Photo credit: David Grisham, Nashville Post
The Starter Homes SLC initiative by SLC Neighbors for More Neighbors is designed to meet Salt Lake City's housing needs by proposing zoning reforms to facilitate the construction of starter homes, infill developments, and single-family attached homes within established neighborhoods. This text amendment seeks to support Salt Lake City’s efforts to create attainable housing in existing single-family neighborhoods and to implement recommendations contained in Potential Approaches to Simplifying and Improving R-1 Districts, hereafter referred to as the R-1 Study.
The key proposals include:
1) Reducing Minimum Lot Sizes: Reforming select single-family zones (i.e. R1/5,000, R1/7,000, SR1A, SR3) to establish a minimum lot size of 1,400 square feet, allowing for more compact and attainable housing options.
2) Supporting Infill Development: Modifying the flag lot ordinance to encourage the development of underutilized land within existing neighborhoods.
3) Adjusting Setbacks and Lot Coverage: Reducing setbacks and lot width requirements while increasing lot coverage allowances to maximize land use efficiency.
4) Allowing Single-Family Attached Housing: Allowing builders to provide single-family attached homes in traditionally single-family zones citywide.
These reforms aim to diversify housing types, address inequities, foster attainable homeownership opportunities, and promote sustainable growth within the city. The initiative emphasizes that traditional zoning favoring large lots and low-density development has contributed to a housing supply shortage in many city neighborhoods. By implementing these changes and allowing for new residential infill projects in neighborhoods throughout the city, Salt Lake City can better meet current and future housing needs. You can read the proposed changes and our narrative supporting them here.
Our analysis (embedded below) demonstrates that restrictive zoning (implemented in the 1990s) has limited housing options in Salt Lake City's established neighborhoods. You may also view the analysis separately here.
Our partners at the Libertas Institute have created materials that further illustrate the possibility of lot size reform to making housing more affordable. Read more.
- Sign our petition to add your support.
- Spread the Word: Share the campaign page with your network and help us grow our movement for an inclusive Salt Lake City.
- Volunteer: Participate in public meetings, write letters of support, or volunteer to help us advocate for these vital changes. Sign up to join our Engagement Committee and help spread the word about this important campaign.
- Donate: Make a donation to SLC Neighbors for More Neighbors and help us grow our impact. Your donation is tax-deductible and goes directly to our work to make housing attainable to all of our neighbors. Donate here.
