Utah Building Permits — Complete Guide (2026)
Find, Apply & Track Permits in Cities and Counties Across Utah
Utah is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation. Salt Lake County and Utah County (Provo-Orem) lead in permit volume. Utah has progressive housing legislation and a relatively streamlined permitting environment.
How building permits work in Utah
Building permit requirements and processing times in Utah vary by city and county. Use the links below to apply, check status, schedule inspections and find permit information for your location.
Learn the step-by-step permit process →Not sure where to apply?
Enter your city or address to find your permit office.
Permit costs by type — Utah
| Permit Type | Fee Range | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical | $80–$220 | 1–4 days | Utah licensed electrician required |
| Plumbing | $70–$195 | 1–4 days | Utah licensed plumber required |
| HVAC / Mechanical | $80–$225 | 1–4 days | Heat pump adoption growing |
| Roofing | $110–$300 | 1–3 days | Snow load design in mountain areas |
| New Construction | $550–$1,700 | 2–6 weeks | Wasatch Front — growing processing times |
| Room Addition | $300–$850 | 1–4 weeks | Seismic design required along Wasatch Fault |
| Deck / Patio | $120–$360 | 1–3 weeks | Frost depth 30 inches in SLC area |
| ADU | $300–$750 | 1–4 weeks | 2023 state law — cities must allow |
| Solar | $80–$220 | 1–4 days | Excellent solar resource in Utah |
| Pool | $175–$475 | 1–3 weeks | High demand in suburban Salt Lake area |
Major Utah cities — apply online
Most Utah building permits are issued by cities. Click your city to access the permit portal, apply online, or check permit status.
Permit costs by county — top Utah counties
County building departments handle unincorporated areas. Click a county to access its permit portal directly.
How to get a building permit in Utah
Find your city or county permit office
Salt Lake City (CED), South Jordan, Provo, and most Wasatch Front cities have online portals.
Seismic zone — Wasatch Fault
The Wasatch Fault runs through Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, and Weber Counties. All structural construction must address seismic design in these areas.
Utah ADU law (SB 174, 2023)
Utah cities must allow at least one ADU per single-family lot. Cities cannot require owner-occupancy, impose parking requirements, or deny compliant applications.
Submit application and pay fees
Wasatch Front cities have streamlined online systems. Rural Utah varies.
Inspections
Major cities have robust inspection programs with online scheduling. Rural Utah may have longer waits.
ADU permits in Utah — what you need to know
🏠 Utah ADU-friendly status: Yes — 2023 state law
Utah passed SB 174 in 2021 requiring cities over 25,000 to allow ADUs by right in single-family zones. Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden all have active ADU programs. Utah's rapid population growth has made ADUs a key part of the housing strategy.
Find a licensed Utah contractor
Utah requires licensed professionals for most permitted work. Always verify a contractor's license before hiring — it protects you and is required for most permit types.
General Contractors
Find pre-screened general contractors for your Utah home project. Compare quotes on permitted work.
Find a Contractor →Verify UT License
Verify your contractor holds a valid Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing (DOPL) license before any permitted work begins.
Verify UT License →Electricians & Plumbers
Specialty-licensed electricians and plumbers are required for all permitted electrical and plumbing work in Utah.
Learn More →Ready to get started? Browse verified, licensed contractors serving Utah homeowners and get free quotes on your project.
🔍 Find a Contractor Near YouFrequently asked questions — Utah permits
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