Moderate Income Housing Efforts

Background

In 2021, the State of Utah passed legislation requiring municipalities to update the Moderate Income Housing Element of their General Plans. The updates made it necessary for Kearns to select 5 of the State's designated Moderate Income Strategies and create a plan for implementing each strategy. In 2022, the State found Kearns' Moderate Income Housing Plan both compliant with state requirements and deserving of priority funding status for various state grant opportunities. Starting in 2023, Kearns is required to submit an annual report to the State regarding progress on the implementation of its Moderate Income Housing strategies.

Read Kearns' Moderate Income Housing Plan (2022)

Read Kearns' Letter of Compliance from the Utah Division of Housing and Community Development

An infographic showing the 5 adopted Moderate Income Housing strategies for Kearns.

Kearns' Progress To-Date:

  1. STRATEGY E: In November 2022, Kearns adopted an amendment to its Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance, reducing the setbacks required for detached ADUs. Read the adopted ordinance here.
  2. STRATEGIES F AND W: In June 2023, Kearns repealed and replaced the entirety of its Subdivision and Zoning Ordinances. The new ordinances establish mixed-use zoning districts, increase density in existing multi-family zones, expand the types of housing units allowed by right in Kearns, and reduce off-street parking requirements. Explore the new ordinances here.
  3. STRATEGY L: In June 2023, the Kearns Council passed a resolution directing staff to draft a Moderate Income Housing impact fee waiver for any subsequent fees established during the 2023-2024 updates. Read the resolution here.
  4. STRATEGY E: In July 2023, Kearns launched its Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Survey. The survey is intended to help staff understand the barriers that property owners face when constructing ADUs. Results from the survey will be used to make recommendations to the Kearns Planning Commission and Council. Take the survey here!
  5. STRATEGY O: In 2023, staff began working with Salt Lake County's Lead Safe Housing Team. Staff completed an analysis of areas in Kearns with the highest risk of lead paint exposure. This analysis is being used to target outreach efforts. Learn about lead paint exposure in Kearns here.
2021-2023 Housing Data for Kearns Metro Township.