Salt Lake City

Building Services

(801) 535-6000

FAQ’s

BSCE – Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Permits and Zoning office located?

Our office is located at 451 S State St in downtown Salt Lake City. We are open from 8 am – 5 pm Monday- Friday, with the exception of Wednesdays, opening at 9 am.   All Permit applications can be submitted electronically through the Citizen Access Portal .  Submission instructions are available online @ https://www.slc.gov/buildingservices/self-help-instructions/

Questions may be emailed to slcpermits@slcgov.com

A staff directory is available online @ https://www.slc.gov/buildingservices/the-team/

Why do I need a permit?

The purpose of building permits is to provide minimum requirements to safeguard the public safety, health and general welfare and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment. No person, firm or corporation shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building, structure or premises, or make any installation, alteration or improvement to the electrical, plumbing or mechanical system in a building, structure or premises, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining the prescribed permits for each such building or structure or premises from the building official.

When do I need a permit?

Basically, all work being done requires a permit. The only exception to this is painting, laying flooring or other cosmetic issues. Please check with the Permits Office if you are not sure. The permit staff can be reached at 801.535.6000.  Other exemptions include: playhouses and similar uses under 200 square feet; oil derricks; movable cases, counters and partitions not over five feet high; retaining walls which are not over four feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding flammable liquids; water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed five thousand gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed two to one; painting, papering and similar finish work; temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery; window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R, Division 3, and Group M occupancies, when projecting not more than 54 inches.

Can I obtain the permit myself?

If the structure is owner /occupied and YOUR primary residence (the one you reside in), you may obtain the appropriate permits. In accordance with the State of Utah, property owners obtaining a permit for their primary structure must also submit an Owner / Builder Certification with their plan review documents. If this is a rental or commercial property, you will need to have a contractor obtain the permits and do the work required.   If the work being done can be considered general maintenance or repair under $1000 in valuation, an owner may obtain the permit. General maintenance does include roofing, but does not include anything structural, i.e., cutting in a new window, putting up taking down a structural load bearing wall. The best way to determine if the work is general repair/maintenance or goes beyond this scope is to call the office and speak to a plans examiner at 801-535-7155.

How are permit fees decided?

Permit fees are based on the value of the project. The value of the project should include all material and a reasonable labor, or is based on the contractor’s bid. There are fee tables and valuation tables on the web site for determining these figures.

Salt Lake City accepts cash, credit cards, checks and echecks for payment.

When do I need a contractor?

Unless the work is considered non-structural maintenance, you will need a contractor for any work being done on a rental property, whether it is a single family dwelling or multiple tenant building. You will also need a contractor on any commercial project. See “Can I obtain the permit myself?”

Who is responsible for getting the permit?

If there is a contractor on the job, it is his responsibility according to state law to obtain the permit and see to the inspections. Be aware, if you hire a contractor and take out the permits yourself, you are liable for the work being done to code and not your contractor. This means that if there are corrections to be made in the work, we come back to you, not your contractor. If you hire a contractor, make sure that they take out the permit and has the inspections done. If you have any questions, call the Permits office at 801-535-6000.

Who is responsible for the inspections?

The person who obtained the permits, whether it be the owner or the contractor, is the person responsible for making sure the inspections are done and passed.

What happens when you don't obtain a permit?

If you fail to obtain a permit and the City is made aware of this, we issue what is called a Stop Work (RED TAG) on the address. With this red tag, you could be charged a double fee on the job. If a permit is still not obtained, a citation may be issued. Payment of such increased fees shall not relieve any persons from fully complying with the requirements. Eventually, if a permit is not obtained, the City will file a Certificate of Non-Compliance on the property, letting all interested parties know that work was done on the address without permits and inspections. This can hold up the sale of the property until it is resolved.

Exception-Emergency Work. This provision shall not apply to emergency work when it shall be proved to the satisfaction of the building official that such work was urgently necessary and that it was not practical to obtain a permit before the commencement of the work. In all such cases, a permit must be obtained as soon as it is practical to do so, generally the next day, and if there be an unreasonable delay in obtaining a permit, a double fee, as herein provided, shall be charged.

How do I find out if the contractor I've hired is a state licensed contractor?

To find out whether a contractor is licensed or if they are licensed to perform the work that is being done, you will need to contact the Utah State Department of Professional Licensing (DOPL) at 801-530-4849.  Information can also be found on their web site.

What does zoning do for me?

The purpose of zoning is to promote the health, safety, morals, convenience, order, prosperity and welfare of the present and future inhabitants of Salt Lake City, to implement the adopted plans of the City, and to carry out the purposes of the Municipal Land Use Development and Management Act, which is intended to: lessen congestion in the streets or roads; secure safety from fire and other dangers; provide adequate light and air; classify land uses and distribute land development and utilization; foster the City’s industrial, business and residential development; and protect the environment.  Additional information about zoning can be found though the Planning Division.

If my home is in an historic district, what is my first step in taking out a permit?

If your home is in an historic district, or a legally recognized historic structure, you will need to contact Salt Lake City Planning before applying for a building permit.

What is a site plan?

A site plan is a drawing comprised of the verified property line location, dimensions, direction from back of curb or sidewalk to property line, dimension of parkway strip, lot square footage, scale and north arrow direction; streets, alleys, affected easements and right-of-ways; location and dimensions of all hard surfaced areas including curb and gutter, sidewalks, driveways, parking spaces, loading areas, garbage areas and access points to public streets or alleys; the size, shape and location of all existing and proposed structures including overhang projections, garages, carports, sheds and the distance to the nearest point of any dwelling or garage on abutting properties. Front, side and rear yard setback dimensions from property line to all existing and proposed structures; parking strip layout, including lawn areas, location of existing and proposed street trees, sprinkler system and curb cuts. To see a sample site plan, click here.

What comprises a set of plans?

A set of plans necessary to obtain a permit could contain a number of items including:

•a site plan
•a floor plan
•cross sections
•elevations
•engineered truss details
•existing/proposed topography
•soils reports
•joist layouts
•footing/foundation details
•heat loss calculations
•drainage plans
•parking calculations
•any other pertinent information

What design criteria is required?

Design criteria is the basic information required to draw or construct plans. To find a complete listing, click here.

What codes are currently being used?

To find a complete listing of the current codes being used within the corporate limits of SLC, click here.

What do you look for on a tenant finish?

The following is reviewed for a tenant finish: the path of egress travel; elevator lobbies; ADA compliance; glazing; emergency lighting and exiting; smoke detectors, alarms, horns; seismic bracing; penetrations; wood used in fire-penetrated walls, etc.

How long does it take to get my plans approved and a permit issued?

Minor plan reviews such as fences, re-roofs, and minor interior/exterior repairs, etc. will be routed via our QTA (quick turn around) queue. This ensures small projects get reviewed and completed within 1-3 business days.  Larger plans that are logged-in are reviewed on a first come, first served basis.  All new residential and commercial construction is required to be submitted electronically through Project Dox  The size of the plans are not taken into consideration when reviewing plans (i.e., residential reviews are not placed ahead of commercial reviews). Initial plan reviews for a single-family residential development shall be completed within the 14 business days, where initial plan reviews for a multi-family development shall be completed in 21 business days under Utah Code Section 10-6-160.  Nonresidential project review times vary depending on the complexity of the project and the plans submitted.  After the first review is completed, the next review depends on when the corrections or additional information is resubmitted to the City. When the corrections or additional information is received, reviews are completed as soon as possible and generally completed in 7 business days. Our office also offers expedited plan review. Expedited review time is 10 business days for first review, keep in mind we charge double the plan check fee to initiate this process. If you are interested in expedited review, click ‘expedited’ on your permit application when applying. 

For plan check information and status you can call the Building Services offices at 801-535-6000 with your plan review number that is given to you at the time you log the plans in and pay the plan review fee.  You can also check the status of a plan through the City’s Citizens Access Portal at https://citizenportal.slcgov.com

Note that exterior repairs, additions, modifications in a Historic District need to apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness with the City’s Planning Division, where their approval is required prior to issuance of a building permit.  In some instances, a permit can be delayed due to other external City required processes such as In-line additions, Conditional Use Permitting, Special Exceptions, Subdivision … etc.  A Zoning/Planning reviewer will inform an applicant of the need for a special process generally during the time of a required pre-screen of a proposed project.

How do I schedule an inspection?

You may schedule an inspection one of two ways. You may call the automated interactive voice response system at 801-535-6000. To use this system you only need to know you permit number and the code for the type of inspection being requested. You will receive a list of codes at the time your permit is issued. A construction inspection can be scheduled by following the instructions online.

How many pets can I have in my home?

The zoning ordinance does not deal with animals. Please call Salt Lake County Animal Services.

Do I need a permit for a garage? What do I need?

Yes, a permit is required to tear down or build a garage. Click here for this information.

Do I need a permit for a fence? What do I need?

The installation of a fence requires a permit from Building Services. “Fence” means a structure erected to provide privacy or security which defines a private space and may enhance the design of individual sites. A wall or similar barrier is also considered to be a fence. The fee for most residential fences is $40.00.  For additional information about fences please click here.

Do I need a permit to replace doors or windows? What do I need?

Yes, permits are required to replace exterior doors or windows. We normally require a window schedule to replace windows. The window schedule should include a listing of the size and type of window being added/replaced and the room that the window is in, i.e., bedroom, living room, etc. A window schedule can be found here.

How do I obtain historic permit information?

All Building permit records and inspection reports that are considered public record from 1979 to the present can be found online through the Citizens Access Portal at: https://citizenportal.slcgov.com/Citizen/Default.aspx 

Minimal entries provide better results.  Try entering only street number and street name.

Inspections reports and receipts can be found under the receipts/reports tab at: https://citizenportal.slcgov.com/Citizen/Default.aspx

Construction plans are not considered public records and are only be released to the original applicant, and are only maintained on file for 7 years. 

If you would like to view a set of construction documents you may schedule an appointment by emailing slcpermits@slcgov.com

Can I get copies of plans/permits?

Plans that are drawn up are considered by default to be copyrighted, whether stamped by a professional engineer, architect or other design professional. Copyrighted plans cannot be copied without express permission of the designer.

Why is a contractor required to take out permits on rental property or commercial projects?

State law states that rental property is considered commercial property and work on all commercial property must be have permits issued to state licensed contractors to ensure that the work being done is to current code.

What if my construction plans change after I've already received an approved permit?

Typically, small plan changes being made can be handled by your inspector in the field. If your building plans have changed, contact your most recent inspector or the inspections office at 801-535-7224 or by emailing buildinginspections@slcgov.com. You will be prompted to upload your changed plans to our permitting portal. If your inspector determines that a formal plan review is required by the permitting office, they will notify them on your behalf, and the new plans will be reviewed in 1-2 business days.