New homes are under construction in Spanish Fork on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)
Details are still taking shape, but state leaders focusing on housing policy are working on a slate of recommendations for the Utah Legislature to consider next year, including drafting a statewide housing plan meant to pave the way for affordable, owner-occupied homes.
Other proposals being discussed include legislation to allow more detached accessory dwelling units — or mother-in-law apartments — as well as loosening the state’s restrictions on cities’ abilities to regulate short-term rentals.
That’s by no means an exhaustive list. There could be many more pieces of legislation in the works. But those are some of the most noteworthy policy changes being discussed in the months rounding out 2024 and heading into the beginning of the Utah Legislature’s 2025 general session, which is scheduled to begin on Jan. 21.
Lawmakers eye housing audit that says Utah needs 28K new homes a year to keep up with growth