Can I Build ADU in Salt Lake City, UT? (2026)
Find out if you can build a adu in Salt Lake City, UT. Rules, permit requirements, costs, and next steps.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Salt Lake City, UT. California state law ensures by-right approval.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary housing unit on a residential lot — also called a granny flat, in-law suite, or backyard cottage. In Salt Lake City, UT, ADUs are permitted by right under state law, making them one of the most accessible ways to add housing on your property. ADUs can be detached, attached to the main home, or created by converting an existing garage or accessory structure.
ADU Rules in Salt Lake City
ADU Rules in Salt Lake City: Detached ADU max size: 1000 sq ft. Attached ADU max size: No maximum gross floor area. Setbacks: 3 ft side, 3 ft rear. Owner-occupancy: The owner of the property, as defined in this section, shall reside on the property. For the purposes of this title, "owner occupant" shall mean the following: 1. An individual who is listed on a recorded deed as an owner of the property; 2. Any person who is related by blood, marriage, adoption to an individual who is listed on recorded deed as an owner of the property; or 3. An individual who is a trustor of a family trust who possesses legal ownership of the property. 4. Exceptions: a. Owner occupancy is not required for an ADU located on a property with a principal use as a duplex, multi-family dwelling, or non-residential land use. A single-family dwelling with an attached ADU does not constitute a duplex; b. The owner has a bona fide, temporary absence of 3 years or less for activities such as military service, temporary job assignments, sabbaticals, or voluntary service (indefinite periods of absence from the dwelling shall not qualify for this exception); or c. The owner is placed in a hospital, nursing home, assisted living facility or other similar facility that provides regular medical care, excluding retirement living facilities or communities..
Costs & Fees
ADU permits in Salt Lake City: Contact the local building department for current fee schedule.
Next Steps
Next steps for building an ADU in Salt Lake City: 1. Review full ADU rules including size limits, setbacks, and parking. 2. Apply for an ADU permit through the local building department. 3. Hire a licensed contractor familiar with UT ADU requirements.
Salt Lake City Building Services
Phone: See official source
Website: https://www.slc.gov/building/
Online Permits: https://www.slc.gov/building/permits/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Salt Lake City?
Yes. Utah Senate Bill 174 (effective May 2021) requires Salt Lake City to allow internal ADUs by-right on all single-family lots. Salt Lake City's local code also allows detached ADUs in most residential zones. ADUs are limited to 1,000 sqft. No owner-occupancy requirement applies. Internal ADUs qualify for ministerial approval (no discretionary review) per state law.
What does Utah SB 174 require for ADUs?
Utah SB 174 (2021) requires all Utah municipalities to allow at least one internal ADU (within or attached to the primary dwelling) by-right on all single-family lots. Key protections: municipalities cannot require a conditional use permit for internal ADUs, cannot require owner-occupancy, and must approve code-compliant internal ADU applications ministerially. Salt Lake City also allows detached ADUs under local code.
Does Salt Lake City require a permit for short-term rentals?
Yes. Salt Lake City requires a Short-Term Rental License ($110/year) for all Airbnb-style rentals. The license number must be displayed on listings. Properties must meet housing and fire codes. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit applicable Utah and Salt Lake County taxes on behalf of hosts.
What are the setbacks in an R-1-5000 zone in Salt Lake City?
In an R-1-5000 zone (minimum 5,000 sqft lot single-family), the setbacks are: 15 ft front, 5 ft each side, and 15 ft rear. ADUs must maintain 5 ft side and 10 ft rear setbacks for detached structures. Always verify specific parcel setbacks with the Salt Lake City Division of Planning.
Are solar panels required on new homes in Salt Lake City?
No. Utah does not have a residential solar mandate. Solar is voluntary in Salt Lake City. Rocky Mountain Power (the local utility) offers net metering for solar installations. HOAs have limited ability to prohibit solar under Utah Code Section 57-8a-404.
Source: Salt Lake City Building Services — Building Regulations. Last verified April 5, 2026. View source