Can I Build Tiny Home in Salt Lake City, UT? (2026)
Find out if you can build a tiny home in Salt Lake City, UT. Rules, permit requirements, costs, and next steps.
Whether foundation-based tiny homes are permitted in Salt Lake City, UT has not been confirmed. Whether tiny homes on wheels are permitted has not been confirmed — see official source.
A tiny home is a small dwelling unit — typically under 400 sq ft — that can be built on a permanent foundation or on wheels. In Salt Lake City, UT, the rules differ significantly depending on whether the structure is on a permanent foundation (treated as a dwelling unit under building code) or on wheels (treated as a recreational vehicle under vehicle code). Tiny homes on permanent foundations must comply with local building codes in Salt Lake City.
Tiny Home Rules in Salt Lake City
Tiny Home Rules in Salt Lake City: Foundation-based tiny homes: Permit status not confirmed — see official source. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs): Permit status not confirmed — see official source.
Costs & Fees
Building permit fees for tiny homes in Salt Lake City follow the same schedule as other new construction. Contact the local building department through their official website for current fee information.
Next Steps
Next steps for building a tiny home in Salt Lake City: 1. Determine foundation vs. wheeled — the rules are fundamentally different. 2. For foundation tiny homes, obtain a building permit from the local building department. 3. For wheeled tiny homes, verify whether your property allows RV siting. 4. Check if your tiny home could qualify as an ADU on your property.
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