ADU rules in South Jordan

Detached ADUs are called 'Guesthouses': 'An ADU that is detached from the primary dwelling that includes a kitchen and bathroom.' Allowed only with conforming single-family dwellings in zones A-5, A-1, R-1.8, R-2.5, R-3, R-4 and R-5, on lots of at least 14,520 sq ft; prohibited on flag lots; minimum 10 ft side/rear setback; height limited to 25 ft or the height of the main building, whichever is less.

Called 'Internal Accessory Dwelling Unit (IADU)': contained within the primary dwelling so the two appear as one unit (city guidebook shows basement, attached, and above-garage configurations). Lot must exceed 6,000 sq ft, in the same A/R zones as guesthouses. An internal ADU that will NOT be rented needs no ADU permit, only a recorded notarized affidavit; one intended for rental requires an ADU permit.

'The floor space of a Guesthouse shall comprise no more than thirty-five percent (35%) of the living area of the primary dwelling or be greater than one thousand five hundred (1,500) square feet, whichever is less, unless, in the opinion of the Planning Commission, a greater amount of floor area is warranted.' Larger guesthouses require Planning Commission review. No explicit floor-area cap for internal ADUs beyond the underlying zone's maximum building coverage (§§17.40.020, 17.30.020).

'For all accessory dwelling units, the owner of the property, as reflected in title records, shall make his or her legal residence on the property as evidenced by voter registration, vehicle registration, driver's license, county assessor records or similar means.' A recorded affidavit committing to live in either the primary or accessory unit and authorizing annual inspections is required; guidebook clarifies a guesthouse owner may occupy either the primary residence or the guesthouse.

'A minimum of one (1) off-street parking spaces, in addition to those already required for the single-family home, shall be provided for an accessory dwelling unit and shall not render the required parking spaces for the single-family home inaccessible.' Spaces must meet Chapter 16.26 standards. Daybreak ADU parking follows the separate Daybreak Development Standards Matrix.

Administrative approval: 'The Planning Department shall approve accessory dwelling unit applications upon the following standards being met.' Guidebook: 'Approvals of A.D.U. applications are given administratively by City Staff.' Exceptions: guesthouses exceeding the 35%/1,500 sq ft size cap (or certain height/setback limits) require Planning Commission approval, and internal ADUs not intended for rental need no ADU permit at all (affidavit only). ADU permit must be approved before a building permit.

'Internal ADUs shall not be rented or offered as rental units for any period less than thirty (30) consecutive days' (§17.130.030.030(B), amended by Ord. 2026-04). The 30-day minimum in this section is stated only for internal ADUs; no guesthouse-specific short-term-rental clause appears in §17.130.030, and the guidebook footnote likewise limits it to internal ADUs.