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West Jordan Zoning & Land Use Guide

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Key Zoning Facts

Planning Department
City of West Jordan Planning Department(801) 569-5060
Building Code Edition
Utah State Construction Code (IBC/IRC based)
ADUs Allowed
Yes
Primary District
R-1 Single-Family Residential (10,000 sq ft)
Max Height
35 ft

West Jordan Zoning Overview

West Jordan is a city in Salt Lake County, Utah with approximately 116,961 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.

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

Primary Zoning Districts

West Jordan'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

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

Development Process

Development in West Jordan 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 West Jordan, 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) 569-5060 for pre-application guidance

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

Regulatory Layers That Apply in West Jordan

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 — Salt Lake 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

R-1Single-Family Residential (10,000 sq ft)
Min Lot
10,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
25 ft
Side Setback
8 ft
Rear Setback
20 ft
R-2Single-Family Residential (8,000 sq ft)
Min Lot
8,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
25 ft
Side Setback
6 ft
Rear Setback
20 ft
R-3Single-Family Residential (6,000 sq ft)
Min Lot
6,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
20 ft
Side Setback
5 ft
Rear Setback
20 ft
RMMulti-Family Residential
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
C-1Neighborhood Commercial
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
C-2General Commercial
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
M-1Light Manufacturing
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies

ADU Rules in West Jordan

ADUs:Allowed

Permit Costs & Timelines

Permit Costs & Timelines

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

Check West Jordan permit fees →

Official Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the zoning for my property in West Jordan?
Contact the West Jordan Planning Department at (801) 569-5060 or visit westjordan.utah.gov/departments/planning. You can also review the municipal code on Municode for zoning district descriptions and permitted uses.
What building code does West Jordan follow?
West Jordan 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 West Jordan?
Most structural modifications, additions, and changes of use require a building permit. Contact the West Jordan building department at (801) 569-5060 for specific requirements.
Can I build an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) in West Jordan?
Yes. West Jordan allows ADUs in certain residential zones. Contact the Planning Department for current requirements including size limits, setbacks, and permitting procedures.