Office Relocation In SSL: TRAX, S‑Line and Parking

Thinking about moving your office in South Salt Lake and worried about TRAX, the S‑Line and parking? You’re not alone. For small firms and startups, commute access and parking can make or break a lease and your team’s day‑to‑day experience. In this guide, you’ll learn how to pick the right location near TRAX or the S‑Line, set the right parking ratio, and stage a phased move with minimal downtime. Let’s dive in.

Why SSL transit access matters

South Salt Lake is served by Utah Transit Authority’s TRAX light rail and the S‑Line streetcar. The S‑Line links Sugar House to the TRAX network, and major TRAX stations in or near South Salt Lake, such as Central Pointe, provide transfer points. You get direct access to downtown Salt Lake City and other job centers, which helps recruiting and reduces parking pressure.

Peak-hour TRAX frequency makes transit a viable commute option if your office sits within a short walk of a station. Before you lock in a site, confirm current maps, stops and schedules directly with UTA. Routes and frequencies can change over time.

Choose the right site near TRAX or S‑Line

Focus your search on properties within a 5–10 minute walk of a station, roughly 0.25–0.5 mile. Shorter walks under 5 minutes typically drive higher transit use. Measure actual walking routes, not just straight‑line distance.

Evaluate the walk quality. Look for continuous sidewalks, marked crosswalks, lighting, and shelter at stops. If the walk crosses a busy arterial, signalized or grade‑separated crossings are much more comfortable for staff.

Check first‑ and last‑mile features. Bike lanes, secure bike parking, and micromobility parking make transit more attractive. Safe ridehail or short‑term drop‑off zones also help.

Confirm building features that support commuters. Elevator access, lobby placement on the street, after‑hours security, showers or lockers, and on‑site bike storage all improve the experience for people who walk, bike or ride transit.

Review parking and loading logistics. Make sure there is realistic on‑site parking, loading docks for move‑in and deliveries, and nearby curb space for short‑term loading.

Verify zoning and TOD overlays with South Salt Lake. Zoning can affect allowed office uses, signage, and parking minimums or reductions near stations.

Set a right‑sized parking plan

Typical suburban office demand lands around 3.0–4.0 spaces per 1,000 square feet, based on common industry references like ITE Parking Generation. Near transit or in station‑area locations, many teams successfully target 1.0–2.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet when employees use TRAX, the S‑Line, or bikes.

If your team has flexible or hybrid schedules, you can often plan for lower ratios and avoid paying for underused stalls. Shared solutions like co‑working, unbundled paid parking, or time‑limited visitor spaces keep costs in check.

Calculate your target ratio

Start with your expected headcount and in‑office rate. For example, 25 employees with 80 percent in the office equals 20 people on site at peak.

Estimate commute split. If you are near a TRAX or S‑Line stop and offer transit or bike incentives, a 30–50 percent transit/bike/walk share is a reasonable planning range.

Run the math. If 20 employees are on site and 60 percent drive, you need about 12 spaces. In a 5,000 square foot suite, that equals 2.4 spaces per 1,000 square feet.

Add a buffer for clients and meeting days. You can either hold 10–15 percent extra on site or secure nearby visitor parking you can use on peak days.

Local checks before you sign

Confirm South Salt Lake parking rules. Ask about minimums, maximums, and any transit‑area or mixed‑use reductions for your specific property.

Verify ADA and loading requirements. Accessible stalls, van‑accessible spaces, and loading bays are typically separate from general parking ratios and must be met.

If you need curb changes, coordinate early. Temporary no‑parking zones, reserved loading, or any changes on streets require permits with South Salt Lake Public Works. If near transit stops, you may also need to coordinate with UTA.

For redevelopment or a change of use, ask if a parking study, shared‑parking agreement, or conditional‑use permit is required by the city.

Strategies to reduce demand and cost

• Offer commute benefits. Transit pass subsidies, pre‑tax benefits, guaranteed‑ride‑home and bike stipends increase non‑drive commutes.
• Use shared parking. Negotiate shared use with neighbors whose peak times do not match yours.
• Unbundle parking. Let employees opt into parking for a fee rather than rolling it into rent.
• Invest in active modes. Provide secure bike storage, lockers and showers. Consider corporate micromobility accounts.
• Embrace flexibility. Staggered schedules and hot‑desking reduce peak parking needs.

Plan a smooth, phased move

A phased move helps you maintain client service, keep staff safe, and minimize downtime for IT and phones. Use the timeline below as a checklist.

10–12 weeks out

• Confirm your current lease end and new lease start. Get building move‑in rules and access hours.
• Order internet and telecom early. Fiber lead times can be several weeks.
• Launch employee communications. Share the high‑level timeline, parking expectations and transit options.
• Engage movers and IT vendors. Request site surveys and quotes.

6–8 weeks out

• Finalize floor plans, furniture placement and storage needs.
• Reserve elevator and loading dock times with the landlord. Coordinate any city permits for curb access if needed.
• Apply for temporary parking, loading zone or street closure permits.
• Test network connectivity. If possible, get temporary service to reduce cutover risk.

2–4 weeks out

• Distribute a detailed move schedule. Include where to park, entry procedures and who to call.

• Label equipment and map workstations.

• Update addresses with USPS, vendors and clients.

• Confirm no‑impact windows for critical systems. Plan overnight cutovers if required.

Move week and day‑of

• Stagger departments or use a weekend move to stay operational.
• Provide temporary support for reception and meetings.
• Post and enforce parking and loading signage for movers.
• Test phones and internet immediately. Keep IT on site for quick fixes.

1–2 weeks after

• Gather employee feedback on commute and parking. Adjust permits or remote days if needed.
• Finish signage, wayfinding and exterior tenant improvements.
• Close out any post‑move permits or occupancy inspections with the city.

Operations tactics to minimize disruption

• Use a small swing space or satellite workroom if you must move during business hours.
• Reserve off‑site parking and run a shuttle for move day if on‑site stalls are tight.
• Share simple commute guidance. Include the nearest TRAX or S‑Line stops, bike routes, and ridehail zones.
• Assign one move‑day contact so staff and vendors have a single point of help.

Amenities and recruiting in SSL

Walkable amenities help with hiring and retention. Look for nearby coffee and lunch options, after‑work spots, fitness and wellness services, and flexible meeting spaces. Day‑to‑day needs like childcare, grocery and health services close to the office reduce friction for your team.

Leverage transit access in your job postings. Highlight commute times to downtown and universities via TRAX and the S‑Line, and call out your bike storage or shower facilities. Proximity to Sugar House via the S‑Line and to downtown via TRAX gives your team after‑work choices without a long drive.

To understand neighborhood fit, review local business directories and events, map out restaurants and services, and use UTA’s trip planning tools to compare door‑to‑door commute options from key residential areas.

Questions to ask early

Ask the landlord or property manager

• How many parking stalls are assigned, and are they reserved, shared or first‑come? Where are they located?
• What are the loading dock and elevator reservation rules and any related costs?
• What security and after‑hours access protocols are in place?
• What telecom infrastructure exists, and which carriers serve the building?
• Are there any planned changes to parking, loading or curb access during the lease term?

Ask South Salt Lake City

• What are the parking minimums or maximums for this site, and do TOD reductions apply?
• What permits are required for temporary no‑parking zones, curb use or building signage during move‑in?
• Are there any sidewalk encroachment or block‑party rules that could affect move staging?

Ask UTA or regional partners

• What employer transit programs or bulk pass options are available?
• What is the current schedule and frequency at the closest TRAX or S‑Line stops, and are any route changes planned?
• What materials can we include in onboarding to help staff use transit from day one?

Next steps checklist

1. Map nearby TRAX and S‑Line stops for each candidate site and measure real walking routes.
2. Request a signed parking allocation from the landlord and any historical utilization data.
3. Model low, medium and high demand scenarios using headcount × in‑office rate × drive rate. Plan a visitor buffer or shared options.
4. Confirm zoning, TOD rules and permit needs with South Salt Lake Planning before you sign.
5. Bake the phased move plan into your lease negotiation, including elevator access, move‑in fees and signage approvals.

Work with a local advisor

If you want a location strategy that balances transit access, right‑sized parking and a smooth move, you do not have to navigate it alone. Dan Rip Commercial Real Estate pairs senior‑level advisory with hands‑on execution across Salt Lake County. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your move plan and shortlist.

FAQs

How close should our South Salt Lake office be to TRAX or the S‑Line?

• Aim for a 5–10 minute walk, roughly 0.25–0.5 mile, with shorter walks under 5 minutes driving the highest transit use.

How many parking spaces should a small SSL office plan for?

• Start with headcount × in‑office rate × expected drive rate; many transit‑area offices target 1.0–2.5 spaces per 1,000 sq ft, while car‑dependent sites often need 3–4 per 1,000.

Can we rely on shared or on‑street parking in SSL?

• Possibly, but verify counts, neighboring peak schedules and city enforcement, and secure any shared‑parking agreements in writing.

Who enforces temporary curb and loading zones during our move?

• South Salt Lake Public Works or parking enforcement typically manages curb zones, so coordinate early for permits and signage.

Should our team offer transit passes to reduce parking demand?

• Yes, transit subsidies and related commute benefits materially increase transit use and can lower your on‑site parking needs.