Provo Zoning & Permits
Zoning rules, permit requirements, and building codes for Provo, UT. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Quick Facts
Population
115,266
Total Zone Types
20
Planning Department
Provo Community Development Department — Planning
Zoning Map
Interactive online map
County
Utah County
Metro Area
Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem
Provo Zoning System
The Provo zoning system includes 20 total zone classifications: 8 residential zones (R1.6, R1.8, R1.10, R1.20, R2, and others) and 5 commercial zones (SC, GC, CC, NC, and others), as well as 3 mixed-use zones (MU, DT, TA) and 2 industrial zones (LI, GI). Provo zoning is governed by Provo City Code Title 14 (Zoning), administered by the Provo Community Development Department. Provo is the county seat of Utah County and the home of Brigham Young University (BYU), one of the largest private universities in the US. BYU's presence creates a distinctive housing market with very high student rental demand and significant owner-occupied family neighborhoods. Utah Senate Bill 174 (2021) requires all Utah municipalities to allow at least one internal (attached/within) ADU per single-family lot by-right without a conditional use permit. Provo's character is shaped by the intersection of the BYU community, young families, and the broader Utah County tech corridor (Silicon Slopes). The city maintains an interactive zoning map for property lookup.
View Provo Zoning Map (interactive online map)
Building & Planning Departments
The Provo Building Department (Provo Community Development Department — Building) handles all building permit applications, inspections, and code enforcement. You can reach them by phone at (801) 852-6400 or apply online through their permit portal. Office hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm. For zoning questions and land use determinations, contact the Provo Community Development Department — Planning at (801) 852-6400. 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 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 City Code Title 14 — Zoning; Utah SB 174 (2021); Utah HB 572 (2024). Last verified April 6, 2026. View source