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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Beaver County
A building permit is required for any owner or authorized agent intending to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system.
- Exempt Structures up to 200 square feet without electricity
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing) not supporting surcharge
- Exempt Ordinary repairs and maintenance not involving structural, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing changes
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar structures with floor area not exceeding 200 square feet and no electrical
- Exempt Agricultural structures used solely in conjunction with agricultural use and not for human occupancy (plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permit may still be required)
Note: When in doubt about whether specific scope of work requires a permit, contact Beaver County Building Department at 435-438-6483 before beginning work
- Completed building permit application
- Two full sets of construction plans per Building Plan Requirements
- Owner-Builder and Inspection Notice Form (if owner-builder)
- Utah DOPL contractor license information (if licensed contractor)
- Property legal description
- Wastewater/septic permit (if not on public sewer)
- Structural engineer stamp (if residence is 2,500+ sq ft on main floor and more than one story)
- Building code
- International Codes including State of Utah Amended Codes: 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IECC, and current NEC per Utah Code Title 15A
- Permit validity
- Default Utah-adopted IRC/IBC standard (180 days without commencement or ongoing activity) applies unless locally amended
- Owner-builder
- Utah Code Section 58-55-305 governs owner-builder exemption statewide. Beaver County's Owner-Builder and Inspection Notice Form must be completed and submitted with building permit application; form is forwarded to dopltech@utah.gov per state requirements.
- Contractor requirements
- Utah DOPL state contractor license required for all licensed contractor work. Verify contractor licenses at dopl.utah.gov.
Application process
Typical processing: Usually approved within 14 business days if all required items are submitted
- 01 Confirm project location in unincorporated Beaver County; contact Beaver County Planning and Zoning if uncertain.
- 02 Determine zoning and land use requirements from Beaver County Planning and Zoning department; review the Beaver County Zoning Ordinance.
- 03 Arrange wastewater/septic permits from applicable health department if public sewer is not available.
- 04 Prepare two complete sets of construction plans per Beaver County Building Plan Requirements, including plot plan, footing and foundation plan, floor plan(s), elevation drawings, and wall section drawings; residential structures with 2,500+ sq ft on main floor and more than one story require structural engineer stamp.
- 05 Download and complete the Building Permit application; if using owner-builder exemption, also complete the Owner-Builder and Inspection Notice Form.
- 06 Submit two plan sets and all completed application documents to Beaver County Building Department at 105 East Center Street or by mail to P.O. Box 1013.
- 07 Pay applicable permit fees upon approval by check (mail) or credit card over the phone.
- 08 Post approved permit at the job site; keep permit number on file for inspection scheduling.
- 09 Schedule all required inspections by calling 435-438-6484 with at least 24 hours advance notice (if Monday inspection needed, call by prior Friday).
Typical processing time: Usually approved within 14 business days if all required items are submitted
Fee schedule
Effective 2026
1% state surcharge (Utah statewide mandate) applied to all building permit fees; credit card processing fee applied when paying by phone; contact office for exact percentage
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2026) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 435-438-6484 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- At least 24 hours advance notice required; if Monday inspection needed, call by prior Friday
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Typical sequence: Typical residential sequence: Interior/Exterior Spot Footings, Foundations, Underground Electrical and Plumbing, Framing, Rough Plumbing, Rough Electrical, Rough Mechanical, Insulation, Weather Resistive Barrier and Flashing, Drywall/Firewall, Shower Pan, Exterior (Siding, Brick, or Stucco), Gas Piping, Electrical Service Panel, Final Inspection. Sequence may vary by project scope.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Beaver County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Beaver County, UT? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Beaver County, UT? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Beaver County, UT? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Beaver County, UT? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Beaver County, UT? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Beaver County, UT? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Beaver County Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.