From the Ground Up: Land Use, Zoning, and Community Design Explained
23 May 2026

Issue #3 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Explained
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a second dwelling unit on a single-family property that is clearly incidental and subordinate to the primary dwelling on the property. ADUs are categorized as either internal or detached. An “internal ADU” is located within the footprint of the primary dwelling unit. A “detached ADU” is located in an accessory building on the property and is not attached to or within the primary dwelling unit.

The Utah State Legislature recently adopted state code regarding accessory dwelling units, which will take effect in October 2026. Ogden Valley City will adopt an ordinance that complies with state law and establishes provisions to regulate aspects of ADUs as permitted.

The law specifies that - a municipality shall adopt a land use regulation that permits a detached accessory dwelling unit on any lot or parcel that is 11,000 square feet or larger and contains a single-family dwelling, if the single-family dwelling is a permitted use on the lot or parcel.

In order to establish conditions that are best suited to individual city’s needs, and minimize potential negative impacts, the state statute permits cities to establish land use regulations that:

• Regulate structure size, dimension, height, and maximum lot coverage.
• Establish setback requirements, that may take into account proximity to property lines and other structures, easements, window orientation, massing, or other elements.
• Require that they be designed consistent with the design of the single-family dwelling.
• Prohibit an ADU from being rented for less than 90 consecutive days.
• Require that the owner of a lot or parcel where a detached accessory dwelling unit is located reside in the detached single-family dwelling or detached accessory dwelling unit located on the lot or parcel.

When ordinances, implementation, and enforcement are effective, ADUs can provide communities with a variety of benefits, including broadening the availability of housing types; creating more affordable options for families to remain in their homes while generating rental income; and providing housing for extended family members. Additionally, when designed for accessibility, ADUs can support aging in place by allowing residents to remain in their community in a smaller, more manageable home.

To stay informed about Ogden Valley City’s ADU ordinance, please refer to postings on the Utah Public Meeting Notice website: https://www.utah.gov/pmn/.

Please send questions to [email protected].
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Angela Dean is Principal of AMD Architecture, was a member of the volunteer City Startup Transition Team and currently serves as Ogden Valley Planning Commission's Vice Chair.