Carbon County, UT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Carbon County. The same department also issues permits within incorporated municipalities (Price, Helper, Wellington, East Carbon, Scofield Town), but city zoning approval is required first for properties inside those city limits.

Department

Carbon County Building & Planning Department

Address

751 East 100 North, Suite 2600 (Second Floor), Price, UT 84501

Phone

(435) 636-3260

Email

planning@carbon.utah.gov

Website

https://www.carbon.utah.gov/department/building/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Create a CityInspect account at utah.cityinspect.com/register if not already registered.
2. If the project is in unincorporated Carbon County, obtain a signed Road Encroachment Agreement from the County Road Shop at (435) 636-3268 if the project will access or affect a county road.
3. Confirm utility availability: obtain Individual Wastewater (septic) approval from the Southeast Utah Health District at (435) 637-3671 if public sewer is not available. If sewer is available, obtain sewer connection approval from PRWID (435) 637-6350 or the Scofield Reservoir Special Service District (435) 636-3220 as applicable.
4. Complete the building permit application online through the CityInspect portal or pick up a paper application at the office.
5. Upload or submit all required documents as a single PDF plan set.
6. Pay the non-refundable deposit: $250 for new construction and solar permits (effective January 1, 2025); $30 for GIS mapping projects. This deposit is credited toward the final permit fee.
7. County staff begin plan review once all required documents are received. Applicants will be notified of comments or approval through the portal.
8. Pay any remaining balance of the permit fee once the permit is ready for issuance.
9. Permit is issued; post permit card and approved plans on site before beginning work.
10. Schedule required inspections by phone at (435) 636-3260 at least 24-72 hours in advance.

Typical processing time: Up to 14 business days for residential projects; up to 21 business days for commercial projects.

Source: Carbon County Building & Planning Department

General Requirements

A permit is required for any owner or authorized agent who intends 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.

Required Documents

• Completed and signed building permit application form (online or paper).
• Contractor's name(s) and Utah DOPL license number, OR a signed Owner/Builder Certification Form for owner-performed work.
• 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 (including field drain if applicable).
• 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. JPG and other image formats are not accepted.
• Structural engineering letter or wet-stamped plans if required by special conditions.
• Res-Check energy compliance documentation if applicable.
• Truss specifications if engineered roof trusses are used.
• For manufactured homes placed on a basement: wet-stamped engineered foundation plans.

Permit validity

Per the adopted 2021 IBC/IRC administrative provisions, a permit becomes invalid if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days. Written extensions of up to 180 days may be granted by the building official upon written request demonstrating justifiable cause before expiration.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) including Appendix Q, 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC). Local design criteria: Wind speed 115 mph (Exposure C); frost line depth 24 inches standard, 36 inches in the Scofield area.

Owner-builder

An Owner/Builder Certification Agreement form is required when the property owner intends to perform the work without a licensed contractor. Utah DOPL's owner-builder exemption applies to single-family residences and duplexes that the owner occupies or will occupy; the exemption does not apply to commercial projects.

Contractor requirements

Utah state contractor licensing through the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) is mandatory for all contractors performing regulated work. DOPL requires pre-licensure education, minimum work experience (2 years / 4,000 hours for general contractors), general liability insurance ($100,000 per incident / $300,000 aggregate), and a qualifying examination.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based structure typical of Utah counties (based on ICC construction valuation data); specific Carbon County schedule not posted publicly at time of research. Contact (435) 636-3260 for current fee schedule.

Payment note

Online payment through CityInspect portal. Non-refundable deposits: $250 for new construction and solar permits (effective January 1, 2025); $30 for GIS mapping projects. This deposit is credited toward the final fee.

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: Even exempt work must comply with applicable setback, zoning, and land use regulations. Verify with the department before proceeding; some exemptions may be narrowed by county ordinance or specific project conditions.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (435) 636-3260 (phone)
• CityInspect portal (online)

Scheduling deadline

Schedule at least 24-72 hours in advance. Next-day inspections are not guaranteed if requested after 3:00 p.m.

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: Typical residential sequence: 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.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) including Appendix Q, 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC). Local design criteria: Wind speed 115 mph (Exposure C); frost line depth 24 inches standard, 36 inches in the Scofield area.
• Verify contractor license: Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL)
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• County GIS / Zoning Maps
• Land Use Applications
• Building Applications / Agreements Forms
• License lookup guide: Utah Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Utah Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Utah hub: Utah Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Carbon County Building Permit FAQ

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

A permit is required for any owner or authorized agent who intends 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.

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

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based structure typical of Utah counties (based on ICC construction valuation data); specific Carbon County schedule not posted publicly at time of research. Contact (435) 636-3260 for current fee schedule..

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

1. Create a CityInspect account at utah.cityinspect.com/register if not already registered. 2. If the project is in unincorporated Carbon County, obtain a signed Road Encroachment Agreement from the County Road Shop at (435) 636-3268 if the project will access or affect a county road. 3. Confirm utility availability: obtain Individual Wastewater (septic) approval from the Southeast Utah Health District at (435) 637-3671 if public sewer is not available. If sewer is available, obtain sewer connection approval from PRWID (435) 637-6350 or the Scofield Reservoir Special Service District (435) 636-3220 as applicable. 4. Complete the building permit application online through the CityInspect portal or pick up a paper application at the office. 5. Upload or submit all required documents as a single PDF plan set. 6. Pay the non-refundable deposit: $250 for new construction and solar permits (effective January 1, 2025); $30 for GIS mapping projects. This deposit is credited toward the final permit fee. 7. County staff begin plan review once all required documents are received. Applicants will be notified of comments or approval through the portal. 8. Pay any remaining balance of the permit fee once the permit is ready for issuance. 9. Permit is issued; post permit card and approved plans on site before beginning work. 10. Schedule required inspections by phone at (435) 636-3260 at least 24-72 hours in advance.

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

Typical processing time is Up to 14 business days for residential projects; up to 21 business days for commercial projects..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Carbon County, 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: Even exempt work must comply with applicable setback, zoning, and land use regulations. Verify with the department before proceeding; some exemptions may be narrowed by county ordinance or specific project conditions.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (435) 636-3260, CityInspect portal. Schedule at least 24-72 hours in advance. Next-day inspections are not guaranteed if requested after 3:00 p.m..