Information you need from the City

Nov 18 Council Meeting allows public comment for important issues to the Avenues

Salt Lake City Council Meeting
Tuesday, Nov 18, 7:00 p.m.
at the City/County Building

Will allow Public Comment to be heard on these two important issues of relevance to the Avenues:

A. SLC Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)

Ordinance Update

The ordinance change will regulate building codes, allowed materials and will modify landscaping rules in the designated interface area to reduce wildfire risk. See more HERE.

B. The proposed RMF 35 to 45 Zoning Ordinance Change

The ordinance change will allow increased building heights and lot coverages in the Avenues historic district areas, which could change the character of the Avenues. See more HERE.

You can share your thoughts at any time on these topics with the Salt Lake City Council by attending the Nov 18 meeting, by emailing Council.Comments@slc.gov, by calling 801-535-7654, or submitting your comments online.

Salt Lake City has postponed the surveying of the curbs and gutters in the Avenues neighborhood. See more about this project HERE 

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

State Wildland Urban Interface Code

The State requires cities to adopt this code. See more at Salt Lake Wildland Urban Interface Fire Code

SALT LAKE WILDLAND FIRE CODE COMMENT PERIOD

Certain Greater Avenues properties will be affected by the adoption of the State Wildland Urban Interface Code. The State requires cities to adopt this code. See more at Salt Lake Wildland Urban Interface Fire Code

See Deseret News Wildland Code article by Carter Williams HERE

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Your Greater Avenues Community Council is paying attention to things happening in our neighborhood and around the City, County and State to bring you the latest information on issues of public concern.

This page is also intended bring you opportunities for your own civic engagement.

You can help make a difference by getting involved!  

Civic engagement is individual and collective action designed to identify and address issues of public concern. 

Civic engagement can take many forms, from individual volunteering, organizational involvement and electoral participation.

The Avenues Civic Engagement Committee encourages Avenues residents to be informed, learn about the issues, let our elected officials know your thoughts, and to vote!

We invite you to attend a 2026 Legislative Preview organized by the Westside Coalition at the Fairpark, Tuesday, January 6th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

                                                             

We invite you to attend a 2026 Legislative Preview at the GACC Community Meeting on January 7th, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Avenues Library, 455 N F Street. 

During the meeting we will hear from our Utah Legislators representing the Avenues:  Sen. Jenn Plumb, Sen. Todd Weiler and House Rep. Jennifer Dailey-Provost.

Contact them or see their sponsored legislation at these links:

jplumb@le.utah.gov, https://senate.utah.gov/sen/PLUMBJ/

tweiler@le.utah.gov,  https://senate.utah.gov/sen/WEILET/ 

jdprovost@le.utah.gov, https://house.utleg.gov/rep/DAILEJ/

Bring your questions to the meeting on Jan. 7! 

Participate in the Election Process

Check your voter registration HERE  

See the latest election results HERE

Downtown Entertainment District and Saving Abravanel Hall

What to know, What to do

The City Council voted on July 9th unanimously to accept the proposed project. The next step is a state committee review for approval before the agreement can be finalized. If the agreement is finalized, the City Council will vote later this year on whether to approve a 0.5% sales tax increase and proposed zoning changes to accommodate the plan’s development. Let your council member know your thoughts by email to chris.wharton@slcgov.com or call 801-535-7726.

Read the Proposed Agreement between SLC and the Smith Entertainment Group.

See a comprehensive look at what’s at stake for downtown Salt Lake City in this Dennis Romboy Article in Deseret News

See a recap of the July 9th City Council meeting in this KSL article by Carter Williams

See a Tribune Article by Jordan Miller about the recently formed State Committee reviewing the Agreement.

Announcing The Rio Grande Plan

What is the Rio Grande Plan?    See More HERE

The Rio Grande Plan is a citizen led initiative to take the railroad tracks on the west side of downtown and put them underground. The goal is to eliminate eight at-grade street level  crossings throughout downtown Salt Lake City, which will reconnect the east and west sides of the city, improve resident safety, and make the city easier to navigate.

The Rio Grande Plan has the additional benefit of allowing the reuse and revitalization of the 114-year-old Rio Grande Depot making it the new central shared transit station for Amtrak, Frontrunner, TRAX, and buses.

The Rio Grande Plan also reimagines 125 acres of previously underutilized downtown land. This will reinvigorate the Depot District by removing barriers, make the city more bike and pedestrian friendly by integrating the Green Loop post RGP construction, and allow citizens from all over the state to fully enjoy the city.

If you have any questions or suggestions for the Avenues Civic Engagement committee, please email civicengagement@slc-avenues.org 

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Transportation Plans

U of U TRANSPORTATION SAFETY STUDY 

U of U TRANSPORTATION SAFETY STUDY 

The Department of City and Metropolitan Planning at the University of Utah is conducting a study on transportation safety, focusing on traffic anomalies and crash data in Salt Lake County.  The study is looking for pedestrians, Salt Lake County visitors, and residents to take part.

Transportation Plans Information from SLC Study, 2024:

Salt Lake City Transportation announces the final draft of the Citywide Transportation Plan, which seeks to create a governing set of policies to shape roadway projects in Salt Lake City for the next two decades. This plan update is required to go before the Planning Commission for a recommendation then to the City Council for a final decision. Both bodies will hold public hearings, and will use these criteria for making their recommendation:

1. Whether the plan update is consistent with the purposes, goals, objectives, and policies of the City as stated through its various adopted planning documents; and
2. The extent to which the proposed plan implements best current, professional practices of urban planning and design. A 45-day comment period has been opened and residents may comment via email to joe.taylor@slcgov.com or by mail to Joe Taylor, Salt Lake City Transportation Division, 349 South 200 East Suite 150, SLC UT 84111.

more>

U of U Students Create MASTER PLAN STUDY

Masters students in Planning at the U of U have created a study to advise SLC Planning as it considers an update to the Avenues and Capitol Hill Master Plans.  See the Student Study HERE

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

2025 People’s Art Gallery 

Thanks to Mary Shaub for donating the Awards! 

Youth Age 9 and under

1st place –  Rose Marie Weeks Way to Go HUNTR/X

2nd place – Esme Brennan The 8 Shapes

3rd place – Esme Nierenberg Junk Food

Youth Age 10-13

1st place – Audrey St. John Circle of Life

2nd place- Arya Wood Kitty Pride

3rd place – Shirley Whitehead Unsuspected Murder

Youth Age 14-18

1st place – Samuel Jergensen Mantis in Prayer

2nd place – Lucy Dahl Persephone’s Demise

3rd place – Connor Garlish Oldsmobile Taillight

1st place – Bret Jackson 57 Bel Air

2nd place – Jayda Gillette Waiting for Spring

3rd place – Helene Seegmuller   Ember of Fall

1st place – Kindra Fehr Searching for Answers

2nd place – Mario Alcauter Colores de Mi Herencia

3rd place – Helen Hodgdon Still Life

People’s Choice Awards for 2025, as voted by fairgoers:

                Adult – Christie Whipple Nighthawkes (Avenues)

Youth Audrey St. John Circle of Life 

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Greater Avenues Land Use Committee

The Avenues Land Use Committee is focusing attention in 2026 on several key initiatives:

• D1 REZONE PROPOSAL

The City Council has wisely passed a policy whereby zoning changes have to provide a public benefit. Development requests have been approved administratively by the Planning Commission that may conflict with the public benefit. One example of this is that the City has continued to issue permits for photovoltaic generation facilities (better known as solar panels) without providing any protections for solar panel property owners from developments that would block their sunlight. One example is St. Marks Episcopal Church at 100 S and 200 East, which has solar panels that provide over 50% of all their operating electricity.  The D1 Rezone allows unlimited height on a proposed development at 100 South and 300 East that would considerably expand the high-rise zoning in the City, and shade out the large solar panel installation at the Episcopal Church. 

With the approval in October by the Planning Commission, the final say on this proposal will be made by the City Council.  Those wishing to comment on the proposal should address their City Council Member, chris.wharton@slc.gov, 801-535-7726, and council.comments@slc.gov .    See more from the City on this matter HERE

The title and case number are: Zoning Map Amendment at Approximately 265 E 100 S, Case Number: PLNPCM2024-01377. 

Read a commentary by GACC Land Use Chair Jim Jenkin HERE

• SALT LAKE CITY EXPANDING HOUSING OPTIONS (EHO) Plan

Expanding Housing Options is a proposed change to zoning rules that would give property owners in lower-density neighborhoods more options for how they use their property. Your GACC Land Use Committee received a preliminary announcement about this proposal during the holidays, and will discuss at its next Land Use Committee meeting, 6:30 pm, Tuesday, January 13th at the Avenues Library. We will keep the Avenues Community informed at Avenues community meetings and on this web page.  

SLC EXPANDING HOUSING OPTIONS – Public Open House

Highland High School Auditorium, 2166 S 1700 E

February 24, 2026 • 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM. 

A brief presentation and tables with more information such as flyers, posters, etc. with staff members present to discuss questions and take feedback.

See more HERE on this important issue.

Read a Building Salt Lake article HERE            See the City’s EHO Handout Summary Sheet HERE

See the City’s EHO web page and public comment link HERE

• RMF-35 to 45 Ordinance Change 

The City Council has approved an extensive update to the city-wide RMF-35 and RMF-45 zoning districts to make it easier to build more types of housing while helping preserve existing housing.  The proposed updates are intended to:  Add new design standards for new developments, Allow smaller lot sizes, Remove lot width minimums, and Offer incentives to keep existing housing. 

The GACC Land Use Committee opposes the ordinance change due to provisions which in our opinion are destructive to Local Historic Districts and to established neighborhood character.   In the GACC Land Use Committee’s opinion, the problems are:

A. The setbacks of the RMF 35 zoning and SR-1A Zoning in the Avenues are essential to the development and protection of the existing character of the neighborhood.   They promote significant tree coverage on private property as well as in park strips.   This tree coverage creates natural cooling, superior walkability and the neighborliness that characterizes local historic districts.   The proposed setback reductions are therefore a direct threat to the character of the neighborhood.  Maintaining the existing neighborhood character is prioritized in multiple planning documents, including the preamble to the RMF-35 Ordinance.

We further note that, of the three example slides in the Planning presentation of existing single family residential adjacent to multifamily buildings, none seemed to include four-foot setbacks.   In fact, in one example a multi-unit apartment building had been constructed with its driveway directly adjacent to a zero lot line historic home.   This is exactly the kind of development that the existing Zoning was enacted to prevent.  

B. The current proposal limits mandatory setback and step-back protections to Historic Registry properties, which are a limited species typified by an owner discretionary application process.  Local historic districts are made up of significant and contributory properties defined and regulated by City Code, not just properties on the Historic Registry.   The protection of only “Registry” properties from height and proximity encroachment is antagonistic to Local Historic Districts and existing neighborhood character.

C. Planning staff contends that review by the Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) of construction in Local Historic Districts is sufficient to protect contributory structures and the character of local historic districts.    However, multiple observers have concluded that, while the Historic Landmarks Commission is proficient in protecting the character of contributory structures where the permit involves the contributory structure itself, the Commission generally permits non-contributory structure construction at the limits of the existing Zone.   (We contacted a former member of the HLC to check the validity of this viewpoint, and they considered it accurate.)

In addition, many applications involving non-contributory structures are approved administratively at the staff level and never make it to the Historic Landmarks Commission for review. 

We conclude, therefore, that the Historic Landmarks Commission will likely not provide sufficient protection of the Local Historic District in the RMF 35 Zone without extending step back and setback mandatory protections to contributory local historic structures, not just “registry” structures.

We will inform the Avenues Community in the January 2026 newsletter and at the January 7th, 2026 Community Meeting of the concerns of this new ordinance with this article:

Attention: if you live in the RMF 35 Zone between South Temple and 3rd Avenue the City has recently changed your zoning by making significant changes to the ordinance which defines the RMF-35 zone. Chris Wharton was the only Councilperson to vote against this measure.  These changes have significant effects on the distance that buildings can be built from the property line (reducing it in all directions to as little as 4 feet), and reduced the amount of required parking. 

This will undoubtedly affect adjoining properties, many of which are historic.  In addition the City now defines only historic homes that are on the local Landmark registry as protected from encroachment by the height and distance from the property line of a neighboring structure. Landmark designation has never before carried these specific protections. Owners of historic homes may consider applying for Landmark registry, or contact historicpreservation@slc.gov or call 801.535.7700.  

Your community council would like you to know about these changes. The document transmitting these draft measures to the City Council for their approval has been posted on the Land Use page of the Greater Avenues Community Council at https://staging.avenuescouncil.org/project/land-use/, along with other supporting documentation. 

The City’s published information is at https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/8faf4a83ba444e94a1e0cfa427150498

If you have specific questions about how these changes affect your property, we suggest you contact the City Planners.  Aaron Barlow, 801-535-6182, aaron.barlow@slc.gov, Amy Thompson,  801-535-7281 or amy.thompson@slc.gov, Katilynn Warr, 801-535-6179,  katilynn.warr@slc.gov, or Alicia Seeley, 801-535-7922, alicia.seeley@slc.gov.

See the Avenues Zoning Map HERE

• An updated Avenues Master Plan (the Avenues Community Plan).  

Master Plans helps guide various City departments as they review applications for development and make decisions as to what is important to the Avenues area. This document outlines the character of the Avenues and development guidelines important to all Avenues residents. What do you think should be included in an updated Avenues plan? The existing 1987 Avenues Master Plan can be seen HERE

Avenues Community Plan (formerly Masterplan)-  In recent communication with the Avenues Community Plan team at the Salt Lake City Planning Department, we are advised that the Draft Community Plan will be ready soon to be released for public comment.  We will post the plan here as soon as it is released.

Also check the Shape SLC site at https://shape.slc.gov/en/projects/avenues-plan-update for the latest. 

Please send any comments to landusecom@slc-avenues.org , as well as directly to the Planning Department at avenuesplan@slc.gov.

As part of the update process the City prepared a preliminary report of the Existing Conditions of the Avenues that the new Avenues Neighborhood Plan will consider. More information about the City’s process, and the Existing Conditions Report can be seen HERE

All city Neighborhood Plans must conform to the City’s main guide for development, which is the PLAN SALT LAKE document that can be seen HERE

The updating of the Avenues Masterplan has occasioned a lot of discussion of the character of the Avenues. Major contributors to the character of The Avenues has been the Avenues Historic District and the SR-1A zoning (see map at: https://slcgov.maps.arcgis.com/home/index.html). In our opinion, the Avenues would not be the same without the protection that the historic districts have provided, including the retaining of the open spaces and mature trees that typify the Avenues.

Email your thoughts and suggestions on this topic to landusecom@slc-avenues.org

Here are more resources on this topic:

Salt Lake Zoning map:  https://slcgov.maps.arcgis.com/home/index.html

SLC Preservation page: https://www.slc.gov/historic-preservation/

Avenues Plan Update:  https://www.slc.gov/planning/2025/05/29/avenuesplan-update/

SR-1 Zoning (the actual Code): https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/saltlakecityut/latest/saltlakecity_ut/0-0-0-64320

Preservation Utah: https://www.preservationutah.org/for-property-owners

• Keeping Avenues residents informed on the latest petitions for development in the Avenues area.

1. 128 North N Street – Zoning Map Amendment

The City has approved a petition to rezone the property located at 128 N N St from SR-1A to R-MU-35 to build an additional five units of housing on the site.  See the property diagram HERE.  See the rezone petition HERE.

City Planning, the Planning Commission and the City Council used an interpretation of City Code 19.06.070.C and 21A.50.050.C in defining this project’s increased number of two-bedroom units after approval as a “Community Benefit.”

An alternative interpretation is that the market has and will continue to produce that size unit at market rate, and that the City’s acceptance of these new units on N Street under a “community benefit” definition undermines the development of the types of housing the market will not inherently produce , such as affordable, accessible and family-oriented units.

2. Capitol Park Cottages – Planned Development

Ivory Homes Capitol Park Cottages at F Street and 14th Avenue. The project recently received Planning Commission approval of their Planned Development for the three acre site. More about this project can be seen at HERE and HERE.

• Bring Housing and Land Use News From the City to Avenues Residents

When the City Planning Department or City Council needs to hear resident opinions on legislation or projects that affect housing in the Avenues we will post these projects or surveys here.

1.  Federal Housing Grants – How should the City spend its federal grant dollars on improving access to housing? TAKE THE SURVEY

2.  Salt Lake City Park Strip, Landscape Policy Changes – Public comments are being taken by the Salt Lake City Planning Division and Planning Commission as they consider city-wide changes to the Landscaping Chapter of the Zoning Code. This includes proposed revision of the Park Strip ordinance under which many city residents have been penalized for their water conservation efforts. The proposed Park Strip policy revision would require one “street tree” every 30 feet and vegetation covering at least 30% of the area. See all proposed amendments HERE. Public comments can be submitted in-person or via email to Nan Larsen. Reference case number PLNPCM2023-00098 in the subject line.

3. See all Salt Lake City projects which are currently accepting public comment and feedback HERE.

 • Other Land Use Concerns

1. Utah Transit Authority – Five-Year Plan

UTA’s updated 2025-2029 Five-Year Service Plan is a vision for the future to guide potential service planning changes over the next few years and get people where they need to go. Why is this a Land Use concern? Because many residents have concerns over UTA’s choices of bus routes, the type of equipment used on our narrow and hilly Avenues streets, and the noise and vibration of the buses.   See the UTA Five Year Service Plan and take the SURVEY

2. Hotel Proposal Adjacent to Sugarhouse Park

The Salt Lake City Planning Commission has forwarded to the City Council a recommendation on a re-Zoning request from Magnus Hotel Management that would allow them to build a 95-foot hotel on property directly adjacent to Sugar House Park (the site of the former Sizzler Restaurant). 
The Avenues Land Use Committee voted Jan 13 to ask the GACC Board to endorse a letter that was sent to the City Council by a consortium of Community Council groups including the GACC Land Use Committee. The Committee feels the reasons to endorse this letter include the following:   

1.  Sugarhouse Park is a unique resource that is enjoyed by members of The Avenues and others across the City.   

2.  The proposed re-zone would set a precedent for high-rise buildings directly adjacent to other Park/Green Space properties, including such properties in the Avenues (Parks and the Cemetery).   

3.  When major development proposals come to the Avenues (think of the LDS Hospital property), we hope that other Community Councils will support us, as the Committee asks you to support them in this matter.   

4. Avenues residents have expressed concerns about this project.

The GACC Land Use Committee invites all residents to be part of these efforts. The Committee meets monthly on the 3rd Tuesday at 6pm at the Sweet Branch Library. Email committee chair Jim Jenkin at landusecom@slc-avenues.org for details or we will see you at a meeting. Let us know what land use concerns you have.

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

For the Rio Grande Plan

A LETTER OF SUPPORT
FOR THE RIO GRANDE PLAN
FROM THE GREATER AVENUES COMMUNITY COUNCIL

January 8, 2025
To Whom It May Concern:

The Greater Avenues Community Council supports the Rio Grande Plan, a citizen-led proposal which seeks to eliminate eight at-grade rail crossings near downtown Salt Lake City by putting the rails in an underground structure called a train box.

We believe this initiative would benefit Salt Lake City in a number of important ways:

• It would make the city easier to navigate and improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians, and others by burying the rail lines and reducing the east-west divide.
• It would improve air quality by decreasing lines of idling vehicles at railroad crossings and by increasing public transit ridership by offering a better overall experience.
• It would reduce noise pollution since train whistles and such would be below ground.
• It would reimagine 125 acres of underutilized downtown land that could be used in a
  variety of ways to benefit city residents.
  • It would preserve the historic, 114-year-old Rio Grande Depot and restore it to its
  original glory.
• It would create an iconic transit hub for the entire region, accommodating Union Pacific, UTA FrontRunner, Amtrak, TRAX, and buses.
• It would once again establish a cherished landmark, welcoming visitors and residents to our city in a way that would make us proud.

The potential impact to our city, state, and region is tremendous, and we strongly encourage all leaders and citizens to take action.

With so many new developments and significant events on the horizon, now is the time to seriously consider the future of transportation in our city and to secure the necessary funding to move such a solid, well-researched, transformative plan forward.

Sincerely,

The Greater Avenues Community Council

Download PDF Version of Official Letter

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD