Salt Lake City considers zoning change to allow more housing types across a third of the city

Overview

Updated 2 days ago

Salt Lake City's Planning Commission delayed a vote on a zoning overhaul that would allow second homes, duplexes, and small four-unit buildings in single-family neighborhoods. The proposal, called Expanding Housing Options, would apply to R-1, R-2, SR-1, and SR-1A zones, which cover about 77% of the city's residentially zoned land. Planners say the change would restore the housing mix the city had in the 1920s, before single-family-only zoning took over.

The city's median home price has climbed 73% since 2017 to nearly $565,500, and planners estimate 9 in 10 renters can't afford to buy. The proposal would allow small homes on lots as small as 2,000 square feet per unit, with floor area capped at 1,200 square feet. A related ordinance would ease second-home construction on larger lots, with a faster review for homeowners than for professional developers.

Why it matters

If the zoning change passes, thousands of Salt Lake City households priced out of homeownership could find options in neighborhoods they can't afford.

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Key Indicators

33,000

Residential properties affected

Properties across R-1, R-2, SR-1, and SR-1A zones, which cover about 77% of the city's residentially zoned land and more than a third of its total area.

77%

Of residentially zoned land covered

The affected zones cover about 77% of the city's residentially zoned land.

2,000 sq ft

Minimum lot size per unit

Small lot dwellings would be allowed on lots as small as 2,000 square feet per unit.

1,200 sq ft

Maximum floor area per unit

Gross floor area capped at 1,200 square feet per unit, with one parking space required per unit.

73%

Home price increase since 2017

Median home price rose from about $327,000 to nearly $565,500.

$565,500

Median home price

Roughly 73% above the 2017 median, a figure that has held steady since a 2022 peak.

43.5%

City homeownership rate

Far below the statewide average of 69%.

9 in 10

Renters priced out of homeownership

Salt Lake City estimates nearly 90% of renters cannot afford to buy a home.

Voices

Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.

Ever wondered what historical figures would say about today's headlines?

People Involved

Alicia Seeley

Principal Planner, Salt Lake City Planning Division

Leading public outreach; proposal now before Planning Commission

Andy Hulka

Senior Planner, Salt Lake City Planning Division

Drafting development standards; presented details at City Council briefing

Alex Horowitz

Director, Housing Policy Initiative, Pew Charitable Trusts

Providing national research context

Aaron Barlow

Senior Planner, Salt Lake City Planning Division

Presenting the second-home ordinance proposal

Organizations Involved

Salt Lake City Council

Municipal governing body

Briefed on proposal; will hold public hearings after Planning Commission review

The city's elected legislative body, which initiated the proposed zoning amendment in fall 2025.

Salt Lake City Planning Division

Municipal planning agency

Revising draft ordinance after Planning Commission feedback

The city agency that drafted the 'Expanding Housing Options' zoning amendment.

Pew Charitable Trusts Housing Policy Initiative

Nonpartisan research organization

Providing research backdrop to the debate

Nonpartisan research group studying how land-use rules shape housing supply and affordability.

Salt Lake City Planning Commission

Municipal planning body

Held public hearing Sept. 9; delayed vote for staff revisions

The appointed body that reviews zoning amendments and makes recommendations to the City Council.

Timeline

January 1920 September 2026

6 events Latest: 4 days ago

Tap a bar to jump to that date

September 2026
City Council briefed on housing proposal
Latest Policy

Council members heard details of the Expanding Housing Options proposal, including minimum lot sizes of 2,000 square feet per unit and a 1,200-square-foot cap on floor area.
4 days ago
Second-home construction becomes focus
Policy

KSL reports the zoning ordinance would ease second-home construction on larger residential lots.
5 days ago
November 2025
Proposal details reach the public
Statement

Planners present 'Expanding Housing Options' affecting 33,000 properties across a third of the city.
November 11th, 2025
October 2025
City Council initiates zoning amendment
Policy

Council directed planners to draft rules allowing more housing types in six residential zones.
October 1st, 2025
January 2017
Home prices begin steep climb
Market

Median home price starts rising toward its 2022 peak, up 73% by late 2025.
January 1st, 2017
January 1920
Original zoning code permits diverse housing
Policy

Salt Lake City's early code allowed varied housing types before density limits were added.
January 1st, 1920

Scenarios

Salt Lake City Council passes expanded housing options amendment

Likely Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: Salt Lake City planning staff, who drafted and are advocating the proposal

The council holds public hearings, incorporates limited feedback, and votes to adopt the amended zoning code. Duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and small second homes become permitted uses across all six residential zones. Construction begins gradually as homeowners and developers respond to the new rules.

Neighborhood opposition forces a scaled-back version

Possible Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: Residents of affected neighborhoods who have raised parking and character concerns

Residents in affected neighborhoods raise concerns about parking, traffic, and neighborhood character during public comment. The council narrows the amendment to fewer zones, reduces allowed building heights, or drops fourplexes from the permitted list. The final version passes but covers less ground than originally proposed.

Amendment stalls or is voted down

Unlikely Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: Residents who oppose the change and prefer a rejection over a limited version

The council defers the vote indefinitely, sends it back to the planning division for major revisions, or rejects it outright. The proposal's momentum stalls as council attention shifts to other priorities. Salt Lake City retains its current single-family zoning.

Historical Context

3 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

December 2018

Minneapolis 2040 Plan (2018)

Minneapolis became the first major U.S. city to end single-family zoning, allowing up to three housing units on any residential lot.

Then

The plan passed the city council 12-3 and withstood a court challenge from opponents.

Now

Inspired zoning reforms in Oregon, California, Washington, and cities nationwide.

Why this matters now

Shows a single city can unwind single-family zoning and that the approach survives political and legal challenges.

June-July 2019

Oregon House Bill 2001 (2019)

Oregon banned single-family-only zoning statewide, allowing duplexes in cities over 10,000 and fourplexes in the largest cities.

Then

Passed with bipartisan support and survived a referendum challenge.

Now

Set a precedent for statewide middle-housing mandates later copied by California and Washington.

Why this matters now

Demonstrates the same zoning mechanism Salt Lake City wants, applied at a larger, statewide scale.

2010s-2020s

Durham, North Carolina middle housing (2010s-2020s)

Durham relaxed rules on smaller homes and middle housing, and its home costs run $250,000 to $300,000 below median prices in cities without such reforms.

Then

Infill development spread through established neighborhoods.

Now

Durham is now cited by Salt Lake City planners as evidence that zoning reform lowers costs.

Why this matters now

This is the direct model Salt Lake City planners say they want to replicate.