Unincorporated Salt Lake County building permits

Requirements

• New single-family residential construction
• Additions to existing residential structures
• Structural modifications — load-bearing wall removal, foundation alterations
• Conversion of unfinished space to habitable space
• Any construction work with a valuation over $2,000 (minimum permit fee applies regardless)

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmit online through MSD CityWorks portal at msd.utah.gov/portal. Create an account, then apply under Building Permits.
• RequiredConstruction Plans (full-size, stamped)Complete drawings to scale — site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, structural details. MSD stamped plans must be on-site printed full size during construction.
• RequiredSite PlanProperty survey or scaled drawing showing proposed footprint, setbacks from property lines, and existing structures.
• RequiredEnergy Compliance DocumentationResidential projects must comply with the 2024 IECC (one energy code, no residential/commercial split), governing per Utah Code §15A-2-103(1)(h); MSD's own page still lists the 2015 IECC residential provisions (live-checked 2026-07-16), lagging the current statewide edition.
• OptionalEngineered Truss PlansSealed truss layouts required for new construction with engineered trusses.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• New electrical circuits or wiring installations
• Electrical panel upgrades or replacements
• Service entrance changes
• Adding or relocating outlets, switches, or fixtures
• Generator or solar panel electrical connections

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmit through MSD CityWorks portal at msd.utah.gov/portal.
• OptionalElectrical Plan / Single-Line DiagramRequired for service upgrades and new construction — panel schedule and circuit layout.
• OptionalContractor LicenseValid Utah electrical contractor license (Utah DOPL) for work not performed by the homeowner.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• New plumbing fixture installations (sinks, toilets, showers)
• Water heater installation or replacement
• Water line or sewer line replacement or extension
• Gas line installation or modification
• Backflow prevention device installation

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmit through MSD CityWorks portal at msd.utah.gov/portal.
• OptionalPlumbing PlanRequired for larger projects — isometric or plan showing fixture locations, pipe sizes, and drainage.
• OptionalContractor LicenseValid Utah plumbing contractor license (Utah DOPL) for work not performed by the homeowner.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Furnace or boiler installation or replacement
• Air conditioning system installation or replacement
• Ductwork installation or major modification
• Evaporative cooler installation
• Fireplace or wood-burning stove installation (may also require a gas permit)

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmit through MSD CityWorks portal at msd.utah.gov/portal.
• OptionalEquipment SpecificationsManufacturer data sheets for furnace, AC, heat pump, or evaporative cooler.
• OptionalMechanical PlanRequired for larger projects — equipment location, duct layout, sizing calculations.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Complete roof replacement (tear-off and re-roof)
• Overlay of new roofing over existing (where code allows)
• Structural roof repairs or modifications
• Changes to roofing material type

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmit through MSD CityWorks portal at msd.utah.gov/portal; include scope of work, square footage, and material specifications.
• OptionalContractor LicenseValid Utah roofing contractor license (Utah DOPL) if not performed by the homeowner.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Rooftop solar panel installation
• Ground-mounted solar array installation
• Battery storage system installation
• Electrical service upgrade for solar interconnection

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmit through MSD CityWorks portal at msd.utah.gov/portal.
• RequiredSolar Site Plan / Roof PlanShowing panel placement, setbacks, and access pathways on the roof.
• RequiredElectrical Single-Line DiagramSystem wiring from panels to inverter to main panel and utility meter.
• RequiredStructural AnalysisRoof load calculation confirming the structure can support the panels.
• RequiredEquipment SpecificationsData sheets for panels, inverter, and racking system.
• OptionalInterconnection AgreementUtility approval for grid-tied systems (Rocky Mountain Power).

Fee schedule

Requirements

• New fence construction
• Replacement of existing fence in a different location or at a different height
• Fences in public right-of-way or easements require additional approvals

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmit through MSD CityWorks portal at msd.utah.gov/portal; include fence length, height, material, and location relative to property lines.
• OptionalSite PlanShowing fence location relative to property lines and any easements.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Water heater replacement (including like-for-like swaps)
• New water heater installation
• Conversion from tank to tankless water heater
• Gas line modification for water heater

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmit through MSD CityWorks portal at msd.utah.gov/portal.
• OptionalContractor LicenseValid Utah plumbing contractor license (Utah DOPL) if not performed by the homeowner.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Complete demolition of any structure
• Partial demolition involving structural elements
• Removal of load-bearing walls
• Demolition of structures with potential asbestos or lead paint (pre-1980 construction)

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit Application / Demolition ApplicationSubmit through MSD CityWorks portal at msd.utah.gov/portal; include scope of demolition, structure details, and disposal plan.
• OptionalAsbestos SurveyNESHAP asbestos inspection required for structures built before approximately 1980 — federal NESHAP regulations apply.
• RequiredUtility Disconnect ConfirmationProof that gas, electric, water, and sewer are disconnected prior to demolition.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• New deck construction attached to or detached from the house
• Decks higher than 30 inches above grade
• Structural modifications to existing decks
• Adding or replacing a deck ledger

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmit through MSD CityWorks portal at msd.utah.gov/portal.
• RequiredConstruction DrawingsFraming plan, footing details, ledger attachment method, and railing specifications.
• RequiredSite PlanShowing deck location, setbacks from property lines, and relationship to existing structure.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Framing walls in an unfinished basement
• Adding a bedroom (requires egress window)
• Adding a bathroom (requires separate plumbing permit)
• Electrical wiring for new rooms
• Any structural modifications

Required documents

• RequiredFloor PlanLayout showing room sizes, egress windows, and door locations.
• RequiredElectrical PlanCircuit layout, panel capacity, smoke/CO detector locations.
• RequiredMechanical PlanHVAC supply/return for new rooms, combustion air for furnace room.
• OptionalPlumbing PlanRequired if adding bathroom, wet bar, or utility sink.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• New commercial building construction on a permitted, properly zoned lot in unincorporated Salt Lake County
• Complete architectural and structural drawings
• Site Plan Review or applicable Land Use approval from MSD Planning prior to building permit issuance
• SWPPP (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan) review for qualifying sites
• Energy code compliance documentation for the adopted commercial IECC

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmit to MSD Building Services, 860 W. Levoy Drive, Suite 300, Taylorsville
• RequiredConstruction PlansComplete drawings to scale — site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, and structural details
• RequiredSite Plan Review ApprovalSite Plan Review (under $990 for sites less than 3 acres, $1,640 for sites 3+ acres) is generally required from MSD Planning before or alongside the building permit
• OptionalSWPPP (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan)Required for qualifying commercial sites; MSD charges a $200 base Stormwater Review fee plus $30/acre after the first acre
• OptionalEnergy Code Compliance DocumentationCOMcheck or equivalent documentation demonstrating compliance with the adopted commercial IECC

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Interior build-out, remodel, or finish work in an existing commercial tenant space
• Floor plan showing existing and proposed layout, occupancy classification, and egress
• Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans for the scope of work
• Fire sprinkler modification plans where the scope affects existing systems

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmit to MSD Building Services, 860 W. Levoy Drive, Suite 300, Taylorsville
• RequiredConstruction PlansFloor plan showing scope of work, occupancy classification, and egress; structural details if load-bearing elements are affected

Fee schedule

Requirements

• A sign shall not be erected, raised, moved, placed, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, or altered unless in conformity with Zoning Ordinance Chapter 19.82, and a building permit is required for the sign except as specifically exempted (§ 19.82.040, § 19.82.070)
• Exempt from the building-permit requirement: property signs, political signs, and nameplates conforming to the chapter's provisions (§ 19.82.070; see also § 19.82.050(B)) — all other on-premises sign types listed in Table 19.82.190 require a permit
• Most signs are approved through over-the-counter staff review; signs requiring conditional use approval (per the chapter's own review-type classification) additionally require Planning Commission review as an 'Other Conditional Use Permit' — MSD's fee schedule explicitly lists 'signs needing conditional use approval' as triggering this higher review tier
• On-premises sign allowances vary by zoning district under Table 19.82.190 — representative examples: in the residential zones (S-1-G, R-4-8.5, R-M, RMH), a ground/projecting sign is capped at 32 sq ft plus 1 sq ft per 10 ft of frontage over 30 ft (max 64 sq ft), 20 ft max height, 15 ft setback; in C-1/C-1-L/C-V commercial zones, 48 sq ft plus 1 sq ft per 4 ft of frontage over 30 ft (max 128 sq ft), 25 ft max height, 15 ft setback; in C-2, 48 sq ft plus 1 sq ft per ft of frontage over 30 ft (max 256 sq ft), 30 ft max height; in C-3, 48 sq ft plus 1.5 sq ft per ft of frontage over 30 ft (max 300 sq ft), 30 ft max height; in M-1/M-2 industrial zones, 48 sq ft plus 1 sq ft per ft of frontage over 30 ft (max 256 sq ft), 35 ft max height, 15 ft setback
• A monument sign (most zones) is limited to one per lot, 32 sq ft plus 1 sq ft per 4-10 ft of frontage over 30 ft (max 64 sq ft depending on zone), 6 ft max height, with an 18-inch to 6-ft setback depending on zone (Table 19.82.190)
• Political signs are capped at 16 sq ft, 6 ft max height, must sit at least 10 ft from a driveway, and must be removed within 15 days of the final voting day (Table 19.82.190)
• Nameplates are capped at 3 sq ft and must be attached to the main structure; property on-premises signs are capped at 6 sq ft (Table 19.82.190)
• The applicable zone's full sign allowance (including awning, roof, window, and flat/wall sign standards, which vary further by zone) should be confirmed with MSD Planning before applying

Required documents

• RequiredSign Permit ApplicationSubmitted to MSD Planning; site plan and sign details required for staff review.
• OptionalConditional Use Permit ApplicationRequired in addition to the sign permit only for signs that need conditional use approval under Chapter 19.82 — triggers Planning Commission review rather than staff-only review.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Installation of a Level 2 or DC fast EV charger (EVSE) at a residential or commercial property
• New dedicated electrical circuit and/or panel capacity to serve the charger, covered under the general Electrical Permit
• Compliance with the 2023 NEC per Utah Code § 15A-2-103(1)(g); MSD's own page still lists the 2020 NEC (live-checked 2026-07-16) — confirm enforced edition with MSD before starting electrical work

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmit through MSD CityWorks portal at msd.utah.gov/portal.
• OptionalElectrical Plan / Single-Line DiagramRequired for service upgrades and new construction — panel schedule and circuit layout.
• OptionalContractor LicenseValid Utah electrical contractor license (Utah DOPL) for work not performed by the homeowner.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Any property owner or authorized agent who intends to install or modify a fire protection or fire alarm/detection system shall first make application to UFA as fire code official and obtain the required permit before work begins (International Fire Code §105.1.1)
• A third-party peer review of plans is required for automatic fire protection system installation/modification, fire alarm and detection systems, fire pumps and related fuel tanks, jockey pumps and controllers, and standpipe system installation, modification, or removal (International Fire Code §104.7.2)
• Peer review is not required for: fire hydrants and underground supply lines; pre-engineered kitchen hood suppression systems; installation or relocation of fewer than 20 sprinkler heads; or installation or relocation of fewer than 5 alarm/notification appliances — a permit is still required for this smaller-scope work
• Except for R-3 occupancies, where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall also actuate the building fire alarm system
• Beginning work on a fire protection system before permit issuance and plan approval is done at the contractor's own risk — UFA states no special allowances or accommodations will be granted

Required documents

• RequiredFire Protection System Permit ApplicationSubmitted to UFA's Fire Prevention Bureau, not through MSD's CityWorks portal used for building/electrical/plumbing/mechanical permits.
• OptionalFire Sprinkler Plan (per UFA's Fire Sprinkler Plan Submittal Guide)Required when the scope includes automatic fire sprinkler system work.
• OptionalFire Alarm Plan (per UFA's Fire Alarm Plan Submittal Guide)Required when the scope includes fire alarm or detection system work.
• OptionalThird-Party Peer Review ReportRequired for scopes exceeding the 20-sprinkler-head / 5-alarm-device threshold, per International Fire Code §104.7.2. Peer reviewer is a third party engaged by the applicant, not UFA staff.
• OptionalMaterial and Test Certificate (Aboveground/Underground Piping)Submitted at system test/completion for sprinkler systems, per UFA's published form.
• OptionalRecord of Completion – Fire Alarm SystemSubmitted at system test/completion for fire alarm systems, per UFA's published form.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• A tenant change or a change in the use of a room, area, or building in unincorporated Salt Lake County requires a Change of Use Permit review from MSD Planning
• Uses subordinate to an existing Conditional Use Permit are processed under this same Change of Use Permit category rather than requiring separate new Conditional Use Permit approval
• If the new use itself requires Conditional Use Permit approval under Zoning Ordinance Title 19 (rather than being merely subordinate to an existing one), the higher 'Other Conditional Use Permits' review track applies instead, including agency review, technical review, and Planning Commission meeting
• Changing the use of a room or area within an existing building (e.g., converting unfinished or storage space to habitable/office space) also requires a separate Building Permit per MSD's published building-permit guidance, in addition to the Change of Use Permit
• A Certificate of Occupancy reflecting the new use classification must be obtained before occupying the space under its new use

Required documents

• RequiredChange of Use Permit ApplicationSubmit through the MSD CityWorks portal at msd.utah.gov/portal, or in person at 860 W. Levoy Drive, Suite 300, Taylorsville.
• RequiredSite/Floor PlanShowing existing and proposed use, occupancy classification, and tenant space boundaries.
• OptionalConditional Use Permit ApplicationRequired only if the new use itself requires conditional use approval under Zoning Ordinance Title 19, rather than being subordinate to an existing Conditional Use Permit.
• OptionalBuilding Permit ApplicationRequired in addition to the Change of Use Permit when the change also involves altering a room or area (framing, MEP work).

Fee schedule