Bountiful Zoning & Land Use Guide
What we have on file vs. what to verify locally
We don't have editor-verified zoning prose for Bountifulyet. Here's the structured data we do have, and the highest-leverage steps to confirm specifics for your parcel.
What we have on file
- Population:
- 45,023
- County:
- Davis County
- State building code:
- Utah State Construction Code (based on 2021 IBC)(statewide default)
- State ADU law:
- Yes — Utah HB 82 (2021), codified at Utah Code section 10-9a-530, requires municipalities to allow an internal accessory dwelling unit as a permitted use in residential zones, with the option for a city to exempt up to 25 percent of its primarily residential zones (or up to 67 percent in qualifying college towns). The law also prohibits HOA and CC&R bans on internal ADUs.
- FEMA flood map:
- Search flood zones
- Planning department:
- City of Bountiful Planning Department
- Municipal code:
- View code online
- Zoning map:
- View city zoning map
Verify these locally
- Call the City of Bountiful Planning Department: (801) 298-6190
- Search the municipal code for the chapter that covers your zoning district and proposed use.
- Use the city zoning map to look up your parcel's zoning designation before applying for a permit.
- Check FEMA flood zone for your parcel — flood-zone status changes setbacks, foundation requirements, and insurance.
- Check your HOA CC&Rs and recorded deed restrictions — they are common in Bountiful and frequently restrict ADUs, fences, and exterior changes beyond what zoning allows.
Key Zoning Facts
Bountiful Zoning Overview
Bountiful is a city in Davis County, Utah with approximately 44,923 residents. The city manages land use and development through its local zoning ordinance, which divides the municipality into districts regulating permitted uses, building heights, lot sizes, setbacks, and density.
Bountiful follows the Utah State Construction Code, which is based on the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC).
Primary Zoning Districts
Bountiful's zoning code includes a range of residential districts. The R-1 district requires a minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet with a 35-foot height limit and setbacks of 25 feet (front), 8 feet (side), and 20 feet (rear). The R-2 district requires 8,000 square foot minimum lots with setbacks of 25 feet (front), 6 feet (side), and 20 feet (rear). The R-3 district allows 6,000 square foot minimum lots with setbacks of 20 feet (front), 5 feet (side), and 20 feet (rear).
The RM (Multi-Family Residential) district accommodates higher-density housing including apartments, townhouses, and condominiums. Commercial activity is served by the C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) and C-2 (General Commercial) districts. The M-1 (Light Manufacturing) district provides for industrial and warehousing uses.
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules
Bountiful allows ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) in certain residential zones. Utah does not currently have a statewide ADU mandate. Contact the Bountiful Planning Department for current requirements including size limits, setbacks, owner-occupancy rules, and permitting procedures.
Development Process
Development in Bountiful generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the city's planning and building departments. The process typically involves:
- Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
- Site Plan Review — For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
- Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents
- Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
- Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure
For projects that do not conform to existing zoning, property owners may need to seek a variance, special exception, or rezoning through the local board of zoning appeals or planning commission.
Key Considerations
Before starting any development project in Bountiful, property owners should:
- Verify the zoning classification of their property
- Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for their specific district
- Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
- Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
- Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
- Contact the Planning Department at (801) 298-6190 for pre-application guidance
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Bountiful and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the City of Bountiful or the municipal code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Bountiful
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Utah
- Building Code: Utah State Construction Code
- State ADU Override: Yes (Utah Code Sec. 10-9a-530 (HB 82, 2021) — requires municipalities to allow internal ADUs as a permitted use in residential zones; cities may exempt up to 25% of primarily residential zones (67% in qualifying college towns).)
County — Davis County
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.
Statewide Context (Utah)
Local data for Bountiful is limited. The following state-level facts apply across Utah and are inherited by this page until city-specific details are verified.
- State Building Code
- Utah State Construction Code (based on 2021 IBC)
- State ADU Preemption
- Yes — state law overrides local rules
- Coastal Zone
- No
- Wildfire Zones
- Yes
ADU Rules in Bountiful
State law (statewide context, not city-specific):
Utah HB 82 (2021), codified at Utah Code section 10-9a-530, requires municipalities to allow an internal accessory dwelling unit as a permitted use in residential zones, with the option for a city to exempt up to 25 percent of its primarily residential zones (or up to 67 percent in qualifying college towns). The law also prohibits HOA and CC&R bans on internal ADUs.
For local size, setback, and parking specifics, contact the City of Bountiful Planning Department.
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Bountiful are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Bountiful permit fees →Official Sources
City-specific