If you own a home in Saratoga Springs and you're thinking about adding an accessory dwelling unit, the city's rules are more specific than most homeowners expect.
Saratoga Springs only allows internal accessory dwelling units (IADUs). Detached structures — a separate backyard unit, a garage conversion, a standalone apartment — are not permitted. Not every property qualifies. Short-term rentals are prohibited. And you must live in the home.
Here's what the city's official code says, sourced directly from the Saratoga Springs FAQs for Accessory Units and Renting and Land Development Code Title 19.20.
First: Check Your Zone
Not every property is eligible. The city divides Saratoga Springs into three IADU zones: IADU Allowed, IADU Potential, and IADU Prohibited. Use the city's interactive IADU map to confirm your property's classification before spending any money on plans.
Even in an Allowed zone, your HOA may still prohibit IADUs. The city's FAQ explicitly warns: "If an area is approved for IADUs, the HOA may have additional regulations that would prohibit IADUs. Please consult with the HOA prior to applying for a permit." Check your CC&Rs first.
The Requirements at a Glance
Per Saratoga Springs Land Development Code Title 19.20, here is what the city requires:
Lot size: More than 6,000 square feet — properties at or below this threshold do not qualify.
Owner occupancy: You must live in either the main unit or the IADU. You cannot rent both units while living elsewhere. A temporary absence of up to three years is allowed for a job assignment, sabbatical, military service, or voluntary service, with documentation.
One unit maximum: Only one IADU is permitted per lot.
Living space: The IADU must include a sleeping area, a full kitchen, and a bathroom (toilet, sink, and tub or shower).
Separate entrance: The IADU must have its own exterior entrance. Interior-only access does not qualify.
Parking: At least one additional paved off-street parking space (9 ft × 18 ft minimum), located behind the front setback line. On-street parking does not count. Garage space only counts if two enclosed spaces are already provided for the primary dwelling.
Single-family appearance: The exterior of the home must remain architecturally compatible with the neighborhood and not appear to be a duplex or multi-unit structure.
Addressing: The IADU shares the primary home's address number but is designated Unit B, visible from the street.
Utilities: Separate meters are permitted for water, gas, and electricity — but all meters must be in the property owner's name.
No short-term rentals: Per the city's FAQ, IADUs may not be used as Airbnb, VRBO, or any short-term rental. The minimum lease term is 30 days.
Permits and Enforcement
A building permit and IADU registration are required before construction or conversion. Contact the Saratoga Springs Building Department at 801-766-6507 or follow the city's IADU Registration Process.
Per the city's FAQ: when Code Enforcement discovers an unpermitted ADU, a notice of violation is issued — and fines follow if not corrected. If you're buying a home in Saratoga Springs with an existing basement apartment, confirm the permit is valid before closing.
On r/Utah and Utah County Facebook homeowner groups, unpermitted basement apartments come up regularly as a problem that surprises both buyers and sellers. An unpermitted IADU is a code violation that transfers with the property.
Before You Buy or Build
If you're considering a Saratoga Springs home specifically for its ADU potential:
- Check the IADU zone map for the specific property
- Review the HOA CC&Rs — many Saratoga Springs communities prohibit IADUs even in Allowed zones
- Confirm the lot exceeds 6,000 square feet
- Verify any existing basement apartment has a valid city permit
- Confirm there is space for the required additional parking stall
As I covered in my guide to renting your Saratoga Springs home, rental income can be a powerful wealth-building strategy — but only if the unit is properly permitted and HOA-compliant from the start.
Questions About a Specific Saratoga Springs Property? Let's Chat →
Related reading:
- Can You Keep Your Low Rate and Rent Your Home in Saratoga Springs?
- Saratoga Springs Townhomes in 2026: Prices and Neighborhoods
- Can You Park an RV or Boat in Your Eagle Mountain Driveway?
Sources: Saratoga Springs City — FAQs for Accessory Units and Renting; Saratoga Springs Land Development Code Title 19.20 — Internal Accessory Dwelling Units; Saratoga Springs IADU Zone Map; Saratoga Springs IADU Registration Process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Saratoga Springs allow ADUs? Yes — but only Internal Accessory Dwelling Units (IADUs). Detached structures are not permitted. Not every property is in an approved zone; check the city's interactive IADU map before planning.
Can I add a basement apartment in Saratoga Springs? Possibly — if your property is in an IADU Allowed zone, your lot exceeds 6,000 sq ft, your HOA permits it, and you meet all requirements including owner occupancy, separate entrance, parking, and building code compliance.
Can I use an IADU for Airbnb in Saratoga Springs? No. IADUs cannot be used as short-term rentals. The minimum rental term is 30 days. Short-term rentals are not allowed citywide.
Do I have to live in the home if I have an IADU? Yes. Owner occupancy is required — either in the main unit or the IADU. A temporary absence of up to three years is allowed for specific documented reasons.
What happens if I have an unpermitted basement apartment? Code Enforcement issues a violation notice, and fines follow if not corrected. If you're buying a home with an existing basement apartment, confirm the permit is valid before closing.
Can my HOA prohibit an IADU even if the city allows it? Yes. HOA CC&Rs may prohibit IADUs even in city-approved zones. Always check both city zoning and your HOA rules before planning.