Studio in Townhome basement?

[Jacob Fotu]

I just recently purchased a townhome in Lehi, Utah. The basement is unfinished, and about 600 sq ft.

I could share the garage with a tenant and turn the basement into a studio apartment with a kitchenette (creating two separate living spaces). I can easily make two separate entrances from the garage leading to my living space and the studio downstairs.

I'm sure this isn't zoned correctly. HOA most likely doesn't approve, but I feel like I should still be able to get away with doing so.

Is it worth the risk to hack this townhome? Has anyone done something similar to this?