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You could call it a common-sense ode to the simple life. But Mayor Ralph Becker's proposed zoning changes have a lofty goal: Make Salt Lake City the nation's most sustainable community.
Becker has sent to the City Council the first phase — upgrades that would allow greenhouses, cold frames and other structures for urban agriculture, solar panels (including within public view in historic districts) and even wind turbines in neighborhoods.
The zoning rewrite already has cleared the Planning Commission and could see a council vote early next year.
"The whole idea is to get government out of the way," Becker said. "I'm not aware of another community that is this far along in terms of making comprehensive changes in their policies to remove obstacles. The overall feeling among people ... has been overwhelmingly positive."
The first-term mayor is banking on at least some residents embracing the options, especially given the city's progressive lifestyle. But how many would make the investment in backyard produce and renewable-energy sources remains uncertain.
One trend is sure. The demand to grow local food has "skyrocketed," according to Vicki Bennett, the city's sustainability coordinator.
"Of all our sustainable issues, food has gone to the forefront in the last three years," she said, "from community gardens to farmers markets to getting locally grown food to schools."
Bennett said allowing greenhouses and other so-called accessory structures for food would minimize driving and extend the growing season.
Right now, Becker said, city rules generally allow a single accessory structure, which often means a garage. Front yards still would be off-limits. But the proposal would permit everything from greenhouses to "hoop houses," which are temporary, circular structures made from piping and could be put in side yards and backyards. The buildings could not be taller than 17 feet nor cover more than 50 percent of a backyard.
The more liberal rules for solar panel in historic districts seem likely to be the most controversial. Existing regulations require homeowners to obscure panels out of public view. The new ordinance would encourage that, Bennett said, but permit them within view of the public right of way — on a front-facing roof, for instance — "as a last resort."
Panels could not extend more than 12 feet above a roofline or cover more than 90 percent of a building's roof. And, in a historic district, they would have to be removable without causing damage.
"We'd love more time to take a look at it to ensure that this would be the best policy for the city's historic districts," said Kirk Huffaker, executive director of the Utah Heritage Foundation.
Bennett notes historic homes themselves often are sustainable, built with thicker, more energy-efficient walls. The challenge, she said, is balancing modern amenities with the historic character and construction.
Councilwoman Jill Remington Love downplays any controversy. "I'm glad that we can use the latest technology and at the same time preserve the historic structure."
Love praised Becker's proposals and hopes residents are happy to live in a city that makes progressive policies a priority.
While the measure would allow wind turbines citywide, officials don't expect an outbreak of the towers if the zoning changes pass.
"Most of the city is not in a good wind-generating area, so we suspect we're not going to get a lot of them," said Planning Director Wilf Sommerkorn. "We just wanted to make sure we weren't denying somebody the ability to do that."
The turbine towers could not encroach on parking or loading areas. They would have to be earth tone in color — no neon or bright shades. The only height limits would be governed by the Federal Aviation Administration.
What's next
Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker's zoning changes to promote sustainable living have passed the Historic Landmark Commission and the Planning Commission. The measure next goes to the City Council.