How Lehi Handles Accessory Structures: A Practical Guide

Lehi maintains 41 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with accessory structures. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Lehi falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Carport Rules

Lehi regulates carports as accessory buildings/structures under Chapter 26 of the Lehi City Development Code. Accessory buildings less than 16 feet in height may be located within 18 inches of the property line; buildings 16 to 24 feet have a 5-foot side yard setback; structures taller than 24 feet require an 8-foot side yard setback. No accessory building may sit closer than 12 feet to a house on a neighboring lot, and no accessory building may exceed the height of the primary residence.

Key details: Code: Lehi Development Code Ch. 26 (Accessory Uses). Setback (<16 ft tall): 18 inches from property line. Setback (16-24 ft tall): 5 ft side yard. Setback (>24 ft tall): 8 ft side yard. Min Distance to Neighbor's House: 12 feet.

Building or expanding a carport without a required building permit, locating it closer than 18 inches to the property line for low-height structures, missing the 5- or 8-foot side yard setback for taller structures, placing it within 12 feet of a neighbor's house, or exceeding the primary residence's height violates Chapter 26 of the Lehi Development Code and the Utah State Construction Code adopted by reference. The Lehi Building Department and Code Enforcement may issue stop-work orders, require after-the-fact permits or removal, and assess civil fines through the Justice Court. Continued non-compliance can be enforced through injunctive relief under Utah Code Section 10-9a-803.

ADU Rules

Lehi permits ADUs in single-family homes on lots 6,000+ sq ft (22,000+ for detached). Owner occupancy is required via recorded declaration. ADUs cannot be used as short-term rentals. One dedicated off-street parking space required.

Key details: Min. Lot Size (internal): 6,000 sq ft. Min. Lot Size (detached): 22,000 sq ft. Owner Occupancy: Required, recorded declaration. STR Prohibited: ADUs cannot be short-term rentals. Parking: 1 dedicated space (9x20 ft).

Unpermitted ADU: stop-work order, fines. Short-term rental of ADU: code violation.

Garage Conversions

Garage conversions to living space in Lehi require a building permit and must meet residential building code requirements. Converting to an ADU requires compliance with ADU standards including owner occupancy, lot size, and parking requirements.

Key details: Permit Required: Yes. ADU Standards: Apply if converted to ADU. Min. Living Area: 300 sq ft. Contact: Building (385) 201-1035.

Conversion without permit: stop-work order, fines. Inadequate parking after conversion: zoning citation.

Shed Rules

Sheds under 200 sq ft in Lehi require only a zoning compliance permit (to verify setbacks). Sheds 200+ sq ft require a building permit. Structures with utilities always require a building permit. Contact Building at (385) 201-1035.

Key details: Under 200 sq ft: Zoning compliance permit only. 200+ sq ft: Building permit required. With Utilities: Always requires building permit. Contact: Building (385) 201-1035.

Sheds over 200 sq ft without building permit: citation. Setback violations: citation.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Lehi gives residents more flexibility on shed rules.

The Bottom Line

Lehi's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Lehi is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Lehi's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.