Salt Lake City Building Services uses the following design criteria when reviewing building permit applications. These requirements establish minimum standards for structural design, environmental loads, and code compliance.
Adopted Building Codes
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC)
- 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)
- 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
- 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
- 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
- 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC – commercial)
- 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
- 2021 International Fire Code (IFC)
- 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC)
- ICC A117.1 (2009) Accessibility Standard
Snow Loads
- Minimum ground snow load: 28 psf (at or below 4,239 ft elevation)
- Higher elevations require site-specific snow load data
- Roof snow loads determined per ASCE 7-16
- Snow loads over 30 psf must be included in seismic design weight
Wind Design
- Residential: 115 mph
- Commercial:
- Risk Category I: 100 mph
- Risk Category II: 105 mph
- Risk Category III: 110 mph
- Risk Category IV: 115 mph
- Exposure category: Typically B or C (site-specific)
Seismic Design
- Residential: Seismic Design Category D2
- Commercial: Seismic Design Category D
- Site-specific seismic data must be obtained using ATC Hazards tool
Additional requirements may apply when:
- S1 ≥ 0.2g with Site Class D or E
- SS ≥ 1.0g with Site Class E
- Site Class F is present
These conditions may require a ground motion hazard analysis or site response analysis.
Soils and Foundations
- Frost depth: 30 inches
- Default Site Class: D (if no report required)
- Allowable bearing pressure: 1,500 psf
- Lateral soil pressure: 100 psf/ft
Geotechnical Reports:
- Must be dated within 2 years of permit application
- Required for all commercial projects (with limited exceptions)
- Required for residential projects when:
- Footprint exceeds 3,000 sq ft or total area ≥ 6,000 sq ft
- Slope ≥ 15%
- Previous structure existed on the lot
Flood Hazards
- Flood Zone A or V must comply with IRC R322 (residential)
- Commercial must comply with IBC 1612 and ASCE 24
- Floodways require additional design per ASCE 24
Climate and Environmental Data
- Climate Zone: 5B
- Annual rainfall: 16 inches
- Winter design temperature: 8°F
- Mean annual temperature: 45°F
- Weathering: Severe
- Termite risk: None to slight
- Ice barrier required: Yes
Important Note
Design criteria may vary based on site-specific conditions. Applicants are responsible for verifying all project-specific requirements, including elevation, soil conditions, and seismic data.
Contact Information
Building Services
Building Code
451 South State Street, Room 215
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
Phone: 801-535-6000
Email: [email protected]