Salt Lake City ADU Permit & Zoning Guide

Housing and Building Standards Utah 4 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Utah

In Salt Lake City, Utah, owners planning an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) must follow local zoning rules, building permit requirements, and inspection processes administered by city departments. This guide explains the typical permit path, department contacts, enforcement risks, and practical action steps to apply for and build an ADU in Salt Lake City. Where official pages list specific code sections, forms, or fees we cite them directly; where details are not published on the cited official page we note that fact. Current as of February 2026.

Overview: ADU zoning and permits

Accessory dwelling units are regulated through Salt Lake City zoning rules and the Building Services permitting process. Typical requirements cover lot size, allowed unit types, parking, owner-occupancy or rental rules, setbacks, and building code compliance. For planning criteria and stepwise guidance consult the City planning ADU information and the municipal code for zoning standards [2][1].

Start early: pre-application review reduces delays.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of ADU-related violations in Salt Lake City is handled through the appropriate municipal departments, typically Planning and Building Services or Code Enforcement. Specific fines, escalation schedules, and certain sanctions must be read on the controlling official pages or code; where a numeric fine or range is not listed on the cited official page the text below states "not specified on the cited page" and cites that page.

Key enforcement points:

  • Monetary fines: amounts for zoning or building violations are not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed in the municipal code or enforcement notice [1].
  • Escalation: whether first-offence, repeat, or continuing-offence multipliers apply is not specified on the cited page and depends on the code section and enforcement policy [1].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: common actions include stop-work orders, demolition or removal orders, permit revocation, and referral to municipal court; these remedies are exercised by Building Services or Code Enforcement as provided in city regulations [1].
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Planning Division and Building Services handle zoning and building compliance; code enforcement intake and complaint submission follow official department pages for reporting [2][3].
If you receive a notice, read deadlines carefully and contact the issuing department immediately.

Applications & Forms

The Building Services permit portal is the official filing point for building permits, plan review checklists, and inspection scheduling. Some planning reviews or ADU-specific forms and submittal checklists are posted on the City planning ADU page [3][2]. If a specific application number or fee is required but not listed on the cited page, it is "not specified on the cited page" and applicants should confirm by contacting the department.

  • Permit application: submit building permit and plan documents via Building Services permit portal; check the portal for required drawings and energy compliance forms [3].
  • Fees: permit and plan-review fees vary by project scope; fee schedules or calculators may be on the Building Services page or the municipal fee resolution—if not shown the fee is "not specified on the cited page" [3][1].
  • Deadlines and timelines: plan review times depend on submittal completeness and workload—check the Building Services page for current estimates or contact the reviewer [3].

Typical steps to obtain an ADU permit

While some cases vary, most ADU projects follow these core stages: pre-application review (optional), zoning/entitlement confirmation, design and drawings, building permit application, plan review, corrections, permit issuance, inspections, and final approval. The Planning Division provides ADU guidance and zoning criteria that affect entitlement and design [2].

A zoning check before design saves rework and extra fees.

FAQ

Can I build an ADU on any single-family lot in Salt Lake City?
The answer depends on zoning district standards, lot size, and other restrictions listed in the Land Development Code and city ADU guidance; consult the Planning Division ADU page for district-specific rules [2].
Do I need a separate utility meter or parking space for an ADU?
Utility and parking requirements vary by project and zoning; Building Services and Planning guidance address plumbing, electrical permitting, and parking standards—confirm specific requirements with reviewers during application [3][2].
How long does plan review take?
Review times depend on plan completeness and workload; the Building Services page provides current processing estimates, otherwise timeline details are not specified on the cited page [3][1].

How-To

  1. Confirm zoning and ADU eligibility: review the Planning Division ADU guidance and the municipal code to verify your lot and zoning district allow an ADU [2].
  2. Prepare plans: produce site plan, floor plans, elevations, and engineering as required by Building Services and Planning.
  3. Pre-application or intake: consider a pre-application meeting with Planning to identify constraints, or submit a permit application via the Building Services portal [3].
  4. Pay fees and respond to corrections: pay plan-review fees, respond promptly to reviewer comments, and resubmit corrected materials.
  5. Schedule inspections: after permit issuance, request and pass required inspections to obtain final approval.

Key Takeaways

  • Check zoning early to avoid redesign.
  • Use the Building Services portal for permits and inspections.
  • Contact Planning or Building reviewers with questions during review.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Salt Lake City Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances
  2. [2] City of Salt Lake City - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) guidance
  3. [3] City of Salt Lake City - Building Permits and Inspections

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