Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a Small Area Plan?

A small area plan is a set of documents that address the goals for a small defined portion of a city such as a neighborhood or street corridor. These documents contain a set of detailed strategies that are chosen to respond to the specific needs of the people, places, and processes in the planning area. These needs are grouped into categories such as transportation, economic development, land use, housing, historic preservation, aesthetics, and many others. The general purpose of a small area plan is to identify and prioritize these needs and to develop practical strategies that can be implemented to guide future decisions in order to meet specific goals.

2. Why does the Fashion Place West neighborhood need a Small Area Plan?

Murray’s Fashion Place West station area needs a small area plan because the area is changing and the city wants to make sure that those changes are positive for the neighborhood and address the needs and goals of the community. The Salt Lake Valley is growing and changing. Murray and the Fashion Place West neighborhood are also facing growth, change, and development pressure. There is momentum for positive change in the area with new commercial development along Winchester Street as well as continued redevelopment and expansion of the Fashion Place Mall. The Fashion Place West station area can benefit from a small area plan that helps to guide and sustain this momentum in a way that addresses future growth and the community’s goals.

3. What future developments are planned?

At this time there are no developments or projects planned. This is the City’s effort to plan for the natural transition of the area over the next 20 years, and help to guide development toward a mix of land uses and building designs that improve the pedestrian experience, overall connectivity, provide a mix of housing types, all while protecting the established single-family neighborhoods within the study area.

4. What happens next?

The survey data will be compiled and analyzed. Simultaneously, the Small Area Plan will continue to be drafted. Once there is a draft of the document, it will be presented to the Planning Commission and City Council for adoption.

5. Who do I contact if I have more questions about the planning process?

Zachary Smallwood, Associate Planner: zsmallwood@murray.utah.gov