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
Yes, you can build an ADU in Salt Lake City. A detached ADU can be up to 1,000 sq ft under current Utah and Salt Lake City zoning rules.
| Allowed Zones | All residential zones where residential uses permitted |
| Max Size (Detached) | Up to 1,000 sq ft, or the size of the main building, whichever is less (internal ADUs have no size cap) |
| 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
Salt Lake City requires a rear setback of about 1 ft for a detached ADU, and one off-street parking space is required. Owner-occupancy is required.
| 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
An ADU permit in Salt Lake City typically costs $2,000-$4,000 estimated and takes 2-8 weeks for approval; 7-9 weeks for construction after permit issued; 3+ months total typical, through a standard permit review.
| 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 |
Get Free ADU Quotes in Salt Lake City
Tell us about your project and we'll connect you with ADU builders serving Salt Lake City. Free, no obligation — you choose who to work with.
🔒 Your info is secure. We share it only with contractors quoting your project. No spam, no obligation.
Construction Costs
Building an ADU in Salt Lake City typically costs $180,000-$350,000 ($300-$350 per sq ft); a garage conversion runs $120,000-$200,000.
| 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.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Rental Income Potential
A 2-bedroom ADU in Salt Lake City rents for around $1,600-$2,200, an estimated 8-12 year payback; property value increase 20-35%.
| 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.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Recent Law Changes
What's Changed Recently
- Utah SB284 (2026): Requires all UT cities 5,000+ pop to permit detached ADUs on lots 11,000+ sq ft
- Cities must adopt compliant ADU policies by October 2026
- SLC already eliminated conditional use for detached ADUs (unanimous council vote)
- Current local rules: 17 ft height limit, owner-occupancy required, parking waivers near transit
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
ADU Builders in Salt Lake City
Looking for an ADU builder in Salt Lake City? ADU projects need a contractor experienced with local zoning, the permit process, and utility connections — not every general contractor has built one. We match Salt Lake City homeowners with experienced local ADU contractors who provide free, no-obligation quotes. Getting at least three bids typically saves 20-40% on the same scope.
Sources & References
Sources for Salt Lake City ADU data are being compiled. Our data is researched from official city planning documents and municipal codes. Learn about our methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Salt Lake City?
How much does an ADU cost in Salt Lake City?
How much can I rent an ADU for in Salt Lake City?
Do I need parking for an ADU in Salt Lake City?
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Salt Lake City?
Ready to Build in Salt Lake City?
Get free, no-obligation quotes from top-rated ADU contractors in Salt Lake City.
Get Free Quotes →