Rocky achieves 'walkable' goal

Mayor Rocky Anderson's much-discussed Walkable Communities Ordinance is finally law in Salt Lake City.

The ordinance requires stores to move their shops out to the sidewalks, have large display windows, doors that are designed for pedestrians and other design requirements.

"This is going to be a far better and more walkable city in the years to come," Anderson said.

The ordinance had languished in city process for more than four years since the mayor proposed it in 2000. The City Council made several revisions, and some wanted the revised ordinance to get further review at another public hearing.

However, a majority of the council on Tuesday said the ordinance had waited long enough and deserved passage.

The ordinance won't be enforced citywide but will be enforced in many business zones throughout the city.

There are exceptions to the design rules, but those often must be approved through lengthy city process.