Box Elder County, UT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Box Elder County. Also provides contract building inspection and permit services to many smaller municipalities within Box Elder County.

Department

Box Elder County Building Permits / Inspection

Address

1 South Main Street, Room 19, Brigham City, UT 84302

Phone

435-734-2634

Email

dfuhriman@boxeldercountyut.gov

Website

https://www.boxeldercountyut.gov/195/Building-Permits-Inspection

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether your project is within unincorporated Box Elder County or within an incorporated city/town boundary.
2. Download the applicable checklist from the county website: residential checklist, commercial checklist, accessory structure under 600 sq ft requirements, or agricultural exemption form.
3. Prepare required plans, site plan, and supporting documents per the applicable checklist.
4. Submit the application online through the CivicReview portal or in person at Room 19, 1 S Main St, Brigham City. Electronic email submissions also accepted.
5. Provide valid contact information; the office will reach out if additional information is needed.
6. Standard processing time: 7 to 10 business days after all required documents are received.
7. Pay permit fees (deposit required upfront for dwellings and commercial).
8. Receive issued permit. Post permit on site and schedule inspections as construction progresses.

Typical processing time: 7 to 10 business days once all required documents are received

Source: Box Elder County Building Permits / Inspection

General Requirements

A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, remodels, demolitions, relocations, and change of occupancy for structures in unincorporated Box Elder County, in accordance with the adopted 2021 IBC and 2021 IRC. Agricultural buildings may qualify for a fee waiver under an agricultural exemption but still require a permit and inspections.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Site plan showing building location, setback distances from all property lines, and distance from other structures
• Construction plans (floor plan, elevations, cross sections, foundation plan)
• Engineer-stamped structural plans where required
• Building Design Criteria acknowledgment
• For solar: solar permit application and supporting calculations
• For agricultural exemption: Agricultural Exemptions Form plus site plan
• For owner-builder: completed Owner-Builder form
• For gas work: Gas Clearance form

Permit validity

Not explicitly published; Utah code-based permit expiration rules (typically 180 days without inspection activity) apply. Confirm current validity period with the Building Official.

Building code

2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IECC, NEC (statewide adoption under Title 15A with county-level enforcement)

Owner-builder

A dedicated Owner-Builder fillable form is available on the county website. Utah statewide owner-builder rules apply.

Contractor requirements

Utah DOPL licensing required for all licensed-trade work. License verification: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html

Fees

Plan check fee

Dwellings: 50% of Building Permit Fee; Commercial: 65% of Building Permit Fee; Miscellaneous: 50% of Building Permit Fee; Hourly rate (over 1 hour travel time): $100.00/hour

Permit fee formula

Box Elder County adopts the State ICC Fee Structure for standard building permits (fees follow the ICC-published schedule based on project valuation / construction type)

Reinspection fee

Not separately published on the reviewed page; contact the office for current policy

Payment note

Deposits required: Dwellings $1,700.00; Commercial $2,500.00. State fee: 1% of the Building Permit Fee (remitted to Utah Division of Professional Licensing). Specialty inspections: Mobile home $500.00, Solar $500.00, Generator/battery $350.00, Pump $100.00, Meter upgrade $100.00, Inspector travel over 50-mile radius $100.00/hour

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 200 sq ft, without electrical, plumbing, or mechanical (subject to zoning setbacks)
• Fences not over 7 ft in height
• Retaining walls not over 4 ft in height (bottom of footing to top of wall), not supporting a surcharge
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade
• Agricultural buildings may qualify for a permit fee waiver under the Agricultural Exemption -- a permit and inspections are still required

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and land use requirements. Confirm with the Box Elder County Community Development office before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 435-734-2634 (ask for Diane or Jessie) (phone)
• dfuhriman@boxeldercountyut.gov or jfernelius@boxeldercountyut.gov (email)

Scheduling deadline

24-hour advance notice is required for all inspections

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence (residential new construction): Foundation / footing inspection; Underslab or utilities rough-in (plumbing, electrical conduit); Framing inspection (after rough trades are roughed in); Rough mechanical, plumbing, electrical; Insulation inspection; Drywall / lath inspection (if required); Final inspection (all trades, life safety, energy code compliance); Certificate of Occupancy issued after final approval

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IECC, NEC (statewide adoption under Title 15A with county-level enforcement)
• Verify contractor license: DOPL License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Land Use Management & Development Code
• Construction Business Registry
• Utah Building Code (2021 IBC with UT amendments)
• Utah Residential Code (2021 IRC with UT amendments)
• License lookup guide: Utah Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Utah Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Utah hub: Utah Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Box Elder County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Box Elder County, UT?

A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, remodels, demolitions, relocations, and change of occupancy for structures in unincorporated Box Elder County, in accordance with the adopted 2021 IBC and 2021 IRC. Agricultural buildings may qualify for a fee waiver under an agricultural exemption but still require a permit and inspections.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Box Elder County, UT?

Fees are calculated as: Box Elder County adopts the State ICC Fee Structure for standard building permits (fees follow the ICC-published schedule based on project valuation / construction type). Plan check fee: Dwellings: 50% of Building Permit Fee; Commercial: 65% of Building Permit Fee; Miscellaneous: 50% of Building Permit Fee; Hourly rate (over 1 hour travel time): $100.00/hour.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Box Elder County, UT?

1. Determine whether your project is within unincorporated Box Elder County or within an incorporated city/town boundary. 2. Download the applicable checklist from the county website: residential checklist, commercial checklist, accessory structure under 600 sq ft requirements, or agricultural exemption form. 3. Prepare required plans, site plan, and supporting documents per the applicable checklist. 4. Submit the application online through the CivicReview portal or in person at Room 19, 1 S Main St, Brigham City. Electronic email submissions also accepted. 5. Provide valid contact information; the office will reach out if additional information is needed. 6. Standard processing time: 7 to 10 business days after all required documents are received. 7. Pay permit fees (deposit required upfront for dwellings and commercial). 8. Receive issued permit. Post permit on site and schedule inspections as construction progresses.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Box Elder County, UT?

Typical processing time is 7 to 10 business days once all required documents are received.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Box Elder County, UT?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 200 sq ft, without electrical, plumbing, or mechanical (subject to zoning setbacks); Fences not over 7 ft in height; Retaining walls not over 4 ft in height (bottom of footing to top of wall), not supporting a surcharge; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade; Agricultural buildings may qualify for a permit fee waiver under the Agricultural Exemption -- a permit and inspections are still required. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and land use requirements. Confirm with the Box Elder County Community Development office before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Box Elder County, UT?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 435-734-2634 (ask for Diane or Jessie), dfuhriman@boxeldercountyut.gov or jfernelius@boxeldercountyut.gov. 24-hour advance notice is required for all inspections.