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1. Does the city allow short-term rentals (Airbnb)?

Homeowners are allowed to operate short-term rentals out of condos, townhouses, single family houses, and guest houses (with an approved Accessory Dwelling Unit permit). Basement apartments are not allowed to be used as short-term rentals. Please contact the Planning Department with any additional questions.

2. How do I find out the zoning for a property?

You can look up an address on our interactive zoning map. Additional information about property area, parcel number, and subdivision name can also be obtained there. For more information about the different zoning designations, you can review the requirements for each in Title 17 in the municipal code.

3. What are the requirements to build a detached structure on my property?

The Planning Department created a summary of the planning requirements for a detached structure (garage, shed, shop, patio cover, pergola, etc.) that can be found here. You are not required to apply for a building permit for structures less than 200 square feet in area, but you will need to obtain a "minor accessory building permit" to ensure the structure meets the planning requirements. All permit applications can be found on the South Jordan Online Portal. Please contact the Building Department with any questions regarding building codes.

4. Does the city require property owners to obtain a fence permit?

Fence permits are not required for new/replacement fencing in residential or agricultural zones. The Planning Department has created a summary of the requirements for fencing that can be found here.

5. How many farm animals can I have on my property?

Property owners are granted farm animal rights on land in the R-1.8, A-1, or A-5 zones that are at least 0.5 acres in size. The number of animals allowed is based on the animal type and the size of the subject property. More information regarding farm animal rights can be found here.

6. What is an easement? Can I build over an easement?

"An easement is an interest in land belonging to another person, so that the easement owner has a limited right to use or enjoy the other person’s property. Common easements include rights of way for access, or the right to cross property (including easements for utility service or water conveyance)." Utah Property Rights Ombudsman

In order to build over a recorded easement (typically public utility easements), you will need to get permission from each utility company that has a right to access that easements. A contact list has been provided to help you reach each entity and obtain approval to encroach into an easement. Please contact the Planning Department to located easements on your property. More information about easements can be found on the Property Rights Ombudsman website.

7. Can I get an exception to the building requirements? What is a variance?

In a few cases, a department head can grant an exception for some requirements during the review of a new development. The municipal code clearly states when these exceptions can take place. 

"A variance is a modification of a zoning requirement made necessary because some unique aspect of a parcel makes the requirement burdensome or unfair. Variances may be granted to adjust such zoning standards as setbacks or height limitations. The Utah Code authorizes local governments to grant variances. The variance mechanism allows a local government to have a zoning ordinance which applies to all properties, while providing the flexibility to adjust the zoning regulations for a specific property when necessary." Utah Property Rights Ombudsman

You can contact the Planning Department to discuss the potential to obtain a variance for your property. More information regarding variances can be found on the Property Rights Ombudsman website.

8. Can I have chickens on my property if I don't qualify for farm animal rights?

You can get a residential chicken permit ($76 fee) to have up to 6 chickens on your property. The Planning Department has provided a summary of the requirements for a residential chicken permit that can be found here.

9. How many people can live in a house?

The planning requirement for the number of people allowed to live in a dwelling unit is based on the definition of a family or household:

FAMILY OR HOUSEHOLD: One or more persons related by blood, marriage, adoption or approved foster care, and up to two (2) unrelated persons; or a group of not more than four (4) unrelated persons occupying a dwelling unit or a group of persons as defined by state law as elderly or disabled. (17.08.010)

Occupancy is also regulated by the building code, so you will need to confirm those requirements with the Building Department.