Residential Building Permit in Salt Lake City, Utah
Required for new residential construction, additions, and structural alterations within Salt Lake City limits.
Verified 2026-06-27 · Source
When you need this permit
- New construction or additions over 200 sq ft
- Structural modifications to existing buildings
- Changes to load-bearing walls or foundations
- Conversion of non-habitable space to habitable
Required documents
- Req
Building Plans
Complete construction drawings to scale (floor plans, elevations, sections, structural details). Most Utah jurisdictions now require a single PDF set uploaded through their online permit portal.
- Req
Site Plan
Drawn to scale showing property lines, setbacks, existing structures, and proposed work
- Req
Energy Compliance
REScheck report or IECC compliance path documentation
- Req
Structural Calculations
Sealed by a licensed Utah PE for projects over $10,000 valuation
- Opt
Historic Review Approval
Required if property is in a designated historic district
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit (valuation-based) | $54.55 (up to $500); $54.55 + $4/each $100 over $500 (to $2,000); $114.55 + $20/each $1,000 over $2,000 (to $25,000); $574.55 + $14/each $1,000 over $25,000 (to $50,000); $924.55 + $10/each $1,000 over $50,000 (to $100,000); $1,424.55 + $8/each $1,000 over $100,000 (to $500,000); $4,624.55 + $7/each $1,000 over $500,000 (to $1,000,000); $8,124.55 + $5/each $1,000 over $1,000,000 | — |
| Plan Review | 65% of building permit fee | — |
| Expedited Plan Review | Twice the cost of standard plan review fee | — |
| Re-Inspection Fee | $129 | — |
| State Surcharge | 1% of permit fee | — |
Review timeline
10–14 business days
Salt Lake City’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Foundation/Footing
Verify excavation, forms, rebar placement before concrete pour
- 2
Underground Plumbing
Before backfill — all underground pipes and connections
- 3
Framing
After framing, sheathing, roof — structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing rough-in
- 4
Insulation/Vapor Barrier
After insulation installed, before drywall
- 5
Final
All work complete — certificate of occupancy issued upon passing
Tips
- SLC uses ProjectDox for electronic plan submission — digital submittals are reviewed faster than paper.
- Properties in historic districts (Avenues, Capitol Hill, Central City) require Historic Landmark Commission review BEFORE building permit application.
- Plan review can exceed 30 days during spring/summer peak season. Submit early.
- Contractor must be licensed with Utah DOPL and registered with SLC to pull permits.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a residential building permit cost in Salt Lake City?
- Salt Lake City building permit fees are valuation-based: $54.55 (up to $500), scaling to $8,124.55 + $5 per $1,000 over $1M. Plan review is 65% of the permit fee. Expedited plan review is double the standard fee. State surcharge of 1% applies. (Amended 06/10/2025 by Ord. 2025-34)
- How long does permit review take in Salt Lake City?
- Salt Lake City targets a first-review turnaround of 14 business days for one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes; subsequent reviews are faster. Small projects (re-roofs, fences, minor repairs) use a quick-turnaround queue of 1-3 business days, while complex or large projects take longer.
- Do I need a permit for a home remodel in Salt Lake City?
- Yes, if the remodel involves structural changes, electrical/plumbing modifications, or additions over 200 sq ft. Cosmetic work like painting, flooring, and cabinet replacement does not require a permit.
Sources & verification
Key facts verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-27.
- Salt Lake City Building Services — official building department
- Salt Lake City Consolidated Fee Schedule (Ord. 2025-34)
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 Salt Lake City building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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