Our Work

Development should enhance a community’s identity and create a strong sense of
place. For two decades, we have worked tirelessly to define the physical features that
make a community recognizable, meaningful, and emotionally significant to the people
who live there.

2023

The Affordable Housing Overlay

The original overlay map closely tied to transit zones was abandoned
Because of an unprecedented outpouring of community concern, the process was paused for a year while a community-based workshop initiative unfolded.
Strict density requirements were removed.
Setbacks were adjusted to conform with nearby structures.
Eliminated duplexes “by right” in single family zones.

2026

The Sugar House Hotel

Spearheaded by Sugar House residents, advocates across the city successfully joined the effort to block development of a 9-story hotel adjacent to the Sugar House Park.

2018

ADUs

Successfully fought for a mandatory owner occupancy requirement blocking commercial investment corporations from building these units in single family zones as rentals.
Can’t exceed size of existing home.
Restricted height to that of the existing home.
Cannot be built in a front yard.
Originally established a CUP review process, which the City Council struck down in 2023.
Can’t be used as a short-term rental.

2025

RMF-35 and RMF-45 Zoning Codes

Strengthened design standards, especially building form, relationship to surrounding homes, neighborhood compatibility, and existing streetscape.
Incentives to preserve NOAH or naturally occurring affordable housing.
No citywide automatic conversion from RMF-35 to RMF-45.

2023

Homeless Resource Center Shelter Overlay District

A more formal zoning review process regulating where and how future homeless resource centers and shelters could be located.
Avoiding concentration of these centers in only certain parts of the city.
Must consider impacts on city services as well as the surrounding neighborhood.
Access to supportive services and transportation.