West Valley City Zoning & Land Use Guide
Notable local initiatives in West Valley City
Named ordinances, statutes, and reforms specific to West Valley City — each linked to an official source you can verify directly.
Local ADU rule — internal ADUs west of 4000 West only
West Valley City's own ordinance historically permitted internal accessory dwelling units only in single-unit dwellings located west of 4000 West and explicitly prohibited detached ADUs and any ADUs on properties zoned for single-unit dwellings east of 4000 West (including RB, RE, and all R-1 and A zones). The 4000 West dividing line is a distinctive geographic feature of the city's land-use map.
Source · wvc-ut.govUtah HB 82 (2021) — Single-family Housing Modifications preempts local ADU bans(2021)
HB 82, signed by Governor Cox on May 5, 2021 and effective October 1, 2021, created Utah Code § 10-9a-530, which makes one internal ADU within a primary single-family dwelling a permitted use in any single-family zone. The statute preempts contrary local ordinances. In West Valley City this state law overrides the historic 4000 West restriction for internal ADUs, although the city retains discretion over detached and attached units and may apply standard licensing, parking, and health and safety rules.
Source · le.utah.govWest Valley City Municipal Code Title 7 — Land Use Development and Management
West Valley City's zoning regulations live in the municipal code's Land Use, Development, and Management section, available on the city's official codification at westvalleycity.municipal.codes. The code establishes the R-1-10, R-1-8, R-1-6, RM, C-1, C-2, and M-1 districts used in this guide and is the authoritative source for building height, setback, and use standards.
Source · westvalleycity.municipal.codes
Key Zoning Facts
West Valley City Zoning Overview
West Valley City is a city in Salt Lake County, Utah with approximately 140,230 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 Valley City follows the Utah State Construction Code, which is based on the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC).
Primary Zoning Districts
West Valley City's zoning code includes a range of residential districts. The R-1-10 district requires a minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet with a 30-foot height limit and setbacks of 25 feet (front), 8 feet (side), and 25 feet (rear). The R-1-8 district requires 8,000 square foot minimum lots with setbacks of 25 feet (front), 8 feet (side), and 20 feet (rear). The R-1-6 district allows 6,000 square foot minimum lots with setbacks of 20 feet (front), 6 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 Valley City allows ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) in certain residential zones. Utah does not currently have a statewide ADU mandate. Contact the West Valley City Planning & Zoning Department for current requirements including size limits, setbacks, owner-occupancy rules, and permitting procedures.
Development Process
Development in West Valley City 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 Valley City, 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 & Zoning Department at (801) 963-3251 for pre-application guidance
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in West Valley City and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the City of West Valley City or the municipal code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in West Valley City
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
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 8,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 6,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 6 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 Valley City
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 Valley City Planning & Zoning.
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for West Valley City are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check West Valley City permit fees →Official Sources
City-specific