City Aims to Allow Mother-In-Law Apartments in Most Neighborhoods

(KCPW News) Salt Lake City officials want to make it easier for homeowners to have so-called mother-in-law apartments in neighborhoods where some residents are trying to keep them at bay. Mayor Ralph Becker says it’s one of hundreds of sustainability efforts his administration is making to reduce sprawl and get people closer to public transit.

“It allows generations to live together as traditionally we have as families.” He says. “It allows for people to be able to get a little bit of income when they live in their dwelling unit; they want to provide for an apartment in an adjacent garage or building that they have. And that income allows someone to stay in their house longer or to share their house with someone.”

The change would limit the units to half the size of the existing home, and the owner would need a business license and additional parking, among other terms.

But residents like Dave Van Langeveld, who’s the past-chair of the Greater Avenues Community Council, are worried the change would compound parking problems. He notes many people already have mother-in-law type apartments.

“It’s when they start renting those out — that is the issue.” He says. “There are so many difficulties with the way the ordinance is written; one of those would be the owner has to live on the premise. Well, up here we have a lot of older residents. When they die, are we going to guarantee that one of their children move into the house?”

Mayor Becker says the city has already made some changes that create a good foundation for this ordinance to be successfully enforced, pointing to the good landlord policy in particular. The Salt Lake City Council is expected to vote on the issue in January.