South Jordan's Accessory Structures: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles accessory structures a little differently. In South Jordan, 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.
ADU Rules
South Jordan permits ADUs only in A-5, A-1, R-1.8, R-2.5, R-3, R-4 and R-5 zones, with minimum lot sizes, parking, and setback rules for internal units and detached guesthouses.
Key details: Eligible zones: A-5, A-1, R-1.8, R-2.5, R-3, R-4, R-5. Guesthouse cap: 35% of home or 1,500 sq ft. Min. lot size: 6,000 sq ft (14,520 for guesthouse). Guesthouse setback: 10 feet minimum side/rear.
Building a guesthouse over the size cap without Planning Commission approval, or placing one on a flag lot or an ineligible zone, blocks permit issuance.
Shed & Carport Rules
South Jordan lets a low backyard shed sit as close as 5 feet from the side property line and 3 feet from the rear, but the rear setback grows with the structure's height.
Key details: Side yard setback: 5 ft if under 10' tall. Rear yard setback: 3 ft minimum. Rear setback grows: +1 ft per ft over 16'. Max accessory building height: 25 feet. Permit: land use permit required.
Violating South Jordan's zoning code, including accessory building setbacks, is a Class C misdemeanor under § 17.04.090; each day the violation continues is a separate offense.
ADU Rental Restrictions
South Jordan bans renting an internal accessory dwelling unit for stays under 30 consecutive days, keeping IADUs restricted to long-term occupancy under the city's Accessory Dwelling Unit Floating Zone.
Key details: Minimum rental term: 30 consecutive days. Applies to: Internal ADUs only. Eligible zones: A-5, A-1, R-1.8, R-2.5, R-3, R-4, R-5. Owner requirement: Recorded residency affidavit.
Violating the ADU Floating Zone can trigger denial or revocation of ADU approval by the Planning Department, and Code § 17.130.030.040 lets the City place a lien on the property for uncorrected violations.
Compared to other cities, South Jordan takes a harder line on adu rental restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
ADU Owner Occupancy
South Jordan requires the property owner of record to live on-site as their legal residence for any accessory dwelling unit, tracking Utah's statewide internal-ADU owner-occupancy framework.
Key details: Proof required: Voter, vehicle, license, or assessor record. Filing: Recorded affidavit of residency. Inspections: Annual, City-authorized. State law tie: Utah Code Title 10, ch. 9a.
Signing a false residency affidavit or moving out risks ADU permit revocation, and refusing the required annual inspection is itself a violation of the Floating Zone.
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.