The Midvale City Council passed Ordinance 2026-O-31 on Oct. 6, 2026, amending the Single Family Residential-1 Zone development standards. The new ordinance introduces exceptions for corner lots to permit garages to encroach into front setbacks and updates the definition of habitable space within the Midvale Municipal Code.
Under the new regulations, corner lots may now have attached single-car garages or carports that accommodate less than two cars extended no closer than eight feet from the front property line. This exception is available for existing single-family residences where the garage or carport is extended adjacent to the existing structure. The extended structure must be limited to one story, must not exceed the height of the existing residential roofline, and must be used exclusively for garage use rather than habitable space.
The ordinance also amends the definition of habitable space in Section 17-2-8. According to the updated code, habitable space refers to areas in a structure used for living, sleeping, eating, or cooking. The definition explicitly states that bathrooms, toilet compartments, closets, halls, storage, garages, or utility spaces are not considered habitable space.
The decision followed a recommendation from the Planning Commission, which held a public hearing on Sept. 23, 2026, to review the requested amendments. The City Council also conducted a public hearing on Oct. 6, 2026, to consider citizen testimony and planning analysis before voting to approve the changes.
The ordinance was passed by the City Council with a vote of four 'aye' votes and one 'nay' vote. The council members voting were Bonnie Billings, Paul Glover, Heidi Robinson, Bryant Brown, and Denece Mikolash. The ordinance was signed by Mayor Dustin Gettel and is set to take effect upon its first publication.
