Two bills proposing to address Utah’s affordable housing crisis by increasing housing density stalled in the Utah House Political Subdivisions Committee. The bills, HB88 and HB90, sponsored by Rep. Ray Ward, aimed to allow accessory dwelling units in urban municipalities and reduce the minimum size of single-family home lots. Ward argued that increasing housing options is essential to addressing rising home costs in Utah.
However, Draper Mayor Troy Walker, representing the Utah League of Cities and Towns, opposed the bills, stating that such mandates undermine local government authority. Walker emphasized the importance of promoting homeownership over occupancy and expressed concerns about the impact of more rental units on neighborhoods.
Despite opposition, Gov. Spencer Cox’s senior adviser for housing, Steve Waldrip, advocated for more housing options, highlighting the success of accessory dwelling units in addressing housing shortages in other areas. Rep. Gay Lynn Bennion raised concerns about the impact on communities trying to limit development, but also emphasized the need to address NIMBYism to find solutions to Utah’s housing crisis.
The committee ultimately decided not to take action on either bill, with Rep. Matthew Gwynn urging lawmakers to evaluate previous housing policies before moving forward. The motions to move on from both bills passed, with only Rep. Ward in opposition. The debate highlights the complexities of addressing affordable housing issues in Utah and the need for continued discussions on effective solutions.
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