You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-07.
Washington Terrace building permits
VerifiedWashington Terrace, Utah — as published 2026-07-07.
Verified 2026-07-13 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit
VerifiedRequired for new single-family and two-family residential construction and any work regulated by the adopted IBC/IRC in Washington Terrace. The city does not publish its own dollar-figure valuation table; Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.020 expressly ties the fee to the ICC 'Building Valuation Data' table (published in 'Building Standards') applied against the 'Building Permit Fee Schedule' in the most current adopted code edition, with a 25% residential plan-review surcharge per the City's FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule (Resolution 26-08, adopted 6/26; unchanged from the prior FY 2025-26 edition, Resolution 25-12).
Verified 2026-07-19 · Source
Requirements
- New single-family or two-family residential construction
- Any work regulated by the adopted IRC/IBC in Washington Terrace
- Obtain any required land use authority approval before permit application, per Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.010(1)
- Complete building permit application filed with the Chief Building Official, per § 15.02.010(2)
- Pay building permit fees and any other applicable fee before permit issuance, per § 15.02.010(3) and § 15.02.050(2)(b)
- Submit required building plans and all supporting documentation, per § 15.02.010(4)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Excavation Permit ApplicationSubmitted online via the city's Xpress FormBuilder permit application system, linked from the Building, Planning & Inspection page (washingtonterrace.gov/building).
- RequiredBuilding Plans and Supporting DocumentationRequired per Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.010(4); reviewed by the Chief Building Official for compliance with the adopted IBC/IRC and coordinated with the Planning Commission for zoning and land use compliance.
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (ICC Building Valuation Data) | Set by the 'Building Permit Fee Schedule' in the most current adopted code edition, applied to project valuation determined from the 'Building Valuation Data' table published in the current issue of ICC's 'Building Standards.' | Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.020: 'Building projects shall be valued and building permit fees assessed by selecting the appropriate occupancy and type from the table entitled "Building Valuation Data" published in the most current issue of "Building Standards." Using this valuation, the building permit fee shall be assessed by reference to the "Building Permit Fee Schedule" in the most current version of the applicable code.' The City's FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule (Resolution 26-08, adopted 6/26) confirms this incorporation-by-reference under 'Building Permits (3.2)': 'Refer to the permit fee schedule released in the current International Code Council (ICC).' No independently-published Washington Terrace dollar table exists (unlike neighboring Murray). |
| Plan Review Fee (residential, 1-2 family) | 25% of the building permit fee | Washington Terrace City FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule (Resolution 26-08, adopted 6/26), 'Building Permits (3.2)': '25% Plan review fee on single/multiple family permits.' This supersedes the flat 65% rate stated in Municipal Code § 15.02.030 for the residential case; the more recent, more specific Resolution rate is used here. (The prior FY 2025-26 edition, Resolution 25-12, stated the identical 25% rate; verified re-checked 2026-07-13 after that PDF link went dead and was replaced by the FY 2026-27 edition — no fee drift occurred.) |
| State Surcharge | 1% of building permit fee | Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.040, imposed under Utah Code Ann. § 58-56-9(4); the city remits 80% of collected surcharges to the State of Utah quarterly. |
| Reinspection Fee | Minimum 1 hour at the hourly rate set in the adopted building code | Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.050(1)(b): 'Reinspection, one hour' (minimum), billed at the hourly rate specified in the current adopted building code fee schedule. |
Commercial Building Permit
VerifiedRequired for new commercial construction and any commercial work regulated by the adopted IBC in Washington Terrace. As with residential permits, the city does not publish its own dollar-figure valuation table; Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.020 ties the Building Permit fee to the ICC 'Building Valuation Data' table and 'Building Permit Fee Schedule.' The City's FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule (Resolution 26-08) sets a 65% commercial plan-review surcharge.
Verified 2026-07-19 · Source
Requirements
- New commercial construction or work regulated by the adopted IBC in Washington Terrace
- Obtain any required land use authority approval before permit application, per Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.010(1)
- Complete building permit application filed with the Chief Building Official, per § 15.02.010(2)
- Pay building permit fees and any other applicable fee before permit issuance, per § 15.02.010(3) and § 15.02.050(2)(b)
- Submit required building plans and all supporting documentation, per § 15.02.010(4)
- Commercial engineering review required for site improvements (e.g., apartment complexes and other commercial development), per the City's Planning Fees schedule
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Excavation Permit ApplicationSubmitted online via the city's Xpress FormBuilder permit application system, linked from the Building, Planning & Inspection page (washingtonterrace.gov/building).
- RequiredBuilding Plans and Supporting DocumentationRequired per Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.010(4); reviewed by the Chief Building Official for compliance with the adopted IBC and coordinated with the Planning Commission for zoning and land use compliance.
- OptionalSite PlanRequired for commercial development; reviewed under the City's Site Plan Fee ($395.00) per the FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule.
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (ICC Building Valuation Data) | Set by the 'Building Permit Fee Schedule' in the most current adopted code edition, applied to project valuation determined from the 'Building Valuation Data' table published in the current issue of ICC's 'Building Standards.' | Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.020, same fee mechanism used for both residential and commercial permits — no independently-published Washington Terrace dollar table exists for either. |
| Plan Review Fee (commercial) | 65% of the building permit fee | Washington Terrace City FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule (Resolution 26-08, adopted 6/26), 'Building Permits' section: '65% Plan review fee on commercial permits (3.2).' Note 3.2: 'Refer to the permit fee schedule released in the current International Code Council (ICC).' Confirmed via direct page-image review of the source PDF (fetched 2026-07-19). |
| State Surcharge | 1% of building permit fee | Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.040, imposed under Utah Code Ann. § 58-56-9(4). |
| Reinspection Fee | Minimum 1 hour at the hourly rate set in the adopted building code | Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.050(1)(b). |
| Commercial Engineering Review | $500.00 | Washington Terrace City FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule (Resolution 26-08), Planning Fees section: 'commercial engineering review — 500.00.' Applies to commercial site/engineering review, separate from the building-permit plan review fee. |
| Site Plan Fee | $395.00 | Washington Terrace City FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule (Resolution 26-08), Planning Fees section: 'site plan fee — 395.00.' |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit
VerifiedWashington Terrace has not published a distinct EV-charger permit or fee category. The city's FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule lists 'Electrical' as one of its 'Building Permits - Over-the-Counter' categories (alongside HVAC, Plumbing, Gas line, Roofing, Siding, and Window & Door), with the fee set by reference to the current ICC Building Permit Fee Schedule per note 3.2 — the same valuation mechanism used for all other building permits. EV charger/EVSE installation is electrical work filed under this over-the-counter Electrical permit category.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Installation of a Level 2 or DC fast EV charger (EVSE) at a residential or commercial property, filed as an 'Electrical' over-the-counter building permit
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationFiled with the Washington Terrace Building, Planning & Inspection Department; select 'Electrical' as the over-the-counter permit category since no dedicated EV-charger category exists.
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical (Over-the-Counter Building Permit) | Set by the ICC-referenced 'Building Permit Fee Schedule' applied to project valuation (see Residential Building Permit entry) — no separate flat or EV-specific fee is published. | Washington Terrace City FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule (Resolution 26-08, adopted 6/26), 'Building Permits - Over-the-Counter' table lists 'Electrical' as a category with no dollar figure, subject to note 3.2: 'Refer to the permit fee schedule released in the current International Code Council (ICC).' No distinct EV-charger line item exists. |
| Plan Review Fee (residential, 1-2 family) | 25% of the building permit fee | Washington Terrace City FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule (Resolution 26-08), 'Building Permits (3.2)': '25% Plan review fee on single/multiple family permits.' |
| State Surcharge | 1% of building permit fee | Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.040, imposed under Utah Code Ann. § 58-56-9(4). |
Sign Permit
VerifiedRequired in Washington Terrace before erecting most signs, per Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 17.56.260 (Chapter 17.56, Signs, Construction Standards): 'The owner and/or persons having charge or control of any sign as described and authorized by city zoning ordinances shall pay the city a fee for such sign based upon the valuation tables as set forth in the uniform building code.' Like the city's general building permit, Washington Terrace does not publish its own independent dollar-figure sign fee table — the sign permit fee is tied directly to the same ICC/Uniform Building Code valuation mechanism used for other building permits in this file. Temporary signs use a separate, no-cost permit track under § 17.56.175.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- All signs erected in the city must comply with the national electrical code, the uniform building code, and Title 17.56, per § 17.56.260
- All signs, and all permit applications for ground signs specifically, must be engineered to conform with the applicable uniform building code provisions; where required by the building official, a stamped plan from a Utah-licensed professional engineer attesting to the adequacy of the sign's construction and support must accompany the application, per § 17.56.260
- Sign permit fee is assessed based on the valuation tables set forth in the uniform building code — the same mechanism used for Washington Terrace's general building permit fee (see the Residential/Commercial Building Permit entries in this file), per § 17.56.260
- Temporary signs require a separate no-cost permit issued by the building official; only a wall sign or an on-premise pedestal-type temporary sign may be issued this permit, per § 17.56.175
- No permit may be issued for a temporary banner sign, portable reader board, any type of electric sign, or a sign attached to another sign or sign structure, per § 17.56.175
- Political signs and city-erected traffic control devices are exempt from Chapter 17.56 entirely (including its permit requirement), provided a political sign does not interfere with traffic/public safety and is not placed on public property or another's property without consent, per § 17.56.170
- Projecting signs require insurance with a certificate naming the city, including cancellation/expiration notice terms, and the permit must clearly identify the sign owner (corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship with individual names), per § 17.56.190
Required documents
- RequiredSign Permit ApplicationSubmitted to the Building Department; for ground signs, must be engineered to uniform building code provisions and, where the building official requires it, accompanied by a Utah-licensed professional engineer's stamped plan, per § 17.56.260.
- OptionalTemporary Sign Permit (no cost)Separate no-cost permit issued by the building official for an on-premise wall sign or pedestal-type temporary sign, per § 17.56.175. Not available for banners, portable reader boards, electric signs, or signs attached to another sign/sign structure.
- OptionalCertificate of Insurance (projecting signs)Required for projecting signs, including cancellation/expiration notice terms, with the sign owner clearly identified on the permit, per § 17.56.190.
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sign Permit Fee — valuation-based (Uniform Building Code valuation tables) | Set by the valuation tables in the uniform building code, applied to the sign's construction cost — the same ICC/Uniform Building Code valuation mechanism used for Washington Terrace's general Building Permit Fee | Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 17.56.260: 'The owner and/or persons having charge or control of any sign as described and authorized by city zoning ordinances shall pay the city a fee for such sign based upon the valuation tables as set forth in the uniform building code.' The City's FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule (Resolution 26-08, WTCConfeesch27fvo.pdf) was checked directly and contains no separate dollar-figure line item for signs, consistent with how the same document handles the general building permit fee elsewhere in this file. |
| Temporary Sign Permit | No cost | Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 17.56.175: 'Permit Required. Each temporary sign is subject to a no cost permit issued by the building official.' |
Commercial Tenant Improvement / Tenant Finish Permit
VerifiedRequired for tenant improvement, remodel, or interior finish work in existing commercial space in Washington Terrace. The FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule does not publish a separate TI-specific fee line — its '65% Plan review fee on commercial permits' note applies to all commercial permit types, including TI/remodel work, per Resolution 26-08.
Verified 2026-07-19 · Source
Requirements
- Commercial tenant improvement, remodel, or interior finish scope in an existing commercial building
- Complete building permit application filed with the Chief Building Official, per Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.010(2)
- Submit required building plans and supporting documentation, per § 15.02.010(4)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Excavation Permit ApplicationSubmitted online via the city's Xpress FormBuilder permit application system.
- RequiredTenant Improvement / Remodel PlansReviewed by the Chief Building Official for compliance with the adopted IBC. Washington Terrace does not publish a distinct TI-specific document checklist as of 2026-07-19; the general commercial plan-submittal requirements apply.
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (ICC Building Valuation Data) | Set by the 'Building Permit Fee Schedule' in the most current adopted code edition, applied to project valuation from the ICC 'Building Valuation Data' table. | Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.020 — same fee mechanism applies to TI/remodel valuation as to new commercial construction. |
| Plan Review Fee (commercial) | 65% of the building permit fee | Washington Terrace City FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule (Resolution 26-08), 'Building Permits' section: '65% Plan review fee on commercial permits (3.2).' The schedule does not distinguish TI/remodel from new commercial construction — the same rate applies to both. |
| State Surcharge | 1% of building permit fee | Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.040. |
| Reinspection Fee | Minimum 1 hour at the hourly rate set in the adopted building code | Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.050(1)(b). |
Solar PV (Photovoltaic) Installation Permit
VerifiedWashington Terrace has not published a distinct solar/solar-PV permit type, application, or fee category. The city's Building, Planning & Inspection Department page, its Building/Excavation Permit application portal, and the FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule (Resolution 26-08, adopted 6/26) were each re-checked directly on 2026-07-21 and none lists a solar, photovoltaic, or renewable-energy line item — the Consolidated Fee Schedule's 'Building Permits - Over-the-Counter' table enumerates only HVAC, Plumbing (inside), Plumbing (outside), Electrical, Gas line, Roofing, Siding, and Window & Door. A rooftop or ground-mount solar PV installation is filed as a standard Building/Excavation Permit (typically under the 'Electrical' over-the-counter category, since PV work is regulated by the adopted National Electrical Code, Article 690), with the fee governed by the same ICC 'Building Valuation Data'/'Building Permit Fee Schedule' valuation mechanism used for all other building permits in this file, per Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.020.
Verified 2026-07-21 · Source
Requirements
- Installation of a residential or commercial rooftop or ground-mount solar photovoltaic (PV) system, filed as a standard Building/Excavation Permit — no separate solar-specific application track exists
- Work must comply with the adopted National Electrical Code (NEC), which governs solar PV systems under NEC Article 690, per Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.04.010(1)(b)
- Structural components (roof-mount racking, ground-mount support) must comply with the adopted IBC/IRC, per § 15.04.010(1)(a)
- Obtain any required land use authority approval before permit application, per § 15.02.010(1)
- Complete building permit application filed with the Chief Building Official, per § 15.02.010(2)
- Pay building permit fees and any other applicable fee before permit issuance, per § 15.02.010(3) and § 15.02.050(2)(b)
- Submit required plans and supporting documentation (system layout, electrical single-line diagram, structural/attachment details), per § 15.02.010(4)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Excavation Permit ApplicationSubmitted online via the city's Xpress FormBuilder/CityInspect permit application system, linked from the Building, Planning & Inspection page (washingtonterrace.gov/building). No dedicated solar-PV application form exists as of 2026-07-21; solar installs are filed through this same general application.
- RequiredSystem Plans and Electrical Single-Line DiagramRequired per Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.010(4); reviewed by the Chief Building Official for compliance with the adopted NEC (Article 690, solar PV systems) and IBC/IRC structural provisions. The city does not publish a distinct solar-PV plan-submittal checklist.
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (ICC Building Valuation Data) | Set by the 'Building Permit Fee Schedule' in the most current adopted code edition, applied to project valuation determined from the ICC 'Building Valuation Data' table. | Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.020 — the same fee mechanism used for every other permit type in this file; no separate solar-PV valuation or flat fee is published. Confirmed no solar/PV line item exists in the FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule's Building Permits or Building Permits - Over-the-Counter tables (re-fetched and read directly 2026-07-21). |
| Plan Review Fee (residential, 1-2 family) | 25% of the building permit fee | Washington Terrace City FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule (Resolution 26-08, adopted 6/26), 'Building Permits (3.2)': '25% Plan review fee on single/multiple family permits.' Applies to residential solar installs; commercial installs are billed the 65% commercial rate instead (see Commercial Building Permit entry). |
| State Surcharge | 1% of building permit fee | Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.040, imposed under Utah Code Ann. § 58-56-9(4). |
| Reinspection Fee | Minimum 1 hour at the hourly rate set in the adopted building code | Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.050(1)(b). |
Fire Sprinkler & Fire Alarm System Permit
VerifiedWashington Terrace has no standalone fire-sprinkler or fire-alarm permit type or fee line. The city's own Fire/Rescue department (Washington Terrace Fire/Rescue, 4601 South 300 West; Business Fire Inspections 801-393-6349) is an independent city department, not a joint fire district — but neither the FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule (Resolution 26-08, checked page-by-page 2026-07-22) nor the Fire/Rescue department page (washingtonterrace.gov/fire) publishes a distinct sprinkler or alarm fee; this work is filed and priced through the same general Building/Excavation Permit process as other trade work (Municipal Code § 15.02.020), which the city's own Municipal Code Chapter 15.08 (International Fire Code) also separately adopts by reference (§ 15.08.010: 'The International Fire Code ... in its most current edition as adopted by the state ... is adopted ... and incorporated in this code'). Independent of the city process, Utah's State Fire Code Act (Utah Code §§ 15A-5-101 to -103) adopts the 2024 International Fire Code statewide, and IFC § 106.1 as amended by Utah Code § 15A-5-202(1)(c) requires that 'Fire sprinkler system layout shall be prepared and submitted by a person certified by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) at level III or IV in Water-Based System Layout,' and fire alarm system layout by a NICET level III/IV Fire Alarm Systems-certified person. As a result, sprinkler and alarm plans in Washington Terrace are also independently reviewable by the Utah State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) using the SFMO's own statewide submittal forms and fee (square footage x $0.022, $75 minimum), separate from whatever the city's Building Department or Washington Terrace Fire/Rescue charges through the general building permit.
Verified 2026-07-22 · Source
Requirements
- Installation, alteration, or extension of an automatic fire sprinkler system (NFPA 13/13R/13D) or a fire alarm/detection system (NFPA 72), filed as a Building/Excavation Permit since no dedicated local fire-system permit track exists, per Municipal Code § 15.02.010
- Comply with the International Fire Code as adopted by Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.08.010 (adopting 'the most current edition as adopted by the state,' currently the 2024 IFC per Utah Code § 15A-5-103) and its local appendix amendments in § 15.08.020
- One- and two-family dwellings: per Municipal Code § 15.08.020(3)(a) (IFC Appendix B105.1, as locally amended), a fire sprinkler system is not required where the required fire flow and flow duration are met for a dwelling with a fire area up to 3,600-5,000 sq ft; larger fire areas require the flow specified in Table B105.1, which in practice may require a sprinkler system if adequate fire flow/hydrants are unavailable
- Fire sprinkler system drawings must be prepared and submitted by a person NICET-certified at level III or IV in Water-Based System Layout; fire alarm system drawings by a person NICET-certified at level III or IV in Fire Alarm Systems, per IFC § 106.1 as amended by Utah Code § 15A-5-202(1)(c)
- Water supply analysis (static pressure, residual pressure, flow in gpm) must be provided per Utah Admin. Code R710-4-5, sourced from contract specifications, a water supply analysis, or the water purveyor
- Separate, parallel plan-review submittal to the Utah State Fire Marshal's Office is required for the sprinkler and/or alarm system plans, in addition to whatever the city's Building Department requires for the underlying building permit
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Excavation Permit ApplicationSubmitted online via the city's Xpress FormBuilder permit application system, linked from the Building, Planning & Inspection page (washingtonterrace.gov/building); no separate fire-sprinkler or fire-alarm application track exists.
- RequiredAutomatic Fire Sprinkler Plan Submittal Form (Utah State Fire Marshal's Office)Required for sprinkler system plan review: project name/location, scope-of-work square footage, water supply analysis data (static/residual pressure, flow), sprinkler drawings, hydraulic calculations, and material/seismic submittals, per the SFMO's official form (planreviews@utah.gov, 801-256-2390).
- RequiredFire Alarm Plan Review Submittal Form (Utah State Fire Marshal's Office)Required for alarm system plan review: floor plan with room use, occupancy type, project code analysis, alarm-initiating/notification device locations, control/trouble signaling equipment, annunciation, power connection, battery and voltage-drop calculations, conductor sizing, and manufacturer cut sheets, per the SFMO's official form.
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (ICC Building Valuation Data) | Set by the 'Building Permit Fee Schedule' in the most current adopted code edition, applied to project valuation from the ICC 'Building Valuation Data' table. | Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.020 — the same fee mechanism used for every other permit type in this file; no separate sprinkler/alarm valuation or flat fee is published by the city (FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule read page-by-page 2026-07-22; no Fire line item found). |
| Plan Review Fee (residential 25% / commercial 65%) | 25% of the building permit fee for single/multiple-family permits; 65% for commercial permits | Washington Terrace City FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule (Resolution 26-08, adopted 6/26), 'Building Permits (3.2).' The schedule does not break out a separate rate for fire-protection scope; the same residential/commercial split used elsewhere in this file applies. |
| State Surcharge | 1% of building permit fee | Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.040, imposed under Utah Code Ann. § 58-56-9(4). |
| State Fire Marshal Plan Review Fee — Automatic Fire Sprinkler System | Scope-of-work square footage x $0.022 per sq ft; minimum fee $75.00 | Utah State Fire Marshal's Office 'Automatic Fire Sprinkler Plan Submittal Form' (current as of 2026-07-22; downloaded and read directly): 'SQUARE FEET x .022$ = $______ Note: Minimum fee is $75.' Fees must be paid before plan review is released. Payable to the Utah State Fire Marshal's Office, 410 West 9800 South, 3rd Floor, Sandy, UT 84070 (planreviews@utah.gov, 801-256-2390) — separate from, and in addition to, any fee charged by the City of Washington Terrace. |
| State Fire Marshal Plan Review Fee — Fire Alarm System | Scope-of-work square footage x $0.022 per sq ft; minimum fee $75.00 | Utah State Fire Marshal's Office 'Fire Alarm Plan Review Submittal Form' (current as of 2026-07-22; downloaded and read directly): identical formula and minimum fee to the sprinkler submittal form. Fees must be paid before plan review is released. |
Change of Use / Occupancy Permit
VerifiedWashington Terrace has no standalone change-of-use permit, certificate-of-occupancy application, or associated fee line distinct from its general Building Permit. Municipal Code § 15.02.010 (Ordinance 2009-02) expressly lists 'occupancy' as its own independent permit trigger, alongside construction, alteration, repair, removal, and modification: 'A building permit or comprehensive construction permit is required for the construction, alteration, repair, removal, modification, or occupancy of any structure within the city limits.' A pure use/occupancy change with no construction scope is therefore filed and processed as the same Building/Excavation Permit used for new construction, nominally valued under the ICC 'Building Valuation Data' mechanism in § 15.02.020 — a mechanism that is inherently tied to construction cost and does not itemize a fee for an occupancy change involving little or no construction value, which is a genuine gap in the city's published fee structure rather than a $0 fee. Separately, Municipal Code § 15.14.130(7) confirms the city does formally issue a 'permanent certif[icate] of occupancy' following final inspection (referenced there only as a security-forfeiture trigger for excavation permits), and § 15.16.010 bars utility companies from connecting service to a structure 'until approval is granted by the building official' — both confirming occupancy approval is a real, distinct step in the city's process even though it is not sold as its own permit product. Most occupants of commercial space undergoing a use change will also separately need a City of Washington Terrace business license (base fee $102.00 plus a category-specific 'disproportionate' fee, per the FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule's Business Licenses table).
Verified 2026-07-22 · Source
Requirements
- A change in use or occupancy classification of an existing structure, with or without accompanying construction, triggers the same building-permit requirement as new construction, per Municipal Code § 15.02.010
- Obtain any required land use authority approval before permit application, per § 15.02.010(1)
- Complete a building permit application filed with the Chief Building Official, per § 15.02.010(2)
- Comply with the adopted International Existing Building Code (Municipal Code § 15.06.010) where the change of use involves an existing building rather than new construction
- Submit the site to regular inspection until final occupancy is authorized, per § 15.02.010(7)
- Utility service to the structure cannot be connected or continued without building-official approval, per § 15.16.010
- A new City of Washington Terrace business license is separately required for most new commercial occupants, per the FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule's Business Licenses table
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Excavation Permit ApplicationSubmitted online via the city's Xpress FormBuilder permit application system, linked from the Building, Planning & Inspection page (washingtonterrace.gov/building); no separate change-of-use or certificate-of-occupancy application exists as of 2026-07-22.
- RequiredExisting vs. Proposed Occupancy Classification DocumentationPlans or a narrative identifying the current and proposed IBC/IEBC occupancy classifications, reviewed by the Chief Building Official; the city does not publish a distinct change-of-use submittal checklist.
- OptionalBusiness License ApplicationFiled separately with the city's Business Licensing office for most new commercial occupants; not part of the building-permit application itself.
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (ICC Building Valuation Data) | Set by the 'Building Permit Fee Schedule' in the most current adopted code edition, applied to project valuation from the ICC 'Building Valuation Data' table; no separate figure is published for occupancy changes involving little or no construction value. | Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.020 ties every building-permit fee to project valuation. For a pure change of use with minimal construction scope, the city's own fee schedule does not publish a minimum/administrative dollar figure to apply instead — confirmed by direct page-by-page review of the FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule (2026-07-22), which contains no change-of-use or certificate-of-occupancy line item. Confirm the applicable fee directly with the Building Department for low/no-construction-value occupancy changes. |
| Plan Review Fee (residential 25% / commercial 65%) | 25% of the building permit fee for single/multiple-family permits; 65% for commercial permits | Washington Terrace City FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule (Resolution 26-08), 'Building Permits (3.2)' — the same rate structure used for every other permit type in this file; occupancy changes are not broken out separately. |
| State Surcharge | 1% of building permit fee | Washington Terrace Municipal Code § 15.02.040, imposed under Utah Code Ann. § 58-56-9(4). |
| Business License Fee (separate from the building/change-of-use process) | $102.00 base fee, plus a category-specific 'disproportionate' fee (e.g., $4.00 for Professional/Business Services, $30.00 for General Services, $201.00 for Entertainment or Automotive, $150.00 for Family Services-Commercial) | Washington Terrace City FY 2026-27 Consolidated Fee Schedule (Resolution 26-08), 'Business Licenses' table, read directly 2026-07-22. Most new commercial occupants triggering a change of use will also need this separate license; it is not itemized as part of the building permit fee. |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-13.
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 Washington Terrace building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.