Can I Build Second Story Addition in Salt Lake City, UT? (2026)
Find out if you can build a second story addition in Salt Lake City, UT. Rules, permit requirements, costs, and next steps.
Adding a second story in Salt Lake City, 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 Salt Lake City, 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 Salt Lake City, zone height limits range from 28 feet in R-1-12000 zones — verify your zone before planning.
Second Story Addition Rules in Salt Lake City
Second Story Addition Rules in Salt Lake City: Building permit required: Yes — all second story additions require a permit. Permit thresholds: All structural additions require permit. Example height limit (R-1-12000): 28 feet, max 2 stories. Structural engineering drawings required. Setbacks apply to the full structure height. Full structural addition requires building permit with architectural plans. SLC Building Services processes.
Costs & Fees
Second story addition permit fees in Salt Lake City: Valuation-based — typically $1,500-$7,000. Note: structural engineering fees ($2,000–$10,000+) are separate from permit fees.
Timeline
Plan check: 4-8 weeks. Construction typically 3-6 months for a full second story.
Next Steps
Next steps for adding a second story in Salt Lake City: 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 Salt Lake City Building Services. 4. Inspections required at foundation reinforcement, framing, shear panels, and final.
Salt Lake City Building Services
Phone: (801) 535-6000
Website: https://www.slc.gov/building-services/
Online Permits: https://www.slc.gov/building-services/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