South Jordan's Accessory Structures: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles accessory structures a little differently. In South Jordan, Utah, there are 3 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.

ADU Rules

South Jordan allows ADUs (accessory apartments) per the city's Accessory Dwelling Unit Guidebook and Utah Code §10-9a-530 (HB 462, 2022). ADU Affidavit required. Owner occupancy required for internal ADUs. Internal ADUs cannot be used as short-term rentals. Building permit required for all ADU construction.

Key details: State Mandate: Utah Code §10-9a-530 — ADUs must be allowed. Owner-Occupancy: Required for internal ADUs. STR Prohibition: Internal ADUs NOT allowed as STRs. Permit: Building permit + ADU Affidavit required.

Unpermitted ADU: standard building code enforcement. May require demolition or legalization. Occupying unpermitted dwelling: code violation.

Shed Rules

South Jordan requires building permits for accessory structures including sheds. Structures must comply with zoning setback and placement requirements. Utah Residential Code §R105.2 may exempt structures under 200 sq ft at state level, but South Jordan permit requirements should be verified.

Key details: Permit Required: Yes — South Jordan Building Dept.. Setbacks: Must comply with zone-specific setback requirements. State Exemption: Utah RC §R105.2 — ≤200 sq ft (verify locally). Contact: South Jordan Building Dept. (801) 446-4357.

Unpermitted structure: retroactive permit with penalty. Non-compliant setback: modification or removal.

Garage Conversions

Garage conversions in South Jordan require building permits and Utah Residential Code compliance. If converting to an ADU, ADU rules apply including owner-occupancy requirement and prohibition on STR use. Certificate of occupancy required before habitation.

Key details: Permit: Building permit required — Utah RC. ADU Conversion: ADU Guidebook rules apply — owner-occupancy required. STR Use: Internal ADU conversions NOT allowed as STRs. Contact: South Jordan Building Dept. (801) 446-4357.

Unpermitted conversion: building code enforcement. Must bring to code or restore. Safety violations: immediate correction.

The Bottom Line

South Jordan'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 South Jordan is broadly strict or permissive.

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