On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Box Elder County
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.
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
- 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)
- Exempt Fences not over 7 ft in height
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 ft in height (bottom of footing to top of wall), not supporting a surcharge
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade
- Exempt 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.
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
- Building code
- 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IECC, NEC (statewide adoption under Title 15A with county-level enforcement)
- 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.
- 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
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 7 to 10 business days once all required documents are received
- 01 Determine whether your project is within unincorporated Box Elder County or within an incorporated city/town boundary.
- 02 Download the applicable checklist from the county website: residential checklist, commercial checklist, accessory structure under 600 sq ft requirements, or agricultural exemption form.
- 03 Prepare required plans, site plan, and supporting documents per the applicable checklist.
- 04 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.
- 05 Provide valid contact information; the office will reach out if additional information is needed.
- 06 Standard processing time: 7 to 10 business days after all required documents are received.
- 07 Pay permit fees (deposit required upfront for dwellings and commercial).
- 08 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
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2026
Fee type
Amount
01
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
02
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)
03
Reinspection fee
Not separately published on the reviewed page; contact the office for current policy
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2026) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Box Elder County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Box Elder County, UT? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Box Elder County, UT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Box Elder County, UT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Box Elder County, UT, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Box Elder County, UT? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Box Elder County, UT typically run 7 to 10 business days once all required documents are received. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Box Elder County, UT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Box Elder County, UT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Box Elder County, UT 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.
last verified April 2026
source Box Elder County Building Permits / Inspection ↗
entry id permits/utah/box-elder/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Box Elder County Building Permits / Inspection before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.