An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a separate residential living unit located on the same property as a primary dwelling. West Bountiful City permits ADUs subject to the requirements of the West Bountiful Municipal Code.
West Bountiful currently allows internal and detached ADUs when the applicable requirements are met.
If you are considering an ADU, please review the West Bountiful Municipal Code for Internal and Detached ADU requirements before submitting an application. The information provided below is for informational purposes only and is intended to provide a general overview of the City's requirements..
Questions? Contact Remington Whiting at [email protected] or 801-292-4486.
Types of ADUs
Internal ADU
An internal ADU is located entirely within the primary dwelling or connected by a shared wall, floor, or ceiling to the primary dwelling. For example, a portion of an existing home may be converted into a separate living unit.
Detached ADU
A detached ADU is located in a separate structure from the primary dwelling, such as a detached garage or another detached accessory structure.
Detached ADUs are subject to additional requirements regarding lot size, size, setbacks, parking, and location.
How Can I Apply For an ADU?
Residents can apply for an ADU by submitting the City's Accessory Dwelling Unit Application.
City staff will review the application to determine whether the proposed ADU complies with applicable City requirements.
ADU applications should include:
Completed ADU Application
- Site plan showing the location of the primary dwelling, proposed ADU, property lines, required setbacks, and required parking
- Additional information or plans as required by the City or applicable building codes
Please note: Additional plans or documentation may be required depending on whether the ADU is internal or detached, or involves the conversion of an existing accessory structure.
Requirements for All ADUs
The following requirements apply to ADUs generally. Additional requirements apply depending on whether the ADU is internal or detached.
Owner Occupancy
The property owner must reside on the property as their principal residence, occupying either the primary dwelling or the ADU.
Limited exceptions are allowed for business, medical, military service, or religious reasons for a continuous period of up to three years. If an approved absence occurs, an on-site manager must be designated for the period of the absence.
At no time may both the primary dwelling and the ADU be rented as separate units.
One ADU per Property
A maximum of one ADU is allowed on any lot or parcel.
Construction Codes and Permits
All ADUs must comply with applicable construction and housing codes in effect when the ADU is constructed, designated as an ADU, or remodeled.
Required building and other permits must be obtained as required by applicable codes.
ADU Agreement
Each ADU requires an ADU Agreement provided by the City and recorded with the County Recorder.
The agreement runs with the property and applies to future property owners.
If ownership of the property changes, the new owner must submit a new ADU application and occupy the property as their principal residence. If the new owner does not meet the owner-occupancy requirements, the ADU must be vacated and may no longer be used as an ADU.
Separate Address
Each ADU will be identified with a separate address using the letter "B" for emergency response and identification purposes.
A second mailbox is recommended but not required.
Leasing an ADU
An ADU may be leased over 30 days subject to City requirements.
If the ADU is leased, the lease must include language stating that the lease will terminate upon the sale of the property.
Short-Term Rentals
ADUs may not be used as short-term rentals. A short term rental is defined as a rental or lease for less than 30 days.
By applying for an ADU, the property owner agrees that the primary dwelling and ADU will not be used as a short-term rental as defined by state law.
Detached ADU Requirements
For additional requirements, please see Requirements for All ADUs. Detached ADUs are subject to additional development standards that do not apply to internal ADUs.
Minimum Lot Size
A detached ADU is permitted only on a lot or parcel in an eligible single-family residential zone that is at least:
11,000 square feet
Detached ADU Size
A detached ADU must be:
- At least 201 square feet; and
- No larger than 50% of the footprint of the primary dwelling or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less.
When determining the maximum permitted size, the entire detached accessory structure containing the ADU is counted.
For example, if a detached garage contains an ADU as well as a workshop, storage area, studio, or other space, the floor area of the entire structure is included when determining compliance with the ADU size limit.
Additional Parking
Detached ADUs are subject to the following additional parking requirements:
- ADU smaller than 650 square feet: At least 1 additional off-street parking space
- ADU larger than 650 square feet: At least 2 additional off-street parking spaces
Location
A detached ADU may not be located in the front yard of the primary dwelling.
Setbacks
Required setbacks depend on the property's zoning district:
- Setback
- Rear property line: 30 feet (A-1, R-1-22), 20 feet (R-1-10)
- Side property line: 10 feet
- Street-side property line: 20 feet
- Primary dwelling: 8 feet
Property owners should confirm their zoning district and required setbacks with City staff before designing or locating a detached ADU.
Height
The maximum height of a detached ADU must comply with the maximum height permitted for a main structure in the applicable zoning district.
Converting an Existing Accessory Structure
Existing accessory buildings, such as detached garages, may be converted into detached ADUs if the applicable requirements are met.
The existing accessory building must:
- Have been legally constructed;
- Have received a building permit on or before October 1, 2026; and
- Meet the required setbacks for a detached ADU.
Conversion of an existing accessory structure may also require building permits and improvements to bring the structure into compliance with applicable construction codes.
Wastewater
Septic tanks and other onsite wastewater disposal systems are not permitted for detached ADUs.
Internal ADU Requirements
For additional requirements, please see Requirements for All ADUs. Internal ADUs are subject to additional development standards that do not apply to internal ADUs.
Additional Parking
At least one additional off-street parking space must be provided and designated for the internal ADU.
Utility Metering
Separate utility metering for an internal ADU is not permitted. Utility service must remain in the property owner's name.
For example, if a detached garage contains an ADU as well as a workshop, storage area, studio, or other space, the floor area of the entire structure is included when determining compliance with the ADU size limit.
Entrance
A separate entrance to an internal ADU may not face the front yard.
Any separate entrance must be located to the side or rear of the primary dwelling.