What is an ADU called in Jackson, Wyoming?

Jackson calls it an Accessory Residential Unit (ARU). It is built under the standard One and Two Family Building Permit — there is no separate ADU/ARU permit type or fee.

Can I build my own ARU as a homeowner in Jackson without a licensed contractor?

No. The Town's Proprietary Homeowner Contractor exemption, which otherwise lets a homeowner build their own principal residence, explicitly excludes accessory residential units. ARU construction always requires a licensed Town of Jackson contractor.

Accessory Residential Unit (ARU) Permit in Jackson, Wyoming

Verified

Jackson's term for an accessory dwelling unit is the Accessory Residential Unit (ARU). There is no permit type separate from the standard One and Two Family Building Permit — an ARU is built under that same building permit, with its own line item ('Attached ARU') on the gross-square-footage tabulation. ARUs are zoning-gated (allowed only in specific zones per Ordinance 1139) and are notable in Jackson/Teton County for a workforce-housing rental restriction.

Verified 2026-07-01 · Source

$1.70/sq ft (new construction) or valuation-based (addition to existing home)Building Permit — charged under the same per-square-foot / valuation schedule as the primary residence

When you need this permit

ARUs are permitted in the NC-ToJ, NC-2, S-ToJ, and R-ToJ zones per Ordinance 1139 (adopted Nov. 21, 2016, effective Nov. 23, 2016) — confirm current zone eligibility with the Planning Department before applying, as LDR zone names/boundaries may have been updated since 2016
Maximum of 1 ARU permitted accessory to a detached single-family unit
Built under the standard One and Two Family Building Permit Application (has a dedicated 'Attached ARU' line in the gross square footage tabulation table) — not a separate permit type
The Town's homeowner self-build exemption ('Proprietary Homeowner Contractor') explicitly EXCLUDES accessory residential units — ARU construction always requires a licensed Town of Jackson contractor, even if the owner could otherwise self-build their principal residence
Historically, ARU rental has been restricted to persons employed within Teton County or family/guests of the primary occupant, with minimum rental periods and no compensation for guest use (per 2016 amendment materials); confirm current rental-restriction language with Teton County/Town of Jackson Planning before relying on it, as this may have been superseded by subsequent housing ordinances (e.g., Title 16 Housing)

Required documents

Req
One and Two Family Building Permit Application (with Attached ARU square footage tabulated)
Req
Site Plan showing ARU location, setbacks, and parking
Req
Zoning verification of ARU eligibility (contact Planning Department)

Fee schedule

Fee type	Amount	Notes
Building Permit — charged under the same per-square-foot / valuation schedule as the primary residence	$1.70/sq ft (new construction) or valuation-based (addition to existing home)	Resolution 25-18 Appendix A; no separate ARU fee line exists — verified general Building Permit table applies
WUI Permit Review Fee (prerequisite)	$150.00	Teton County / Jackson Hole Fire/EMS WUI Information for Contractors page

Review timeline

~45–45 business days

Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Jackson building department

Inspection process

1
Foundation
2
Rough Electrical, then Combination Rough (Gas/Plumbing/Mechanical/Framing)
3
Final

Tips

There is no dedicated 'ADU permit' fee or application in Jackson — an ARU is built under the standard residential building permit, verified from the Residential Building Permit Application's own 'Attached ARU' floor-area line item.
Because the homeowner self-build exemption excludes ARUs, budget for a licensed contractor even if you plan to owner-build the main house.
Confirm current zoning eligibility and any workforce-housing rental restrictions directly with the Town of Jackson / Teton County Planning Department (planning@jacksonwy.gov) before design — the ARU zone list and rental rules originate from a 2016 ordinance and may have been updated by later LDR or Title 16 Housing amendments not fully captured here.

Frequently asked questions

What is an ADU called in Jackson, Wyoming?: Jackson calls it an Accessory Residential Unit (ARU). It is built under the standard One and Two Family Building Permit — there is no separate ADU/ARU permit type or fee.
Can I build my own ARU as a homeowner in Jackson without a licensed contractor?: No. The Town's Proprietary Homeowner Contractor exemption, which otherwise lets a homeowner build their own principal residence, explicitly excludes accessory residential units. ARU construction always requires a licensed Town of Jackson contractor.

Sources & verification

Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-01.

Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Jackson building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.

Other permits in Jackson

One and Two Family Building Permit Residential Addition / Remodel Permit Electrical Permit Plumbing Permit Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit Roofing Permit (Reroof)Solar PV Permit Demolition Permit Commercial Building Permit / Tenant Improvement Grading Permit (Statement Level / Plan Level)

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