Do I Need a Permit?

Plain-English answers to the most common permit questions homeowners ask. Pick your project below.

¿Buscas guías en español? Visítalas aquí →

Window Replacement

Usually no — but yes if you change the size of the opening.

Sometimes — many fences need only zoning/setback approval; a building permit kicks in mainly for fences over 7 feet or with structural elements.

Yes — unless it's a small ground-level platform under 200 sq ft.

Yes — even for a like-for-like replacement.

Yes — any framing, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work requires a permit.

Yes — both a building and electrical permit are required.

Yes — all roof replacements and re-roofing projects require a permit.

Yes — at minimum an electrical permit for the 240V circuit.

Under 200 sq ft and under 10 feet tall? Usually no. Bigger? Yes.

Yes — even a like-for-like furnace swap requires a mechanical permit.

Level 2 (240V) chargers yes. Level 1 (120V plug-in) no.

Solid roof covers yes. Open-lattice pergolas may be exempt.

Yes — most cities require a home occupation permit.

Often yes — many states now require cities to allow at least internal ADUs.

Only if it connects to the street, modifies drainage, or is a structural element.

Almost always yes — a commercial tenant improvement needs a building permit, usually with electrical, mechanical, and fire permits alongside it.

Every contractor on a permitted Utah project must hold a valid DOPL license — verify any license in under 60 seconds.