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County approves smaller setbacks for detached ADUs in R5 and TR5 zones

5531555 · July 9, 2025

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Summary

The Utah County Commission approved an amendment to reduce required side and rear setbacks for detached accessory dwelling units up to 1,500 square feet from 15 feet to 10 feet in R5 and TR5 zones; the ordinance also preserves the existing covenant requirement for detached ADUs between 1,001 and 1,500 square feet.

Community Development staff presented an amendment to Utah County zoning ordinances to reduce required side and rear setbacks for detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in R5 and TR5 residential zones.

Xiao Tiongidou, a planner with Utah County Community Development, told the commission the proposal would change sections 12.12 (R5 zone) and 12.16 (TR5 zone) to permit detached ADUs of up to 1,500 square feet to be built 10 feet from side and rear property lines instead of the current 15 feet.

Tiongidou explained the county’s existing ordinance already allows detached ADUs up to 1,500 square feet. Under current county rules, detached ADUs sized between 1,001 and 1,500 square feet must have a recorded restricted covenant tied to moderate‑income housing recorded in the Utah County Recorder’s Office; that requirement remains in the proposal.

A county staff representative stated the planning commission recommended the change and that fire officials had no objections. Commissioners discussed the practical effects on smaller lots; staff said the change is intended to provide flexibility on half‑acre and smaller lots and to support moderate‑income housing strategies.

Commissioner Beltran asked whether the county is addressing short‑term rentals in the ADU rules; county staff (Bridal Armstrong, Community Development) said the ordinance does not regulate short‑term rentals and the county treats rental use under its general single‑family use definitions.

Following discussion, a motion to approve item number 12 — the ordinance amendment reducing setbacks for detached ADUs in the R5 and TR5 zones — was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. No roll‑call tally was recorded in the meeting transcript.