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West Valley City, Utah Detached ADU Rules

West Valley City is a 1st-class city (population 136,650), 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. West Valley City adopted its ordinance on June 23, 2026; its rules are below.

Ordinance adoptedSalt Lake CountyLot minimum 11,000 sq ft

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West Valley City detached ADU rules

Minimum lot size11,000 sq ft
State floor: 11,000 sq ft (Utah Code § 10-21-304). A city may allow smaller lots, not require larger.
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Maximum sizeSmaller than the single-family home on the same lot, and within the area limits for accessory buildings. In a rear yard it may cover, together with all other accessory buildings, no more than 25% of the rear yard.
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HeightThe height standards for accessory buildings in the zone apply.
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Parking2 on-site spaces for a detached ADU of 650 sq ft or more, 1 for one under 650 sq ft, outside the front yard setback.
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Owner occupancyThe owner must live in the single-family home or the detached ADU.
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Setbacks and locationSide or rear yard only. In a rear yard, at least 5 ft from side and rear lot lines in a residential zone (10 ft in an agricultural zone); in a side yard, the zone's setbacks for the main building. At least 20 ft from any lot line on a street, and outside public utility easements.
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RentalsA business license is required to rent it, and rentals must be at least 90 consecutive days. One ADU (internal or detached) per lot. A permitted use.
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Impact fees. Confirm with West Valley City (801-966-3600).

What changed in West Valley City

Before the state law

Detached ADU standards are new: Ordinance 26-28 enacted them as a new section of the code (7-7-107.5) in June 2026, citing state law. Internal ADUs were and remain limited to owner-occupied single-family homes west of 4000 West on lots over 6,000 sq ft.

Now

A detached ADU is allowed on lots of 11,000 sq ft or more. Rentals: a business license is required to rent it, and rentals must be at least 90 consecutive days. One ADU (internal or detached) per lot. A permitted use.

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West Valley City ADU questions

Can I build a detached ADU in West Valley City?

On a lot of 11,000 sq ft or more with a single-family home, yes: West Valley City is covered by Utah Code § 10-21-304, which requires it to allow one from October 1, 2026. West Valley City has adopted its ordinance.

What is the minimum lot size for a detached ADU in West Valley City?

11,000 sq ft, the state floor.

How big can a detached ADU be in West Valley City?

Smaller than the single-family home on the same lot, and within the area limits for accessory buildings. In a rear yard it may cover, together with all other accessory buildings, no more than 25% of the rear yard.

Do I have to live on the property?

The owner must live in the single-family home or the detached ADU.

Can I rent out a detached ADU in West Valley City?

A business license is required to rent it, and rentals must be at least 90 consecutive days. One ADU (internal or detached) per lot. A permitted use.

Nearby cities

All Utah cities · Utah's detached ADU law · Check any Utah address

Sources

  1. https://www.wvc-ut.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/3731
  2. https://www.wvc-ut.gov/1802/Planning-Zoning-FAQs
  3. https://westvalleycity.municipal.codes/
  4. https://le.utah.gov/Session/2026/bills/enrolled/SB0284.pdf