Hey there, Utah homeowners and real estate enthusiasts! We have some thrilling updates that could change the game for housing in Salt Lake County. This past Tuesday, the Salt Lake County Council approved significant changes to the ordinance governing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in unincorporated residential areas. Let’s dive into what this means for you and the community!

What Are ADUs?

First things first, let’s clarify what ADUs are. An accessory dwelling unit is a secondary residence on the lot of a single-family home. Think of it as a small apartment or guest house that can provide additional housing space on your property. ADUs offer a fantastic solution to housing shortages and provide homeowners with potential rental income or extra space for family members.

Key Changes to the Ordinance

The approved ordinance brings several key changes designed to make it easier for homeowners to add ADUs. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Smaller Lot Size Requirement: Previously, your lot needed to be at least 12,000 square feet to qualify for an ADU. Now, you only need 7,000 square feet. This change significantly opens up the possibility for many more homeowners.
• Reduced Setbacks: The space required between the ADU and property lines has been reduced, giving you more flexibility in designing and placing your unit.
• Increased Height Limit: ADUs can now be up to 20 feet tall, which provides more options for creative architectural designs.
• Fewer Parking Spots Required: The required parking spots for an ADU have been reduced from two to just one. This change acknowledges the practical realities of modern living and urban space constraints.

The Bigger Picture

These changes align Salt Lake County with a growing trend in the western United States to ease ADU-related laws. States like California and Oregon have seen positive impacts on housing density and availability after adopting similar measures. For instance, Portland’s ADU permits skyrocketed from about 25 in 2009 to around 300 annually in recent years. Similarly, California saw a dramatic increase in ADU permits from less than 1,300 in 2016 to almost 25,000 in 2022!

Community and Planning Insights

County planners, including Kayla Mauldin, have emphasized the importance of flexibility in ADU regulations. For example, while some suggested that homeowners should be required to live in the primary home, Mauldin advised against such a mandate. She highlighted that allowing this flexibility helps avoid unintended consequences and aligns with best practices recommended by experts.

The council’s unanimous decision also reflects the urgent need to address the housing shortage in our area. Salt Lake City Councilman Alejandro Puy voiced a similar sentiment last year when Salt Lake City passed its own ADU-friendly ordinance, stressing the necessity for all available housing solutions.

What’s Next?

While the council passed the ordinance, there are still a few details to iron out. The required setback portion of the ordinance has been sent back to the planning commission for further clarification and review. However, the rest of the changes are set to move forward, signaling a promising step toward easing the housing crunch in Salt Lake County.

Conclusion

For those of us in the real estate business and homeowners looking to maximize their property’s potential, these changes are very welcome. Whether you’re considering building an ADU for rental income, a home office, or a place for family members, the new regulations make it more feasible and less cumbersome.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights on how these changes can benefit you and our community. At Red Sign Real Estate Team, we’re always here to help you navigate these exciting developments in the housing market.