Building Permits in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City Building Services handles building-permit questions and applications for property within incorporated Salt Lake City. Applications can be submitted electronically through the Citizen Access Portal.

Confirm Jurisdiction First

Salt Lake City's permit page specifically warns applicants to confirm whether an address is inside incorporated Salt Lake City. Some communities and unincorporated areas in Salt Lake County are served by other permitting authorities.

Current Codes

Salt Lake City states that it follows the building and fire codes adopted and amended by the State of Utah. The city also notes that limited Salt Lake City building-code provisions are found in Title 18. The city's current-code page points applicants to Utah Code Title 15A for the editions currently adopted by the state.

Because Utah updates code provisions through state law, verify the edition in force on the application date rather than relying on an older model-code year.

Permit Process

1. Verify that the property is in Salt Lake City's jurisdiction.
2. Confirm zoning and the building/trade permits required for the work.
3. Submit the application and required plans through Citizen Access.
4. Complete plan review and respond to requested corrections.
5. Pay applicable fees after they are assessed.
6. Request the inspections required for the issued permit.
7. Complete final approval and any occupancy documentation required for the project.

Review Time and Fees

The city states that electronic applications are reviewed in the order received. No universal number of days is stated here because review time depends on the permit and required reviews. Fees likewise depend on the application; use the city's current fee information rather than a generic percentage.

Inspections

Inspection requirements vary by project and permit. Follow the approved plans and the inspection requirements associated with the issued permit; do not substitute a generic inspection checklist.

Architects, Engineers, and Contractors

Utah law and the project's scope determine when licensed design professionals or contractors are required. Confirm the applicable state and city requirements for the actual project rather than assuming every permit needs a professional seal.

Official Sources

Use Salt Lake City Building Services for permit applications and local procedures, and its Current Building Codes page for links to the controlling Utah code provisions.