Salt Lake County, UT Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)
Garage conversion rules in Salt Lake County, UT, sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions, govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- County Code Ch. 19.15
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Salt Lake County only
- Egress requirement
- Window wells for emergency exit
- Permit
- Building permit required first
Summary
An existing garage in unincorporated Salt Lake County can become an accessory dwelling unit, but it must meet every ADU standard and pass building-code safety upgrades first.
Conversions of an existing space to an ADU will require compliance with safety requirements per building code including, but not limited to, egress windows with window wells in case of emergency, and sufficient HVAC and climate control for the ADU.F.IADUs shall not require a separate HVAC or firewall.G.The owner shall provide a separate address marking for emergency services and mailing services.H.Detached ADUs shall not be located in a front or corner lot side yard unless the lot size is at least one acre and the detached ADU is at least thirty feet from the front lot line.I.New detached ADUs must be offset ten feet or more from the front facade of the main dwelling.J.Any detached ADU shall have adequate facilities for all discharge from roof and other drainage.K.Single family residences with a detached ADU shall retain the same appearance as a single-family residence.L.An existing accessory building may be converted into an ADU provided that it meets the same ADU requirements in this chapter. (Ord. No. 1926, § II, 6-25-2024; Ord. No. 1924, § II, 6-4-2024; Ord. No. 1886, § II, 11-2-2021)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 49).
Full Breakdown
County code lets homeowners convert an existing accessory building like a garage into an ADU, but only if it meets every other ADU requirement in Chapter 19.15 - permit, water service confirmation, owner-occupancy affidavit. Conversions must add egress windows with window wells and sufficient HVAC and climate control. A permit is required before any conversion begins.
Violations & Fines
Converting a garage without a building permit or without meeting egress, HVAC and other ADU standards leaves the unit unpermitted; no certificate of occupancy or business license to rent will issue until it complies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert my garage into an ADU in unincorporated Salt Lake County?
Does this apply inside Salt Lake City or other cities?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Salt Lake County
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