West Jordan Zoning & Land Use Guide
Notable local initiatives in West Jordan
Named ordinances, statutes, and reforms specific to West Jordan — each linked to an official source you can verify directly.
West Jordan Title 13 ADU standards
West Jordan's land use regulations live in Title 13 of the West Jordan Municipal Code, codified on American Legal Publishing. Internal ADUs are addressed in section 13-5L-9 (and zone-specific provisions such as 13-5B-8 for the R-2 zone). One ADU is permitted per property; ADUs cannot be served by failing septic, both units cannot be rented separately, and at least one paved 9 by 18 foot parking space is required for the ADU in addition to the primary dwelling's parking.
Source · codelibrary.amlegal.comExternal (detached) ADU lot-size threshold
Per West Jordan's adopted ordinance, a detached external ADU is permitted only in single-family and rural zones on lots larger than 10,000 square feet and must share the lot with the primary dwelling. The external ADU footprint cannot cover more than 20% of the combined rear and side yards. This 10,000 sq ft lot-size floor is one of the strictest in Salt Lake County's suburban ring.
Source · codelibrary.amlegal.comUtah HB 82 (2021) — Internal ADU statewide preemption(2021)
Utah HB 82 (2021), codified at Utah Code § 10-9a-530, preempts local prohibitions on one internal ADU within a primary single-family dwelling. The statute applies to West Jordan and overrides any local provision that would otherwise prevent an internal unit, while leaving the city free to set health, safety, and licensing standards. West Jordan continues to follow updated state legislation on ADUs as it is enacted.
Source · le.utah.gov
Key Zoning Facts
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:
- 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 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
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Utah
- Building Code: Utah State Construction Code
- State ADU Override: Yes (Utah Code § 10-9a-530 (created by HB 82, 2021 General Session) — municipalities generally cannot prohibit one internal ADU within a primary single-family dwelling.)
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
- Min Lot
- 10,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 8,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 6 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 6,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
ADU Rules in West Jordan
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 West Jordan Planning Department.
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
City-specific