Utah House Blocks Massive Homeless Shelter Plan

Proposed legislation would prohibit shelters over 300 beds, jeopardizing plans for 1,300-bed campus near Salt Lake City's Northpointe wetlands.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Utah House Republican leaders have introduced legislation that would ban any permanent homeless shelter with more than 300 beds, effectively blocking the state's plan for a centralized, roughly 1,300-bed campus on the Northpointe parcel near Salt Lake City. House Majority Leader Casey Snider framed the bill as payback for what he calls broken promises to protect the Great Salt Lake and conservation easements tied to earlier land deals.

Why it matters

The proposed mega-shelter has faced opposition from environmental groups and advocates for unhoused residents who argue it would chew up wetlands, push out agricultural land, and go against 'Housing First' strategies. The legislative move has rattled both sides, with some seeing it as a step away from a 'punitive model' but others warning it does nothing to add badly needed emergency beds or affordable housing.

The details

House leaders filed H.B. 523, "Homeless Services Land Use Amendments," which would prohibit permanent homeless shelters with a capacity above 300 people. This would effectively block the state's plan for a centralized, roughly 1,300-bed campus on the Northpointe parcel. Snider said the bill is "my response to maybe some inaction I believe was committed to on the long-term sustainability of the Great Salt Lake," arguing that previous land-trade provisions chipped away at conservation easements tied to the area.

  • On Monday, House Majority Leader Casey Snider introduced the legislation.
  • H.B. 523 is now formally filed and posted on the Legislature's website.

The players

Casey Snider

Utah House Majority Leader who introduced the legislation to ban shelters over 300 beds.

Mike Schultz

Utah House Speaker who echoed Snider's concerns about earlier commitments on shelter siting and lake protection not being followed.

Bill Tibbitts

Deputy executive director at Crossroads Urban Center who has flagged issues with the Northpointe site's weak transit access.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

H.B. 523 still needs a committee assignment, public hearings, and floor votes before it can become law, and sponsors can change or pull the bill as negotiations evolve.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between efforts to address homelessness, protect the environment, and balance competing interests in the Salt Lake City area. The legislative move has rattled both sides, raising questions about the future of the Northpointe project and the broader approach to homeless services in the region.