UT HB0477

Specified municipalities must allow detached accessory dwelling units as a permitted use on lots of 10,000 square feet or larger containing a single-family dwelling, effective October 1, 2026, with restrictions on parking requirements (max 2 spaces for units 650+ sq ft, 1 space for smaller units) and prohibitions on requiring conditional use permits in residential zones.

Planning commission ordinances must now specify procedures and causes for removing members, including using public funds for political purposes, ethics violations, and acting with intent to create impermissible bias in land use decisions; training requirements expanded to include ex parte communication and conflict of interest topics.

Modified feasibility requests for municipal incorporation filed on or after May 6, 2026 must follow current law rather than the law in effect when the original request was filed; new notice requirements added for specified landowners when modified requests include additional land areas.

Counties may now deny certificates of occupancy until essential infrastructure is completed, including permanent roads, temporary roads with asphalt/concrete, or other access methods consistent with International Fire Code Appendix D, plus public infrastructure necessary for occupant health and safety.

New or unlisted business use classification processes must provide applicants opportunity to appeal land use authority decisions to an appeal authority; applications for new uses bypass planning commission and go directly to legislative body for approval or denial.