AUGUST 2021
MAYOR’S MESSAGE Thought I would seize an opportunity to update you on a few items of interest in the community. Most will have more detail in accompanying ads/ articles in this issue of The Journal, so I’ll be brief.
20 YEARS LATER--NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE
I hope you find some time to read the article submitted by our Interfaith Council regarding the upcoming September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance. Find an opportunity to volunteer in your community as a way to honor those that have, and continue to serve, and especially to those that paid the ultimate price in defense of our freedoms.
BACKPACK AND SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE
Holladay committed to contribute 500 backpacks. Visit GraniteKids. org for supply details, drop off your donations at City Hall through August 7th or make a financial contribution through their web site. You can also bring donations to our concert on Saturday, August 7th. Thank you in advance for helping us ensure every student shows up on their first day of in-person class ready to learn.
FREE CONCERTS ON THE COMMONS
Our free Concert on the Commons series, hosted by the Holladay Arts Council continues through August 28th. It’s a beautiful setting for a relaxing Saturday evening. The talent is second to none and what a wonderful way to engage with your friends and neighbors! Holladay Bank & Trust once again stepped up to generously serve as this year’s premier sponsor--- we’re grateful!!!
TRUTH IN TAXATION OPEN HOUSE AND PUBLIC HEARING
For the past three years, we have been working to prepare and present the data to justify a proposed tax increase. We hope you will take some time to forward your comments, attend the August 11th Open House, or the Public Hearing on August 17th. Your Council representatives value your input!
3900 SOUTH AND HIGHLAND DRIVE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
As those in the area are aware, the 3900 South reconstruction project is a total re-build. We are doing our best to communicate the areas most impacted at any given time. We know some are frustrated with the construction, but honestly, it’s impossible to execute a project of this scope without inconveniencing some of our residents along the way. We will continue to do our very best to mitigate impacts and communicate. Refer to the city web site for the latest updates. The four left-turn lanes we are installing on Highland Drive should be substantially complete by the end of August, with minor portions extending in to September. We hope to have the section in front of Oakwood Elementary 100 % complete by the first day of school. As a side note, any construction is fluid at this point. Concrete, as well as other building materials are in short supply, as is labor. We will continue to provide updates thorough our email lists, on city social media channels and on the city web site. Thanks for your continued patience and understanding as we continue to address critical infrastructure needs in the city. —Rob Dahle, Mayor
How Holladay is Helping Create a Livable Community for All Ages LaNiece Davenport, CED Director An important piece of housing legislation passed the 2021 General Session that impacts Holladay. HB82 which is known as the Internal Accessory Dwelling Unit (IADU) bill. This bill was sponsored by Representative Ward and according to him, the intent of the legislation is to assist Utah’s housing supply problem by allowing homeowners to rent the basement apartments inside their single-family homes. So, what exactly is an IADU? The short answer is an IADU is a self-contained living space in basements and above garages that are typically a more affordable housing option and appeal to many socioeconomic walks of life. IADUs are known to have many names. They can be called mother-in-law apartments, basement apartments, secondary dwelling units, granny flats, or carriage houses. IADUs are not short-term rentals, as IADUs require a rental of at least 30 days or longer. How does this impact Holladay? Due to the new State of Utah law, the City must now permit Internal Accessory Dwelling Units or IADUs in our residential zones. This new requirement aligns with the City’s Moderate Income Housing Plan element of the General Plan and is one of the City’s three preferred objectives regarding moderate income housing. IADUs also allow the City to support a more efficient use of the existing housing stock and infrastructure like roads, utilities, and water and sewer infrastructure. The City recognizes the need to increase the number and types of available housing units, and allowing internal accessory dwelling units is a straightforward way to accomplish this goal. Holladay is working through a new ordinance now based on provisions set forth by HB82, and central to this effort is balancing the protection of the character and charm of Holladay neighborhoods while providing housing alternatives for existing and new residents. The City is also considering changes to the existing external accessory dwelling unit ordinances to make it a bit more flexible to allow existing external ADUs or guest houses to be rented, which is currently not allowed by code. What if you have an existing external or internal accessory dwelling unit and you’re not sure what to do next? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the City’s Community and Economic Development Department for help. We ask that all homeowners with existing accessory dwelling units, both internal and external, register these units with the City. This will help the City better understand where existing units are located and ensure you, the homeowner, become compliant and avoid possible penalties. We recognize that local communities like Holladay are part of the solution to create a more livable and affordable community for all ages. The Planning Commission is currently reviewing the draft ordinance. Planning Commissioner Alyssa Lloyd stated, “I am encouraged by the City’s proactive efforts to address housing availability and affordability within our own community. This gives the City the opportunity to increase available housing units and these accessory dwelling units may provide the necessary income to enable some of our older or single parent households to manage and stay in their homes longer through supplemental income.” The current timeline anticipates that the City Council will consider the adoption of the new IADU and updates to the external ADU ordinances by late August 2021, in order to meet the State deadline of October 1, 2021. The City wants to hear from you. Please view the draft ordinance by visiting the City’s website. And, join us for a Public Hearing on August 5, 2021 at 6:00 pm at the Holladay Hall, Council Chambers. Or, you can email comments directly to the City Recorder at scarlson@cityofholladay.com by 5 p.m. on August 5th.