This is PermitBase’s published record for Unincorporated Box Elder County as of 2026-07-16. It has since been superseded — see the current record. A historical record reflects what PermitBase had verified at that time; it may not capture a real-world change the jurisdiction had made but PermitBase had not yet verified, and it includes any errors we later corrected. Snapshots are never edited retroactively.
Unincorporated Box Elder County building permits
VerifiedUnincorporated Box Elder County, Utah — as published 2026-07-16.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Codes adopted
2024 International Building Code (IBC), including Appendices C and J — governs per Utah Code §15A-2-103(1)(a) (https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title15A/Chapter2/15A-2-S103.html), in force statewide since 7/1/2026 and binding on counties under §15A-1-204. Box Elder County's own '2021 Adopted Code' document (DocumentCenter/View/173) still lists the 2021 IBC with Appendix J only (no Appendix C) — live-checked 2026-07-16, the county's own document has not been updated to the current statewide edition.2021 International Residential Code (IRC), including Appendix AQ — governs per Utah Code §15A-2-103(1)(b)/(c); this edition is UNCHANGED from the prior code cycle. Box Elder County's own document lists the 2021 IRC (without a distinct Appendix AQ citation) — live-checked 2026-07-16, consistent with the current statute on the base edition.2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) — governs per Utah Code §15A-2-103(1)(d). Box Elder County's own document still lists the 2021 IPC — live-checked 2026-07-16, lags the current statewide edition.2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) — governs per Utah Code §15A-2-103(1)(e). Box Elder County's own document still lists the 2021 IMC — live-checked 2026-07-16, lags the current statewide edition.2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — governs per Utah Code §15A-2-103(1)(f). Box Elder County's own document still lists the 2021 IFGC — live-checked 2026-07-16, lags the current statewide edition.2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) — governs per Utah Code §15A-2-103(1)(g); this edition is UNCHANGED from the prior code cycle. Box Elder County's own '2021 Adopted Code' document lists the 2017 NEC — live-checked 2026-07-16, a genuine and long-standing discrepancy in the county's own published document (not a transcription error); confirm the currently enforced edition directly with the Chief Building Official, Codey Illum, at (435) 734-3303 before relying on this for a live electrical project.2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — one code, no residential/commercial split, per Utah Code §15A-2-103(1)(h). Box Elder County's own document lists the 2021 IECC (also undifferentiated by residential/commercial) — live-checked 2026-07-16, lags the current statewide edition.2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), subject to Utah Code §15A-2-104(2) (the HUD Code) — governs per Utah Code §15A-2-103(1)(i)/(j). Box Elder County's own document lists the 2021 IEBC — live-checked 2026-07-16, lags the current statewide edition.Residential provisions of the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) — governs statewide per Utah Code §15A-2-103(1)(n). Box Elder County's own '2021 Adopted Code' document does not list any ISPSC edition — live-checked 2026-07-16; added here per the statute, not omitted.Modular Building Institute (MBI) Standards 1200 and 1205 — governs statewide per Utah Code §15A-2-103(1)(o). Not separately listed in Box Elder County's own '2021 Adopted Code' document — live-checked 2026-07-16.
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit
VerifiedRequired for new single-family home construction and additions in unincorporated Box Elder County. The county uses the State ICC valuation-based fee structure rather than a published flat fee table.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- New single-family dwelling construction
- Additions and structural alterations
- Site plan with zoning approval — orientation of site plan must match orientation of building plans
- Engineering package and stamped structural pages where applicable
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationStandard county building permit application form
- RequiredRequired Documents for New Homes (per 'Residential Building Permit Submittal Required Documents' PDF)Site Plan with Zoning Approval; Floor Plan; Footing/Foundation Plan; Floor Framing; Roof Framing; Elevations; Wall Section; Electrical Plan; Mechanical/HVAC design with heat loss calculations per Manual J & D; Stair Section; REScheck or prescriptive energy-code compliance; Gas Line Schematic; Engineering Package and stamped structural pages; a Fire Flow (water availability) report may be required prior to permit issuance based on Fire Marshal review.
- OptionalOwner-Builder FormRequired if the owner is acting as their own contractor (New Fillable PDF available on county site)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | State ICC Fee Structure (valuation-based; no flat dollar table published) | Box Elder County 2026 Fee Schedule for Buildings & Grounds — the county states it adopts the 'State ICC Fee Structure' rather than publishing its own valuation table. Contact the Building Official for the specific fee on a given project valuation. |
| Plan Review Fee — Dwellings | 50% of Building Permit Fee | Box Elder County 2026 Fee Schedule for Buildings & Grounds |
| Plan Review Fee — Commercial | 65% of Building Permit Fee | Box Elder County 2026 Fee Schedule for Buildings & Grounds |
| Plan Review Fee — Miscellaneous | 50% of Building Permit Fee | Box Elder County 2026 Fee Schedule for Buildings & Grounds |
| Plan Review Deposit — Dwellings | $1,700.00 | Box Elder County 2026 Fee Schedule for Buildings & Grounds |
| Plan Review Deposit — Commercial | $2,500.00 | Box Elder County 2026 Fee Schedule for Buildings & Grounds |
| State Surcharge | 1% of Building Permit Fee | Box Elder County 2026 Fee Schedule for Buildings & Grounds |
| Hourly Rate Beyond 50-Mile Radius (inspection travel) | $100.00 per hour | Box Elder County 2026 Fee Schedule for Buildings & Grounds |
| Hourly Rate Over 1 Hour Travel Time (plan review) | $100.00 per hour | Box Elder County 2026 Fee Schedule for Buildings & Grounds |
| Credit/Debit Card Processing Fee | 2.50% or $1.50, whichever is greater, per transaction (except Xpress Bill Pay) | Box Elder County 2026 Fee Schedule for Buildings & Grounds — General Administrative Fees section |
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) / Internal ADU (IADU)
VerifiedRequired for detached ADUs (via Administrative Conditional Use Permit) and internal ADUs (permitted use) in unincorporated Box Elder County, governed by Chapter 5-6 of the Land Use Management & Development Code.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Property owner must occupy either the principal unit or the ADU/IADU as their permanent residence, with a recorded affidavit of owner occupancy
- Minimum lot size of 20,000 sq ft in zones allowing single-family dwellings
- ADU floor area must be less than 40% of the primary residence's square footage
- Only one ADU or IADU permitted per lot/property
- No separate utility meters or separate addresses for the ADU/IADU
- Septic feasibility review and approval by the Bear River Health Department
- Maximum height no taller in elevation than the roof of the primary structure
- Minimum one off-street parking space
- Occupants must be related by blood/marriage/adoption or up to two unrelated individuals living as a single housekeeping unit; no subleasing or rentals under 30 days
- Multi-family homes, mobile homes, RVs, trailers, campers, and tents do not qualify as an ADU or IADU
Required documents
- RequiredAdministrative Conditional Use Permit application (detached ADU) or Permitted Use application (IADU)Scaled site plan showing ADU/IADU location and property line dimensions; current home square footage and proposed ADU square footage
- RequiredAffidavit and Notice of Accessory Dwelling Unit (or Internal ADU)Sworn affidavit of owner occupancy, recorded against the property with the County Recorder; must be re-signed and re-recorded by any future owner to continue the use
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationFiled after the conditional use permit / permitted use approval, to begin construction
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Permit
VerifiedRequired for residential rooftop or ground-mounted solar PV system installation in unincorporated Box Elder County.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Detailed site plan showing home location, electrical meter panel, backfed sub-panelboards, and all PV system components
- Mounting system details including weight of all components and support spacing based on local wind/snow loads
- One-line electrical diagram showing system type, module layout/connections, wire types/sizes, conduit, grounding, and component ratings
- Modules must be listed UL 1703; utility-tied inverters must be listed 'utility interactive' meeting UL 1741 with ground fault protection
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Solar PV System Plan Submittal Checklist itemsSite plan; mounting system spec sheets (with roof rafter/truss type and roof covering info); one-line diagram; identification of which electrical panel will be backfed with photos of panel labels; module spec sheets (STC watts, volts, amps, Voc, Isc — UL 1703 listed); inverter spec sheets (watts/volts/max AC output, UL 1741 listed for utility-tied systems with ground fault protection); total array power (Voc at coldest expected temperature per NEC 690.7, not required for microinverter systems); system component listings and ratings
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Inspection | $500.00 | Box Elder County 2026 Fee Schedule for Buildings & Grounds |
| Building Permit Fee (base) | State ICC Fee Structure (valuation-based; no flat dollar table published) | Box Elder County 2026 Fee Schedule for Buildings & Grounds — solar installations are also subject to the base building permit fee plus the $500 solar inspection fee |
| State Surcharge | 1% of Building Permit Fee | Box Elder County 2026 Fee Schedule for Buildings & Grounds |
Electrical Permit (Meter Upgrade / Generator / Battery)
VerifiedRequired for gas & electric meter upgrades, generator, and battery installations in unincorporated Box Elder County. These are listed as their own flat-fee line items in the county fee schedule, distinct from the general valuation-based building permit fee.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Meter upgrade (gas or electric)
- Generator or battery storage installation
- Compliance with the 2023 NEC, which governs per Utah Code §15A-2-103(1)(g); Box Elder County's own published adopted-code document still lists the 2017 NEC (live-checked 2026-07-16) — confirm the currently enforced edition with the Building Official before starting work
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationStandard county building permit application
- OptionalGas Clearance FormRequired for gas meter/line work per the county's Forms & Applications page
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Meter Upgrade (Gas & Electric) | $100.00 | Box Elder County 2026 Fee Schedule for Buildings & Grounds |
| Generator/Battery | $350.00 | Box Elder County 2026 Fee Schedule for Buildings & Grounds |
| Pump | $100.00 | Box Elder County 2026 Fee Schedule for Buildings & Grounds |
| State Surcharge | 1% of Building Permit Fee | Box Elder County 2026 Fee Schedule for Buildings & Grounds |
Agricultural Building Exemption
VerifiedApplication/exemption process for agricultural buildings in unincorporated Box Elder County, which are treated distinctly from standard residential/commercial building permits.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Site plan showing where on the property the agricultural building will be located and its distance in feet from each property line
- State-issued Agriculture Permit form
Required documents
- RequiredAgricultural Exemptions FormCounty application form for agricultural building exemption
- RequiredAgriculture Permit State-Issued formState-issued supporting document required with the application
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-03.
Fee schedules
Applications & forms
Checklists & handouts
Codes & ordinances
Department & other records
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Unincorporated Box Elder County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.