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