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Utah Building Permit Guide
Britain Jacobson
Last updated:
Jan 16, 2025
Published:
January 16, 2025
Building in the Beehive State offers all kinds of opportunities for development. Utah’s growing population and burgeoning tech sector make it a dream for builders looking to expand their portfolio, and construction costs are low to boot. The only thing left to do is apply for and obtain a Utah building permit.
Getting a permit can be a lengthy and challenging process, but with a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll be able to start work on your next construction project with no delays.
Building permits in Utah are designed to ensure all construction complies with local safety codes and standards, guaranteeing a functional property that can stand the test of time. In this blog, we’ll walk through the steps of securing the right permit and give you an overview of how the process works.
What requires a building permit in Utah?
In Utah, most construction projects require a building permit to comply with state and local regulations, be it new builds, additions, structural changes, or utility work. You should always plan to obtain a permit even if you don’t think your project requires one.
Permits are often required for:
- New construction, such as a home, office building, or retail space
- Major remodels or renovations that change a building’s structure
- Electrical and plumbing work
- Installation or repair of HVAC systems
- Decks, patios, and outdoor structures including fences or retaining walls
Utah building permits are issued county by county, so projects that need one in Salt Lake may not need one in Box Elder. This is why it’s always a good idea to first check with your local building department before deciding whether or not to apply for a permit.
Who issues building permits in Utah?
Utah is unique in that it has no central state building department. Instead, each city or county has its own building department as well as specific rules and permitting guidelines. Projects in Salt Lake City require permits issued through the Salt Lake City Building Department. Exact rules may vary by area, but most of the requirements are the same across the state.
Here are links to building departments in Utah’s most populated counties:
These building departments are accustomed to getting questions from builders and developers, so don’t hesitate to ask for information when you need it.
Utah building permit requirements
Obtaining a building permit depends on furnishing the right information to convey that your project is fully planned out and safe. Failure to provide that information results in delays, as building departments will have to pause the review process to contact you for more documents. Knowing what’s expected will make the application process smoother and faster.
Gathering the right documentation
Do you have permission to do this work? Which contractors will be involved? What will the project look like when it’s finished? These are all questions that must be answered with proper documentation. You can prepare for your permit application by having the following documents handy:
- Construction plans: Detailed blueprints or drawings that include layouts, measurements, materials, and specifics about structural elements.
- Site plans: Show the location of the proposed construction in relation to the property boundaries, with details about landscaping, drainage, and utility lines to ensure compliance with zoning laws.
- Engineering reports: You may need reports from a structural or civil engineer. For example, large commercial buildings often need more detailed analysis to meet safety codes.
- Contractor license information: Builders and contractors must provide proof of licensing to confirm they are authorized to work in Utah.
- Permit application forms: Each jurisdiction has its own application forms, which are available online or at the local building department office.
How much does a building permit cost in Utah?
Permitting fees vary based on project size, project complexity, and what each county charges. Most counties offer a fee schedule — for example, here is Salt Lake City’s fee schedule. Permit fees can cover plan review, inspections, and administration, so check with your local department to find the exact amount.
You will generally pay an upfront plan review fee of less than $100, after which project fees will be assessed as a percentage of the project’s total building cost. Some fees are charged based on square footage as well.
Working with the Salt Lake City Building Department
If your project is in Salt Lake City, you’ll need to follow the city’s specific permitting process. Here’s a quick rundown of what that looks like:
- Pre-application meeting: For large projects, Salt Lake City recommends setting up a pre-application meeting with the Building Department, where you can ask questions and clarify any details before officially applying.
- Submit your application: Applications can be submitted online through Salt Lake City’s ePermitting system. This portal allows you to upload documents, track progress, and communicate with the department.
- Plan review: Once submitted, the department will review your construction plans to ensure they comply with local codes. Plan review times can vary, but this generally takes a few weeks.
- Permit approval: After approval, the department will issue a permit to authorize construction. Make sure to keep this permit at the construction site, as inspectors will check for it during site visits.
- Inspections: Throughout construction, you’ll need to schedule inspections with the building department. Inspections ensure each stage of the project meets safety standards.
Help for your Utah building permit application
It’s easy to see how the permitting process can get overwhelming, especially if you’re working on a large project. Fortunately, there are tools available to help simplify it.
How PermitFlow simplifies permitting
PermitFlow is a software-based permitting tool designed to make applying easier for contractors and developers. With PermitFlow, you can:
- Access local permitting information with up-to-date documentation on building codes and permit requirements for Utah cities
- Automate application submissions using PermitFlow’s cloud-based platform
- Centralize documentation by storing all your project documentation in one easy-to-access hub
PermitFlow puts a team of experienced permitting professionals at your side to get your project started as soon as possible. Stop worrying about paperwork and waiting around for emails from building departments—PermitFlow can handle it all.
Get started with PermitFlow
Ready to breeze through your building permit application? Get started today by talking with one of our permitting experts about how PermitFlow can simplify your next project in Utah.
Building in the Beehive State offers all kinds of opportunities for development. Utah’s growing population and burgeoning tech sector make it a dream for builders looking to expand their portfolio, and construction costs are low to boot. The only thing left to do is apply for and obtain a Utah building permit.
Getting a permit can be a lengthy and challenging process, but with a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll be able to start work on your next construction project with no delays.
Building permits in Utah are designed to ensure all construction complies with local safety codes and standards, guaranteeing a functional property that can stand the test of time. In this blog, we’ll walk through the steps of securing the right permit and give you an overview of how the process works.
What requires a building permit in Utah?
In Utah, most construction projects require a building permit to comply with state and local regulations, be it new builds, additions, structural changes, or utility work. You should always plan to obtain a permit even if you don’t think your project requires one.
Permits are often required for:
- New construction, such as a home, office building, or retail space
- Major remodels or renovations that change a building’s structure
- Electrical and plumbing work
- Installation or repair of HVAC systems
- Decks, patios, and outdoor structures including fences or retaining walls
Utah building permits are issued county by county, so projects that need one in Salt Lake may not need one in Box Elder. This is why it’s always a good idea to first check with your local building department before deciding whether or not to apply for a permit.
Who issues building permits in Utah?
Utah is unique in that it has no central state building department. Instead, each city or county has its own building department as well as specific rules and permitting guidelines. Projects in Salt Lake City require permits issued through the Salt Lake City Building Department. Exact rules may vary by area, but most of the requirements are the same across the state.
Here are links to building departments in Utah’s most populated counties:
These building departments are accustomed to getting questions from builders and developers, so don’t hesitate to ask for information when you need it.
Utah building permit requirements
Obtaining a building permit depends on furnishing the right information to convey that your project is fully planned out and safe. Failure to provide that information results in delays, as building departments will have to pause the review process to contact you for more documents. Knowing what’s expected will make the application process smoother and faster.
Gathering the right documentation
Do you have permission to do this work? Which contractors will be involved? What will the project look like when it’s finished? These are all questions that must be answered with proper documentation. You can prepare for your permit application by having the following documents handy:
- Construction plans: Detailed blueprints or drawings that include layouts, measurements, materials, and specifics about structural elements.
- Site plans: Show the location of the proposed construction in relation to the property boundaries, with details about landscaping, drainage, and utility lines to ensure compliance with zoning laws.
- Engineering reports: You may need reports from a structural or civil engineer. For example, large commercial buildings often need more detailed analysis to meet safety codes.
- Contractor license information: Builders and contractors must provide proof of licensing to confirm they are authorized to work in Utah.
- Permit application forms: Each jurisdiction has its own application forms, which are available online or at the local building department office.
How much does a building permit cost in Utah?
Permitting fees vary based on project size, project complexity, and what each county charges. Most counties offer a fee schedule — for example, here is Salt Lake City’s fee schedule. Permit fees can cover plan review, inspections, and administration, so check with your local department to find the exact amount.
You will generally pay an upfront plan review fee of less than $100, after which project fees will be assessed as a percentage of the project’s total building cost. Some fees are charged based on square footage as well.
Working with the Salt Lake City Building Department
If your project is in Salt Lake City, you’ll need to follow the city’s specific permitting process. Here’s a quick rundown of what that looks like:
- Pre-application meeting: For large projects, Salt Lake City recommends setting up a pre-application meeting with the Building Department, where you can ask questions and clarify any details before officially applying.
- Submit your application: Applications can be submitted online through Salt Lake City’s ePermitting system. This portal allows you to upload documents, track progress, and communicate with the department.
- Plan review: Once submitted, the department will review your construction plans to ensure they comply with local codes. Plan review times can vary, but this generally takes a few weeks.
- Permit approval: After approval, the department will issue a permit to authorize construction. Make sure to keep this permit at the construction site, as inspectors will check for it during site visits.
- Inspections: Throughout construction, you’ll need to schedule inspections with the building department. Inspections ensure each stage of the project meets safety standards.
Help for your Utah building permit application
It’s easy to see how the permitting process can get overwhelming, especially if you’re working on a large project. Fortunately, there are tools available to help simplify it.
How PermitFlow simplifies permitting
PermitFlow is a software-based permitting tool designed to make applying easier for contractors and developers. With PermitFlow, you can:
- Access local permitting information with up-to-date documentation on building codes and permit requirements for Utah cities
- Automate application submissions using PermitFlow’s cloud-based platform
- Centralize documentation by storing all your project documentation in one easy-to-access hub
PermitFlow puts a team of experienced permitting professionals at your side to get your project started as soon as possible. Stop worrying about paperwork and waiting around for emails from building departments—PermitFlow can handle it all.
Get started with PermitFlow
Ready to breeze through your building permit application? Get started today by talking with one of our permitting experts about how PermitFlow can simplify your next project in Utah.
