is attractive and positively contributes to each
mixed-use neighborhood.
The proposal will be presented to the City Council for
consideration later this year, with anticipated adoption
sometime in 2025.
Sustainability Initiatives
In 2024, the Sustainability Team worked on the following
initiatives:
Creation of Zoning Incentives for Building Preservation &
Adaptive Reuse
Made changes to city code to promote the retention and
adaptive reuse of buildings by offering zoning incentives,
including expanded allowable uses, reduced parking
requirements, regulatory modifications, additional building
height, and a streamlined review process. These incentives align
with the City’s plans and policies related to community
character, housing, historic preservation, sustainability, and
economic development. By reducing regulatory barriers and
encouraging reinvestment in existing structures, these
changes help minimize demolition waste, support sustainable
development, and preserve the architectural and cultural
character of neighborhoods.
Overhaul of Zoning Regulations for Landscaping
This project updated zoning requirements to create clearer,
more effective standards for landscaping that promote water
conservation, improve air quality, prioritize trees, reduce the
urban heat island effect, and minimize stormwater runoff.
Developed through close collaboration with other city divisions
—including Public Utilities, Civil Enforcement, and Urban
Forestry—as well as a year-long public outreach process, the
final regulations reflect community priorities and support the
city’s long-term sustainability goals.
Equity Initiatives
In 2024, the Equity Team worked on the following initiatives:
Community Benefit Ordinance
Initiated in 2023 and adopted in 2024, this project implemented
priority policies in the adopted Thriving in Place Plan related to
combating ongoing displacement and gentrification. The
project included the creation of the new Title 19 General Plans
and amendments to Title 21A.50 Amendments. These
amendments replaced the housing loss mitigation ordinance.
Additionally, the proposal included the establishment of a
community benefit policy for general plan and zoning
amendments, the creation of tenant relocation assistance,
replacement housing unit requirements for demolitions
associated with requested amendments, and new standards
when analyzing a zoning or general plan amendment that
encompasses impacts from potential tenant displacement. The
amendment requires an applicant to provide a community
benefit associated with a requested zoning map or zoning text
amendment.
Daycare Text Amendment
In March of 2024, the City Council approved text amendments
that reduce zoning barriers for Home Daycares and Child
Daycare Centers in the City. These amendments included
modifying definitions to align with State Code, expanding the
zones where Daycare Centers are Permitted, and creating
standards for Home Daycares under Home Occupation that
align with State regulations.
Northwest Community Plan Update
The equity team is working on updating the Northwest
Community Plan. The team is currently compiling an
assessment of the existing conditions and compliance with
adopted citywide plans. Once the existing conditions report is
published, the team will start working with the community on
identifying future community goals to build a tangible and
accessible policy framework. This plan update is anticipated to
be finalized early 2026.
Growth Initiatives
In 2024, the Growth Team worked on the following initiatives:
A!ordable Housing Incentives Implementation (AHI)
This amendment was adopted in December 2023 and went into
effect April 30, 2024. The implementation of the AHI in 2024
included creating an application process and preparing an
online handbook to help those seeking more information about
how to use the incentives. In 2024, there were 20 presubmittal
meetings held with staff to discuss potential affordable
development projects and five applications submitted by the
end of the year.
Ballpark Neighborhood Zoning Map Amendments &
Creation of the MU-8 Zoning District
The Ballpark Neighborhood Station Area Plan approved in 2023
identified areas of the Ballpark neighborhood where
modifications to the existing zoning were necessary to fully
implement the goals and policies that were outlined in the
adopted plan. Through this process existing zones were
proposed for much of the area allowing for appropriate
mixed-use growth and a new zone, MU-8, was created for
those higher density areas along 1300 S.
R-1 Single Family District Reforms
Staff created a report detailing the history of R-1 zoning in Salt
Lake City. This report provided information about current
trends in housing with existing ordinances and researched what
other communities nationwide were doing to create additional
housing types allowing for additional compatible density in
existing neighborhoods. This report was presented to the City
Council and they requested that the group return with a more
defined proposal for future discussions in 2025.
Zoning Text Amendments
Staff completed several amendments to the Zoning Ordinance
that helped to promote quality, sustainable economic growth in
various areas of the city. Distribution centers and similar uses
were prohibited in areas of the Inland Port, taller front-yard
fences were allowed in the nearby International Center, and
regulations were added outlining where gas stations can be
located to protect environmentally sensitive areas and public
lands.
Opportunity Initiatives
In 2024, the Opportunity Team worked on the following
initiatives:
Multi-Family Merger (RMF-35/RMF-45)
The team conducted a study on the existing RMF-35/45 zones
to assess their current functionality. The study revealed that
these zones have not been effective in promoting multi-family
development or “missing middle” housing as intended. In
response, the team created a proposal aimed at promoting the
development of more housing while supporting residents in
existing moderate-density neighborhoods. This proposal was
made available for public input in December 2024 and is
scheduled for a Planning Commission public hearing in March
2025.
Northpoint M-1A Zone
To implement the Northpoint Small Area Plan (adopted in
November 2023), the City Council adopted Northpoint Light
Industrial M-1A Zoning District at their January 7, 2025, meeting
after an extensive public input and adoption process. The new
zone is intended to provide an environment for light industrial,
office, and research uses, while reducing the impact on adjacent
residential and agricultural properties. The proposed zoning
district includes several design standards for new
development, building size restrictions, and open space
preservation incentives to meet the vision of the Northpoint
Small Area Plan.
300 West Station Area Plan
After an extensive public engagement process, the draft plan for
the area around Central Pointe Station was published and the
formal adoption process was begun. The plan will help the City
meet the State’s Station Area Plan requirements for areas near
transit and will support creating additional housing and open
space in the area. The plan will be going to the City Council for
their consideration this year.
Zoning Administrator Initiatives
In 2024, the Zoning Administrator Team worked on several
updates to the zoning ordinance, including the following
amendments:
Enforcement on Work Without COA
Added tools to address unlawful construction and demolition in
local historic districts and established a clear process to remedy
alterations or any demolitions that occur without approval.
Zoning Terms and Definitions
Simplified the code by eliminating a long and impractical list of
terms and unused definitions. The project also clarified
definitions and updated terms for code consistency.
Driveways and Loading
Revisited and corrected standards that were adopted in the
2022 Parking Chapter update to better address driveway,
driveway access and loading.
Form-Based Zoning Districts
Made minor corrections to align standards with district intent,
clarify exemptions, and fix references.
Outdoor Live Theater
Proposed permitting outdoor live performance theaters in
certain zones per City Council’s request.
Mobile Businesses
Ongoing effort to update regulations that would align food
truck, trailer, and vending cart regulations with state code and
address equity issues with standards.
Planning Division
Planning Director: Nick Norris
Deputy Planning Director: Michaela Oktay
Planning Division www.slc.gov/planning