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Commission discusses ADU rules, setbacks, septic limits and privacy concerns
Summary
Commissioners reviewed state guidance and local constraints on accessory dwelling units (ADUs): the state requires allowing ADUs, there is no state maximum per property, and local code must address septic, setbacks, parking and privacy (window treatments). The commission agreed to clarify ADU definitions and setbacks in the redline.
Commissioners reviewed a Utah League of Cities and Towns training on ADUs and agreed they need clearer local language for both internal ADUs and detached ADUs (DADUs). Staff and commissioners emphasized that while state guidance requires allowing ADUs, local codes may set setbacks and health-and-safety standards; Bluff’s septic systems and parking constraints will limit where ADUs are feasible.
Members discussed tradeoffs—shorter setbacks can increase privacy issues, which some towns address with window treatments or tinted windows, while other towns keep longer setbacks instead. Chair Malia Collins noted there is no state-imposed maximum number of ADUs per property: "You must allow them to have at least 1, but there is no maximum in the state code." The commission agreed to draft clearer ADU language, specify setbacks (one commissioner suggested a 10-foot setback for detached ADUs as an example) and define what constitutes an interior vs. detached ADU for code clarity.
