Basement Finish in Sandy, Utah
Required when converting an unfinished basement into habitable living space. Includes framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and drywall work in the basement area.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
When you need this permit
- Unfinished or partially finished basement being converted to conditioned/habitable space
- Must meet egress requirements per adopted IRC (egress window in each sleeping room)
- Smoke and CO detectors required per adopted IRC
Required documents
- Req
Building Permit Application
Submit via Sandy City online permit portal or in person at 10000 Centennial Parkway
- Req
Basement Floor Plan
Layout showing room use, egress window locations, mechanical/electrical/plumbing rough-in
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basement Finish — total valuation < $5,000 | $169 | Sandy City 2026 Consolidated Fee Schedule, § 3122 Building Permit Fees, Residential Permits — Basement Finish |
| Basement Finish — total valuation $5,000–$10,000 | $254 | Sandy City 2026 Consolidated Fee Schedule, § 3122 |
| Basement Finish — total valuation $10,000–$20,000 | $296 | Sandy City 2026 Consolidated Fee Schedule, § 3122 |
| Basement Finish — total valuation $20,000–$250,000 | $387 | Sandy City 2026 Consolidated Fee Schedule, § 3122 |
| Basement Finish — total valuation $250,000–$1,000,000 | $611 | Sandy City 2026 Consolidated Fee Schedule, § 3122 |
| Basement Finish — total valuation > $1,000,000 | $781 | Sandy City 2026 Consolidated Fee Schedule, § 3122 |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the building permit fee | Sandy City 2026 Consolidated Fee Schedule, § 3122 |
| State Building Fee Surcharge | 1% of total permit fee | Sandy City 2026 Consolidated Fee Schedule, § 3122 — state-regulated surcharge |
| Re-Inspection Fee | $70 | Sandy City 2026 Consolidated Fee Schedule, § 3122 |
Review timeline
~3–10 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Sandy building department
Inspection process
- 1
Rough-In (Framing, MEP)
After framing and rough-in electrical, plumbing, and HVAC — before insulation or drywall
- 2
Insulation
Verify insulation meets adopted IECC requirements before drywall
- 3
Final
All work complete; space approved for occupancy
Tips
- Each sleeping room must have an egress window meeting IRC size requirements — this is strictly enforced.
- Smoke and CO detectors must be installed in each sleeping room and in the hallway outside sleeping rooms.
- If adding a bathroom, rough-in plumbing inspection is required before concrete or walls are closed.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I finish my basement without a permit?
- No. Basement finishes in Sandy require a permit. Unpermitted work can create liability when selling the home and may require tear-out and re-inspection.
- Do I need egress windows in basement bedrooms?
- Yes. The adopted International Residential Code requires at least one egress window in each basement sleeping room. Sandy enforces this requirement.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-29.
- Sandy City Building & Safety Division — official building department
- Sandy City 2026 Consolidated Fee Schedule (PDF)
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 Sandy building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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