Unincorporated Salt Lake County building permits
VerifiedDepartment contacts, adopted codes, permit types, fees, and gotchas for Unincorporated Salt Lake County, Utah.
Last verified 2026-07-01 · Source · Embed this page’s badge · Version history
Building department
- Address
- 860 W. Levoy Drive, Suite 300, Taylorsville, UT 84123
- Phone
- (385) 910-7138
- Office hours
- Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Website
- Official site
Inspection guide
See how inspections work in Unincorporated Salt Lake County — sequence, scheduling & re-inspection fees.
Codes adopted
Utah adopts construction codes statewide under Utah Code Title 15A (State Construction and Fire Codes Act), enforced by every jurisdiction. Chapter 4 of Title 15A codifies Legislature-enacted amendments for specific named jurisdictions (e.g., Park City, Salt Lake City, Sandy City) as part of the state construction code. Through June 30, 2026, the editions in force under Utah Code § 15A-2-103 are the 2021 IBC (with Appendices C and J), 2021 IRC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IEBC, and 2021 ISPSC (residential provisions), together with the 2023 NEC. Effective July 1, 2026, § 15A-2-103 adopts the 2024 editions of the IBC, IPC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, IEBC, and ISPSC; the IRC remains the 2021 edition and the NEC remains the 2023 edition. Note: residential energy requirements are modified by statewide amendments, and several Utah jurisdictions document their residential energy provisions at the 2015 IECC level rather than the adopted IECC year — confirm the applicable residential energy code with your local jurisdiction. Always confirm the edition in force with your local jurisdiction.
- 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. MSD's own Codes and Design Criteria page still lists the 2021 IBC (incl. Appendices C & J) adopted effective July 1, 2023 — live-checked 2026-07-16, MSD's own page has not been updated to the current statewide edition.
- 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), including Appendix AQ (except residential energy Chapter 11) — governs per Utah Code §15A-2-103(1)(b)/(c); this edition is UNCHANGED from the prior code cycle. MSD's own page lists the same 2021 IRC + Appendix AQ exclusion, adopted effective July 1, 2023 — 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). MSD's own page still lists the 2021 IPC, adopted effective July 1, 2023 — live-checked 2026-07-16, lags the current statewide edition.
- 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) — governs per Utah Code §15A-2-103(1)(e). MSD's own page still lists the 2021 IMC, adopted effective July 1, 2023 — 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). MSD's own page still lists the 2021 IFGC, adopted effective July 1, 2023 — 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. MSD's own Codes and Design Criteria page still displays the 2020 NEC — live-checked 2026-07-16, not updated to the statewide edition; confirm the enforced edition with MSD before starting electrical work.
- 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — one code, no residential/commercial split, per Utah Code §15A-2-103(1)(h). MSD's own page still splits it — 2015 IECC residential (IRC Chapter 11 residential energy provisions explicitly excluded from the 2021 IRC adoption) and 2021 IECC commercial — live-checked 2026-07-16, both lag the current statewide edition; the residential/commercial split itself is preserved here as MSD-published history, not carried into the governing statutory citation.
- 2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) — governs per Utah Code §15A-2-103(1)(i). MSD's own page still lists the 2021 IEBC, adopted effective July 1, 2023 — live-checked 2026-07-16, lags the current statewide edition.
- Residential provisions of the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) — governs per Utah Code §15A-2-103(1)(n). MSD's own page still lists the 2021 ISPSC, adopted effective July 1, 2023 — live-checked 2026-07-16, lags the current statewide edition.
- Modular Building Institute (MBI) Standards 1200 and 1205 — governs statewide per Utah Code §15A-2-103(1)(o). Not listed on MSD's own Codes and Design Criteria page — live-checked 2026-07-16.
- 2006 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) — adopted per Utah Code Title 65A, Chapter 8
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit
Required for new residential construction, additions, and structural alterations in unincorporated Salt Lake County. Permits are issued by the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District (MSD), which provides building permit and inspection services under contract with Salt Lake County. Apply through MSD CityWorks portal at msd.utah.gov/portal.
Electrical Permit
Required for electrical work in unincorporated Salt Lake County including new circuits, panel upgrades, service changes, and new construction wiring. Issued by MSD. The 2023 NEC governs statewide per Utah Code § 15A-2-103(1)(g) (unchanged from the prior code cycle); MSD's own page still lists the 2020 NEC as the adopted edition (live-checked 2026-07-16) — confirm enforced edition with MSD before starting work. EV charger/EVSE installation is electrical work and falls under this general Electrical Permit; MSD's FY2025 Fee Schedule and Building Services page do not publish a distinct EV-specific permit category or fee line item (checked 2026-07-19).
Plumbing Permit
Required for plumbing installations, alterations, and repairs in unincorporated Salt Lake County including water heaters, fixture additions, and gas line work. Issued by MSD. The 2024 IPC governs per Utah Code §15A-2-103(1)(d); MSD's own page still lists the 2021 IPC as adopted (live-checked 2026-07-16), lagging the current statewide edition.
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
Required for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installations, replacements, and ductwork modifications in unincorporated Salt Lake County. Issued by MSD. The 2024 IMC governs per Utah Code §15A-2-103(1)(e); MSD's own page still lists the 2021 IMC as adopted (live-checked 2026-07-16), lagging the current statewide edition.
Roofing Permit
Required for roof replacement, re-roofing, and structural roof repairs in unincorporated Salt Lake County. MSD uses flat fees by project type for re-roofing, not valuation-based fees.
Solar Panel Permit
Required for installation of rooftop or ground-mounted solar photovoltaic systems in unincorporated Salt Lake County. MSD uses a base fee plus per-kW charge for residential and small commercial solar up to 20 kW.
Fence Permit
Required for fence installation in unincorporated Salt Lake County. Fence permit fees are valuation-based using the MSD supplemental construction valuation table ($20 per lineal foot for any fence type), applied to the standard building permit fee table.
Water Heater Permit
Required for water heater installation, replacement, or conversion in unincorporated Salt Lake County. This is a plumbing permit for the most common standalone project type. Issued by MSD.
Demolition Permit
Required for partial or complete demolition of structures in unincorporated Salt Lake County, including utility disconnection coordination and any required asbestos surveys. Issued by MSD; fee is valuation-based on declared demolition cost.
Deck Permit
Required for new deck construction or structural modification of existing decks in unincorporated Salt Lake County. Permit fees are valuation-based using MSD's supplemental construction valuation of $22 per square foot for decks (any type).
Basement Finish Permit
Required for finishing or remodeling an unfinished basement in unincorporated Salt Lake County, including framing, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. Issued by MSD. Fee is valuation-based using MSD's supplemental valuation for Basement TI ($28 per square foot).
Commercial Building Permit
Required for new commercial building construction in unincorporated Salt Lake County. The Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District (MSD), which provides building permit services on the county's behalf, uses the same valuation-based "Building and Inspection Fee Calculation" table for commercial as for residential permits — the difference is entirely in the Plan Check Fee rate (65% for commercial vs. 40% for residential) and in how valuation itself is calculated (ICC Square Foot Construction Costs table by occupancy group and construction type, with a 20% deduction for shell-only buildings).
Commercial Tenant Improvement / Tenant Finish Permit
Required for tenant improvement (tenant finish) work in existing commercial buildings in unincorporated Salt Lake County. MSD's fee schedule explicitly defines a Tenant Improvement valuation formula — the fee-determining valuation is calculated as 35% of what the same building would cost as full new construction (per the ICC Square Foot Construction Costs table for its occupancy group and construction type) — which is then run through the same valuation-based Building and Inspection Fee Calculation table as new construction, at the 65% commercial Plan Check Fee rate.
Sign Permit
Required for erecting, installing, or modifying a sign in unincorporated Salt Lake County. Signs are regulated under Salt Lake County Zoning Ordinance Title 19, Chapter 19.82 (Signs), and the permit is processed and fee'd by MSD Planning as a distinct land-use fee category, separate from the general building permit fee table.
EV Charger / EVSE Permit
Unincorporated Salt Lake County does not publish a distinct EV charger, EVSE, or electric vehicle charging station permit or fee. EV charger/EVSE installation is electrical work and falls under the general Electrical Permit issued by the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District (MSD), which provides building permit and inspection services under contract with Salt Lake County. MSD's FY2025 Fee Schedule for Salt Lake County (adopted June 17, 2025) and Building Services page do not publish a distinct EV-specific permit category or fee line item (checked 2026-07-19).
Fire Sprinkler / Fire Alarm Permit
Required for installation, modification, or removal of an automatic fire sprinkler system, fire alarm/detection system, fire pump, fuel tank, or standpipe system in unincorporated Salt Lake County. Unlike the trade permits above, this permit is issued by the Unified Fire Authority (UFA) Fire Prevention Bureau, not by MSD — UFA is the fire code official for unincorporated Salt Lake County and enforces the International Fire Code under Salt Lake County Code Title 9, Chapter 9.77, consistent with the State Fire Code adopted under Utah Code §15A-1-403.
Change of Use Permit
Required for tenant changes and changes in the use of a room, area, or building in unincorporated Salt Lake County. MSD Planning processes the Change of Use Permit as a distinct Land Use fee category — over-the-counter staff review covering tenant changes and uses subordinate to an existing Conditional Use Permit — separate from the trade-permit fee table used for building/electrical/plumbing/mechanical permits. A change of use that also alters a room or area additionally requires a Building Permit, and a Certificate of Occupancy reflecting the new use is issued through MSD's CityWorks portal once compliance is confirmed.
New residential construction activity
New privately-owned residential construction onlyHousing units authorized by building permits for new privately-owned residential construction — this is not total permit volume (no commercial permits or remodels).
- Latest month (2026-05)
- 212units
168 buildings · $71.3M valuation
- Trailing 12 months
- 6,690units
12 of 12 months reported · #2 in Utah coverage by units
- Year to date (2026 YTD through 2026-05)
- 2,221units
1,114 buildings · $623.3M valuation
- Full year 2025
- 7,179units
2,721 buildings · $1,987.4M valuation
County-wide figures: BPS reports county-wide totals; jurisdiction is the unincorporated remainder — county totals include incorporated cities; county file row: 'Salt Lake County' (co2605c.txt, 49/035); place file also carries 'Salt Lake County Unincorporated Area' (place code 99990) as a possible Phase-1 alternative
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey (BPS), 2026-05 vintage. Census survey data — separate from the permit-requirements verification above. All Utah building activity
Tips & gotchas
- Building permits for unincorporated Salt Lake County are issued by the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District (MSD), NOT by Salt Lake County directly. The old pwpds.slco.org URL now redirects to msd.utah.gov — the agency moved. Apply at msd.utah.gov/portal (CityWorks system).
- MSD uses a unified flat base fee of $70 for all trade permits (mechanical, plumbing, electrical), plus $20 per additional appliance/fixture. This is simpler and often lower than per-type fee schedules used by other Utah cities.
- A 1% state surcharge is added to all building, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical permit fees per the FY2025 Fee Schedule.
- Re-inspection in unincorporated Salt Lake County is $50 per the FY2025 Fee Schedule — lower than many Utah cities.
- MSD's codes page lists the 2020 NEC and a split 2015/2021 residential/commercial IECC (live-checked 2026-07-16, unchanged). Utah Code §15A-2-103 governs and binds MSD as a compliance agency serving unincorporated Salt Lake County under §15A-1-204: the 2023 NEC (unchanged) and a single 2024 IECC (no residential/commercial split) are the current statewide editions. Confirm with MSD at (385) 910-7138 before starting electrical or energy compliance work.
- 2026-07-16 codesAdopted re-verification: Utah Code §15A-2-103 (live-checked at the canonical le.utah.gov URL, current version 'Effective 7/1/2026') now governs statewide construction codes, binding MSD as the compliance agency for unincorporated Salt Lake County under §15A-1-204 — adopting 2024 IBC/IPC/IMC/IFGC/IEBC/IECC and residential 2024 ISPSC, while IRC stays 2021 (App AQ) and NEC stays 2023. MSD's own Codes and Design Criteria page (live-checked 2026-07-16) was re-fetched and confirmed unchanged from the prior review — it still lists 2021-cycle IBC/IRC/IPC/IMC/IFGC/IEBC/ISPSC (adopted eff. 7/1/2023), a 2020 NEC, a split 2015-residential/2021-commercial IECC, and does not list MBI Standards 1200/1205. The statute is stated as governing above; MSD's page is preserved as history.
- MSD serves Magna, Kearns, White City, Emigration Canyon, Copperton, Brighton, and unincorporated Salt Lake County — building permit questions for any of these areas go to MSD, not to Salt Lake County.
- To schedule any inspection, call MSD Building Inspection Hotline at (385) 910-5830 or email inspections@msd.utah.gov before 3:00 PM for next-business-day service. Concrete/footing inspections require a time window of 8:30 AM–3:00 PM.
- Building without a permit results in a penalty of 200% of the standard permit fee plus 1% per day beginning 10 business days after notice of violation (max $50/day).