Salt Lake City's 'Anti-Strip Mall' Ordinance

Always dismayed by the acres of parking lots in the city's shoppingareas, Salt Lake city Democratic Mayor Rocky Anderson has pushed formore pedestrian-friendly development since he first took office in 2000,and now the City Council is finally ready to pass his so-called"anti-strip mall" ordinance, to enliven streets with walkers.

Under its guidelines, reports Salt Lake Tribune writer Heather May, new commercial development and major expansion projects will be entitled to a speedy permitting process in exchange for placing the buildings near sidewalks, with front street entrances, 40 percent glass at ground level, and parking in the back.