ADU rules in West Jordan

Detached ADUs (DADUs) are only permitted on platted lots of 10,000 square feet and larger in the R-1, RR, RE, PC, LSFR, and VLSFR zones; must be on a permanent foundation, footprint smaller than the primary dwelling, max height 20 feet, and design must be approved by the design review committee. Governed by this section plus Utah Code 10-21-304.

Internal ADUs (within the existing house, e.g. basement apartment or over an attached garage) are allowed and governed by Utah Code 10-21-303. Only one ADU per property (internal or detached, never both). ADUs are prohibited in multi-family buildings, mobile homes, and any form of attached housing, and on properties where the primary dwelling is served by a septic tank.

No numeric max floor area in city code. A detached ADU's footprint must be less than the principal building's footprint and may not cover more than 20% of the rear and side yard; the ADU must always remain subordinate and accessory to the primary dwelling. Internal ADU size is governed by Utah Code 10-21-303. The city's General Plan notes a state building code minimum of 230 square feet for external ADUs.

Owner occupancy is not an absolute prerequisite, but it controls rental configuration: if the owner of record occupies either the primary dwelling or the ADU as a primary residence, they may rent out the other unit; if the owner occupies neither, they may rent both units together as a single unit or rent only one of the two, but may not rent both units individually at the same time (subject to Utah Code 10-21-303).

Minimum one 9'x18' off-street parking space of asphalt or concrete, in addition to spaces already required for the primary dwelling; ADU parking may not be tandem with or obstruct the primary dwelling's required parking, and the primary dwelling must maintain its minimum parking including the 2-car garage requirement where applicable. Per the application packet, gravel or dirt is not permitted and paved surface cannot exceed 50% of the required front yard.

Administrative approval, no conditional use permit: ADU applications run through a business license application with Planning & Zoning and Building & Safety certifications plus a notarized Notice of Acknowledgement recorded at the Salt Lake County Recorder before approval. Detached ADUs additionally require a building permit and design review committee approval of design and materials.

Per the city's ADU application packet: the ADU must be rented for at least 30 consecutive days; short-term rentals of 30 days or less are not permitted; sub-leasing is prohibited; occupancy limited to 1 family or 5 unrelated adult roommates; the owner must hold a valid business license to rent either unit. The 30-day minimum appears in the application packet certification rather than in the 13-5B-8 ordinance text itself.