Utah state law mandates that municipalities include a moderate income housing plan within their general plans to provide realistic opportunities for additional housing production over the next five years.
Varying municipal plan requirements
According to Utah Code Section 10-21-201, the requirements for these plans vary based on whether a municipality is classified as a specified municipality or if it possesses a fixed guideway public transit station.
Strategies for non-specified municipalities
For municipalities that are not designated as specified, the code allows for recommendations to implement three or more moderate income housing strategies.
Legislative goals for housing variety
The state legislature has determined that municipalities should facilitate a variety of housing options to meet the needs of residents with different income levels who live or work within the community.
Identified moderate income housing strategies
Possible strategies identified in the code include rezoning for higher densities, investing in the rehabilitation of existing uninhabitable housing stock, and creating or allowing for detached accessory dwelling units in residential zones.
Additional potential housing development strategies
Other potential housing strategies include identifying general fund subsidies to waive construction-related fees and amending land use regulations to reduce parking requirements for developments where residents are less likely to rely on personal vehicles.
