Sunset Sets Oct. 20 Hearing on Rules That Would Allow Detached ADUs

Sunset homeowners who have wondered about building a backyard rental unit will want to know about this one. The City Council has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall on Ordinance No. 2026-06, a rewrite of the city’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules. The Planning Commission holds its own hearing on the same ordinance Thursday, Oct. 8, at 6:30 p.m., also at City Hall, according to the city’s notice on the Utah Public Notice Website.

The biggest change: detached units

Sunset’s current code says detached ADUs are not permitted in any zone. The draft ordinance strikes that ban and adds standards for two kinds of external units: attached ADUs built as an addition sharing a wall with the home, and detached ADUs in a separate building on the lot. An existing detached accessory building could be converted if it meets the detached-ADU rules.

What the draft would require

• Lot size and scale: attached and detached units both need a lot of at least 6,000 square feet. An attached unit could be no more than half the habitable square footage of the home’s footprint; a detached unit could be no larger than the home.
• Utilities: internal and attached units could share the home’s water and sewer lines. Detached units would need their own culinary water and sewer laterals and individual meters before anyone moves in.
• Parking: at least one extra off-street space, with tandem parking in the driveway allowed and paved surfaces required.
• Owner on site: the owner, or a qualifying relative or family-trust trustor as defined in the draft, must live in either the home or the ADU.
• Permits and licensing: a permit for every ADU, an inspection before approval, and a yearly city rental license. Rentals must be at least 30 consecutive days, so no short-term rentals.

The draft lists the R-1, R-3 and RT zones for internal ADUs. The notice does not spell out zones for attached or detached units, so if you have a specific lot in mind, ask the city before you plan anything.

Nothing is decided yet

These are proposed rules. The council can adopt, change or delay the ordinance after the Oct. 20 hearing. Residents can speak at either hearing. Agendas and packets are posted on Sunset’s Agendas & Minutes page, and city offices can be reached at 801-825-1628.

Several Davis County cities are revisiting ADU rules this year; see our earlier story on Clinton’s ADU update. For more Sunset news, visit our Sunset page or the latest Davis County news.

Meeting dates, times and proposed rules are set by the city and can change. Please confirm on the official city website before you attend.