Provo building permits

Building department

Address

445 W Center Street, Suite 200, Provo, UT 84601

Phone

(801) 852-6428

Email

building@provo.gov

Office hours

Mon–Thu 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (building permits issued until 5:30 PM); closed Fridays

Website

Official site

Permit portal

Apply online at Provo's portal

Inspection guide

See how inspections work in Provo — 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) — currently in effect as of July 1, 2026, superseding the 2021 IBC that was in effect through June 30, 2026 (Utah Code § 15A-2-103(1)(a)); Provo's own Building FAQ still lists 2021 IBC as of 2026-07-16 — see NOTE below.
• 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) — currently in effect; unchanged by the July 1, 2026 statewide code-edition update (Utah Code § 15A-2-103(1)(b)).
• 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) — currently in effect as of July 1, 2026, superseding the 2021 IPC that was in effect through June 30, 2026 (Utah Code § 15A-2-103(1)(d)).
• 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) — currently in effect as of July 1, 2026, superseding the 2021 IMC that was in effect through June 30, 2026 (Utah Code § 15A-2-103(1)(e)).
• 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — currently in effect as of July 1, 2026, superseding the 2021 IFGC that was in effect through June 30, 2026 (Utah Code § 15A-2-103(1)(f)).
• 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) — per Provo City Building FAQ (provo.gov/Faq.aspx?QID=88) listing codes adopted as of July 1, 2021 (not adopted under Utah Code § 15A-2-103, which does not list an IFC edition; edition unconfirmed for the current period beyond this FAQ citation).
• 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — currently in effect statewide as of July 1, 2026, a single edition with no residential/commercial split under current law (Utah Code § 15A-2-103(1)(h)); superseding the 2021 IECC (commercial and residential editions) that Provo's Building FAQ had cited and that was in effect through June 30, 2026.
• 2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) — currently in effect as of July 1, 2026, superseding the 2021 IEBC that was in effect through June 30, 2026 (Utah Code § 15A-2-103(1)(i)).
• 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) — currently in effect (Utah Code § 15A-2-103(1)(g)); unchanged by the July 1, 2026 statewide code-edition update. NOTE: Provo's own Building FAQ (provo.gov/Faq.aspx?QID=88) still listed 'National Electric Code 2020 Edition' as of 2026-07-16 (re-confirmed live) — this is STALE and always has been, independent of the 7/1/2026 transition; the statewide statute mandates the 2023 NEC, which supersedes the city FAQ.
• Residential provisions of the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) — currently in effect as of July 1, 2026, superseding the 2021 ISPSC that was in effect through June 30, 2026 (Utah Code § 15A-2-103(1)(n)).
• NOTE (updated 2026-07-16): the July 1, 2026 transition forecast in the prior version of this entry has now occurred — confirmed live against Utah Code § 15A-2-103, current version (effective 7/1/2026, superseded 1/1/2027), read at le.utah.gov/xcode/Title15A/Chapter2/15A-2-S103.html. Provo's own Building FAQ (provo.gov/Faq.aspx?QID=88), re-fetched live 2026-07-16, still lists every code at its pre-transition July 1, 2021 edition (2021 IBC/IMC/IPC/IFGC/IRC/IFC, 2021 commercial and residential IECC, plus the already-stale 2020 NEC) — the city FAQ has not been updated to reflect either the 2023 NEC statewide mandate or the 7/1/2026 edition change; the state statute governs regardless.

Permit types & fees

• Residential Building Permit

  Required for new residential construction, additions, structural alterations, and any work regulated by the adopted 2021 IRC or 2024 IBC. The permit covers plumbing, electrical, and mechanical (MEP) for residential structures with four or fewer dwelling units — no separate MEP permits are required for those projects.

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• Electrical Permit

  Required for electrical work in Provo. For residential structures with four or fewer dwelling units, electrical is included in the building permit fee — a separate electrical permit is not required when pulled alongside a building permit for those structures. Standalone electrical permits (e.g., panel upgrades, service changes) require a separate permit with valuation-based fees per the 1997 UBC table. Provo does not publish a document naming EV charger/EVSE installation as a covered scope explicitly — this classification is PermitBase's own inference that an EV charger circuit is electrical work and would fall under this general Electrical Permit like any other standalone circuit addition, not a documented city line item. The city's Consolidated Fee Schedule publishes no separate EV-specific fee — the standard $75.00 residential electrical inspection fee would apply if this classification holds.

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• Plumbing Permit

  Required for plumbing installations, alterations, and repairs in Provo. For residential structures with four or fewer dwelling units, plumbing is included in the building permit fee. Standalone plumbing permits (e.g., water heater replacement, re-pipe on existing structure) require a separate permit with valuation-based fees.

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• Mechanical / HVAC Permit

  Required for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installations, replacements, and ductwork modifications in Provo. For residential structures with four or fewer dwelling units, mechanical is included in the building permit. Standalone mechanical permits require separate application.

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• Roofing Permit

  Required for roof replacement, re-roofing, and structural roof repairs in Provo. Permit fees are valuation-based per the 1997 UBC table.

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• Solar Panel Permit

  Required for installation of rooftop or ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Provo. Provo City Power is the local utility — not Rocky Mountain Power. Net metering applications go to Provo City Power.

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• Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit

  Required for construction of accessory dwelling units (basement apartments, detached ADUs) in Provo. ADU regulations are enforced strictly in this college-town jurisdiction.

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• Deck Permit

  Required for new deck construction, replacement, or structural modifications to existing decks in Provo. Fees are valuation-based per the 1997 UBC table.

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• Basement Finish Permit

  Required for finishing or remodeling an unfinished basement in Provo, including framing, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.

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• Demolition Permit

  Required for partial or complete demolition of structures in Provo. Federal NESHAP requirements apply for pre-1980 structures. Utah DEQ Air Quality must be contacted prior to any demolition (asbestos removal).

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• Commercial Building Permit

  Required for new commercial construction in Provo, regulated by the adopted 2021 IBC (per the city's own Tenant Finish checklist, revised 10/2024, which states: "Currently codes are 2021 IBC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2020 NEC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IFGC"). A Project Plan Approval application must be approved before the Building Division will review the building permit itself. Fees are valuation-based per the same 1997 UBC Fee Chart used for residential structures; distinct Commercial Electrical ($175) and Commercial Mechanical ($175) trade-permit fees apply, unlike the ≤4-unit residential MEP-inclusion rule.

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• Commercial Tenant Improvement / Tenant Finish Permit

  Required for interior tenant-finish or remodel construction within an already-completed commercial building in Provo, to complete a space for a business to occupy. Provo's Commercial Plan Review Tenant Finish Checklist lists the exact submittal package required. Fees are based upon the valuation of the building, per Provo's own checklist, using the same mechanism as new commercial construction.

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• Sign Permit

  Required for erecting, placing, or modifying most signs in Provo — a distinct application from the general building permit, though the fee is calculated the same way (valuation-based, per the 1997 UBC Fee Chart). Signs with a top-edge height exceeding 6 feet above grade require Building Inspection Division approval; all others are approved by the Planning Division. Any sign exceeding 64 square feet with a top-edge height over 20 feet requires a design stamped by a Utah-licensed engineer.

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• EV Charger / EVSE Permit

  Provo City does not publish a distinct "EV Charger" or "EVSE" line item in its Consolidated Fee Schedule. Installing a Level 2 or DC fast EV charger requires a standard Electrical Permit: $75.00 for a residential standalone electrical permit or $175.00 for commercial electrical work, per the city's Inspection Fees table. For residential structures with 4 units or fewer, the electrical permit fee is included in the building permit fee when the charger is installed as part of new construction; a standalone electrical permit applies to retrofits.

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• Fire Sprinkler System Permit

  Required for installation of a new automatic fire sprinkler system for new construction, or modification/extension of an existing system for a remodel or tenant finish, in Provo. Plan review and permitting for fire protection systems are handled directly by the Provo Fire Marshal's Office (part of Provo Fire & Rescue) — separate from, but coordinated with, the Building Division's building-permit review of the same project. Provo's Commercial Tenant Improvement / Tenant Finish Checklist (already documented in this file) confirms fire sprinkler plans must be approved by the Fire Marshal prior to construction. Fees are published under the Fire Inspection Fees section of Provo's Consolidated Fee Schedule.

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• Fire Alarm System Permit

  Required for installation of a new fire alarm system, remodel of an existing system, or addition of floors to an existing system, in Provo. Plan review and permitting are handled directly by the Provo Fire Marshal's Office — separate from, but coordinated with, the Building Division's building-permit review of the same project. Fees are published under the Fire Inspection Fees section of Provo's Consolidated Fee Schedule.

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• Change of Use / Certificate of Occupancy and Zoning Compliance

  Provo does not publish a standalone 'Change of Use' permit or fee. Instead, Provo City Code § 14.01.090 ('Certificate of Occupancy and Zoning Compliance') makes it unlawful to occupy, or allow the occupancy of, any building or premises with a greater intensity of use or different occupancy than stated on its Certificate of Occupancy and Zoning Compliance, and requires that 'a new certificate shall be required at any time the occupancy of the building changes to a more intensive use.' This certificate is issued by the Provo Planning Commission, distinct from the Building Division's building-permit process. Where the change of use requires interior construction (egress, fire separation, MEP, accessibility, etc.), that work is permitted and billed separately under this file's Commercial Building Permit or Commercial Tenant Improvement / Tenant Finish Permit entries; this entry covers the occupancy/zoning-compliance-change mechanism itself.

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