Do I Need a Permit for a Commercial Tenant Improvement in Utah?
Quick Answer
Yes — almost any commercial tenant improvement needs a building permit, usually with electrical, mechanical, and often fire permits alongside it.
When a TI Needs a Permit
A tenant improvement is interior build-out or remodel of a leased commercial space. In Utah a building permit is required for essentially any TI beyond cosmetic work (paint, carpet, fixtures) — once you move walls, change electrical or mechanical, alter plumbing, or change how the space is used, you need a permit. Pure cosmetic refreshes usually don't, but confirm with the city, because some require even a minor permit for any contractor work.
Plans and Stamped Drawings
Most Utah jurisdictions want architectural drawings (with an architect's stamp) and, for anything structural, structural drawings and calculations with an engineer's stamp — though the engineer's stamp is often waived on small, non-structural TIs. Expect to provide a clear description of the proposed use, a ComCheck for interior lighting (and sometimes a mechanical ComCheck after plan review), and fire sprinkler and fire alarm plans if the work touches those systems.
The Permit Stack
A TI building permit rarely travels alone. Depending on scope you'll also pull electrical, mechanical (HVAC), and plumbing permits, plus fire-suppression permits if you modify sprinklers or alarms. These are often issued under the master building permit but inspected separately. Plan review checks code compliance, ADA accessibility, and fire/life-safety (exits, occupancy load, sprinkler coverage).
Contractor Licensing
Utah requires a licensed contractor on commercial projects. When you apply, you'll typically enter business license numbers for the general contractor and every subcontractor (electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire). Owner-builder exemptions that exist for some residential work generally do not apply to commercial TI.
Watch for a Change of Occupancy
If your TI changes how the space is classified — say, turning retail into a restaurant, or office into a clinic — it can trigger a change of occupancy, which brings additional accessibility, fire, and sometimes structural requirements on top of the TI itself. See our change-of-occupancy guide if your new use differs from the previous tenant's.
Cost and Timeline
Permit fees are based on project valuation and vary by city. The construction itself typically runs $25–$150 per square foot depending on finishes and mechanical scope. For review timelines, simple TIs are often approved in about 3–10 working days, while larger or more complex projects can take 30–45 working days; budget 2–4 months total for a medium build-out including inspections.
Bottom Line
Yes — plan on a building permit plus electrical/mechanical/plumbing (and often fire) for any real commercial TI in Utah. Get stamped drawings ready, use licensed contractors, and check early whether your new use triggers a change of occupancy.