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Ogden, UT Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

ADU rules in Ogden, UT, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.

Key Facts

Governing section: Ogden City Code § 15-13-39
ADUs per parcel: One, single-family lots only
Detached ADU size: 300 to 800 square feet
Rear yard coverage cap: 25% maximum
Permit path: Accessory dwelling permit plus building permit

ADU Eligibility Quick-Check

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent living unit on the same lot as a single-family home: converted garages, detached cottages, basement or attic conversions, and attached additions all qualify. Most states have streamlined ADU permitting since 2020, but local rules still control size, height, and setback.

Is your lot zoned single-family or multi-family residential?
Does your lot have at least 1,200 sq ft of buildable space?
Is your existing home owner-occupied (in most states this is not required, but some require it for ADU permits)?
Will the ADU stay under your state's size cap (commonly 850-1,200 sq ft for detached)?
Can you provide one off-street parking space (waived in many states within 0.5 mi of transit)?

If you answered 'yes' to most of these, you likely qualify in Utah under recent ADU streamlining laws. The Ogden, UT rules below cover local size, height, and setback requirements.

Summary

Ogden allows one accessory dwelling unit per single-family parcel in any residential zone. A detached ADU must run 300 to 800 square feet and cannot cover more than 25% of the rear yard, and a land use permit is required before construction.

B. Number Of Accessory Units Per Parcel: An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) shall be allowed only on parcels containing a single-family dwelling. No more than one (1) accessory dwelling unit shall be allowed for a lot or parcel which also contains the single-family dwelling. ADUs shall not be allowed on lots or units which are part of a PRUD, apartment building, group dwelling or a condominium project. ... D. Size: ... A detached accessory dwelling unit shall not be less than three hundred (300) square feet or more than eight hundred (800) square feet in size. Detached units shall not occupy more than twenty five percent (25%) of the rear yard area of the lot.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Ogden City Code § 15-13-39 sets standards for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) citywide. Under subsection B, an ADU is allowed only on a parcel containing a single-family dwelling, capped at one ADU per lot, and ADUs are barred entirely on lots that are part of a PRUD, apartment building, group dwelling, or condominium project. Subsection D fixes the size window for a detached unit: not less than 300 square feet and not more than 800 square feet, and it cannot occupy more than 25% of the rear yard area.

Subsection E requires the structure to keep the appearance of a single-family residence, limiting alterations to required egress windows or entry doors. Every homeowner seeking an ADU must obtain an accessory dwelling permit in addition to any building permit, submitting a scaled site plan showing property lines, building locations and dimensions, and parking stalls, plus detailed floor plans and written verification of owner-occupancy. The Building Services and Fire Divisions review the application before the Planning Division approves or denies it and issues a land use permit; the city then records the ADU certificate with the Weber County Recorder. The permit is tied to the owner: a change of ownership voids it, and a new owner must reapply.

Violations & Fines

Building or operating an ADU that exceeds the 800-square-foot cap, occupies more than 25% of the rear yard, sits on a disallowed lot type, or lacks an approved land use permit violates § 15-13-39. Noncompliance is just cause for denial or revocation of the accessory dwelling permit, decided at a Hearing Officer hearing under Title 5, Chapter 1, Article C; a revoked ADU must be removed within thirty days of the final determination.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many ADUs can one Ogden property have?

Just one. Ogden City Code § 15-13-39.B limits an accessory dwelling unit to parcels containing a single-family dwelling and caps it at one ADU per lot or parcel.

What is the size limit for a detached ADU in Ogden?

Section 15-13-39.D sets a detached accessory dwelling unit between 300 and 800 square feet, and it cannot occupy more than 25% of the rear yard area of the lot.

Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Ogden?

Yes. You need an accessory dwelling permit in addition to any building permit, with a scaled site plan and floor plans, reviewed by Building Services and Fire before Planning issues a land use permit under § 15-13-39.F.

Sources & Official References

[1]Ogden City Code § 15-13-39

Other rules in Ogden

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All Ogden rules

How Ogden compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·Compare Ogden to another location·View the Utah accessory structures overview

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