Utah Zoning & Land Use Laws

Utah ADU Law

Utah has a statewide ADU law — Utah Senate Bill 174 (SB 174) — effective 2021-05-05. This law preempts local ordinances — cities and counties cannot impose restrictions stricter than the state standard. Key provisions include: Requires all Utah municipalities to allow at least one internal ADU (within or attached to primary dwelling) by-right on all single-family lots; Municipalities cannot require a conditional use permit or other discretionary approval for internal ADUs that comply with objective standards; Municipalities cannot require owner-occupancy as a condition of internal ADU approval, and 3 more. The most recent amendment was HB 572 (2024): Expanded ADU provisions statewide — provides funding mechanisms for ADU development, incentivizes detached ADUs in some areas, and strengthens compliance requirements for municipalities.

Cottage Food Law

Utah Cottage Food Law (Utah Code Section 4-5-115, amended regularly): Allows home-based food businesses to sell certain non-potentially-hazardous foods directly to consumers without a state license. No annual revenue cap. Allowed products: baked goods, candy, jams, jellies, dried goods, canned goods with acidic pH (jams, pickles), granola, roasted nuts, dried herbs and spices. Sales must be direct-to-consumer at farmers markets, roadside stands, fairs, or from home. Labels must include producer name, address, list of ingredients, allergens, and 'Made in a Utah cottage food production operation that is not subject to Utah Department of Agriculture and Food inspection.' Utah's cottage food exemptions are broad and do not impose annual revenue caps. Sales must be direct-to-consumer. Online sales with shipping are not permitted under Utah cottage food law.

Recent Legislative Changes

Utah Cities with Zoning Data