Sandy’s General Plan: Section 2
This will be a series of thoughts on our City’s General Plan. I think it is best to start with this document as the base for any conversation about our city. It is the result of extensive community feedback and expert planning.
10 key summary points from Section 2: Livability of the Sandy City General Plan 2050:
Livability Defined by Community Values
Sandy defines livability through safe, beautiful, inclusive neighborhoods with access to housing, services, and amenities. Core values include community, location, opportunity, stewardship, and well-being.
Neighborhood Types and Goals
The plan addresses three neighborhood types:
In Stasis: Stable, maintained areas.
Experiencing Change: Along transit corridors, guided for thoughtful redevelopment.
New Neighborhoods: Transitioning from commercial to residential, with mixed uses and amenities.
Housing Variety and Affordability
Sandy’s housing stock is 76% single-family, creating a need for more “missing middle” housing (duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, small-lot homes) to meet demographic shifts, aging populations, and new family needs.
Moderate Income Housing (MIH)
Sandy complies with Utah’s requirement to provide housing for households earning ≤80% of Area Median Income (AMI). Strategies include ADUs, rezoning for higher density, land trusts, and transit-oriented development.
Community Engagement Findings
Residents want housing affordability, smaller starter homes, neighborhood character, walkability, and protection of green spaces and community identity.
Implementation of 6+ State Strategies
Sandy has adopted multiple MIH strategies such as allowing ADUs, rezoning near transit, and promoting station area plans. New 2024 strategies include first-home and ownership promotion zones.
Sustainable and Efficient Growth
Policies support infill development, water-wise landscaping, and infrastructure reuse to minimize environmental impact, reduce service costs, and preserve open space.
Public Amenities and Social Life
The city emphasizes community events, walkable connections, parks, and mixed-use development to promote social interaction and neighborhood pride.
Data-Informed Planning
Analysis shows gaps in affordable housing: 31.8% of households earn below 80% AMI, but only 9% of for-sale housing is affordable to them. The city is targeting 6,150 new housing units by 2050, with a 50% increase in missing middle housing.
Long-Term Vision and Equity
The plan commits to equitable access to housing, reducing cost burden risks, and fair housing compliance, ensuring all residents—regardless of income, race, or status—can live and thrive in Sandy.
Look for thoughts on the other (7) sections!