Two weeks after voting 4-0 to reject a citizen-submitted proposal to loosen accessory dwelling unit rules, Draper's City Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday, July 21, on its own ADU amendment. The city has not released the ordinance text.

The July 21 item is city-initiated, according to the meeting agenda published by Draper City, and is described as easing restrictions on building backyard cottages and basement apartments. It is separate from Ordinance #1727, the "Rohr" application the council denied at its July 7 meeting.

That earlier proposal had received a unanimous 3-0 positive recommendation from the Planning Commission on June 11. It would have allowed homeowners to convert existing detached structures built before September 21, 2021, into dwelling units under more flexible setback and height standards, with a cap at 50% of the main home's square footage and a requirement to match the home's architectural design.

The stakes are tangible. Draper had just 38 known ADUs citywide and issued only five ADU building permits between August 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025, according to the city's 2025 Moderate Income Housing Report. That report identified ADU ordinance reform as a key housing strategy. Council Member Kathryn Dahlin, who joined in January 2026 and has a housing-policy background from her work as a U.S. Senate legislative aide, will be among those voting.

Short-term rental licensing

The council will also hear a short-term rental ordinance first brought forward in April. Application 2026-0090-TA would amend Draper City Municipal Code Titles 6 and 9 to require short-term rentals to be licensed and permitted, with new "Good Neighbor" guidelines. The Planning Commission heard the proposal on May 28, and the council continued it without setting a new date at its June 9 meeting. Todd Taylor, Planner III, is the staff contact.

Also on the agenda

  • Two rezoning requests for properties on 13275 South and 13800 South. Specific addresses and applicant details have not been published.
  • A limited-service restaurant license for Black Bear Diner.
  • Updates to the city's fee schedule and Planning Commission procedures, driven in part by a new state law removing public hearing requirements for variances and land use appeals.
  • Approval of Resolution #26-36 and the July 7 meeting minutes.

How to attend or comment

Mayor Troy Walker and council members Kathryn Dahlin, Mike Green, Bryn Heather Johnson, Tasha Lowery, and Fred Lowry will convene at Draper City Hall, 1020 E. Pioneer Road. The study session begins at 5:30 p.m.; the public hearing starts at 7:00 p.m. Written comments must reach City Recorder Nicole Smedley at [email protected] or (801) 576-6502 by noon Monday, July 20.