St. George, UT Accessory Structures: ADU Owner Occupancy (2026)
Key Facts
- Owner-occupancy
- Owner must live in home or ADU
- Short-term rental
- Not permitted for ADUs
- Deed restriction
- Recorded restriction required before renting ADU
- Max ADUs per lot
- One, or two if Downtown
Summary
St. George requires an owner-occupant to live in either the single-family home or the accessory dwelling unit before the city will permit an ADU, and bars short-term rental of the unit.
The city shall only permit an accessory dwelling unit when an owner-occupant lives on the property within either the single-family dwelling or accessory dwelling unit. Short-term rental of an accessory dwelling unit is not permitted.
C. The total number of residents that reside in an accessory dwelling unit may not exceed the number allowed for a “family” as defined in this title.
D. Number Of Accessory Units Per Parcel: An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) shall be allowed only on parcels containing a single-family dwelling. Only one (1) accessory dwelling unit or guesthouse shall be allowed on a lot or parcel. Within the Downtown Boundary, two (2) ADUs are allowed per lot.
E. Not A Unit Of Density: Accessory dwelling units are not considered a unit of density and therefore are not included in the density calculation for residential property.
F. Parking: An additional off-street parking space is required for each ADU. Tandem parking is not allowed for accessory dwelling units. If an accessory dwelling unit is created within an existing garage or carport, parking spaces contained therein shall be replaced elsewhere on the property if the loss of the parking space would cause the single-family dwelling to be noncompliant with the required parking standard.
G. Size And Location Requirements:
1. If located within or attached to a single-family dwelling:
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-062, passed August 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Before St. George issues an accessory dwelling permit, the property owner must reside permanently in either the primary single-family dwelling or the ADU itself; the code treats owner-occupancy as a precondition of approval, not a lease term. Applicants submit written verification of ownership and permanent residency, and a recorded deed restriction confirming the single-family dwelling will remain owner-occupied is required before the ADU can be rented out. Short-term rental of an ADU is barred outright, and occupancy is further capped at the number of people who qualify as a single 'family' under the zoning title.
Violations & Fines
Renting an ADU without owner-occupancy or the recorded deed restriction violates the zoning code; the city can deny or revoke the accessory dwelling permit and pursue code enforcement for the unpermitted use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent out my St. George ADU as a short-term rental?
Does the owner have to live in the ADU or the main house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. George
Compare St. George to another location·View the Utah accessory structures overview
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