Layton requires a permit for every accessory building, no matter how small. Here is what the city allows for a detached steel garage or shop, and what one costs in Davis County.
| Layton at a glance | What it means for your building |
|---|---|
| Permit needed | Yes, for every accessory structure. Over 200 sq ft gets a full building permit; 200 sq ft or less goes through Planning's accessory structure review. Plan review can take up to 14 business days. |
| Height (R-1) | 16 ft to the peak at minimum setbacks, up to 18 ft if you add 1 ft of setback for each extra foot. |
| Height (R-S and A zones) | 18 ft at minimum setbacks, up to 23 ft (R-S) or 25 ft (A) with the same extra setback. Best zones for a tall shop. |
| Setbacks | 5 ft from side and rear lot lines. Not in the front yard or the required side yard. Corner lots need 20 to 30 ft on the street side. |
| Distance from buildings | 6 ft from your house (including decks and patio covers) and 10 ft from houses on neighboring lots. |
| Lot coverage | Up to 60% of the lot can be hard surface, buildings included (50% on R-S lots over 20,000 sq ft). |
| Over 600 sq ft | Needs engineered footings. Our PE-stamped drawings cover the building engineering. |
| Elevation | About 4,350 ft, Davis County. |
From Layton's published code and permit pages, checked October 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the city before you build. Snow, wind and seismic values: see the Davis County guide.
Building package estimates for Davis County from our live estimator (October 2026, 3:12 roof, 10×10-class roll-up doors). Foundation, site prep and erection are separate.
| Building | Davis County estimate |
|---|---|
| 24×30×12 garage or small shop | $17,700 – $22,000 |
| 30×40×14 shop, 2 roll-up doors | $30,700 – $38,100 |
| 40×60×16 shop, 2 roll-up doors | $61,700 – $76,700 |
Your written quote is the firm number. More on steel shop pricing in Utah →
Layton is one of the few Utah cities that asks for a permit on any accessory building, so plan on a permit even for a small steel shed. Buildings over 200 sq ft must also sit outside public utility and drainage easements, so check your plat before you pick a spot.
Plans must show all four elevations and the finish materials. If your lot is on the east bench, ask us about the Davis County downslope wind zone; we engineer to your exact address.
437 N. Wasatch Dr., Layton, UT 84041 · (801) 336-3760 · Mon to Fri, 8 AM to 5 PM. City permit page →
Yes. Layton requires a permit for every accessory structure regardless of size. Buildings over 200 square feet need a full building permit, and smaller ones go through the city's accessory structure review.
In R-1 zones, 16 feet to the peak at minimum setbacks, or up to 18 feet with extra setback. In R-S zones up to 23 feet and in A zones up to 25 feet with extra setback.
At least 5 feet from side and rear lot lines, 6 feet from your house and 10 feet from neighboring houses. Accessory buildings are not allowed in the front yard or required side yard.
A 30x40 shop with 14-foot walls and two roll-up doors estimates at about $30,700 to $38,100 for the building package in Davis County on our live estimator (October 2026). Foundation and erection are separate.
Get a live estimate now, then a firm quote with drawings engineered for your address.