Ogden Zoning & Permits
Zoning rules, permit requirements, and building codes for Ogden, UT. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Quick Facts
Population
87,321
Total Zone Types
22
Planning Department
Ogden Community and Economic Development — Planning
Zoning Map
Interactive online map
County
Weber County
Metro Area
Ogden-Clearfield
Ogden Zoning System
The Ogden zoning system includes 22 total zone classifications: 8 residential zones (R-1-6, R-1-7, R-1-8, R-1-9, R-2, and others) and 5 commercial zones (C-1, C-2, C-3, CBD, and others), as well as 2 mixed-use zones (MU-1, MU-2) and 2 industrial zones (M-1, M-2). Ogden zoning is governed by Ogden City Code Chapter 29 (Zoning), administered by the Ogden Community and Economic Development Department. Ogden is the county seat of Weber County and is located approximately 30 miles north of Salt Lake City, in the northern Wasatch Front corridor. The city was historically an important railroad hub and industrial city — the transcontinental railroad joined at Promontory Summit, about 30 miles west of Ogden. Today Ogden is an outdoor recreation hub (Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, Nordic Valley ski resorts are nearby) and is experiencing economic revitalization. Utah SB 174 (2021) requires Ogden to allow at least one internal ADU per single-family lot by-right. Ogden's housing market is more affordable than Salt Lake City and attracts outdoor enthusiasts and young families. The city maintains an interactive zoning map for property lookup.
View Ogden Zoning Map (interactive online map)
Building & Planning Departments
The Ogden Building Department (Ogden Community and Economic Development — Building) handles all building permit applications, inspections, and code enforcement. You can reach them by phone at (801) 629-8930 or apply online through their permit portal. Office hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm. For zoning questions and land use determinations, contact the Ogden Community and Economic Development — Planning at (801) 629-8930. Zoning information is available online. Always verify current requirements directly with the department before beginning any project, as regulations and fees may have changed since this data was last verified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU on my Ogden property?
Yes. Utah SB 174 (2021) requires Ogden to allow internal ADUs by-right without a conditional use permit. Detached ADUs are also permitted in most residential zones with a building permit. ADUs are limited to 1,000 sqft. No owner-occupancy requirement for the ADU permit itself. Contact Ogden Community and Economic Development for zone-specific requirements.
How does Ogden differ from Salt Lake City and Provo?
Ogden is in Weber County, about 30 miles north of Salt Lake City. It has a distinct identity as a former railroad hub and manufacturing city that has reinvented itself as an outdoor recreation gateway. Ogden has better access to world-class skiing (Snowbasin, Powder Mountain) than Salt Lake City. Housing is generally more affordable than SLC. The Ogden-Clearfield metro includes Hill Air Force Base, Utah's largest single-site employer. Provo is in Utah County to the south and is shaped by BYU — quite different from Ogden.
What ski resorts are near Ogden?
Ogden has excellent ski resort access: Snowbasin Resort (30 min, host of 2002 Olympic downhill), Powder Mountain (40 min, largest ski area in the US by acreage), and Nordic Valley (30 min). This outdoor recreation access is a major driver of Ogden's growth and short-term rental market. Ogden can be a more affordable base than Salt Lake City for ski season renters.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Ogden?
Yes. Short-term rentals are allowed in Ogden with a permit ($125/year). Ogden's outdoor recreation proximity makes it a growing STR market for ski season and summer adventure tourism. Utah Transient Room Tax applies to all STR rentals. Permit number must be displayed in all listings.
What is the significance of Ogden's railroad history for current development?
Ogden was the junction point of the First Transcontinental Railroad (completed 1869). The city grew rapidly as a railroad hub — much of the historic building stock in the 25th Street area dates to the 1880s-1920s. This history created a walkable downtown with historic commercial buildings. Today, Ogden's Union Station (1924) is a landmark and houses several museums. The railroad heritage creates unique historic preservation considerations for development — the Historic 25th Street District is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Source: Ogden City Code Chapter 29 — Zoning; Utah SB 174 (2021). Last verified April 6, 2026. View source