Accessory Structures in Eagle Mountain, UT

Every city handles accessory structures a little differently. In Eagle Mountain, Utah, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Shed & Carport Rules

Accessory buildings like sheds and garages in Eagle Mountain's residential zones must sit at least 5 to 10 feet off the rear and side property lines depending on the zone, and are capped at 20 to 35 feet in height, dropping to 20 feet in most standard-lot zones.

Key details: Accessory height, large lots (RA1/RA2/RD1): 35 feet. Accessory height, standard lots: 20 feet. Rear/side setback, large lots: 10 feet. Rear/side setback, standard lots: 5 feet. Governing table: EMMC 17.25.040.

A shed or accessory building erected inside the required rear or side setback, or exceeding the applicable height cap, without an approved 10 percent variation is a Title 17 zoning violation. The planning director enforces these standards through site inspections and certificates of compliance under EMMC 17.15.020.E and can investigate violations and initiate proceedings to bring a noncompliant structure into compliance, which can include requiring relocation or removal of the structure.

ADU Rules

Eagle Mountain allows one accessory dwelling unit per residential lot under EMMC 17.70.030, whether attached, over a garage, or in a detached structure. Detached ADUs must run 400 to 1,200 square feet, sit at least six feet from the primary home, and top out at 35 feet and two stories.

Key details: ADUs per lot: One maximum. Detached ADU size: 400 to 1,200 square feet. Detached ADU height: 35 feet, two stories max. Setback from primary home: At least six feet. Minimum street frontage: 70 feet (exceptions possible).

An ADU built or occupied without an approved accessory dwelling unit permit is considered illegal under EMMC 17.70.040 until the permit is submitted and approved, and the city requires all necessary building permits and fees to be obtained before construction, including for a basement finished earlier without one. Under EMMC 17.70.050, a property that violates the ordinances or conditions of approval can have its ADU permit revoked by the planning director, a designee, or the planning commission, with enforcement proceeding under Chapter 4.10 EMMC, Article V, the city's Administrative Code Enforcement Hearing Procedures.

ADU Owner Occupancy

Eagle Mountain requires the property owner to actually live in the home containing an accessory dwelling unit, in either the primary residence or the ADU, under EMMC 17.70.030(B). ADU occupants must be related by blood, marriage, or adoption, or number no more than two unrelated people, and subleasing is barred.

Key details: Owner must live: In primary unit or the ADU. ADU occupants: Related family or 2 unrelated max. Subleasing: Prohibited. Exceptions: Never granted for owner occupation. Governing section: EMMC 17.70.030(B).

Failing to maintain owner occupancy, exceeding the two-unrelated-occupant limit, or subleasing the ADU violates EMMC 17.70.030(B) and can trigger revocation of the accessory dwelling unit permit by the planning director, a designee, or the planning commission under EMMC 17.70.050. EMMC 17.70.040(C) specifically bars the planning commission from ever granting an exception to the owner-occupation requirement, unlike most other ADU standards. Enforcement proceeds under Chapter 4.10 EMMC, Article V, the city's Administrative Code Enforcement Hearing Procedures.

This is one of the stricter rules in Eagle Mountain's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

ADU Rental Restrictions

Eagle Mountain bars renting an accessory dwelling unit for anything under 30 consecutive days. EMMC 17.70.030(I) flatly prohibits short-term rentals of ADUs, and EMMC 17.70.040(C) confirms the planning commission can never grant an exception to that ban, unlike most other ADU standards.

Key details: Minimum rental term: 30 consecutive days. Exceptions allowed: None, ever. Applies regardless of: Owner-occupancy status. Enforcement: ADU permit revocation. Governing section: EMMC 17.70.030(I).

Renting an ADU for fewer than 30 consecutive days violates EMMC 17.70.030(I), and because EMMC 17.70.040(C) bars any exception to that rule, there is no hearing path to seek approval for a short-term rental. The planning director, a designee, or the planning commission can revoke the accessory dwelling unit permit under EMMC 17.70.050 for the violation, with enforcement proceeding under Chapter 4.10 EMMC, Article V, the city's Administrative Code Enforcement Hearing Procedures.

Compared to other cities, Eagle Mountain takes a harder line on adu rental restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Eagle Mountain is tougher than many cities when it comes to accessory structures. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Eagle Mountain, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Eagle Mountain's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.