Concerns about an influx of Airbnb properties are one of the obstacles preventing SLC from relaxing its rules on ADUs.

The Salt Lake City Council has postponed a vote on new changes to its accessory dwelling ordinance due to ongoing concerns over short-term rentals and the costs of building additional dwelling units. Proposed changes include streamlining city reviews, expanding where accessory dwelling units (ADUs) can be built, and loosening rules on their size, height, required parking spaces, and location relative to a primary dwelling. The biggest point of dispute is over owner-occupancy rules that require property owners who build ADUs to live on-site. Council chair Darin Mano is proposing a compromise that would enforce the owner-occupancy requirement only in less dense neighborhoods zoned for single-family homes. The council and Mayor Erin Mendenhall are seeking to remove barriers to the construction of ADUs, given the historic shortage of affordable homes and the displacement of longtime renters.