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Zoning Guide

Provo Zoning & Land Use Guide

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Key Zoning Facts

Planning Department
City of Provo Development Services(801) 852-6400
Building Code Edition
Utah State Construction Code (IBC/IRC based)
ADUs Allowed
Yes
Primary District
R1 — Single-Family Residential (12,000 sq ft)
Max Height
30 ft

Provo Zoning Overview

Provo is a city in Utah County with approximately 115,162 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.

Provo follows the Utah State Construction Code, which is based on the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC).

Primary Zoning Districts

Provo's zoning code includes a range of residential districts. The R1 district requires a minimum lot size of 12,000 square feet with a 30-foot height limit and setbacks of 25 feet (front), 8 feet (side), and 25 feet (rear). The R2 district requires 7,000 square foot minimum lots with setbacks of 20 feet (front), 6 feet (side), and 20 feet (rear). The RC (Residential Conservation) district allows smaller lots with a 4,000 square foot minimum for compact development.

Commercial activity is served by the CG (General Commercial) district. The M1 (Light Manufacturing) district provides for industrial and warehousing uses.

ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules

Provo allows ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) in certain residential zones. Utah does not currently have a statewide ADU mandate. Contact the Provo Development Services Department for current requirements including size limits, setbacks, owner-occupancy rules, and permitting procedures.

Development Process

Development in Provo generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the city's planning and building departments. The process typically involves:

  1. Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
  2. Site Plan Review — For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
  3. Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents
  4. Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
  5. 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 Provo, 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 Development Services Department at (801) 852-6400 for pre-application guidance

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Provo and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the City of Provo or the municipal code before making development decisions.

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Provo

Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.

Federal

State — Utah

  • Building Code: Utah State Construction Code
View Utah zoning overview

County — Utah County

  • Role: County-level property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning

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.

Primary Zoning Districts

R1Single-Family Residential (12,000 sq ft)
Min Lot
12,000 sq ft
Max Height
30 ft
Front Setback
25 ft
Side Setback
8 ft
Rear Setback
25 ft
R2Single-Family Residential (7,000 sq ft)
Min Lot
7,000 sq ft
Max Height
30 ft
Front Setback
20 ft
Side Setback
6 ft
Rear Setback
20 ft
RCResidential Conservation
Min Lot
4,000 sq ft
Max Height
30 ft
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
CGGeneral Commercial
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
M1Light Manufacturing
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies

ADU Rules in Provo

ADUs:Allowed

Permit Costs & Timelines

Permit Costs & Timelines

Specific permit fee schedules for Provo are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.

Check Provo permit fees →

Official Sources

City of Provoprovo.orgOfficial sourceProvo Municipal Codelibrary.municode.comOfficial source

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the zoning for my property in Provo?
Contact the Provo Development Services Department at (801) 852-6400 or visit provo.org/departments/development-services. You can also review the municipal code on Municode for zoning district descriptions and permitted uses.
What building code does Provo follow?
Provo follows the Utah State Construction Code, which is based on the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). Contact the local building department for specific requirements and local amendments.
Do I need a permit for home improvements in Provo?
Most structural modifications, additions, and changes of use require a building permit. Contact the Provo building department at (801) 852-6400 for specific requirements.
Can I build an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) in Provo?
Yes. Provo allows ADUs in certain residential zones. Contact the Development Services Department for current requirements including size limits, setbacks, and permitting procedures.