Salt Lake City ADU permit requirements
Last reviewed: June 22, 2026
Quick answer
Permitting an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Salt Lake City, Utah means pulling a building permit from the local authority that issues it. ArchPermit tracks 16 source-cited requirements (11 required, the rest conditional) for this jurisdiction. Submittals go through Citizen Access Portal (Accela) → ProjectDox. These requirements were last reviewed June 22, 2026; confirm the exact forms and fees with the local permitting authority.
A source-cited checklist of what an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) permit package needs in Salt Lake City. Every item links to its authoritative source; items that vary are flagged to confirm locally.
An ADU is a residential permit (standard IRC One/Two-Family checklist) with an ADU Registration Process layered on: a Zoning Certificate, the building permit, proof of owner-occupancy (required when the principal use is a single-family dwelling), and a recorded deed restriction filed before final Certificate of Occupancy. Utah HB 82 makes the internal ADU a permitted use; SLC's 2023 ordinance removed conditional-use review for detached ADUs in single-family zones. Max one ADU per lot; a detached ADU is capped at the lesser of the main building's size or 1,000 sf. A licensed general contractor must pull the permit for a second dwelling unit.
- Building Permit Application (Citizen Access Portal)required
The residential building-permit application, submitted electronically via the Accela Citizen Access Portal.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Electrical, Mechanical & Plumbing Designrequired
MEP design drawings; ADUs additionally need separate/accessible utility shutoffs and independent systems per code.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Energy Code Compliance Documentationrequired
Documentation demonstrating compliance with the adopted energy code.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Floor Plansrequired
Floor plan for each level including the location and size of doors, windows, and egress.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Foundation, Structural & Framing Detailsrequired
Foundation, structural, and framing detail drawings.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Impact Fee Worksheetrequired
Official Building Services impact-fee worksheet; an impact fee applies for each new dwelling unit (each ADU).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Recorded Deed Restrictionrequiredverify locally
City-attorney-approved deed restriction filed with the county recorder before final CO; runs with the land and states occupancy/use limits. (Grounded in a 2018 draft; confirm current form.)
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Site Plan (drawn to scale)required
North arrow, lot/structure dimensions, setbacks and overhang setbacks, easements/property lines, retaining walls, hard surfaces, curb/gutter elevations, existing/proposed utilities, and nearest fire-hydrant location.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Stormwater Permit Statementrequired
Written statement that the applicant will obtain a stormwater permit before land disturbance and comply with local ordinances during construction.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Total Square-Footage Breakdownrequired
Total square footage for each building level / finished, garage, and unfinished space.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Zoning Certificate (ADU Registration)requiredverify locally
Part of the ADU registration process; the ADU's Certificate of Occupancy cannot issue until the zoning certificate does. (Grounded in a 2018 draft; confirm against current 21A.40.200.)
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Building Elevationsconditional
Building elevations; required for new construction (e.g. a new detached ADU).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Certificate of Appropriateness (Historic District)conditional
Required if the property is in a Historic District (issued by the Historic Landmark Commission).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Geotechnical Reportconditional
Slope-stability and retaining-wall design; required if lot slope exceeds 15% or the city requires it.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Proof of Owner-Occupancyconditionalverify locally
Required when the principal use is a single-family dwelling: legal documentation that an owner-occupant resides on the property. Not required for duplex/multi-family parcels. (Confirm current rule.)
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Structural Calculationsconditional
Structural calculations, except for trusses.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22
Salt Lake City ADU permit questions
- Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Salt Lake City?
- Yes. An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Salt Lake City requires a building permit. ArchPermit tracks 16 cited requirements for this jurisdiction (11 required, the rest conditional). Always confirm the exact forms, fees, and code edition with the local permitting authority that issues the permit.
- What does an ADU permit package require in Salt Lake City?
- Core required items include: Building Permit Application (Citizen Access Portal); Electrical, Mechanical & Plumbing Design; Energy Code Compliance Documentation; Floor Plans; Foundation, Structural & Framing Details; Impact Fee Worksheet, plus 5 more. Each requirement links to its authoritative source, and nothing is permit-ready until an independent licensed professional reviews and seals it.
- How are ADU permits submitted in Salt Lake City?
- Salt Lake City accepts permit submittals via Citizen Access Portal (Accela) → ProjectDox. ArchPermit prepares a draft package you can submit there after a licensed architect reviews and seals it.