Town of Scofield, UT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Scofield Town is the smallest incorporated area in Utah by population (26 residents per the 2020 Census). Building permits for properties within Scofield Town limits are issued by the Carbon County Building Department, but Scofield Town zoning approval is required first. Scofield is notable for two critical construction-specific factors: (1) it lies within the D0 Seismic Zone, requiring wet-stamped engineered plans for all structures; and (2) it is in the high-altitude Scofield Reservoir area, resulting in a deeper frost line depth requirement of 36 inches (versus the county standard of 24 inches).

Department

Scofield Town -- Town Government

Address

20 North Union Street, Scofield, UT 84526

Phone

(435) 448-9221

Website

https://www.scofieldtown.org/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact Scofield Town at (435) 448-9221 to initiate zoning review for the proposed project.
2. Obtain Scofield Town zoning approval documentation before submitting to Carbon County.
3. Prepare a complete PDF plan set meeting Carbon County requirements. CRITICAL: Wet-stamped (original stamp and signature, not a copy) engineered plans from a licensed Utah professional engineer are required for ALL structures within Scofield Town due to the D0 Seismic Zone designation. Copies of stamped plans are not accepted. This includes: all new construction, significant additions, and any structure with a foundation.
4. For specific conditions: Wet-stamped engineered foundation plans are also required for manufactured homes placed on a basement; for basement walls over 9 feet; and for unusual construction types and all steel structure foundations.
5. Submit the building permit application to Carbon County Building & Planning (online via CityInspect or in person at 751 E 100 N, Suite 2600, Price, UT 84501) with proof of Scofield Town zoning approval.
6. Pay the non-refundable deposit to Carbon County ($250 for new construction/solar).
7. Carbon County reviews and issues the permit (14 business days residential, 21 commercial).
8. If applicable, submit Road Encroachment Agreement to the County Road Shop at (435) 636-3268.
9. If sewer is available through the Scofield Reservoir Special Service District, contact (435) 636-3220 for sewer hookup approval. If on septic, obtain approval from Southeast Utah Health District at (435) 637-3671.
10. Schedule inspections through Carbon County at (435) 636-3260 at least 48 hours in advance (extended lead time required due to Scofield's distance from Price).

Typical processing time: 14 business days residential, 21 commercial for county review. Factor in additional time for city zoning review and for obtaining wet-stamped engineering drawings from a licensed PE.

Source: Scofield Town -- Town Government

General Requirements

Same trigger categories as Carbon County. All construction within Scofield Town limits requires both town zoning approval and a Carbon County building permit.

Required Documents

• Scofield Town zoning approval documentation.
• Completed and signed building permit application form.
• Contractor's name(s) and Utah DOPL license number, OR a signed Owner/Builder Certification Form for owner-performed work.
• Wet-stamped (not photocopied) engineered plans from a licensed Utah professional engineer for all structures due to D0 Seismic Zone designation.
• Plot plan drawn to scale on 8.5" x 11" paper showing: lot shape and dimensions, street, front of lot, setbacks to property lines for all existing and proposed structures, utilities, and septic systems.
• Complete plan set in PDF format including: site plan, foundation plan, floor plan, framing plan, electrical layout, plumbing layout, HVAC/mechanical layout, and gas specifications.
• Foundation designs must reflect frost line depth of 36 inches (versus 24 inches standard in the rest of the county).
• Res-Check energy compliance documentation if applicable.
• Truss specifications if engineered roof trusses are used.
• Sewer hookup approval from Scofield Reservoir Special Service District if applicable, or septic approval from Southeast Utah Health District.

Permit validity

Governed by the 2021 IBC/IRC 180-day rules. A permit becomes invalid if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days.

Building code

Scofield Town enforces Utah's mandatory statewide code (2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IPC, 2018 IMC/IFGC, 2020 NEC) through the Carbon County Building Department, with the D0 Seismic Zone imposing elevated structural engineering requirements above the standard baseline.

Owner-builder

Same as Carbon County; Owner/Builder Certification Form required. Note that the engineering requirement for wet-stamped plans may complicate owner-builder projects; an owner-builder must still procure licensed engineering services for plan preparation.

Contractor requirements

Utah state contractor licensing through the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) is mandatory for all contractors performing regulated work. Given the technical demands of the D0 Seismic Zone, engaging contractors experienced with engineered seismic construction is strongly recommended.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based per Carbon County schedule.

Payment note

Scofield Town does not separately publish a building permit fee schedule. Building permit fees are collected by Carbon County; contact (435) 636-3260 for the current schedule. Note that the required engineering drawings represent a significant additional cost above and beyond the county permit fee itself.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Agricultural structures used solely in conjunction with agricultural use and not for human occupancy, or structures not exceeding 1,500 sq ft used solely for qualifying agricultural sales.
• Detached accessory structures (one-story) of 200 square feet or less when not for human occupancy and otherwise compliant.
• Fences less than 7 feet in height.
• Retaining walls less than 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall).
• Sidewalks and driveways.
• Interior finish work that does not affect structural elements, fire ratings, or egress.
• Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep.
• Playground equipment.
• Minor repairs that do not affect structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems.

Important: Same exemptions as Carbon County in principle, but the D0 Seismic Zone requirement means that even minor structural work may require engineering review. Confirm any planned exempt-work claims directly with Carbon County at (435) 636-3260 before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (435) 636-3260 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Call Carbon County at least 48 hours in advance (48-hour minimum for Scofield, more than the standard 24-hour minimum, due to travel distance from Price).

Inspection hours

Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Same as Carbon County: Foundation / footing inspection (before concrete pour), Concrete / underfloor inspection, Four-way inspection (framing, electrical rough-in, plumbing rough-in, and mechanical rough-in combined), Sheetrock / insulation inspection (if applicable), Utility connection inspections, Final / certificate of occupancy inspection. Wet-stamped approved plans must be on site and available to the inspector for all inspections (copies not accepted).

Additional Resources

• Building code: Scofield Town enforces Utah's mandatory statewide code (2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IPC, 2018 IMC/IFGC, 2020 NEC) through the Carbon County Building Department, with the D0 Seismic Zone imposing elevated structural engineering requirements above the standard baseline.
• Verify contractor license: Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL)
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Scofield Town Website
• Scofield Reservoir Special Service District (sewer)
• Utah Geological Survey (seismic hazard maps)
• License lookup guide: Utah Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Utah Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Utah hub: Utah Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Scofield Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Scofield, UT?

Same trigger categories as Carbon County. All construction within Scofield Town limits requires both town zoning approval and a Carbon County building permit.

How much does a building permit cost in Town of Scofield, UT?

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based per Carbon County schedule..

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Scofield, UT?

1. Contact Scofield Town at (435) 448-9221 to initiate zoning review for the proposed project. 2. Obtain Scofield Town zoning approval documentation before submitting to Carbon County. 3. Prepare a complete PDF plan set meeting Carbon County requirements. CRITICAL: Wet-stamped (original stamp and signature, not a copy) engineered plans from a licensed Utah professional engineer are required for ALL structures within Scofield Town due to the D0 Seismic Zone designation. Copies of stamped plans are not accepted. This includes: all new construction, significant additions, and any structure with a foundation. 4. For specific conditions: Wet-stamped engineered foundation plans are also required for manufactured homes placed on a basement; for basement walls over 9 feet; and for unusual construction types and all steel structure foundations. 5. Submit the building permit application to Carbon County Building & Planning (online via CityInspect or in person at 751 E 100 N, Suite 2600, Price, UT 84501) with proof of Scofield Town zoning approval. 6. Pay the non-refundable deposit to Carbon County ($250 for new construction/solar). 7. Carbon County reviews and issues the permit (14 business days residential, 21 commercial). 8. If applicable, submit Road Encroachment Agreement to the County Road Shop at (435) 636-3268. 9. If sewer is available through the Scofield Reservoir Special Service District, contact (435) 636-3220 for sewer hookup approval. If on septic, obtain approval from Southeast Utah Health District at (435) 637-3671. 10. Schedule inspections through Carbon County at (435) 636-3260 at least 48 hours in advance (extended lead time required due to Scofield's distance from Price).

How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Scofield, UT?

Typical processing time is 14 business days residential, 21 commercial for county review. Factor in additional time for city zoning review and for obtaining wet-stamped engineering drawings from a licensed PE..

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Scofield, UT?

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural structures used solely in conjunction with agricultural use and not for human occupancy, or structures not exceeding 1,500 sq ft used solely for qualifying agricultural sales.; Detached accessory structures (one-story) of 200 square feet or less when not for human occupancy and otherwise compliant.; Fences less than 7 feet in height.; Retaining walls less than 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall).; Sidewalks and driveways.; Interior finish work that does not affect structural elements, fire ratings, or egress.; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep.; Playground equipment.; Minor repairs that do not affect structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems.. Note: Same exemptions as Carbon County in principle, but the D0 Seismic Zone requirement means that even minor structural work may require engineering review. Confirm any planned exempt-work claims directly with Carbon County at (435) 636-3260 before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Scofield, UT?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (435) 636-3260. Call Carbon County at least 48 hours in advance (48-hour minimum for Scofield, more than the standard 24-hour minimum, due to travel distance from Price)..

Other cities in Carbon County