Do I need a permit for a tent in Unincorporated Salt Lake County?

Yes, for tents over 400 sq ft. Unincorporated Salt Lake County requires a temporary structure permit that covers fire safety, anchoring, and exit requirements. Smaller tents for personal use typically do not need a permit.

How long can a temporary structure stay up in Unincorporated Salt Lake County?

Temporary structure permits in Unincorporated Salt Lake County are typically valid for up to 180 days. The structure must be removed by the permit expiration date. Extensions may be available with a new application.

Temporary Structure & Event Permit in Unincorporated Salt Lake County, Utah

Required for temporary tents, stages, bleachers, and structures used for events or construction in Unincorporated Salt Lake County.

Verified 2026-06-27 · Source

When you need this permit

Tents or canopies over 400 sq ft
Temporary stages or platforms
Bleachers or grandstands
Construction trailers and temporary offices
Seasonal sales structures (fireworks stands, Christmas tree lots)

Required documents

Req
Temporary Structure Application
Structure type, size, duration, and location
Req
Site Plan
Structure placement, exits, fire lanes, and parking
Req
Fire Safety Plan
Fire extinguishers, exit signage, and flame-retardant certification for tents
Opt
Event Permit
Required for public events — separate from structure permit

Fee schedule

Fee type	Amount	Notes
Temporary Structure Permit	$50-$200	—
Event Permit	$50-$300 (separate, if public event)	—

Review timeline

~5–14 business days

Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Unincorporated Salt Lake County building department

Inspection process

1
Setup Inspection
Structure erected, anchored, exits clear, fire extinguishers in place
2
Removal Verification
Structure removed by permit expiration date, site restored

Tips

Tents over 400 sq ft in Unincorporated Salt Lake County require a permit and flame-retardant certification.
Temporary structures in Unincorporated Salt Lake County are typically limited to 180 days — extensions may be available.
Construction dumpsters and pods in the public right-of-way may require a separate encroachment permit.
Public events with temporary structures require both a building permit and an event permit from Unincorporated Salt Lake County.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for a tent in Unincorporated Salt Lake County?: Yes, for tents over 400 sq ft. Unincorporated Salt Lake County requires a temporary structure permit that covers fire safety, anchoring, and exit requirements. Smaller tents for personal use typically do not need a permit.
How long can a temporary structure stay up in Unincorporated Salt Lake County?: Temporary structure permits in Unincorporated Salt Lake County are typically valid for up to 180 days. The structure must be removed by the permit expiration date. Extensions may be available with a new application.

Sources & verification

Key facts verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-27.

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 Salt Lake County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.

Get the AI compliance checklist

Upload your project scope, get a jurisdiction-specific checklist of everything you need. Coming soon.

We only use your email to send permit updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy.