Salt Lake City - ADU Developments
Salt Lake City Approves New ADU Ordinance and EV Parking Requirements - Originally reported in April of 2023.
The Salt Lake City Council unanimously approved a new ordinance making it easier to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single-family residential zones. Key points of the ordinance:
- No conditional use permits are now required for detached ADUs, expanding where both detached and internal ADUs can be built.
- Limitations: One ADU per property; homeowners must live on-site (with some exceptions). Detached ADUs capped at 1,000 sq ft and up to 24 feet tall depending on setbacks.
- Other rules: ADUs cannot be used for short-term rentals; alleys next to ADUs must have lighting; one parking spot required unless near transit or bike lanes.
- Funding and review: $1 million set aside to support ADU construction; ordinance effectiveness to be reviewed in three years.
The measure aims to increase housing stock and affordability amid population growth. Council members and residents debated specifics like owner-occupancy requirements and city support for construction but largely agreed the ordinance removes major administrative barriers and is a positive step forward.
Separately, the council approved a requirement for new apartment and condo developments to make 20% of off-street parking EV-ready, supporting the city’s transition to low- and zero-carbon transportation.
Overall, Salt Lake City is positioning itself as a leader in addressing housing shortages and sustainable infrastructure.
For homeowners and builders looking for guidance on ADUs and small home construction in Utah, Build-Small.com offers resources, tips, and updates on zoning and development opportunities.
This is a summary from a 4/26/2023 article that appeared in KSL (by Carter Williams, linked below). It is now 12/16/2025 so a lot may have changed. I will continue to research until I have the latest news.
