Town of Dutch John

No construction or removal of any building or structure shall be commenced or proceeded with until a building permit is obtained from the Town's Building Official, unless the work is exempt under the town's building code or state law.

• Exempt Detached accessory structures of 200 square feet or less (per 2021 IRC baseline adopted statewide)
• Exempt Fences up to 7 feet in height
• Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing (not supporting a surcharge)
• Exempt Certain finish work, painting, flooring, and minor repairs that do not affect structural, fire, life safety, or energy code elements

Note: Zoning setback and use requirements apply to all structures, including those exempt from building permits. Confirm exemption thresholds directly with the Building Official (Matt Tate) at 801-243-1463, as local ordinance conditions may differ from the baseline.

Building code

The Town of Dutch John adopts building codes consistent with Utah's statewide mandate under Title 15A. Per Utah statewide mandate effective July 1, 2023, the enforced baseline codes are the 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IECC, and current NEC. The 2024 Planning and Zoning Ordinance (adopted December 11, 2024) supercedes any prior Dutch John Planning District Zoning Regulation.

Permit validity

Specific expiration period not explicitly confirmed in public-facing pages. Per Utah state code baseline, permits generally expire if no substantial work is commenced within 180 days of issuance or if work is suspended for 180 days. Confirm with the town office.

Owner-builder

Owner-builder exemption available for residential owner-occupant projects under Utah Code 58-55-305. Subject to state requirements: sole ownership, personal/non-commercial use, and frequency limits (one structure per year, no more than three in the past five years). Not available for commercial projects.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must hold current Utah DOPL licenses for their applicable trade. License numbers must be provided on the permit application. Utah DOPL: 801-530-6628 / 866-275-3675 / dopl.utah.gov. Contractors performing work in town may need a town business license in addition to a Utah DOPL license; confirm with the town office.

Source: Town of Dutch John Building Permit and Code Enforcement ↗

1. 01
   Confirm the parcel is within incorporated Dutch John town limits (not in unincorporated Daggett County or on federal land).
2. 02
   Review the 2024 Planning and Zoning Ordinance (adopted December 11, 2024) at https://dutchjohn.gov/uploads/dutch-john-planning-and-zoning-ordinance-2024.pdf to verify zoning compliance, permitted uses, and setback requirements in the applicable zoning district.
3. 03
   If the project requires a Conditional Use permit or site plan approval, obtain those approvals before applying for a building permit. The ordinance requires an approved final site plan or final subdivision plat (and any applicable Conditional Use permit) prior to building permit issuance.
4. 04
   Submit a building permit application through the online portal at https://dutchjohn.gov/pages/building-permit-and-code-enforcement, by email to hdickerson@dutchjohn.org, or by mail to P.O. Box 235, Dutch John, UT 84023.
5. 05
   Include all required plans and supporting documents. All structures requiring a building permit must comply with the town's adopted building codes (2021 IBC/IRC baseline per Utah state mandate).
6. 06
   Pay applicable fees per the Consolidated Fee Schedule (Resolution 2024-07) at https://dutchjohn.gov/uploads/2024-07-consolidated-fee-schedule.pdf.
7. 07
   Await plan review by the Building Inspector (Matt Tate). The Building Official will contact the applicant if corrections are needed.
8. 08
   Receive the issued permit. Post it visibly on the job site and keep approved plans on site for all inspections.
9. 09
   Construction shall not commence until a validly issued, unexpired, and unrevoked building permit is in hand.

Typical processing time: Not specified in town documentation; contact the town office at 801-243-1463.

Source: Town of Dutch John Building Permit and Code Enforcement ↗

Fees include planning and zoning applications (concept plan reviews, preliminary plat reviews, final plat reviews, conditional use permits, variances). Examples from 2024 fee schedule: Subdivision fees, concept plan reviews ($250 and up), preliminary plat reviews, and final plat reviews (up to $1,800 depending on project type and size). Specific building permit fee amounts are contained in the fee schedule PDF.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective October 9, 2024) before budgeting.

• Building Inspector (Matt Tate) or Town Office: 801-243-1463 (phone)
• hdickerson@dutchjohn.org or amcdonald@dutchjohn.org (email)
• Code Enforcement Portal (online)

Scheduling deadline

Confirm notice requirements directly with the Building Official.

Typical sequence: Typical sequence for new residential construction (consistent with 2021 IRC adoption): Foundation/footing (before concrete pour); underground utilities (plumbing, electrical before burial); rough framing; rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical; insulation; drywall (before covering); final inspection and certificate of occupancy. Confirm exact required inspection sequence with the Building Inspector at time of permit issuance.

Source: Town of Dutch John Building Permit and Code Enforcement ↗