Accessory Dwelling Units

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit located on the same lot as a stand-alone (i.e., detached) single-family home. ADUs go by many different names throughout the U.S., including basement apartments, mother-in-law apartments, casitas, guest houses, or tiny homes. 



Types of Accessory Dwelling Units Allowed in North Salt Lake:

  • Basement Apartments
  • Attached 
  • Detached
  • Second Story Detached (ex. above garage)
  • Tiny homes

Regulations:

On November 11, 2018 the City Council approved Ordinance 2018-14, to allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on single family lots. ADU regulations are located in the North Salt Lake Municipal Code Section 10-1-44. You can download a copy of the regulations here: ADU Regulations

Property owners with homes that have an ADU that was built prior to November 11, 2018, but has never been approved or permitted, have until November 11, 2020 to obtain a land use permit for their ADU.  There is no fee for the land use permit.  Owners must certify that the following safety requirements have been met:

  • Each bedroom must have a working smoke detector
  • A working smoke detector and CO detector in hallways outside of bedrooms
  • GFCI outlets have been installed in kitchen and bathrooms
  • The water heater must have earthquake straps
  • All bedroom windows must meet minimum egress requirements
  • For basement apartments handrails and guardrails are installed
  • Additional off street parking

New construction ADUs must meet the above regulations, obtain a land use permit, and a building permit.

Application for a new and existing Accessory Dwelling Units here: ADU Land Use Permit