Can I Build Second Story Addition in Provo, UT? (2026)
Find out if you can build a second story addition in Provo, UT. Rules, permit requirements, costs, and next steps.
Adding a second story in Provo, UT is possible in most zones, subject to height limits and structural permit requirements.
A second story addition is one of the most complex home improvement projects in Provo, UT. It requires a full building permit, structural engineering review, and must comply with the height limits for your zoning district. Unlike a ground-floor addition, a second story changes the roofline and structural load path of your entire home, triggering stricter engineering requirements. In Provo, zone height limits range from varies feet in R1.6 zones — verify your zone before planning.
Second Story Addition Rules in Provo
Second Story Addition Rules in Provo: Building permit required: Yes — all second story additions require a permit. Example height limit (R1.6): varies feet. Structural engineering drawings required. Setbacks apply to the full structure height.
Costs & Fees
Contact the local building department for current permit fees. Budget separately for structural engineering.
Next Steps
Next steps for adding a second story in Provo: 1. Hire a structural engineer to assess your existing foundation and framing capacity. 2. Confirm your zone height limit and verify the addition meets all setback requirements. 3. Submit full structural plans and permit application to the local building department. 4. Inspections required at foundation reinforcement, framing, shear panels, and final.
Provo Community Development Department — Building
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU on my Provo property?
Yes. Utah SB 174 (2021) requires Provo to allow internal ADUs by-right without a conditional use permit. Detached ADUs are also allowed in most residential zones with a building permit. ADUs are limited to 1,000 sqft. There is no owner-occupancy requirement for ADU approval. Near BYU, ADUs are in high rental demand from students. Contact Provo Community Development for zone-specific requirements.
How does BYU's presence affect Provo housing?
BYU's approximately 33,000 students create extraordinary rental demand in Provo. Properties near BYU (within walking distance of campus) command premium rents. BYU has its own off-campus housing standards — properties marketed to BYU students are expected to uphold BYU's Honor Code standards. However, the City of Provo's zoning and ADU rules apply to all properties regardless of tenant affiliation. Many investors buy Provo properties specifically for BYU student rental income.
What are the ADU rules near BYU campus?
ADU rules near BYU are governed by Provo City Code Title 14 — not by BYU. The city's R1.6 and R2 zones near campus follow standard ADU rules: internal ADUs allowed by-right per Utah SB 174, detached ADUs with permit. However, parking near campus is scarce — if your zone allows an ADU parking waiver near transit, you may face challenges with BYU student tenants who need cars. BYU's housing list requires off-campus housing to meet certain standards for listing.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Provo?
Yes. Short-term rentals are allowed with a license ($150/year). License number must be displayed in all listings. Owner-occupancy requirements may apply in residential zones — verify with Provo Community Development. Utah Transient Room Tax applies. The BYU-area rental market is primarily long-term student rentals — STR competition is less intense than in tourist-oriented Utah markets (Park City, St. George).
Is Provo in Salt Lake County?
No. Provo is in Utah County, not Salt Lake County. Provo is the county seat of Utah County. Salt Lake City is in Salt Lake County (to the north). The two counties are separate jurisdictions with different governments. The broader metropolitan area (Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem MSA) spans both counties. Utah County has grown rapidly due to the Silicon Slopes tech corridor and BYU's presence.
Source: Provo Community Development Department — Building — Building Regulations. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source