Salt Lake City Zoning & Permits
Zoning rules, permit requirements, and building codes for Salt Lake City, UT. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Quick Facts
Population
199,723
Total Zone Types
Not verified — see official source
Planning Department
local planning department
Zoning Map
Not verified — see official source
County
Salt Lake County
Metro Area
Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem
Salt Lake City Zoning System
The Salt Lake City zoning system includes multiple total zone classifications: no primary residential zones and no primary commercial zones.
View Salt Lake City Zoning Map (interactive online map)
Building & Planning Departments
The local building department serving Salt Lake City handles all building permit applications, inspections, and code enforcement. You can reach the local building department through their official website. For zoning questions and land use determinations, contact the local planning department directly through their official website. 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 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 Code Title 21A; Utah Code Section 10-21-303 (Internal Accessory Dwelling Units; renumbered from §10-9a-530 by SB1008 §121, eff. 11/06/25; legacy citation §10-9a-534 was a mis-citation — that statute is the building-design/parking prohibition, now §10-20-618). Last verified April 5, 2026. View source