LOCAL NEWS

Utah lawmaker says bigger steps needed to tackle housing crisis

Oct 16, 2024, 5:18 PM | Updated: 6:53 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — A Republican member of the Utah House of Representatives said he doesn’t think recent housing bills are making any meaningful impact on a difficult market for homebuyers.

Rep. Ray Ward, R-Bountiful, told KSL TV on Wednesday that multiple pieces of legislation passed over the last few years, which have been celebrated by Gov. Spencer Cox and other leaders, have not gotten it right yet.

“They certainly have not brought down the average cost of housing so far,” Ward said.

Rep. Ward speaking about his proposal during Wednesday's meeting.

Rep. Ward speaking about his proposal during Wednesday’s meeting. (Winston Armani, KSL TV)

The statewide median home price in Utah, which includes condos, townhomes, and single-family dwellings, is $508,000, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.

So, Ward is pushing the idea of taking away some of the power of cities and towns to say no.

“We know that smaller homes cost less than larger homes,” Ward said. “We know that smaller lots cost less than larger lots.”

The lawmaker wants to require cities in urban areas to allow new homes on any lot size, and make it easier to build accessory dwelling units inside a home or on the property.

The latter part didn’t sit well with Rep. Jim Dunnigan, R-Taylorsville, during Wednesday’s meeting of the Political Subdivisions Interim Committee, where Ward’s proposal was heard.

“I think that just destroys my subdivision,” Dunnigan said of allowing new accessory units to be built in existing neighborhoods. “I just do not want my neighbor to build another home in his front yard or right next to my backyard when that’s not what I bought when I moved in there.”

Rep, Dunnigan expressing his concerns about the proposal during Wednesday's meeting. (Rep. Ward speaking about his proposal during Wednesday's meeting.

Rep. Dunnigan expressing his concerns about the proposal during Wednesday’s meeting. (Winston Armani, KSL TV)

The proposal is also likely to run into opposition from the Utah League of Cities and Towns.

“Generally speaking, we oppose legislation that preempts the authority of local governments to plan and zone their communities,” said executive director Cameron Diehl, while noting the League had not yet formally taken a position on Ward’s proposal.

Diehl also said it’s unfair to say that past housing legislation hasn’t worked.

“We’ve passed a lot in the last few years, and we’re just now starting to see the fruits of those labors,” Diehl said.

Diehl speaking to KSL TV's Daniel Woodruff about Ward's proposal

Diehl speaking to KSL TV’s Daniel Woodruff about Ward’s proposal. (Winston Armani, KSL TV)

He added that cities are willing to build housing.

“There are a lot of housing units that are planned for right now but are not being built,” he said. “In many cases, the reason they’re not getting built is because of how expensive it is to build the infrastructure.”

Ward said he’ll work on this proposal and introduce it in the next session, which starts in January. He knows it’s a heavy lift, but he thinks it’s worth doing something big.

“The problem has gotten worse, not better,” he said.

Utah lawmakers at the Political Subdivisions Interim Committee on Wednesday.

Utah lawmakers at the Political Subdivisions Interim Committee on Wednesday. (Winston Armani, KSL TV)

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

KSL’s Matt Gephardt blends cream, milk and sugar to make ice cream. The cost of his homemade ice ...

Matt Gephardt

Gephardt Gets It: We made five often used foods on our own. Here’s where we saved money on our groceries

Groceries have gotten pricey. But by making some of your own food, you can cut costs by over 30%.

9 hours ago

A Provo City banner pictured Oct. 2024. (Mark Less, KSL TV)...

Brian Carlson

Provo proposing water rate hike, city council to vote Tuesday

An upcoming vote could force Provo homeowners to pay more for water. The city council plans to vote Tuesday on a proposal to increase water rates across the board and penalize those who use the most.

10 hours ago

Police give update to large protest downtown over the weekend that led to a minor confrontation dur...

Darby Sparks

Salt Lake Police respond to weekend protest, vehicle vs pedestrian incident

Police give update to large protest downtown over the weekend that led to a minor confrontation during a march that blocked traffic.

11 hours ago

The Utah State Capitol is pictured in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025....

Annie Knox, Andrew Adams and Courtney Johns, KSL TV

Lawmakers are considering major changes to Utah’s open records law

A First Amendment attorney tells KSL the moves are a “multi-front assault on the public’s right to know,” but a lawmaker says change is needed.

11 hours ago

SpaceX launched 23 Starlink satellites from California on Feb. 10, 2025. They could be seen from so...

Carlysle Price

SpaceX launch seen soaring across southern Utah

Some Utah residents caught quite a sight Monday when SpaceX launched 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit.

12 hours ago

JaDee Moncur died in a plane crash Thursday. (Moncur family)...

Mike Anderson

Man with Utah ties is among 10 who died in Alaskan plane crash

Family and friends are remembering an Alaska man who lived in Utah for several years, and who died in a commuter plane crash Thursday.

12 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Utah lawmaker says bigger steps needed to tackle housing crisis