How West Jordan Handles Accessory Structures: A Practical Guide

West Jordan maintains 120 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 West Jordan falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

ADU Rental Restrictions

Renting out either half of an agricultural-zone accessory dwelling unit in West Jordan requires a valid city business license. Note 3 to section 13-5A-2 also caps every A-1, A-5 and A-20 property at one ADU, internal or external, and bars any ADU where the primary home relies on a failing septic tank.

Key details: License required to rent: Valid city business license, either unit. ADUs per property: One only, internal or external. Septic restriction: No ADU if septic tank is failing. External ADU minimum lot: 10,000 sq ft. Citation: City Code § 13-5A-2, note 3.

Renting an ADU without the required business license, or operating a second ADU on the same lot, is enforced by the development services department under sections 13-4-1 and 13-4-4, which allow inspection, permit revocation and referral to code enforcement. Section 13-4-11 makes the underlying zoning violation a Class C misdemeanor, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense.

Garage Conversions

An attached garage that was required to meet a home's parking standards cannot become living space in West Jordan unless a replacement two-car garage goes in first. Note 3.A.6 to section 13-5A-2 ties any garage conversion to an accessory dwelling unit to full replacement of the required parking, not just a reduction.

Key details: Garage replacement required: Two-car garage before conversion. Standard applies to: Required, approved attached garages. ADU parking add-on: 9' x 18' paved space, no tandem. Citation: City Code § 13-5A-2, note 3.A.6.

Converting a required garage into an ADU without replacing the two-car garage is a zoning violation the development services department can enforce under sections 13-4-1 and 13-4-4, including a stop-work order or permit revocation. Section 13-4-11 treats the violation as a Class C misdemeanor, with each day the property remains out of compliance charged as a separate offense.

ADU Rules

West Jordan allows one accessory dwelling unit per residential lot, internal or detached, under section 13-5B-8. A detached ADU (DADU) needs a platted lot of at least 10,000 square feet in the R-1, RR, RE, PC, LSFR or VLSFR zones, sits at least six feet from the primary home and rear or side lot lines, and tops out at 20 feet tall.

Key details: ADUs allowed per lot: One, internal or detached. DADU minimum lot: 10,000 sq ft, listed R zones only. DADU setbacks: 6 ft sides/rear, 20 ft corner side. DADU max height: 20 feet. DADU max yard coverage: 20% of rear and side yard.

An unpermitted second ADU, an oversized DADU, or a DADU that violates the six- and twenty-foot setbacks is a zoning violation the development services department enforces under sections 13-4-1 and 13-4-4, including stop-work orders and permit revocation. Section 13-4-11 makes the violation a Class C misdemeanor, with each day the property remains noncompliant a separate offense.

Shed & Carport Rules

West Jordan limits accessory buildings, including sheds, to 20 percent coverage of the rear, corner side, or front yard where they sit. Section 13-8-3 requires a building permit for any accessory structure over 200 square feet or taller than 17 feet, and for any structure that receives gas, electricity, water, or sewer service.

Key details: Max coverage: 20% of the rear, corner side, or front yard. Permit trigger (size): Required over 200 square feet. Permit trigger (height): Required over 17 feet tall. Utility trigger: Permit required if gas, power, water, or sewer connected. Extra setback: +1 foot setback per foot of height over 17'.

Building without the required permit, or exceeding the 20 percent yard-coverage cap, is a Code violation. Section 1-14B-1 makes any West Jordan Code violation without its own stated penalty a Class B misdemeanor, with fines up to $5,000 per conviction for a corporation or association. An oversized or unpermitted shed can also be ordered removed or modified to bring the lot back into compliance with section 13-8-3's coverage and setback limits.

The Bottom Line

West 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 West Jordan is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from West 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.