What You Can Do with A5 Zoning in Utah

If you’re considering buying land in Utah, you’ve probably seen listings marked with A5 zoning. But what does that mean—and more importantly, what can you actually do with that kind of land?

A5 zoning in Utah is agricultural zoning with a 5-acre minimum, and it's one of the most flexible and affordable zoning types for buyers looking to live, build, or farm on their land without heavy restrictions.

At Mountains West Ranches, many of the properties we sell are zoned A5 because they give our buyers more options—and fewer hoops to jump through.

What is A5 Zoning in Utah?

A5 zoning stands for Agricultural 5-acre minimum lot size. This zoning type is common in rural counties like Duchesne, Uintah, and Sanpete.

It’s designed to support agricultural, residential, and low-density land uses. You don’t have to be a farmer to own A5 land—but you do have the option to become one.

Aerial view of a rural landscape featuring fields, a road, a building with a green roof, and electrical infrastructure.

What You Can Do with A5 Zoning?

  • Construction backhoe loader at work on a dirt construction site with hills in the background.

    Build a Home or Cabin

    Most A5-zoned land allows for one single-family home or cabin. Depending on the county, modular and manufactured homes may also be permitted.

  • Campsite with RV, pickup truck, and campfire at sunset.

    Camp or Use an RV

    Temporary camping and RV use are often allowed, especially if you’re actively using the land. Some areas have time limits or require permits—ask us and we’ll check your specific lot.

  • A modern metal building on a dirt road surrounded by desert landscape with shrubs and a rocky hill in the background.

    Keep Animals and Raise Crops

    Chickens, goats, horses, and cattle are usually allowed. A5 zoning supports personal-scale agriculture, which means you can run a hobby farm or even a small ranch. A5 allows you to garden, plant orchards, or raise crops for personal or commercial use. No special permissions needed for small-scale use.

A5 Zoning vs. Other Land Zoning Types

1. A5 Zoning
• Minimum lot size: 5 acres
• Can you build? Yes
• Animals allowed? Yes
• Off-grid friendly? Yes

2. Residential Zoning
• Minimum lot size: Varies
• Can you build? Yes (some limits)
• Animals allowed? Often restricted
• Off-grid friendly? Sometimes

3.Commercial Zoning
• Minimum lot size: Varies
• Can you build? Sometimes
• Animals allowed? No
• Off-grid friendly? No

Comparison table showing A5 zoning versus other land zoning types for minimum lot size, building permissions, animal allowances, and off-grid friendliness. A5 requires 5 acres, allows building, animals, and off-grid living. Residential zoning varies, allows restricted building and animals, and sometimes off-grid. Commercial zoning varies, allows occasional building but no animals or off-grid living.

Greenbelt vs A5 Zoning in Utah: Key Differences

A5 zoning in Utah is a land use designation that allows for residential and agricultural uses on parcels of 5 acres or more—perfect for building, farming, or off-grid living. Greenbelt, on the other hand, is not zoning but a tax classification. If your land is actively used for agriculture and meets specific requirements, it may qualify for Greenbelt status, which can significantly reduce your property taxes. You can have A5 zoning without Greenbelt status, but if you're using the land for farming or grazing, you may qualify for both.

Why Buy A5 Zoned Land through Mountains West Ranches?

Aerial view of vast farmland with fields and pathways, surrounded by rural landscape, and distant hills under a clear blue sky.
Aerial view of a white car on a dirt road in a desert landscape with sparse vegetation.

Flexible Use Without Restrictions

Many of the properties we sell at Mountains West Ranches fall under A5 zoning, giving buyers the freedom to build, camp, or live off-grid without dealing with HOA rules. Whether you're planning a cabin, RV setup, or homestead, A5 land supports a wide range of uses from day one. You can raise animals, plant gardens, or simply enjoy the land at your own pace.

Aerial view of a cleared rectangular area within a grassy field, with visible paths and natural vegetation surrounding it.
Rural landscape with dirt road, metal gate, and surrounding open fields under a clear blue sky.

Affordable Land with Room to Grow

A5-zoned properties offer long-term flexibility and lower up-front costs compared to more regulated areas. Our listings typically range from 5 to 40 acres, with no credit checks and easy in-house financing. Buyers appreciate the privacy, open space, and outdoor access—with the option to invest now and build later.

FAQ: A5 Zoning in Utah

  • Usually just a standard building permit. A5 zoning doesn’t require a special use permit for single-family homes.

  • Some counties allow it if you’re actively developing the land. Others limit RV use to short stays. We can help you check county rules for your lot.

  • Yes. A5 zoning allows small-scale agricultural operations, including animal sales, produce, and homestead products.

  • Yes. Most off-grid setups in Utah are on A5 land.

Log cabin with red roof labeled "Real Estate" surrounded by trees and a dirt road under a blue sky with clouds.

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A5 Zoning Means Freedom

If you want land you can use your way—whether it’s building a cabin, raising chickens, or simply having space to breathe—A5 zoning is one of the best options in Utah. It gives you the legal room to live how you want, with fewer restrictions and long-term potential.