ADU Rules in Provo, UT (2026)
ADU rules, permit requirements, size limits, and fees for Provo, UT. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Provo, UT.
Provo, UT permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on residential properties. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. State and local law actively preempts local restrictions, making ADU approval a streamlined ministerial process. In Provo, the Provo Community Development Department — Building handles ADU permit applications. Below you will find the current size limits, setbacks, fees, and timeline for building an ADU in Provo.
ADU Size Limits
ADU Size Limits in Provo: Detached ADU: up to 1000 sq ft (max height: 25 feet). Attached ADU: Up to 50% of primary dwelling floor area, not to exceed 1,000 sqft. Provo City Code Title 14 limits ADUs to 1,000 sqft maximum. Utah does not use the JADU designation from California law. Internal ADUs (attached/within dwelling) permitted by-right under SB 174. Detached ADUs permitted in most residential zones with building permit. Near BYU, many properties are multi-unit rentals — verify current zone and applicable standards.
| Type | Max Size | Max Height |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | 1000 sq ft | 25 feet |
| Attached ADU | Up to 50% of primary dwelling floor area, not to exceed 1,000 sqft | Per zone height limit |
Permit Fees
ADU Permit Fees in Provo: Plan check fee: $150–$700. Building permit fee: Based on construction value — typically $400–$2,000. Impact fees: Varies — Provo charges utility connection fees. School fees: None or N/A. Total estimated permit cost: $800–$4,000 total fees. Provo City does not impose large impact fees for residential ADU construction. Provo City utility connection fees apply for new ADU services. Contact Provo Community Development for current fee schedule.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plan Check | $150–$700 |
| Building Permit | Based on construction value — typically $400–$2,000 |
| Impact Fees | Varies — Provo charges utility connection fees |
| School Fees | None |
| Total Estimate | $800–$4,000 total fees |
Permit Timeline
Provo ADU Permit Timeline: Provo Community Development: plan review typically 3-6 weeks. Internal ADUs per SB 174 processed ministerially. Construction 3-8 months. Apply through the Provo Community Development Department — Building online permit portal. Phone: (801) 852-6400.
Setback Requirements
ADU Setback Requirements in Provo: Front setback: Same as zone standard. Side setback: 5 feet. Rear setback: 10 feet. ADUs must comply with zone setback standards. Minimum 5 ft side and 10 ft rear setbacks for detached ADUs. Provo's compact residential lots near BYU may constrain ADU placement. Provo City Code Title 14.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: Utah SB 174 and Provo local code: 1 parking space per ADU in most residential zones. No additional parking required for internal ADUs under SB 174. Provo has UTA TRAX access at Provo/Orem station and bus service — transit proximity may affect parking requirements.
Restrictions & Requirements
- ADU must be on same lot as primary residence
- Internal ADUs permitted by-right per Utah SB 174 — no CUP required
- Detached ADUs require building permit and may be subject to design standards
- ADU cannot be sold separately from the primary lot
- BYU housing office has its own off-campus housing standards for student rentals — different from city ADU regulations
- Some residential areas near BYU have deed restrictions or HOA standards
How Many ADUs Are Allowed?
Number of ADUs Allowed in Provo: Single-family lots: 1 ADU per single-family lot (internal by-right; detached with permit). Multifamily properties: Subject to zone density provisions. Utah SB 174 establishes the minimum. Provo has updated its code to comply. Near BYU, many properties already have multiple rental units — verify zone and legal non-conforming status.
Single-Family Lots
1 ADU per single-family lot (internal by-right; detached with permit)
Multifamily Properties
Subject to zone density provisions
State Law & Preemption
State Preemption: Utah Senate Bill 174 (effective May 5, 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 without a conditional use permit. Municipalities cannot prohibit internal ADUs with a CUP. HB 572 (2024) has further expanded ADU incentives statewide. Provo complies with state law and its local code provides for both internal and detached ADUs in most residential zones. Utah does not use the California JADU concept.
Historic District Considerations
Historic District Requirements: Provo has 2 historic districts where additional design review may be required for ADU construction. Design review approval is required before obtaining a building permit for properties in historic overlay zones. Provo has a historic downtown district along Center Street and other locally-designated historic structures including many early LDS (Latter-day Saints) religious and civic buildings. The Provo Tabernacle (now Provo City Center Temple) is a National Historic Landmark. Certificate of Appropriateness may be required for exterior changes to designated properties. Contact Provo Community Development for historic overlay boundaries. Look up historic district boundaries at: https://provo.org/departments/community-development/planning/historic-preservation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Provo?
Yes. Provo, UT allows accessory dwelling units. On a single-family lot you can build 1 ADU per single-family lot (internal by-right; detached with permit).
How big can an ADU be in Provo?
The maximum size for a detached ADU in Provo is 1,000 square feet.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Provo?
The typical ADU permit timeline in Provo is Provo Community Development: plan review typically 3-6 weeks. Internal ADUs per SB 174 processed ministerially. Construction 3-8 months.. Total estimated permit fees are $800–$4,000 total fees.
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Provo?
No, Provo does not require additional parking for ADUs.
Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Provo?
No, owner-occupancy is not required for ADUs in Provo.
Source: Provo City Code Title 14 — Zoning; Utah SB 174 (2021); Utah HB 572 (2024). Last verified April 6, 2026. View source