Accessory Structures in West Valley City, UT

West Valley City maintains 122 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with accessory structures. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where West Valley City falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

ADU Rental Restrictions

West Valley City requires a business license to rent an ADU and sets minimum stay lengths: 90 consecutive days for a detached ADU, 30 days for an internal ADU.

Key details: Detached ADU: 90-day minimum rental. Internal ADU: 30-day minimum rental. Both types: Business license required. Governs: § 7-7-107.5(7), § 7-7-115.5(7).

Renting an ADU without the required business license, or for a stay shorter than the minimum term, is a zoning violation the City can enforce through code compliance and license revocation.

Compared to other cities, West Valley City takes a harder line on adu rental restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

ADU Owner Occupancy

West Valley City requires the property owner to live in either the main house or a detached ADU, and bars renting an internal ADU unless the owner occupies the primary home.

Key details: Detached ADU: Owner must live on lot. Internal ADU: Owner must occupy primary home. Governs: § 7-7-107.5(3), § 7-7-115.5(8). Applies: Citywide, West Valley City.

Losing owner-occupancy status makes the ADU a zoning violation enforceable by the City; renting without a business license is also a violation under the same use-specific chapter.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. West Valley City actively enforces its adu owner occupancy requirements.

Shed & Carport Rules

West Valley City lets a rear-yard accessory building, such as a shed, sit as close as one foot from side and rear property lines if it stays at least three feet from the dwelling and follows height and coverage limits under Section 7-6-204(2).

Key details: Setback from dwelling: At least 3 feet. Setback from side/rear line: As close as 1 foot. Max rear-yard coverage: 25% (sheds + patio covers). Max height at min. setback: 14 feet. Absolute max height: 20 feet.

A shed built closer than one foot to the property line, closer than three feet to the house, taller than 20 feet, or that pushes rear-yard coverage over 25 percent is a zoning violation subject to correction.

Garage Conversions

Converting a home's garage into living space in West Valley City requires replacing every lost parking space first. Municipal Code Section 7-11-208 sets minimum replacement garage sizes by construction era, from two hard-surfaced spaces for pre-1998 homes up to a three-car, 20-by-30-foot garage for homes built after April 15, 2015, and any conversion done without a permit is illegal.

Key details: Pre-3/3/1998 homes: 2 spaces, hard surface. 1998-2015 homes: 2-car garage, 20x20 ft interior. Post-4/15/2015 homes: 3-car garage, 20x30 ft interior. Grandfathered: permitted conversions before 12/29/2008. Unpermitted conversions: illegal at any date.

An unpermitted garage conversion is illegal under Section 7-11-208(9) regardless of age, and the Community Preservation Department can pursue it through Title 10's administrative hearing program, civil action, or any other method under Section 7-1-113. Because occupancy of a converted living space requires a certificate of occupancy tied to completed replacement parking, the City can withhold occupancy approval until the replacement garage is built. Appeals of a staff determination go to the Board of Adjustment within 10 days under Section 7-1-114.

ADU Rules

West Valley City sets detailed lot, setback, size, parking, and owner-occupancy standards for both detached and internal accessory dwelling units.

Key details: Detached ADU min lot: 11,000 sq ft. Internal ADU min lot: Over 6,000 sq ft. Owner-occupancy: Required for both types. Detached rental term: 90+ consecutive days. Internal rental term: 30+ consecutive days.

A business license is required to rent either unit type; renting without one, or violating siting/occupancy standards, is enforced through the City's zoning and business-license processes.

Compared to other cities, West Valley City takes a harder line on adu rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

West Valley City is tougher than many cities when it comes to accessory structures. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in West Valley City, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

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