Draper City Council Study Session and Meeting Summary – June 2, 2026

The Draper City Council held a study session and regular meeting on June 2, 2026, beginning at approximately 12:45 PM. The study session focused on proposed short-term rental regulations and zoning code updates, including affordable housing incentives. The regular meeting included multiple public hearings on the FY 2026-27 tentative budget, water rates, officer compensation, and a budget amendment, followed by votes on resolutions. Council also discussed parking enforcement in the South Mountain area and an America 250 celebration.

Consent Calendar

• Meeting Minutes: The council unanimously approved the May 19, 2026, city council meeting minutes (4-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Budget / Tax Increase: Several residents spoke on the proposed 25% property tax increase. Reed Gibby (667 Vandalay Lane) expressed support, noting Draper has not raised taxes in a long time and that the increase is a small portion of total property taxes. Tyler Ashby (116 East, 1320 South) supported the increase but questioned how much would go to planning and developer accountability. Penny Rasmussen (12827 South 300 East) criticized development practices and city management, expressing frustration with delays and favoritism. Terry Rasmussen (12827 South 300 East) called the 25% jump “ridiculous” and questioned why new development does not offset costs. Dan Portwood (1411 South Wand) supported the increase, stating Draper is a premium city worth a small extra cost. Jared Harper (12811 South Whisper Ridge Road) strongly opposed, arguing the city should cut spending on wants versus needs and that the $2.9 million FEMA reimbursement for the 2023 storm could offset the tax increase. Another unidentified resident also opposed, citing high state taxes and unnecessary spending such as dual fireworks/drone shows during Draper Days.
• Water Rates: Terry Rasmussen noted his water bill has risen drastically from $6/month for 1.5 acres to nearly $400/month for half an acre. Tyler Ashby asked whether developer practices and east Jordan canal costs factor into the increase.
• Budget Amendment: Reed Gibby supported new traffic signals at 138th South & 300 East and Rambling Road & Highland Drive. Jared Harper opposed the $710,000 beautification project, arguing the city does not maintain existing infrastructure. Tyler Ashby opposed the stormwater fund increase, stating the planning department failed to hold developers accountable for stormwater compliance. Penny Rasmussen urged focusing on existing beautification (garbage cleanup, tree-trimmed sidewalks) rather than new projects. Another resident questioned whether the developer of a new Smith’s Marketplace would help pay for the traffic signal at 138th South & 300 East; a council member clarified the city is funding that signal because the intersection is already failing.
• Short-Term Rentals: During the study session, one council member shared an anecdote about an 80% occupancy rate for a party at an Airbnb where 25 juveniles were cited, and asked the kids whether they would like such a party in their neighborhood—all said no.
• America 250: Council Member Johnson expressed interest in hosting a neighborhood potluck at Oquirth Rec Center and asked for help contacting the county.

Discussion Items

• Study Session – Short-Term Rentals: The council reviewed proposed regulations allowing short-term rentals (STRs) in all residential districts, with conditions: one STR per residential unit, minimum 3-night stay, maximum 29 consecutive nights; occupancy based on 2 per bedroom/sleeping area (min. 70 sq ft) plus 50 sq ft per additional person; parking: 2 off-street spaces + 0.5 per bedroom over 2 (rounded up); no STRs in tents, RVs, or current long-term rentals; no commercial events (e.g., weddings, ragers). A 24/7 urgent response hotline is required, with an on-site contact available within 30 minutes. Noise ordinance compliance is required. Good neighbor guidelines must be posted inside the unit; some council members discussed posting the hotline number on the exterior. Fire extinguishers, CO detectors, and annual sprinkler inspections (if applicable) are required. The business license fee is $80 + $7 per employee. Staff was directed to work with legal on escalating penalties: first offense as infraction, second as Class C misdemeanor (up to $700), third as Class B. A minimum rental age of 21 was proposed.
• Study Session – Zoning Subdivision Update: Staff proposed splitting the “mixed residential” zone into two: Mixed Residential One (single-family, twin homes, cottage courts on individual lots; minimum lot size 6,000 sq ft, cottage court common area 20,000 sq ft) and Mixed Residential Two (duplexes, 3-4 unit buildings, townhomes). Sample calculations showed theoretical densities: for a 4-acre site in Mixed Residential One, up to 29 single-family, 43 twin homes, or 62 cottage court units (though actual buildable numbers likely lower due to roads, open space). For a 1-acre site in Mixed Residential Two, up to 10 duplex, 12-16 triplex/quadplex, or 21 townhome units. Council expressed concern that without binding standards, a developer could achieve high density with no green space; staff confirmed design standards will be developed. Council also discussed permitted parking, private lanes, and trash issues in townhome developments.
• Study Session – Affordable Housing Incentives: Staff presented optional density bonuses tied to one of four conditions: (1) at least 60% of units owner-occupied for at least 5 years; (2) 25% of units affordable (at or below 80% AMI for rent, or 120% for sale); (3) 25% of units under 1,600 sq ft; (4) first-time buyers get 30 days first pick. Council expressed strong preference for owner-occupancy requirements, with council members favoring 85% owner-occupied for 30+ years. Some suggested 25% affordable might discourage owner-occupancy choice. Staff will gather input from developers (Ivory, Edge, Walks Residential) before bringing back final recommendations. Mayor noted that subsidies are the only proven way to achieve affordability and that delay adds carrying costs.
• Regular Meeting – Traffic Committee / Parking on No-Parking Streets (South Mountain): Council discussed signs prohibiting parking on one side of narrow streets (e.g., Molasses Mill, Adobe School Drive) that were installed three years ago but are not being enforced. Police have been asked not to enforce because there is nowhere for cars to go. Council debated three options: enforce the signs, remove the signs, or leave signs unenforced (“free-for-all”). Some council members supported enforcement, noting safety hazards (school buses, emergency vehicles, student pedestrians). Others said enforcement pushes cars onto surrounding streets and creates multiple issues; one suggested the real solution is cracking down on illegal subdivisions. Council directed staff to explore a permit parking system and to bring options back to the traffic committee.
• Budget Discussion / Mayor’s Remarks: Mayor and council members explained the need for the 25% property tax increase, citing rising costs for public safety (fire trucks now $2M, police cars $75k), infrastructure (asphalt, stormwater boxes up over 100%), and the need to maintain Draper’s high fire rating (ISO 2) and lower insurance costs. The mayor noted the city’s sales tax collection ($22.4M) is a heavy lifter but covers operations, while property tax ($10.1M) is also needed; 25% increase adds $2.7M, but the city still draws $3.6M from fund balance. All department heads were asked to cut 5% except public safety. The mayor highlighted the joint SWAT team’s success in stopping a multi-state bank robbery ring and seizing fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.
• Council Comments: Council members thanked the public for input, noted the value of truth-in-taxation hearings, and acknowledged sidewalk and tree-trimming issues raised by residents.

Key Outcomes

• Short-Term Rentals: Staff directed to finalize draft regulations, including: a minimum rental age of 21; escalating penalties (infraction → Class C misdemeanor); posting of urgent response number on exterior of units; and language explicitly banning commercial events (e.g., weddings). The draft will be brought back for council vote next week.
• Zoning / Affordable Housing: Council directed staff to increase owner-occupancy requirement from 60% to 85% and extend deed restriction from 5 years to 30+ years. Staff will obtain developer feedback before returning with final density bonus standards.
• FY 2026-27 Interim Budget – Public Hearing Held: No vote taken; adoption scheduled for next meeting.
• Water Rate Public Hearing Held: No vote taken; adoption scheduled for next meeting; a separate public hearing for the water district rate increase will be held in August.
• Statutory Officer Compensation Public Hearing Held: No vote.
• Executive Officer Compensation Public Hearing Held: No vote.
• Resolution 26-25 (Budget Amendment) Approved (4-0): Amends the current FY 2025-26 budget to fund various capital projects, equipment, and emergency repairs (signal at 138th & 300 East, pump station repairs, public safety vehicles, beautification projects, etc.), using $2.9M FEMA reimbursement as funding source. Amended to specify the traffic signal at 13800 So. & 300 East will be funded from BNC road funds.
• Resolution 26-26 (Authorized PTA Investment Fund Signatories) Approved (4-0).
• Resolution 26-27 (Truth-in-Taxation Hearing Date) Approved (4-0): Sets August 12, 2026, for the truth-in-taxation hearing on the proposed property tax rate increase.
• CRA Interim Budget Public Hearing Held: No action taken; approval scheduled for next meeting.
• Parking Enforcement (South Mountain): Staff directed to explore a permit parking system and bring findings to the traffic committee; enforcement of no-parking signs along streets with alleyways remains paused in the interim.
• America 250: Council Member Johnson to coordinate with staff to secure a park permit for a neighborhood potluck; city will continue to host 8 registered potlucks at Draper parks on July 9 (5–7 PM) with volunteer hosts, Coke floats, and rocket pops.