Salt Lake City is very ADU-friendly with matter-of-right approval in residential zones. One ADU per lot. Owner residency required. No maximum size for internal ADUs; detached limited to 17 ft height. Fast approval timeline.
Zoning & Size Requirements [1]
| Allowed Zones | All residential zones where residential uses permitted |
| Max Size (Detached) | No maximum size; height-limited |
| Max Size (Attached) | No maximum size for internal ADUs |
| Max Size (JADU) | N/A (Utah uses different classifications) |
| Max Height | 17 ft maximum (detached); can increase to 24 ft pitched or 20 ft flat with increased setbacks (+1 ft per additional foot over 17 ft) |
| Max Units | 1 ADU per lot only |
Setback Requirements [1]
| Rear Setback | Increase 1 ft for each foot of height above 17 ft |
| Side Setback | Increase 1 ft for each foot of height above 17 ft |
| Front Setback | Comply with base zone |
| Parking Required | 1 space minimum (in addition to primary dwelling requirement) |
| Owner Occupancy | Required - owner must reside on property (either main or ADU) |
| Min Lot Size | No specific minimum |
Permit Process & Fees [2]
| Approval Process | Building permit required. Plans must comply with all building, fire, and utility codes. Matter-of-right approval. |
| Review Timeline | 2-8 weeks for approval; 7-9 weeks for construction after permit issued; 3+ months total typical |
| Permit Fees | $2,000-$4,000 estimated |
| Impact Fees | Utility connection fees apply |
| Plan Check | Included in 2-8 week timeline |
| Pre-Approved Plans | City offers ADU standard plans; ADU Handbook available |
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Construction Costs
| Average Build Cost | $180,000-$350,000 |
| Cost per Sq Ft | $300-$350 |
| Garage Conversion | $120,000-$200,000 |
| Prefab ADU (Installed) | $100,000-$180,000 |
Finance Your ADU Project
Most ADU projects are funded through HELOCs, construction loans, or cash-out refinancing. Compare rates from top lenders.
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Rental Income Potential
| Avg Rent (1 Bedroom) | $1,200-$1,600 |
| Avg Rent (2 Bedroom) | $1,600-$2,200 |
| Short-Term Rental | Restricted; long-term preferred |
| Est. Annual ROI | 8-12 year payback; property value increase 20-35% |
Explore Prefab ADU Options
Prefab ADUs can save 20-40% vs. traditional construction and cut build time in half.
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Recent Law Changes
What's Changed Recently
- Matter-of-right approval in residential zones (2016+ evolution)
- ADU Handbook (updated) clarifies requirements
- Owner occupancy requirement remains in place
- Height flexibility available with setback increases
Tips for Building an ADU in Salt Lake City
- Owner residency requirement is mandatory
- Use City standard plans from ADU Handbook for easier approval
- Salt Lake City offers ADU loan programs through CRA
- Internal ADUs have no size limit (attach to primary)
- Plan for 3+ month timeline from start to completion
Sources & References
All data on this page is sourced from official government records and verified market data. View our full methodology.
- Salt Lake City Planning Department — ADU Information Planning Department — Accessed 2026-03-15
- Salt Lake City Building Department — Permit Information building_dept — Accessed 2026-03-15
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