ADU Trends in Summit County Reveal Stark Divide in Affordable Housing

Summit County offers up to $60,000 in reimbursements for new Accessory Dwelling Units, yet proposed changes would remove income caps for who can rent them. This policy aims to increase housing stock, but the removal of affordability requirements raises critical questions about the ultimate beneficiaries of public investment. The substantial public funding directed towards these units contrasts sharply with their potential market-rate rental, risking an exacerbation of housing challenges for low- and moderate-income residents. This creates a fundamental disconnect: public subsidies intended to solve a housing crisis may instead divert resources, failing to ensure affordability for the most vulnerable.

The current trajectory of ADU policy in Summit County appears likely to increase housing stock, but may fail to significantly alleviate the affordable housing crisis for its lowest-income workers, instead benefiting property owners and higher-income renters.

The Widening Gap: Income vs. Housing Costs

• $109,800 — Summit County's area median income in 2020, according to summitcountyutah.
• $168,600 — Projected area median income for a four-person household in Summit County in 2025, according to summitcountyutah.

A rapidly rising area median income, from $109,800 in 2020 to a projected $168,600 in 2025, reveals a growing disparity between typical earnings and the escalating cost of living in Summit County. The sharp increase in AMI suggests housing costs are outpacing income growth, particularly for those outside the highest earning brackets. This widens the gap for truly affordable options, pushing them further out of reach for many residents.

ADU Programs and Shifting Affordability Mandates

The Summit County Housing Department initiated these programs to encourage ADU development.

This combination of significant financial incentives and the proposed removal of income restrictions constitutes a strategic pivot. The county prioritizes increasing overall housing stock, potentially at the expense of strict affordability mandates. This policy shift effectively allows public funds to subsidize market-rate housing, departing from the initial intent of targeted affordability for lower-income residents. The county's own investment now risks undermining its stated housing goals.

Easing the Path for ADU Construction

The Frisco Town Council and planning commission agreed to allow Accessory Dwelling Units by right in Residential Single-Household zones, according to SummitDaily. This change simplifies the approval process, removing discretionary review in many cases and making it easier for property owners to proceed with development. Such streamlining is crucial for accelerating housing production.

Additionally, members supported a change to allow ADUs to have setbacks 5 feet less than the zoning normally allows, except in specific districts, as reported by SummitDaily.com. These modifications reduce barriers and streamline the ADU development process, making it easier and more attractive for homeowners to build, thereby boosting supply. However, while these measures simplify construction, their effectiveness in delivering truly affordable units remains contingent on the presence of income caps, which are currently under review. Without these caps, simplified construction primarily benefits market-rate development.

Who Benefits, Who is Left Behind?

The 2026 Summit County AMI income limit for a 4-person household at 100% AMI is $167,700, according to Housinghelp. This figure establishes the income level considered "median" for a family of four in the county, setting a critical benchmark for affordability discussions.

The diverse income brackets within Summit County mean a lack of income restrictions on new ADUs could disproportionately affect those at the lower end of the spectrum. Without income caps, ADUs are likely to cater to households earning well over $100,000 annually, pushing them out of reach for anyone below 80% AMI. This exacerbates existing affordability challenges for a significant portion of the county's workforce.

The Future of Affordability in Summit County

Summit County is trading genuine affordability for a speculative increase in general housing stock.

• Maximum contract rent for a studio in Summit County for Very Low Income (30-50% AMI) ranges between $855.00 and $1475.00 in FY 2025, according to summitcountyutah.

Without income restrictions, new Accessory Dwelling Units are unlikely to meet the critical need for housing affordable to very low-income residents. Their maximum contract rents are significantly lower than market potential. Consequently, while more units may become available, they will primarily serve higher-income brackets, leaving the most vulnerable residents still struggling to find suitable housing within their financial means. This policy choice effectively bypasses the most acute housing needs.

Balancing Supply with True Affordability

• Maximum contract rent for a 3-bedroom unit in Summit County for Median Income (80-100% AMI) ranges between $3372.00 and $4215.00 in FY 2025, according to summitcountyutah.

The high potential market rents for larger units create a compelling financial incentive for property owners to build Accessory Dwelling Units for higher-income tenants. This further exacerbates the affordability gap for median-income families if not carefully regulated. The proposed policy shift, allowing ADU owners to rent without income restrictions despite receiving substantial public aid, ensures that Summit County's most vulnerable residents will continue to be priced out. This effectively transforms the ADU program into a direct benefit for property owners and higher earners, rather than a solution for broad housing accessibility.

By Q3 2026, the long-term impact of these policy changes on Summit County's housing market will become clearer, particularly regarding whether the increase in housing stock genuinely addresses the needs of its diverse workforce or primarily serves higher-income residents.