How do I get a building permit in Utah?
To get a building permit in Utah you will need to file an application with the appropriate building office in your area. If the property is located in a municipal area, this will usually be your city Building and Inspections Department. If you live in a small town or unincorporated area of Utah, then the county will issue the permit. The application consists of basic information about the property and construction you are planning on doing, along with drawn blueprints of the project. Depending on the nature of the project, other approvals such as zoning and sewer permissions may be required before you can apply for a building permit. If this is the case, you will need to provide documentation that shows you have received these approvals when you file for your permit.
 CLICK THE LINKS TO YOUR CITY BELOW TO APPLY FOR A BUILDING PERMIT
Some cities have a general building permit application, whereas others have separate permit applications for project type or for the different phases of construction. Not all cities have forms on their site and might only list a contact and phone number.
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What kinds of projects in Utah require a building permit?
Permits are normally required for any type of construction work in Utah. This means building new structures as well as structurally altering or demolishing existing buildings. It also includes any changes to the intended purpose or occupancy of the building. A few examples of projects that may require a building permit in Utah include:
Building a new house
Building an addition onto your house or office building
Interior remodeling that involves changing or moving walls, windows, and door frames
Building accessory structures such as pools, decks, fences, and sheds
Finishing or converting part of a house such as the basement or an attic for new living space
Repaving or building a driveway or sidewalk
Re-roofing or installing siding to a building
In addition to structural changes, certain electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work also requires permits. Generally anything beyond the most basic of repairs in these areas will require a permit. Examples include:
Installing a new heating or air conditioning system
Installing a sprinkler or irrigation system
Rewiring or replacing any part of the buildings electrical system
Installing a gas stove or fireplace
Replacing or adding on to any part of the plumbing system, including replacing old or broken pipes
Keep in mind that if a permit is required, you must get it before starting construction. Working without a required permit can subject you to fines and penalties and may compromise the safety and value of the structure.
When is a building permit not needed in Utah?
Ordinary repairs and finishing work such as painting and carpeting do not usually need a building permit. In addition, because building codes are set by the city or county government in Utah, not all places require permits for the same projects. For example, Cedar Hills requires a permit for all fences regardless of size while Summit County only requires a permit if the fence is more than six feet tall. There are also exceptions made for certain agricultural buildings depending on their size and intended use. If you are unsure about whether you need a permit, it is best to check with your local building office in Utah before beginning any construction project to see if a permit is required.
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Disclaimer: This site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advise. The information on this site should not be relied upon as an official source of information and should be independently verified. |
