LAYTON—The second “Davis Dinner Discussion,” hosted by the Davis Journal was held just last week, bringing together leaders from all over Davis County. The guest list included realtor Rich Castleberry, Woods Cross City Manager, Bryce Haderlie, Woods Cross City Community Development Director Curtis Poole, Davis County Economic Development Director Kent Andersen, Rep. Ray Ward and his wife Beverly, and Julie Woodward of the Bountiful Soroptimists.

ADUs

Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs were one of the big focuses of the evening, with everyone contributing an opinion either for, against, or with some modifications. Many voices thought that the answer to the housing crisis in Utah, particularly Davis County, lay in making ADUs easier for people to build, and to use, including on smaller lots.

ADUs include things like mother-in-law apartments, basement apartments, and other dwellings that are not intended for primary use by the property owner. While there were concerns that more ADUs would contribute to lower property values, most in attendance agreed that they were a possible tool in a wide range of options to help curb the housing crisis.

Vacation rentals

Another concern that was raised was the purchasing of homes by corporations that turn them into vacation rentals. Though a valuable service, this does eliminate a significant number of homes that could be used for full-time residence. The challenges with vacation rentals are myriad.

Currently, individual cities don’t have a reliable way to regulate the number of vacation rentals within their city limits, which makes it difficult to keep homes available for those who need them as a primary residence. 

Reliable public transit

Another solution that was proposed was reliable public transit. As it is, people are drawn to large cities because that’s where the work is. Living close to work means a shorter commute, less money spent on gas, and more time with family and friends. 

The COVID-19 pandemic opened up the possibilities of remote work, showing that many jobs could be done from home, wherever that home may be. As the pandemic cooled down, many offices required their employees to return to the office, necessitating once again a home close to a place of employment.

If working remotely isn’t an option, a viable solution would be fast and reliable public transit. The bullet trains seen across Europe and Asia, applied to Utah and Davis County would make it possible for people to live in more rural and affordable areas and still commute to a large city for work. Still, that solution would take time and money, although it is still a solution.

Open space

A final concern that was raised was the elimination of open space. States and cities often have protections around wilderness areas, and public parks, but within residential areas, open spaces which contribute to lower temperatures and increased privacy, are disappearing with the construction of new homes. 

The challenge is finding that balance between maintaining open spaces and making sure the supply of housing meets the demand, which in Utah is growing without signs of stopping anytime soon. 

What’s next?

All in attendance agreed that the housing crisis in Utah and Davis County is just that: a crisis, and something, whatever that may be, needs to be done to address it. Income in Utah has not risen commensurately with home prices, and many in the area fear they may be renters forever, instead of homeowners, and they are the lucky ones, with so many without a roof over their heads whatsoever.

On the city, county and state level, things are being done and discussed to help resolve the issue, and not just put a bandage over it, but a lasting permanent solution. 

The next “Davis Dinner Discussion” will address policing in the county, and will be held June 20 at Roosters in Layton. To be part of the discussion and for a complimentary dinner go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/davis-dinner-discussion-community-policing-tickets-919474371597 to sign up.