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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Scofield
Same trigger categories as Carbon County. All construction within Scofield Town limits requires both town zoning approval and a Carbon County building permit.
- 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.
- Exempt Detached accessory structures (one-story) of 200 square feet or less when not for human occupancy and otherwise compliant.
- Exempt Fences less than 7 feet in height.
- Exempt Retaining walls less than 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall).
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways.
- Exempt Interior finish work that does not affect structural elements, fire ratings, or egress.
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep.
- Exempt Playground equipment.
- Exempt 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Application process
Typical processing: 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.
- 01 Contact Scofield Town at (435) 448-9221 to initiate zoning review for the proposed project.
- 02 Obtain Scofield Town zoning approval documentation before submitting to Carbon County.
- 03 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.
- 04 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.
- 05 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.
- 06 Pay the non-refundable deposit to Carbon County ($250 for new construction/solar).
- 07 Carbon County reviews and issues the permit (14 business days residential, 21 commercial).
- 08 If applicable, submit Road Encroachment Agreement to the County Road Shop at (435) 636-3268.
- 09 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.
Fee schedule
Scofield building permit fees
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.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (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 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).
Frequently asked
Common questions about Scofield permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Scofield, UT? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Scofield, UT? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Scofield, UT? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Scofield, UT? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Scofield, UT? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Scofield, UT? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Scofield Town -- Town Government before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.