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A. Purpose. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single-family residential zones are an important tool in the overall housing goals and needs of the city and allow for alternative and flexible housing options in owner-occupied single-family residences.

B. Accessory Dwelling Units Defined. An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a second dwelling unit in an owner-occupied single-family property that is clearly incidental and accessory to the main dwelling on the property. ADUs can be either internal, detached or attached.

1. ADU (Internal). “Internal ADU” means an ADU created (a) within a primary dwelling unit; (b) within the footprint of the primary dwelling unit at the time the internal ADU is created; and (c) for the purpose of offering a long-term rental of 30 consecutive days or longer. Internal ADUs must meet the standards in Utah Code § 10-9a-530.

2. ADU (Detached). “Detached ADU” means an ADU located in an accessory building on the property and not attached to or within the principal dwelling unit.

3. ADU (Attached). “Attached ADU” means a new ADU is constructed as a physical expansion (i.e., addition) of the primary dwelling and is attached to the single-family dwelling unit by one or more common walls.

C. Permitted and Conditional Uses. See use table in WCPP 17.60.050 for specific zoning designations that include permitted and conditional uses. If the ADU is not designated within a particular zone on the table, then it is prohibited.

D. General Standards.

1. ADU permit application shall be required for all internal, attached, and detached units. Only applications deemed complete by the community development director or designee will be processed. Complete applications include appropriate application forms reflecting the standards of the city, plans, texts, and signatures as required on the form available in the community development department and on the city’s website. A letter or email confirming the completeness of the application may be requested by the applicant. All applications shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee as established from time to time by resolution of the city council.

2. Only one ADU per property is permitted.

3. ADUs shall meet all building codes and obtain all required permits prior to occupancy of the ADU.

4. The applicant shall have a fee simple title to the property.

5. The ADU shall have a separate entrance that faces away from the street and that does not disrupt the single-family appearance of the existing structure.

6. The ADU shall have a minimum of one bedroom and a three-quarter bath.

7. The ADU shall have a kitchen.

8. No vehicles shall be parked on the front lawn or other landscaped areas.

9. The property shall be neatly maintained and shall meet all current codes regarding property maintenance and public health standards.

10. The applicant has not been notified or fined by the city for any code violations relating to this property or any other property within the previous 12 months.

11. Owner Occupancy. The city shall only permit an accessory dwelling unit when an owner occupant lives on the property within either the principal or accessory dwelling unit. Owner occupancy shall not be required when:

a. The owner has a bona fide, temporary absence of three years or less for activities such as military service, temporary job assignments, sabbaticals, or voluntary service (indefinite periods of absence from the dwelling shall not qualify for this exception); or

b. The owner is placed in a hospital, nursing home, assisted living facility or other similar facility that provides regular medical care, excluding retirement living facilities or communities.

12. The ADU must be rented for periods of 30 consecutive days or more.

13. All ADUs shall connect to the same (water, gas, sewer, etc.) utility lines as the primary dwelling.

E. Internal ADU Standards.

1. Internal ADUs shall maintain the outward appearance of a single-family residence, so that the appearance is not altered in a manner to appear as a duplex with such features as two front doors and two garages or carports facing the street.

F. Attached ADU Standards.

1. Attached ADUs shall maintain the outward appearance of a single-family residence, so that the appearance is not altered in a manner to appear as a duplex with such features as two front doors and two garages or carports facing the street.

2. The total area of an attached ADU shall not exceed 50 percent of the square footage of the habitable area of the building footprint of the primary residence and in no case exceed 800 square feet.

G. Detached ADU Standards.

1. Detached ADUs shall be placed on a permanent foundation.

2. Detached ADUs shall have a similar appearance as the primary unit.

3. Detached ADUs may not be built within a recorded easement.

4. For detached ADUs, the maximum size limit shall be based on the minimum lot size as specified in Table 17.70.060-1.

5. Mobile homes, recreational vehicles, or shipping containers shall not be considered a detached ADU.

6. An ADU shall not be sold separately or subdivided from the principal dwelling unit or lot unless compliant with subdivision regulations.

7. Detached ADUs shall follow the same regulations for lot coverage as outlined in WPCC 17.70.030(A)(2).

8. No basements are allowed in detached ADUs.

9. Fire Regulations.

a. The maximum distance from a fire hydrant to the front entrance of the detached ADU shall not be greater than 500 feet as the “hose lies.”

b. No portion of the detached ADU shall be further away than 150 feet from the public road.

Table 17.70.060-1. 

Internal ADU

Attached ADU

Detached Single-Story ADU

Location

Part of Primary Dwelling

Attached to Primary Dwelling

Rear Yard Area

Minimum Lot Size

6,000 sf

6,000 sf

10,000 sf

Size Limit, Habitable

No Limitation

50% up to 800 sf

650 sf (on lots less than 12,000 sf)

800 sf (on lots greater than 12,000 sf)

Maximum Height Limit

Same Max Height Regulations for Single-Family Dwellings (see WPCC 17.70.020)

Same Max Height Regulations for Single-Family Dwellings (see WPCC 17.70.020)

No Taller Than the Primary Dwelling

Minimum Side Setback

Same as Primary Dwelling

Same as Primary Dwelling

10'

Minimum Rear Setback

Same as Primary Dwelling

Same as Primary Dwelling

10'

Off-Street Parking

1

1

2

[Ord. 11-07-2023A § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 06-21-2022A § 1; Ord. 12-21-2021A § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 08-17-2021B § 2 (Exh. A)].