Salt Lake City Council Rezones Smith's Ballpark Site

The council unanimously approved new zoning rules for the 14.8-acre site, mandating lower building heights and more open space.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Baseball

Isometric editorial illustration of a delineated urban land plot with patches of green, set against a distant mountain backdrop. — The Salt Lake City Council unanimously approved new zoning amendments for the former Smith’s Ballpark site, mandating increased open space and height restrictions. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should city redevelopment plans prioritize more green space even if it limits potential housing density?

Salt Lake City Council members voted to adopt zoning map and text amendments for the former Smith's Ballpark site. The new plan requires 5 acres of open space and limits building heights following community feedback.

Why it matters

City leaders adjusted the redevelopment plan to address resident concerns regarding excessive building heights and insufficient greenspace. The site will now transition into a mixed-use development featuring housing, business, and community space.

The rezoned 14.8-acre site now permits a maximum building height of 95 feet, down significantly from the initial proposal of 150 feet. The plan also secures 5 acres of open space for public use.

The players

Salt Lake City Council

This is the primary legislative body for Salt Lake City responsible for passing ordinances and approving city zoning map amendments.

Salt Lake Bees

This professional minor league baseball team is relocating its operations from Salt Lake City to South Jordan after the 2024 season.

Salt Lake City Community Reinvestment Agency

This local government agency manages urban renewal, housing development, and ground lease agreements for city projects.

The details

The council approved mixed-use district 8 and mixed-use district 5 designations for the area formerly housing the Salt Lake Bees. The Salt Lake City Community Reinvestment Agency will oversee future ground leases and development agreements as the project moves toward a five to 10-year completion timeline.

2023: Salt Lake Bees announced plans to relocate.
March 2026: Planning commission recommended initial zoning plans.
July 2026: City leaders agreed to amend the plan.
October 20, 2026: City Council voted to adopt new zoning.
5-10 years from now: Estimated project realization timeline.

Season Trajectory

The project follows a national trend of repurposing vacant sports stadiums by prioritizing community-focused mixed-use development over high-density commercial construction. This transition marks the end of the stadium era in the neighborhood, setting a template for how city officials handle similar athletic facility departures.

Residents and stakeholders in Salt Lake City should expect a transition period of five to 10 years before the site is fully developed. The mandated open space allocation ensures that public recreational access remains a permanent feature of the area.

The takeaway

City officials demonstrated that local feedback can meaningfully reshape large-scale urban development projects. Residents living near the ballpark site will now see lower building profiles and an increased commitment to green infrastructure.