The Building Permits office is located at 451 S State St in downtown Salt Lake City. Staff and computers are available in the office to assist you Monday-Friday 8-5 with the permit submission process.   

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@slc.gov

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

A building permit for various types of construction or renovation projects require a building permit, including:

1. New Construction: Building a new structure, whether residential or commercial, typically requires a permit.  

2. Renovations: Alterations to a building’s structure, such as adding or removing walls, altering the layout, or changing the use of a space, usually require a permit.

3. Additions: Adding new rooms, extensions, or extra floors to an existing building typically needs a permit.

4. Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC Work: Installing or altering electrical systems, plumbing systems, or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems require a permit to ensure the work meets safety standards.  

5. Roofing: Roofing repairs or replacements, and alterations to the structure or design of the roof.

6. Decks, Patios, and Sheds: Building outdoor structures, such as decks, patios, or sheds**, often requires a permit, especially if they are over a certain size or height.  

7. Fences and Walls:  Building fences or retaining walls** require a permit.

8. Demolition: Demolition of a the entire structure requires a demolition permit to ensure safety and proper disposal of materials.  

9. Interior Demolition: A building permit is required for interior demolition of a structure. 

10. Change of Use: If you are changing the use of a building or space (e.g., converting a residential property into a commercial space), a permit may be needed to ensure compliance with zoning and building codes.  

11. Driveways: Modifying or adding driveways require a permit.  Any changes or modifications that involve changes to public rights-of-way or access points or blocking the public right of way may also require Public Way Permits.

**Most construction projects require a permit. Exceptions include painting, laying flooring or other cosmetic issues.  Other exemptions include: playhouses, sheds, and similar uses under 200 square feet for residential uses and 120 for commercial uses; 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. Please contact the Permits Office with questions. The permit staff can be reached at 801-535-6000 or slcpermits@slc.gov.

If the structure is owner /occupied and YOUR primary residence (the one you reside in), the property owner 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 the property is a rental or commercial property, a contractor is required 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 or representative 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 contact a plans examiner at 801-535-7155 or slcbuildingcode@slc.gov.

Permit fees are based on the value of the project. The value of the construction 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.  Open Counter can assist with accurate fee estimates.  Keep in mind, there may be are other fees required from other departments for construction projects that require payment prior to building permit approval and issuance. 

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

Online payments can be made online through Teller.  

In person payment can be made through the Cashier’s Office @ City Hall, 451 S State St #225.

Paper check payments are accepted by mailing the check with the appropriate invoice to the Salt Lake City Treasury.
Checks received without an invoice cannot be processed.

Send checks with invoice to:
Salt Lake City Treasury
Attn: Cashier’s Office
P.O. Box 145462
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-5462

Unless the work is considered non-structural maintenance,  a contractor is required 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?”

If there is a contractor on the job, it is the contractor’s responsibility according to state law to obtain the permit and see to the inspections. If you hire a contractor, make sure that the contractor obtains the appropriate permits and schedules inspections. Not following through with appropriate permits and inspections could result in fines and a Certificate of Noncompliance filed on the property title. A property owner of a owner-occupied, single family dwelling my obtain the building permit by submitting an Owner/Builder Certification along with the plan set for plan review. If you have any questions, contact the Permits office at 801-535-6000 or slcpermits@slc.gov.

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.

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.

To find out whether a contractor is licensed or if they are licensed to perform the work that is being done, contact the Utah State Department of Professional Licensing (DOPL) at 801-530-4849 or check out DOPL’s Professional Licensing Tool. In addition to licensing, ensure that the contractor has appropriate insurance and bonding, which protects the property owner in case of accidents or incomplete work.

1. Land Use Planning

• Organizes Development: Zoning helps organize land uses by designating areas for residential, commercial, industrial, and other specific uses. This helps ensure that land is used in ways that are compatible with its surroundings and intended purpose.

• Prevents Conflicts: By separating incompatible land uses (e.g., heavy industry from residential areas), zoning helps prevent conflicts and reduces nuisances such as noise, pollution, and traffic congestion.

2. Property Value Protection

• Maintains Property Values: Proper zoning helps maintain and enhance property values by ensuring that development is consistent with the character of the neighborhood. For example, residential areas with zoning restrictions on commercial activities help preserve the residential ambiance.

• Encourages Investment: Clear zoning regulations can make a community more attractive to developers and investors by providing predictability and stability in land use.

3. Community Character and Aesthetics

• Preserves Character: Zoning regulations can help preserve the historical and architectural character of a community by enforcing design standards and protecting historic districts.  See Salt Lake City Planning Historic Preservation for additional information about historic districts in Salt Lake City. 

• Enhances Aesthetics: Regulations regarding building height, setbacks, and landscaping help maintain the visual appeal of an area and ensure that new developments align with the community’s aesthetic goals.

4. Environmental Protection

• Promotes Sustainable Use: Zoning can include provisions for environmental protection, such as restricting development in floodplains or protecting natural resources like wetlands and forests.

• Encourages Green Spaces: Zoning can mandate the inclusion of parks, green spaces, and recreational areas, enhancing the quality of life and promoting environmental sustainability.

5. Infrastructure and Services

• Facilitates Planning: Zoning helps local governments plan and allocate resources for infrastructure and services, such as roads, water, and sewage systems, based on anticipated land use and population growth.

• Ensures Compatibility: It ensures that new developments are compatible with existing infrastructure and services, reducing the risk of overburdening community resources.

6. Safety and Health

• Regulates Building Density: Zoning regulations can control building density and design to prevent overcrowding, which can impact safety and quality of life.

• Improves Safety: Regulations related to land use can enhance safety by controlling potential hazards and ensuring proper land development practices.

7. Predictability and Stability

• Provides Certainty: For property owners, developers, and residents, zoning offers a level of certainty about how land can be used and what types of developments are allowed, reducing the risk of unexpected changes or disputes.

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 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. See Historic Preservation for maps, standards, design guidelines.

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.

A set of plans necessary to obtain a building 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 

Refer to the Pre-Screening Login Submission Checklists for complete plan review submission requirements. 

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

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

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.

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 7-10 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 plan 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.

Note: Exterior repairs, additions, modifications in a Local Historic District need to apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness with the City’s Planning Division prior to applying for a building permit, 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 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.

There are multiple ways to schedule an inspection.  Refer to the Building Inspections link for additional information.   

1. Call 801-535-6000.  Both the permit number and inspection code are required to successfully schedule an inspection via the phone
2. Schedule through Citizen Access Portal.  Check out Scheduling an Inspection Made Easy for additional instructions. 
3. Use the Inspections App.
   • iOS Contractor App v1.0: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/slc-building-inspections-app/id6599859131
   • Android Contractor App v1.0: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.saltlakecity.citygovappbuildingir 

The building code and zoning ordinances do not regulate animals. Please contact Salt Lake County Animal Services.

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

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 can also considered to be a fence.  For additional information about fences please click here 

Yes, permits are required to replace exterior doors or windows. A window schedule needs to be completed and submitted for plan review 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.

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://aca-prod.accela.com/SLCREF/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://aca-prod.accela.com/SLCREF/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@slc.gov

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.

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.

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@slc.gov. 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.