Salt Lake City leaders put moratorium on demolitions in two neighborhoods

SALT LAKE CITY (Deseret News) — Looking to stem what they see as a deluge of buildings being torn down in historical neighborhoods in recent years, city leaders have placed a six-month moratorium on demolitions in two east-side neighborhoods.

Tuesday's decision from the Salt Lake City Council bans demolitions and places restrictions on remodels in both the Yalecrest neighborhood and the Westmoreland Place subdivision.

"This is a topic that has been on the lips of all the folks who have been in this area for many years," said Council Chairman JT Martin.

Council members hope to have a citywide historical preservation plan in place before the moratorium ends. They were concerned the upcoming construction season would bring another round of demolitions for historical homes.

The temporary ordinance allows for the demolition of dilapidated buildings with approval from city officials. Remodels would have to abide by the standards of the historical overlay district.

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