BUSINESS + ECONOMY

Planning commission approves rezoning amendment for homeless tiny home village

Oct 28, 2021, 5:18 AM | Updated: 7:46 am

men's homeless resource center...

People try and stay warm as they sit outside the Main Library in Salt Lake City on Monday, Dec. 10, 2018. Photo: Steve Griffin, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Planning Commission approved a rezoning amendment for two plots of land on the city’s west side Wednesday night. The rezoning application was submitted by organizers of the Other Side Village, a proposed tiny home community for the chronically unsheltered in Utah. 

The organizers of the Village are from the Other Side Academy, a training school for those pre- or post-sentencing for criminal charges, former substance abusers, and the unhoused.

The school offers pro-social and vocational skills and is based on a methodology known as the “Therapeutic Community Model.” The organization explains, in the Other Side Academy, a free, two-year commitment, leaders and students have similar backgrounds of convictions or addiction. The only difference between leaders and students is the length of time spent on the “other side.” 

Read more: Salt Lake City Mayor provides update on tiny home community for city’s homeless

Commission approves rezoning amendment request

Organizers of the proposed Other Side Village won a small, but significant, victory Wednesday with the approval of a rezoning request for two plots of land. It is the first step of many before a single small cottage can be built. 

The purpose of the request was to change of zoning for the areas of approximately 1850 West Indiana Avenue and 1965 West 500 South. According to the application, the two areas are currently zoned as ‘Public Lands’. In order for the Other Side Village to ever see the light of day, the land must be changed to a ‘Form-based Urban Neighborhood District.’ 

The planning commission opted to recommend the request after a preliminary analysis, but it still required a vote from commissioners. 

What started as a routine commission meeting quickly shifted into a passionate back and forth between supporters and detractors during the public comment period. Several people with ties to the Other Side Academy spoke favorably of the planned tiny home community, while some people living near the two plots of land shared their opposition.

The committee asked questions, heard from presenters, and ultimately voted 7 to 1 in favor of the request. 

The rezoning recommendation now heads to the Salt Lake City Council for further review and final approval. 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Business + Economy

EVERETT WALMART, EVERETT, WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES - 2023/04/19: An empty cart is seen near an emp...

Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN

The real reasons stores such as Walmart and Starbucks are closing in big cities

Several forces are pushing Walmart and Starbucks out of some city centers: a glut of stores, people working from home, online shopping, exorbitant rents, crime and public safety concerns, and difficulty hiring workers.

11 months ago

graduates are pictured, the us is offering some student loan debt forgiveness...

Associated Press

The US has approved $42 billion in loan forgiveness for public service workers. Here’s what to know

The program is separate from U.S. Supreme Court is currently considering whether that plan can go ahead.

11 months ago

people at restaurant eating on mother's day pictured...

Alexandra Peers, CNN

Why Mother’s Day is the most hated day in the restaurant industry

The National Retail Federation forecasts that Mother's Day spending will reach $35.7 billion this year, with a record $5.6 billion spent on a meal or outing.

11 months ago

debt...

Curt Gresseth

Ticktock: US steps closer to debt default

Robert Spendlove, senior vice president and economic and public policy officer at Zions Bank, joins the show to discuss what would happen if the federal government defaults on its debt.

11 months ago

close up of a peleton bike pictured, a recall has been issued for some...

Associated Press

Peloton recalling more than 2M exercise bikes because the seat post assembly can break during use

The recall includes approximately 2.2 million of the Peloton Bikes Model PL01. The bikes were sold from January 2018 through May 2023 for about $1,400.

11 months ago

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during the Democratic National Committee winter meeting on February...

Arlette Saenz, CNN

Biden takes debt ceiling pitch on road amid standoff with Republicans

The president said he believes the country can avoid default because an "overwhelming number of members of ... Congress know it would be a disaster."

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Planning commission approves rezoning amendment for homeless tiny home village