Duchesne County, UT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All construction in unincorporated Duchesne County. Does not cover areas within the incorporated limits of the City of Duchesne, City of Roosevelt, City of Myton, Town of Altamont, or Town of Tabiona.

Department

Duchesne County Building Department

Address

734 North Center Street, P.O. Box 317, Duchesne, UT 84021

Phone

(435) 738-1150

Email

Building@duchesne.utah.gov

Website

https://duchesne.utah.gov/gov/dept/building-inspector/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the parcel is within unincorporated Duchesne County (not inside a city or town limit). Obtain the Parcel/Assessor Serial Number from your tax notice or county property records.
2. Contact the Community Development Department (435-738-1151) to verify zoning compliance, minimum lot size requirements, and any floodplain or Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) considerations before preparing plans.
3. Download and complete the Permit Packet (July 2023): includes the application, site plan requirements, checklist, and contractor list form.
4. Prepare a site plan showing property lines, setbacks, utility locations, and proposed structure placement.
5. Prepare one full set of construction plans (structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing as applicable). Plans must comply with adopted building codes.
6. List all contractors with their Utah DOPL license numbers and applicable business license information.
7. Submit the completed packet online via Civic Review portal or in person at 734 N Center Street.
8. Await plan review. Staff will contact you if corrections are needed. A pre-site inspection may be required before permit issuance if unusual soil conditions, WUI requirements, or other site-specific factors apply.
9. Pay permit fees (calculated on project valuation) after plan review approval.
10. Receive the issued permit, post it visibly on the job site, keep the approved plans on site for all inspections.

Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity and completeness of submittal; contact Building Department for estimates.

Source: Duchesne County Building Department

General Requirements

It is unlawful to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter, or change the use of any building or structure within unincorporated Duchesne County without an approved building permit. Permits are required for any building designed for human occupancy, garages, carports, and most other structures. Plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and re-roofing work also generally require permits.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site plan showing property lines, setbacks, utility locations, and proposed structure placement
• Full construction plans (structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing as applicable)
• Contractor list with Utah DOPL license numbers and business licenses
• Project valuation estimate
• Supporting engineering or reports as required by project type and site conditions

Permit validity

Utah state code provides permits expire if no substantial work is commenced within 180 days of issuance or if work is suspended for 180 days. Confirm with the Building Department.

Building code

The county's building ordinance (Title 7) references the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Existing Building Code, and related codes. Utah statewide mandate (effective July 1, 2023) requires enforcement of the 2021 IBC/IRC/IMC/IPC/IECC package. The county also adopted the Utah Wildland Urban Interface Code (2006).

Owner-builder

Owner-builders must complete an Owner-Builder form and comply with Utah owner-builder contractor license exemption rules under Utah Code 58-55.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must hold current Utah DOPL licenses applicable to the trade (general contractor, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.). License numbers must be provided on the permit application.

Fees

Plan check fee

Not less than 35% and up to 65% of the building permit fee, assessed in addition to the permit fee.

Permit fee formula

Fees are based on estimated construction cost valuation using the county's adopted construction valuation schedule. Example: a 1,500 sq. ft. single-level home with a 700 sq. ft. attached garage carries a project valuation of $181,420 and a building permit fee of approximately $1,324.37.

Payment note

State surcharge: 1% state surcharge is added to all issued building permits (required by Utah law). Fees are paid after plan review approval, before permit issuance.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Accessory structures (sheds, storage buildings): Single-story detached accessory building of 200 square feet or less is exempt if a dwelling unit is already established on the parcel. A shed on a vacant parcel requires a permit regardless of size.
• Agricultural structures: A structure used solely in conjunction with an agricultural use and not for human occupancy is exempt, provided the parcel qualifies. The agricultural exemption does not apply to structures in a county-approved subdivision plat area unless located wholly or in part within an agricultural protection area.
• Storage containers: A separate exemption path exists; confirm scope with the Building Department.
• General exemptions (fences up to 7 feet, retaining walls not over 4 feet from footing bottom, finish work, painting, flooring, minor repairs not affecting structural, fire, life safety, or energy code elements): Confirm with Building Department.
• Zoning setback requirements apply to all structures, including those exempt from building permits.

Important: Garages and carports are NOT exempt and require permits. Confirm all edge cases with the Building Department before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (435) 738-1150 (phone)
• Building@duchesne.utah.gov (email)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical inspection sequence for new residential construction: Pre-site inspection (if required), foundation/footing, under-slab or rough utilities, rough electrical, rough mechanical, rough plumbing, rough framing, insulation (where applicable), drywall, final electrical, final plumbing, final mechanical, final exterior grading, final inspection / certificate of occupancy. Exact sequence depends on project type.

Additional Resources

• Building code: The county's building ordinance (Title 7) references the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Existing Building Code, and related codes. Utah statewide mandate (effective July 1, 2023) requires enforcement of the 2021 IBC/IRC/IMC/IPC/IECC package. The county also adopted the Utah Wildland Urban Interface Code (2006).
• Verify contractor license: Utah DOPL License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• County Code (Title 7 Building and Construction Codes)
• Things to Know Before Purchasing Land in Duchesne County
• Agricultural Building Permit Exemption Form
• County Fire Warden (WUI requirements)
• License lookup guide: Utah Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Utah Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Utah hub: Utah Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Duchesne County Building Permit FAQ

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

It is unlawful to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter, or change the use of any building or structure within unincorporated Duchesne County without an approved building permit. Permits are required for any building designed for human occupancy, garages, carports, and most other structures. Plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and re-roofing work also generally require permits.

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

Fees are calculated as: Fees are based on estimated construction cost valuation using the county's adopted construction valuation schedule. Example: a 1,500 sq. ft. single-level home with a 700 sq. ft. attached garage carries a project valuation of $181,420 and a building permit fee of approximately $1,324.37.. Plan check fee: Not less than 35% and up to 65% of the building permit fee, assessed in addition to the permit fee..

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

1. Confirm the parcel is within unincorporated Duchesne County (not inside a city or town limit). Obtain the Parcel/Assessor Serial Number from your tax notice or county property records. 2. Contact the Community Development Department (435-738-1151) to verify zoning compliance, minimum lot size requirements, and any floodplain or Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) considerations before preparing plans. 3. Download and complete the Permit Packet (July 2023): includes the application, site plan requirements, checklist, and contractor list form. 4. Prepare a site plan showing property lines, setbacks, utility locations, and proposed structure placement. 5. Prepare one full set of construction plans (structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing as applicable). Plans must comply with adopted building codes. 6. List all contractors with their Utah DOPL license numbers and applicable business license information. 7. Submit the completed packet online via Civic Review portal or in person at 734 N Center Street. 8. Await plan review. Staff will contact you if corrections are needed. A pre-site inspection may be required before permit issuance if unusual soil conditions, WUI requirements, or other site-specific factors apply. 9. Pay permit fees (calculated on project valuation) after plan review approval. 10. Receive the issued permit, post it visibly on the job site, keep the approved plans on site for all inspections.

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

Typical processing time is Varies by project complexity and completeness of submittal; contact Building Department for estimates..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Duchesne County, UT?

The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structures (sheds, storage buildings): Single-story detached accessory building of 200 square feet or less is exempt if a dwelling unit is already established on the parcel. A shed on a vacant parcel requires a permit regardless of size.; Agricultural structures: A structure used solely in conjunction with an agricultural use and not for human occupancy is exempt, provided the parcel qualifies. The agricultural exemption does not apply to structures in a county-approved subdivision plat area unless located wholly or in part within an agricultural protection area.; Storage containers: A separate exemption path exists; confirm scope with the Building Department.; General exemptions (fences up to 7 feet, retaining walls not over 4 feet from footing bottom, finish work, painting, flooring, minor repairs not affecting structural, fire, life safety, or energy code elements): Confirm with Building Department.; Zoning setback requirements apply to all structures, including those exempt from building permits.. Note: Garages and carports are NOT exempt and require permits. Confirm all edge cases with the Building Department before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (435) 738-1150, Building@duchesne.utah.gov.