Utah building departments

How permitting works in Utah

Statewide construction code, local enforcement. The Utah State Construction Code applies everywhere in the state, including unincorporated areas. Cities and counties, or approved third-party inspectors, issue permits and inspect.

A county name is only a geographic starting point. Depending on the address, a city, town, borough, township, or county office may issue your permit. How to check who issues your permit.

Utah building codes and licensing

Residential code

2021 International Residential Code with Utah statewide amendments (State Construction Code, Utah Code 15A-2-103 and Title 15A chapter 3)

Commercial code

2024 International Building Code with Utah amendments; also 2024 IPC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, IEBC and 2023 NEC (Utah Code 15A-2-103)

Adopted by

Utah Legislature, with recommendations from the Uniform Building Code Commission (opens in a new tab)

Outside city limits

The State Construction Code binds the state and every political subdivision, so it applies in unincorporated areas too; a compliance agency is any state or local agency that issues permits under the codes, plus approved third-party inspection firms.

Contractor licensing

Contractors need a DOPL license unless the job is under $7,000 including labor and materials. Even then, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas appliance, and fire sprinkler work must be done by licensed or certified trades. Owners may build one home per year on their own land. Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Construction Trades Licensing Act (opens in a new tab)

What is different in Utah

• Since December 1, 2016, cities, counties, and state agencies generally may not enforce rules stricter than the State Construction Code on subjects the code covers (Utah Code 15A-1-204(8)).
• Owner-builders may build no more than one residential structure per year and three per five years on their own property for noncommercial use; the permit office must notify DOPL when it issues an owner-builder permit.
• Handyman work under $7,000 that exceeds $3,000 requires a one-time affirmation to DOPL of liability insurance and, if applicable, workers' compensation coverage.
• Starting January 1, 2027, the 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code is adopted in place of the 2006 Utah Wildland Urban Interface Code.

Utah department guides

Browse Utah counties

Bold counties have at least one researched department guide.

Planning a project in Utah?

Start with what the model codes say, then confirm local rules with the department that serves your address.

• Do I Need a Permit for a Deck
• Do I Need a Permit for a Fence
• Do I Need a Permit for a Shed
• Do I Need a Permit to Replace a Roof
• Do I Need a Permit to Replace a Water Heater
• Do I Need a Permit for a Kitchen Remodel
• How Much Does a Building Permit Cost
• Building Inspection Stages Explained

Sources

1. Utah Division of Professional Licensing / Utah State Construction Code
2. Utah Legislature – Utah Code 15A-2-103 (current version, effective 7/1/2026)
3. Utah Legislature – Utah Code 15A-2-103 (version effective 1/1/2027)
4. Utah Legislature – Utah Code 15A-1-204 Adoption of State Construction Code
5. Utah Legislature – Utah Code 15A-1-202 Definitions
6. Utah Legislature – Utah Code 58-55-305 Exemptions from licensure

State facts checked October 21, 2026. Local amendments can change these rules; the department serving your address has the final word.