Agenda Item Title:
Title
Amendments to Title 21 of the Land Development Code related to Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
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Presenter:
Melissa Anderson, Zoning Administrator
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Description/Background:
On behalf of Sandy City, the Community Development Department is proposing to amend Title 21, Land Development Code, Chapter 7, Land Uses in Residential Districts, Chapter 8, Land Uses in the Commercial, Office, Industrial, Mixed Use, Transit Corridor, and Research and Development Districts, Chapter 9, Institutional Care District, Chapter 10, Open Space District, Chapter 11, Special Use Standards, Chapter 19, Special Development (SD) Districts, Chapter 24, Parking, Access and Circulation Requirements, and Chapter 37, Definitions.
During the 2026 Utah Legislative Session, Senate Bill 284 was passed, which enacted new state code relating to detached ADUs, effective October 1st, 2026. The new state law stipulates that cities, such as Sandy, must adopt land use regulations that permit detached ADUs on residential property if it:
• Is 11,000 square feet or larger (<11,000 s.f. is allowed but up to the city’s discretion), and
• Contains a single-family dwelling, and
• The single-family dwelling is a permitted use on the property.
The proposed amendments will bring Sandy’s Land Development Code (LDC) into compliance with the current Utah Code by allowing Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) to be developed in residential zones if all other requirements are met. The specific amendments to the Land Development Code are included as Exhibit “A” (red-lined version) and Exhibit “B” (clean version).
See the attached staff report and exhibits for full details and analysis on this item.
Exhibits:
A. Proposed code amendments (red-lined version)
B. Proposed code amendments (clean version)
C. General Plan Goals and Policies related to ADUs
D. State Code related to ADUs and Design Elements (UCA 10-21-303 & 304 and 10-20-618)
E. Maps that illustrate potential areas for ADUs based on 8,000, 10,000 and 11,000 sq. ft. lot sizes
F. Comment Letters from Planning Commission Mtg. on August 6, 2026
Further action to be taken:
The final decision on this item will be made by the City Council.
Recommended Action and/or Suggested Motion:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission forward a positive recommendation to the City Council to amend Title 21, of the Sandy Municipal Code, relating to Detached Accessory Dwelling Units, as shown in Exhibit “A”, based on the following findings:
Findings:
1. The City Council may amend land use ordinances consistent with the purposes of the Sandy Land Development Code, the Sandy City General Plan, and the Utah Code, Municipal Land Use, Development, and Management Act per Title 21 Chapter 5 of the Sandy Municipal Code.
2. The proposal is reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council in accordance with the requirements of Title 21 Chapter 5 of the Sandy Municipal Code.
3. The proposal complies with the purpose of the Land Development Code under Section 21-1-03 by promoting the public health, safety, and welfare; ensuring consistent and equitable standards; establishing fair procedures that are efficient and effective in terms of time and expense; and by facilitating the orderly growth and development of Sandy City.
4. The proposal complies with the Goals and Policies of the General Plan by establishing appropriate development standards for all uses and zoning categories within Sandy City.
5. The proposal implements the Goals and Policies of the General Plan by amending the LDC to allow detached ADUs on larger lots in residential zones. The proposal establishes standards for ADUs that mitigate impacts on neighboring properties, require owner occupancy, and limit the height and size of the ADU so that it is subordinate to the primary structure, consistent with the General Plan.