What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?

An ADU is a separate living space within a single-family home. People often build them to rent out for extra income. There are two types of ADU: Internal and external.

Internal Accessory Dwelling Unit (IADU)

• Inside the main home, but separated by walls and has its own entrance.
• These are often above garages or in basements.

External Accessory Dwelling Unit (EADU)

• Small homes that are separate from the main home.
• Minimum size: 230 sq. ft. Maximum size depends on the size of the entire property.
• These must be behind or to the side of the main building.
• Often called mother-in-law apartments.

Rules for All ADUs

• Only one ADU (internal or external) is allowed on a property.
• To rent either the ADU or the main home, the property owner must have a business license.
• The property owner must either live in one of the buildings (the main or ADU) and rent the other, or rent both to the same person. You cannot rent them separately.
• The property must have its own parking space on the property, not on the street. This space cannot be the one already needed for the main home.
• Garages cannot be converted to ADUs.
• It must have its own entrance door separate from the main home.
• It must have its own eating, sleeping and bathroom areas separate from the main home.
• ADUs are not allowed on multi-family properties, mobile homes or attached housing units.
• You cannot install separate utility meters (water, sewer, natural gas, electricity); they must share meters with the main house.
• It must be smaller than the main home. The ADU cannot cover more than 20% of the rear or side yard of the property.
• It must be built on a permanent foundation.
• EADUs must be 6 feet from the main home, 6 feet from the rear property line, 6 feet from the internal side property line and 20 feet from the corner side property line.
• The outside design and materials of the EADU must be similar and compatible with the design of the main home.
• EADUs can only be built on properties that are 10,000 sq. ft. or larger.
• The EADU can be up to 17 feet tall if it is 6 feet from the back or side property line. If you want it taller, you must move it back 1 more foot for each extra foot in height, up to 20 feet tall.

Why do we need ADUs?

West Jordan, like the rest of Utah, is growing. Many people choose to move here, attracted by our family-friendly environment and easy access to hiking, biking, skiing and more. Utah families are also growing and many want to stay close to each other. We have outgrown our original rural community and are now the third largest city in Utah.

We need to build many kinds of living space for everyone to keep costs low. Having a mix of housing types means we can meet the needs of people in all life stages, from roommates, to large families, to aging adults. In recent years, the City has adopted rules for ADUs to increase housing options in the City. Find the application form online.

By Erin Dixon