Accessory Structures in St. George, UT: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in St. George or are thinking about moving there, accessory structures are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. St. George has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of accessory structures, and some of them might surprise you.

Carport Rules

St. George regulates carports as accessory structures under Title 10 (Zoning Regulations). Section 10-2-1 defines a carport as a private garage not completely enclosed by walls and a door. Yard-and-setback rules in Section 10-5-6 (Yards Unobstructed - Exceptions), the residential-zone requirements in Chapter 10-7, and the street-setback rules in Section 10-7-5 govern where a carport can be placed. Building permits are required for carport construction, and an attached or detached carport must meet the International Residential Code as adopted by Utah and St. George.

Key details: Carport Definition: Sec. 10-2-1 - private garage not fully enclosed. Yard Standards: Sec. 10-5-6 Yards Unobstructed Exceptions. Street Setbacks: Sec. 10-7-5. Rear Yard Coverage Cap: 25% of rear yard. Patio/Roof Cover Setback: 2 ft from rear and side property line.

Constructing a carport without the required building permit, placing it within a required setback, exceeding the 25% rear-yard coverage limit for accessory buildings, or building a roof structure closer than 2 feet to a side or rear property line can support code-enforcement action under Title 10, including stop-work orders, removal orders, and fines. Permit-less carports are commonly identified during complaint-driven inspections or when the property is later sold and a building-records search is run. Bringing an existing non-permitted carport into compliance typically requires after-the-fact permit application or relocation to meet the setback.

Shed Rules

St. George regulates sheds and accessory structures through the zoning ordinance. Small sheds under a certain size may not require a building permit, but must meet setback requirements.

Key details: Permit Exempt: Under ~200 sq ft (one story). Setbacks: Must comply with zone requirements. Front Yard: Sheds not permitted. Use: No living space or commercial storage.

Non-compliant sheds face code enforcement action including removal or relocation. Unpermitted structures over the size threshold must obtain retroactive permits.

Garage Conversions

Garage conversions in St. George require a building permit and must comply with zoning requirements for off-street parking. Converting a garage may require providing replacement parking spaces.

Key details: Permit: Building permit required. Parking: Replacement spaces may be needed. Building Code: Must meet habitable room standards. ADU Rules: Apply if creating a dwelling unit.

Unpermitted garage conversions may result in code enforcement action, fines, and orders to restore the garage or obtain proper permits.

ADU Rules

St. George allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in certain residential zones under specific conditions per the city's zoning ordinance. ADUs must meet size, setback, and parking requirements.

Key details: Zones: Permitted in designated residential zones. Owner Occupancy: Required in primary or ADU. Parking: Additional off-street space required. Permit: Building permit required.

Unpermitted ADUs face fines, stop-work orders, and potential demolition orders. Operating as an STR without authorization results in additional penalties.

The Bottom Line

St. George'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 St. George is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on St. George's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.