Grading & Excavation Permit in Unincorporated Utah County, Utah
Required for significant grading, excavation, or land disturbance on residential or commercial properties in Unincorporated Utah County.
Verified 2026-06-27 · Source
When you need this permit
- Grading or filling that changes drainage patterns
- Excavation deeper than 4 feet
- Land disturbance over 1 acre (stormwater permit also required)
- Cut or fill exceeding 50 cubic yards
- Hillside grading in sensitive slope areas
Required documents
- Req
Grading Plan
Existing and proposed contours, cut/fill volumes, and drainage
- Req
Soils/Geotechnical Report
Required for hillside lots or fills over 3 feet
- Req
Erosion Control Plan
SWPPP or erosion control measures during construction
- Opt
Stormwater Permit
State UPDES permit for disturbance over 1 acre
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grading up to 10,000 cubic yards | $101 flat | — |
| Grading 10,001+ cubic yards | $303 flat | — |
Review timeline
~10–21 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Unincorporated Utah County building department
Inspection process
- 1
Erosion Control
Silt fence, inlet protection, and stabilization measures in place before work
- 2
Rough Grade
Cut/fill completed, verify elevations match approved plan
- 3
Final Grade
Drainage verified, slopes stabilized, permanent landscaping or erosion control
Tips
- Unincorporated Utah County requires erosion control measures before any grading begins — silt fence at a minimum.
- Excavation near existing foundations must be evaluated for impact on adjacent structures.
- Grading that alters drainage onto neighboring properties is prohibited — Unincorporated Utah County will require a drainage plan.
- Call 811 before any excavation to locate underground utilities.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a grading permit in Unincorporated Utah County?
- Yes, for excavation over 4 feet deep, cut/fill over 50 cubic yards, or any grading that changes drainage patterns. Small landscaping projects that do not alter drainage typically do not need a permit.
- What is an erosion control plan?
- An erosion control plan shows how you will prevent sediment from leaving the construction site during grading. Unincorporated Utah County requires silt fences, inlet protection, and stabilization measures. For disturbances over 1 acre, a state SWPPP is also required.
Sources & verification
Key facts verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-27.
- Utah County Community Development — official building department
- Utah County Fee Schedule — Exhibit A (Building Permit Fees)
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 Utah County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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