How Utah lawmakers are trying to help the state’s next generation build a life in the state

It continues to be difficult and more expensive for people, especially young people, to purchase a home in Utah. So, what are Utah’s leaders doing to change that?

State lawmakers say attacking the supply side of the issue continues to be on their to-do list,

“I firmly believe that if you’re a Utah kid and you’re born in Utah and you’re raised in Utah and you’re educated in Utah, you should have the option to stay in Utah, build a family, build a career, and that is increasingly becoming harder and harder,” said Rep. Calvin Roberts, R-Draper.

During an event on Tuesday where members of the Utah Legislature previewed what they have planned for housing policy during the upcoming legislative session, many noted that Utah has a supply issue.

Roberts estimated that Utah has about 40,000 fewer housing units than the demand, which has pushed up the value of the existing houses, often making them unaffordable for many.

Steve Waldrip, the governor’s senior adviser for housing strategy and innovation, said the supply problem continues to grow as Utah’s population continues to climb. The goal, he said, is to navigate the growth and provide enough housing so that kids who grow up in Utah can achieve “the American dream.”

“I think this is an existential issue,” added Roberts. “If we don’t figure out housing, we will export out our biggest asset, which is the youth of our state.”

Here’s a look at some of the ways legislative leaders hope to increase Utah’s housing supply.

Infrastructure a major issue stopping the construction of houses

Roberts said one of the major issues preventing Utah’s housing supply from catching up to the demand is public infrastructure.

A number of housing units have been approved and everything is planned for them to be built, he said, but because public infrastructure such as sewage or water treatment isn’t in place, the units can’t be built.

“So we’ve planned for the housing, and yet the housing hasn’t followed,” Roberts said.

Utah has around 190,000 of these entitled units that have been approved but cannot be built because of a lack of infrastructure, he said.

The Draper representative said he is working on legislation to help get infrastructure built and unblock the housing units from starting construction. The plan would be to create a pool of money from funds that already exist in the state and then cities can apply to have some of that money used for infrastructure projects.

“The goal with that legislation is, if we can invest in the infrastructure, we unlock that housing that’s been planned,” said Roberts.

This legislation would help build a partnership between the state and municipalities to help get more housing built. Legislators say they are also trying to get infrastructure built ahead of growth so the state isn’t always having to catch up.

Other housing legislation coming this session

Along with his bill to fund infrastructure, Roberts also has a bill to reorganize how housing policy is handled by the state. HB68 would create a housing division within the governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity that would oversee housing policy so it is no longer scattered in different offices.

Rep. Ray Ward, R-Bountiful, will also be introducing legislation he referred to as the “small lots and starter homes bill.” HB184 would set up a process for people to request to build housing units and starter homes on smaller lots than typically allowed in their city.

Under the legislation, once someone has submitted the request, the city has 30 days to respond. If the city decides not to take action, then it will automatically be allowed.

Another piece of housing legislation that is coming this session is a bill from Rep. Jill Koford, R-Ogden, that would raise the primary residential exemption.

“If we can adjust this rate, this exemption, it will take us back to a place where the buckets are balanced and provide a little bit of relief,” Koford said.

Rep. Candice Pierrucci, R-Herriman, said Tuesday there is also a bill being created that would address accessory dwelling units.

Sen. John Johnson, R-North Ogden, is also looking to sponsor a bill that would put a tax on corporate ownership of single-family homes in an attempt to reduce this corporate ownership.

The general goal for housing policy this legislative session is to create a partnership with the municipalities and encourage them to help their people have better access to housing, lawmakers said.

“People want to be here,” said Waldrip. “It’s a great place to live. We have great people. It’s beautiful. We’re going to continue to grow. We’re going to continue to have the challenges that come with growth.”