Bluffdale City Zoning Code

The City designates land use zone districts to promote compatibility between land uses, buildings and structures, efficient use of land, transportation options and accessibility and public safety. The districts classify, regulate, and restrict uses, as well as combine uses and encourage the location of compatible land uses close to one another. The district regulations provide development standards pertaining to the intensity of land uses and development, density, height, bulk of buildings and structures, area of yards, and other open areas between buildings and structures.

1. Permitted, conditional, and accessory uses allowed within the Single Family Residential Zones are set forth in BCC 11.350.030. (Ord. 2018-24, 9-26-2018)
   

¹ Unless as otherwise approved with an applicable Cluster Residential Overlay in accordance with Section 11.110.060 of this title.

² For parcels between two and five acres in size, density shall not exceed 1.5 primary dwelling units per acre.

³ This Zone intended to be limited to perimeter edges of the City and shall be located within sixty feet (60') from the closest property line to the City Boundary. Requests to apply this Zone to a property will also require a Development Agreement in accordance with Chapter 11.290 of this title.

⁴ Unless as otherwise approved with an applicable Infill Overlay in accordance with Section 11.110.030 of this title.

⁵ If the Lot or parcel is located on an approved curve radius or cul-de-sac; the width requirement may be reduced to thirty feet (30'): provided, that the width requirement is satisfied at the front setback line.

⁶ If the Lot or parcel is located on an approved curve radius or cul-de-sac, the frontage requirement may be reduced to thirty feet (30'): provided, that the frontage requirement is satisfied at the front setback line.

⁷ Each corner lot or parcel in the R4 Zone shall have a minimum setback of twenty feet (20') along the public street on the side of the lot not being used as the front setback.

⁸ Unless as otherwise approved by Section 11.160.260 Small Accessory Buildings of this title.

(Ord. 2013-16, 8-27-2013)

1. Single-Family Dwelling Permitted: Lots or parcels of land which were legally created and eligible for a building permit prior to the adoption and application of this zone shall not be denied the issuance of a building permit for the construction of one singlefamily dwelling solely on the reason of nonconformance with the requirements of this article. A building permit must be obtained and all requirements of the appropriate Building Code must be satisfied. (Ord. 10-24-00-1, 10-24-2000; amd. Ord. 2001-04, 3-13-2001)
2. Burden Of Applicant: It shall be the burden of the applicant to demonstrate that the parcel legally existed and was recorded in the Office of the County Recorder. (Ord. 10-24-00-1, 10-24-2000)
   

1. Permitted: The following structures may be erected on or projected into any required setback:
   1. Fences and walls in conformance with all applicable City ordinances and resolutions.
   2. Appropriate landscaping.
   3. Necessary appurtenances for utility service.
   4. Projections as noted in section 11.160.310 of this title.
      
2. Setback Areas: The following structures may be erected on or projected into any required front or rear setback not more than four feet (4'), and into a side setback not more than two feet (2'):
   1. Cornices, eaves, sills, buttresses or other similar architectural features.
   2. Awnings, decks and planter boxes. (Ord. 10-24-00-1, 10-24-2000)
      

The following requirements are in addition to the requirements found in this title or any other applicable resolution or ordinance:

1. Signs: Signs are permitted in accordance with chapter 11.22.0 of this title. (Ord. 10-24-00-1, 10-24-2000)
2. Trash, Junk And Other Debris: No trash, used materials, unsightly storage of any kind, or nonlicensed or abandoned vehicles shall be stored in an open area. All such materials shall be enclosed in a building or, by a sight-obscuring fence. (Ord. 10-24-00-1, 10-24-2000)
   

The R-MF Multi-Family Residential Zone is established to provide areas within the City for multi-family dwellings designed to be compatible with surrounding uses. The R-MF Zone is intended to have limited commercial services, including ground level retail and commercial businesses and home occupations. Rezoning to the R-MF Zone should be carefully reviewed to ensure compatibility with existing development and neighborhoods. (Ord. 10-24-00-1, 10-24-2000)

1. Permitted, conditional, and accessory uses allowed within the R-MF Zone are set forth in section 11.350.030 of this title. (Ord. 2018-24, 9-26-2018)
   

Each development project in the R-MF Multi-Family Residential Zone shall be located on a parcel containing not less than five (5) acres. (Ord. 10-24-00-1, 10-24-2000)

1. Multi-family development projects may be granted up to ten (10) units per acre; provided, that all of the requirements of this article, including, but not limited to, lot coverage, setback and parking have been satisfied.
2. A multi-family development project may be granted up to twelve and one-half (121/2) units per acre; provided, that all of the requirements of this article, including, but not limited to, lot coverage, setback and parking have been satisfied and the exterior of the buildings or structures are constructed using brick or stone, except roofing materials. Cinder block, stucco and other similar materials shall not qualify for the higher density calculation.
   

Each project in the R-MF Multi-Family Residential Zone shall have a minimum width of two hundred feet (200') for all of the area within the required front setback of the zone. (Ord. 10-24-00-1, 10-24-2000)

Each project in the R-MF Multi-Family Residential Zone shall abut a public street, or private street if approved by the City Council, for a minimum distance of two hundred feet (200'). (Ord. 10-24-00-1, 10-24-2000)

The following minimum setback and build-to requirements shall apply in the R-MF Multi-Family Residential Zone. Each setback or build-to line is measured from the property line of the lot or parcel.

1. Front Setback: Each building or structure in the R-MF Zone shall have a minimum front setback of thirty feet (30') and a build-to line of forty feet (40').
2. Side Setback; Corner Lot; Driveway Access; Accessory Buildings:
   1. Each building or structure in the R-MF Zone, unless otherwise noted below, shall have a minimum side setback of twenty feet (20').
   2. Each corner lot or parcel in the R-MF Zone shall have a minimum setback of twenty five feet (25') along the public street on the side of the lot not being used as the front setback.
   3. Each side setback, when used for access to a garage, carport or parking area shall have a minimum setback of twenty feet (20') and shall be hard surfaced.
   4. The side setback for any permitted accessory building shall have a minimum side setback of twenty feet (20').
3. Rear Setback; Accessory Building:
   1. Each building or structure in the R-MF Zone shall have a minimum rear setback of thirty feet (30').
   2. An accessory building may be located within twenty feet (20') of the rear property line. (Ord. 10-24-00-1, 10-24-2000)
      

1. Permitted: The following structures may be erected on or projected into any required setback:
   1. Fences and walls in conformance with all applicable City ordinances and resolutions.
   2. Appropriate landscaping.
   3. Necessary appurtenances for utility service.
2. Setback Areas: The following structures may be erected on or projected into any required front or rear setback not more than four feet (4'), and into a side setback not more than two feet (2'):
   1. Cornices, eaves, sills, buttresses or other similar architectural features.
   2. Awnings, decks and planter boxes. (Ord. 10-24-00-1, 10-24-2000)
      

1. A primary building or structure may not exceed thirty five feet (35') in height, nor be lower than ten feet (10') in height, except that accessory buildings may not exceed eighteen feet (18') in height.
2. Any building or structure proposed to exceed the height restrictions shall be approved by the Fire Chief and be equipped with the appropriate internal and external fire sprinkler system. (Ord. 10-24-00-1, 10-24-2000)

1. The distance between any residential building or structure and any other residential building or structure shall not be less than twenty feet (20').
2. The distance between any accessory building and any residential building or structure shall not be less than ten feet (10'), unless the accessory building is attached to the building or structure. (Ord. 10-24-00-1, 10-24-2000)
   

The sum total of all buildings and structures on any parcel in the R-MF Zone shall not be greater than forty percent (40%) of the total area of the parcel. (Ord. 10-24-00-1, 10-24-2000)

1. Requirements: Off-Street parking shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 11.120 of this Title.
2. Recreational Vehicle Area: Each project may also have a recreational vehicle parking area not to exceed two thousand (2,000) square feet per acre of the project secured by a six foot (6') sight obscuring fence. The recreational vehicle parking area may be placed in the rear or side setback area of the project.

1. Applicability: Any request for project plan approval in the R-MF Zone is subject to any and all applicable City resolutions and ordinances, including the subdivision ordinance, design guidelines and standard specifications, and the City General Plan. Projects in the R-MF Zone shall obtain site plan approval in accordance with Chapters 11.30 and 11.150 of this Title.

The following requirements are in addition to the requirements found in this article, the general provisions or supplementary provisions of this title, or any other applicable resolution or ordinance:

1. Signs: The following signs, and no others, are allowed in the R-MF Zone:
   1. Development entrance signs not exceeding thirty six (36) square feet in area to identify the project. The entrance signs are limited in height to eight feet (8') and must be approved at the time of development approval.
   2. As part of a conditional use permit, signs advertising on site ground level retail or commercial businesses, not to exceed thirty six (36) square feet in area and eight feet (8') in height. Each project is limited to one such sign per project and the sign must be approved at the time of development approval.
2. Landscaping: All open areas not covered by residential buildings or structures, parking or permitted accessory structures shall be attractively landscaped and maintained. Each multi-family project shall submit a complete landscaping and irrigation system plan. The initial landscaping plan shall include at least one tree for every two (2) dwelling units, half of which shall be coniferous evergreen trees. The coniferous trees shall be at least eight feet (8') in height and the deciduous trees shall be at least two inches (2") in caliper. Additionally, there shall be no less than one shrub of five (5) gallon size for each two (2) dwelling units. All other landscaped grounds must contain ground cover which meets the City's Adopted Standards.. The landscaping plan is an essential part of the project and the project shall not be approved prior to approval of the landscaping plan.
3. Project Amenities:
   1. Each development approved in the R-MF Zone shall include appropriate amenities for the residents of the project. Because each project will be different in nature, the amenities are likely to be different. As a general rule, there shall be picnic areas with tables and barbecue areas, active recreation areas with sport courts, shuffleboard, swimming pools, tennis courts, playgrounds, clubhouses, etc., and passive recreation (lawn) areas. The amount of amenities required shall be in proportion to the proposed number of units in the development.
   2. Projects with less than ten (10) units shall furnish picnic areas with tables and barbecue areas. Projects with ten (10) to twenty (20) units shall furnish picnic areas with tables and barbecue areas, a sport court with at least five hundred (500) square feet or shuffleboard for retirement facilities, and a playground complete with equipment. Projects with twenty (20) to fifty (50) units shall furnish picnic areas with tables and barbecue areas, a sport court with at least five hundred (500) square feet or shuffleboard for retirement facilities, two (2) playgrounds complete with equipment, and a clubhouse used for gatherings of residents not less than seven hundred fifty (750) square feet in size, complete with restrooms. Developments with more than fifty (50) units shall furnish picnic areas with tables and barbecue areas, a sport court with at least five hundred (500) square feet or shuffleboard deck for retirement facilities, three (3) playgrounds complete with equipment, a clubhouse used for gatherings of residents not less than seven hundred fifty (750) square feet in size, complete with restrooms, and either a regulation size lighted tennis court or a subsurface swimming pool no less than twenty feet by forty feet (20'x40') in size.
4. Trash, Junk And Other Debris: No trash, used materials, unsightly storage of any kind, or nonlicensed or abandoned vehicles shall be stored in an open area. All such materials shall be enclosed in a building or, by a sight obscuring fence. (Ord. 10-24-00-1, 10-24-2000)
5. Fencing Standards: Multi-family projects shall be fenced on at least three (3) sides by a six foot (6') sight obscuring fence, or other fencing, necessary to make the proposed project compatible with the surrounding area. (Ord. 2001-14, 12-11-2001)
   

The R-SL Senior Independent Living Zone is established to provide areas within the City for housing for residents aged 55 years and older who prefer to reside in independently owned dwelling units within a larger community of common area, open space, and amenities. Rezoning to the R-SL Zone should be carefully reviewed to ensure compatibility with existing development and adjacent neighborhoods.

1. Each proposed R-SL Senior Independent Living Zone shall have primary access from a City designated major collector street within fifteen hundred feet (1500’) of Utah State Route 154 (Bangerter Highway). 2. Each development project in the R-SL Zone shall be located on a parcel containing not less than four (4) acres. 3. The density for any senior living project shall not exceed 6.50 units per acre for any R-SL zone. 4. Each proposed R-SL Zone shall share a common boundary with a commercial designated property.

1. Permitted uses allowed within the R-SL Zone are provided as follows:
   1. Single-family residential dwellings.
   2. Multi-family residential dwellings not to exceed four (4) attached units. 
2. Accessory uses allowed within the R-SL Zone are provided as follows: Minor home occupations in compliance with BCC 3.80 with no employees.
   

1. Dwelling units are restricted to a maximum unit size of two (2) bedrooms on the main floor. A bonus room or loft with a second-floor option over a garage and basements are allowed.
2. Dwelling units are intended for, and to be owned and occupied by, at least one (1) person fifty-five (55) years of age or older per unit.
   1. A dwelling unit may be occupied by the surviving member(s) of a household, regardless of age, if the qualifying person has passed away, provided the surviving member(s) was a resident of the unit at the time of the qualifying person’s death.
   2. A dwelling unit may be occupied by the management, medical, or custodial personnel of a qualifying resident.
   3. A homeowners’ association (HOA) shall be established for each development to ensure compliance with resident restrictions and provide maintenance of buildings, open space, recreation facilities, and other common areas.
      

Any development in the R-SL Zone shall promote an active street frontage on all public streets. The creation of a second frontage road or courtyard area on the street frontage, in which units may be oriented toward, can also be an acceptable option for projects located on collector roads.

The following minimum setback requirements shall apply in the R-SL Zone. Each setback is measured is from the property line of the lot or parcel.

1. Front Setback; Unit and Driveway Access:
   1. Each building or structure in the R-SL Zone adjacent to a public or private street shall have a minimum front setback of fifteen feet (15’) measured from the right-of-way, otherwise, the front setback shall be a minimum of ten feet (10’).
   2. Driveways to each unit shall be required and driveway areas shall be a minimum of twenty feet (20’) in length, exclusive of any sidewalk or walkways. If units are accessed by an alley, the width of the alley shall be a minimum of twenty-five feet (25’) and shall comply with all emergency vehicle access requirements. Parking in the alley is not permitted.
2. Side Setback; Corner Lot:
   1. Each building or structure in the R-SL Zone shall have a minimum side setback of ten feet (10').
   2. Each corner lot or parcel in the R-SL Zone shall have a minimum setback of twenty feet (20') along the street on the side of the lot not being used as the front setback.
3. Rear Setback:
   1. Each building or structure in the R-SL Zone adjacent to a public or private street shall have a rear setback of fifteen feet (15’) measured from the right-of-way, otherwise, the rear setback shall be a minimum of ten feet (10’).
      

1. Permitted: The following structures may be erected on or projected into any required setback:
   1. Necessary appurtenances for utility service.
2. Setback Areas: The following structures may be erected on or projected into any required front, side, or rear setback not more than two feet (2'):
   1. Cornices, eaves, sills, buttresses, or other similar architectural features.
   2. Awnings, decks, and planter boxes.
      

1. A primary building or structure may not exceed thirty-five feet (35') in height, nor be lower than ten feet (10') in height.
2. A primary building or structure shall be built of slab-on-grade construction or, with basements.
   

The distance between any residential building or structure and any other residential building or structure shall not be less than ten feet (10').

Off-street parking shall be provided in accordance with BCC 11.120. All senior living projects are required to provide an off-street parking plan with the site plan application which includes areas for snow storage.

An applicant for approval in the R-SL Zone shall submit a site plan application in accordance with all requirements of this Chapter and all other applicable City ordinances. The Planning Commission is the land use authority to review and approve all site plans in the R-SL Zone. An applicant may submit an application for site plan and preliminary and final subdivision plat approval simultaneously, if desired. Each application will be approved by the land use authority provided by BCC 11.30.090.

1. Purpose: To establish minimum development standards for independent living multi-dwelling units within a structure. These standards are intended to ensure that such development is well buffered from and compatible with adjacent property, serves the needs of occupants thereof, and retains long-term viability and quality of the project.
2. Unit Differentiation: Multi-dwelling unit buildings or structures (buildings) shall include design features that differentiate adjoining units and create identity for each unit. This goal shall be achieved through the following requirements:
   1. Buildings shall include a variety of heights. However, long, continuous rooflines greater than fifty feet (50’) shall not be permitted.
   2. The front facade of the building shall exhibit visual relief through an array of architectural features and varied individual unit setbacks. Articulation such as roof dormers, hips, gables, balconies, porches, wall projections, and fenestration shall be used to break up the visual massing of building facades.
   3. Buildings shall include a variety of building colors and materials. A minimum of three (3) colors per elevation is preferred.
   4. Buildings shall incorporate variations of the following architectural elements:
      Accent building materials Door frames Garage doors Rooflines Window frames Window types
   5. Design: Buildings shall exhibit exceptional design qualities that enhance the residential aesthetics of the surrounding properties. This shall be achieved by the following requirements:
      1. All exposed sides of the building shall have framed windows.
      2. Side and rear elevations that are visible from public and private streets shall equal the architectural detailing of the front facade.
      3. Building materials shall consist of at least fifty percent (50%) brick, stone, fiber cement board, or synthetic stone on all sides of the building. Windows are excluded from the gross calculation of exterior building materials.
      4. Shared entrances units shall be accentuated with architectural detailing and well lit.
      5. Utility and mechanical equipment extending from the building shall be clustered and screened by compatible architectural materials or appropriate vegetation. When the project architecture contains pitched roofs, the roof mounted utility equipment shall be situated on the back side of the roof pitch.
      6. All units shall have a minimum of two-car garages which complement the project architecture in terms of design, materials, and colors. Driveways shall be required for each unit that are capable to park two cars for off street parking and a minimum of twenty feet (20’) in length.
      7. Garage doors shall exhibit quality design and color variation throughout the project.
      8. All homes shall be designed with senior living as the predominant theme with the following elements:
         1. Optional basements.
         2. Main floor master bedroom and laundry.
         3. No more than two (2) bedrooms on the main floor.
         4. Optional second story bonus room or loft.
      9. Fencing within the project shall be limited to pedestrian access, and project integration into the surrounding neighborhood. Perimeter fencing around the project is required and shall be a maximum of six feet (6’) in height and be constructed of masonry or wrought iron. Perimeter fencing along the southern boundary of the project shall be a maximum of eight feet (8') in height. Fencing within the subdivision shall be determined by the HOA.
      10. Required guest parking shall be evenly distributed throughout the project and easily accessible in compliance with BCC 11.120.030.
   6. Site Plan, Mobility, And Street Treatment: Pedestrian and automobile circulation shall flow in a logical manner and integrate neighborhood street connectivity.
      1. Pedestrian pathways shall be provided between access points, entryways, public gathering nodes, and parking areas. Pedestrian access points should be installed between the project and the external neighborhood.
      2. To encourage pedestrian connectivity, senior living projects shall connect sidewalks and walkways to public streets and adjacent private streets at all logical points.
      3. Senior living projects shall install sidewalks on both sides of all private streets. Sidewalks shall be a width of no less than five feet (5').
   7. All projects shall submit a lighting plan that illustrates lighting accommodation for automobile and pedestrian users.
      1. Low level bollard lighting is encouraged for illumination of internal pedestrian pathways.
      2. Exterior lighting along all streets shall be pedestrian in scale with a maximum height of fourteen feet (14').
   8. All projects shall submit a landscaping plan in accordance with site plan requirements in accordance with BCC 11.150.
      1. Landscaping shall be used as a land use buffer where appropriate.
      2. Detention basins shall be adequately landscaped and maintained. Drought tolerant landscaping for detention basins is highly encouraged.
      3. All sloped areas shall be landscaped in accordance with adopted standards.
   9. Common Open Space: No less than thirty percent (30%) of the gross project area, shall be designated for open space uses. Applicants for projects shall submit an open space plan for the type of quality open space that the project will provide. The open space plans shall be consistent with the following:
      1. Be available to everyone residing in the boundaries of a development.
      2. May include pathways and outdoor amenities.
      3. Excludes private balconies, decks, patio areas, recreation buildings, indoor amenities, vehicle parking, streets and streetscape sidewalks. Open space should be centrally located and based on existing natural features.
      4. Be clustered to create the most beneficial and efficient use of space.
   10. Amenities: Centrally located amenities shall be provided for projects such as; but not limited to:
       Community garden. Courtyard with benches. Picnic tables and barbecue area with shade structures. Swimming pool (indoor or outdoor). Sports courts (i.e., tennis, pickleball, etc). Natural open space area with benches/viewing areas and/or trails.
       

1. Signs: The following signs, and no others, are allowed in the R-SL Zone:
   1. Development entrance monument signs not exceeding thirty-six (36) square feet in the area to identify the project. The entrance signs are limited in height to four feet (4') and must be approved at the time of development approval. No electronic message boards are allowed.
2. Entry Gates: If a senior living project desires entry gates to be placed on ingress and egress points, all gates and mechanisms shall be approved by the City Fire Chief in accordance with all fire codes. Gates shall only be allowed for private streets.