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Sandy is a 2nd-class city (population 93,022), so Utah's detached ADU law applies: from October 1, 2026 it must allow a detached ADU on any lot of 11,000 sq ft or more that has a single-family home. Sandy's own ordinance is pending — Draft Ordinance 26-55 was before the City Council on September 1 and September 15, 2026, with no vote recorded as of September 23, 2026 — so the rules below are proposed, not final.
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These rules are from the proposed ordinance (council item). They are not law until the City Council adopts them.
| Minimum lot sizeProposed | 11,000 sq ft State floor: 11,000 sq ft (Utah Code § 10-21-304). A city may allow smaller lots, not require larger. Source |
|---|---|
| Maximum sizeProposed | Footprint no larger than the lesser of 75% of the primary dwelling's footprint or the maximum square footage allowed for an accessory structure under LDC 21-11-2(a)(2). Source |
| HeightProposed | Up to 15 feet. Taller only if no taller than the primary dwelling and set back as the primary dwelling must be in that zone, and never less than 10 feet from a side or rear line. Source |
| ParkingProposed | 1 off-street space for a detached ADU under 650 sq ft, 2 for 650 sq ft or more, in addition to the home's own; one fewer within a Station Area Plan (½ mile of a transit station). Source |
| Owner occupancyProposed | The owner must live in the primary dwelling or the ADU, shown by deed, tax returns and a notarized affidavit. Source |
| Setbacks and locationProposed | Rear or side yard, behind the front plane of the home; 10 ft from side and rear lines (for a unit up to 15 ft tall) and 6 ft from the primary dwelling. On lots of 40,000 sq ft or more it may sit in the front yard if it meets the primary dwelling's setbacks. Source |
| RentalsProposed | May not be rented for less than 30 consecutive days. One ADU (attached or detached) per property, approved with an administrative Special Use Permit and a business license. Source |
Impact fees. Confirm with Sandy (801-568-7250).
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Design your Ekstra in SandyOn a lot of 11,000 sq ft or more with a single-family home, yes: Sandy is covered by Utah Code § 10-21-304, which requires it to allow one from October 1, 2026. Sandy's own ordinance is still pending, so check the final rules with the city before you apply.
11,000 sq ft, the state floor. Minimum lot: the Planning Commission (Aug 20, 2026 minutes) recommended 10,000 sq ft and a smaller minimum within a year; the code text before the City Council on Sep 15, 2026 says 11,000 sq ft. The council has not voted. This is in the proposed ordinance, which the City Council has not adopted yet.
Footprint no larger than the lesser of 75% of the primary dwelling's footprint or the maximum square footage allowed for an accessory structure under LDC 21-11-2(a)(2). This is in the proposed ordinance, which the City Council has not adopted yet.
The owner must live in the primary dwelling or the ADU, shown by deed, tax returns and a notarized affidavit. This is in the proposed ordinance, which the City Council has not adopted yet.
May not be rented for less than 30 consecutive days. One ADU (attached or detached) per property, approved with an administrative Special Use Permit and a business license. This is in the proposed ordinance, which the City Council has not adopted yet.
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Last verified September 23, 2026. Not legal advice. Confirm with Sandy Planning (801-568-7250) before you design or apply.