Holladay homeowners could soon build backyard cottages or convert garages into rental units. The Planning Commission holds a public hearing and expected vote on the changes Tuesday, Sept. 22.

The commission meets at 6 p.m. at the temporary City Council chambers, 3330 S. 1300 East in Millcreek, according to the meeting agenda. The sole item: aligning the city's accessory dwelling unit rules with Utah's SB284, signed into law during the 2026 legislative session.

The state law requires Utah cities to allow detached ADUs on qualifying lots by Oct. 1, according to a guide published by Square One Utah. That gives Holladay's City Council roughly one week after the commission's recommendation to hold its own hearing and finalize the ordinance.

What would change

Community and Economic Development Director Jonathan Teerlink, who prepared the staff report for the hearing, outlined three specific amendments:

  • Detached ADU standards would be added to the R-2 and RM residential zones, which allow single-family homes but currently lack explicit rules for detached units. The proposed standards mirror those already in place for R-1 zones.
  • Minimum parking requirements would be updated to match state limits. Under SB284, cities can require no more than two on-site parking stalls for a unit of 650 square feet or larger and one stall for a smaller unit.
  • Building design standards would be revised to conform with Utah Code §10-20-618.

The city's Technical Review Committee recommended the commission forward the amendments to the City Council for a final decision.

Holladay got a head start

Holladay adopted its first ADU ordinance in 2024, reducing minimum lot sizes, setting conversion standards for existing accessory buildings, and adding design requirements. That earlier work means the SB284 updates are relatively narrow.

Teerlink wrote in the staff report that the city's 2024 planning decisions largely align with the new state law and only minor amendments are needed.

Existing Holladay rules that carry forward include a 30-day minimum rental period and a requirement that the property owner or immediate family member live on-site. ADUs must share the primary dwelling's address with a "Unit B" designation.

SB284 sets a floor, not a ceiling. Cities retain control over setbacks, height, lot coverage, design consistency and owner-occupancy rules. They may also prohibit rentals shorter than 90 consecutive days.

How to participate

The meeting will be streamed live on the City of Holladay website. Residents can also attend in person at the temporary chambers in Millcreek.

The deadline for written comments to be included in the public record was 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21. Residents may still speak during the public hearing.

The City Council must hold its own public hearing and vote before the Oct. 1 state deadline. That council meeting date has not been announced.