Updated March 31, 2023
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are becoming a popular choice among Utah communities working to meet the requirements of the State’s affordable housing mandate. In addition to providing a simple way of creating more affordable housing, ADUs also make it easier for a community’s residents to take care of their aging relatives, support their adult children, and supplement their income by renting out extra space in their home.
But while ADUs provide many benefits (not the least of which is a partial solution to the affordable housing shortage), policymakers can inadvertently create problems within their communities by allowing for ADUs without proper planning for them. The problems which typically arise with ADUs are those commonly associated with higher density (i.e. encroachment, noise, parking, and traffic), as the community is almost always doubling the number of allowed dwelling units within the existing zoning district when they allow for ADU development.
Special Note: The Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman has provided funding for this training program from the 1% surcharge on all building permits in the State of Utah.
