On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Duchesne County
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.
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.
- 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.
- Exempt 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.
- Exempt Storage containers: A separate exemption path exists; confirm scope with the Building Department.
- Exempt 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.
- Exempt 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.
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
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by project complexity and completeness of submittal; contact Building Department for estimates.
- 01 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.
- 02 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.
- 03 Download and complete the Permit Packet (July 2023): includes the application, site plan requirements, checklist, and contractor list form.
- 04 Prepare a site plan showing property lines, setbacks, utility locations, and proposed structure placement.
- 05 Prepare one full set of construction plans (structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing as applicable). Plans must comply with adopted building codes.
- 06 List all contractors with their Utah DOPL license numbers and applicable business license information.
- 07 Submit the completed packet online via Civic Review portal or in person at 734 N Center Street.
- 08 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.
- 09 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Duchesne County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Not less than 35% and up to 65% of the building permit fee, assessed in addition to the permit fee.
02
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.
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.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Duchesne County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Duchesne County, UT? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Duchesne County, UT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Duchesne County, UT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Duchesne County, UT, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Duchesne County, UT? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Duchesne County, UT typically run Varies by project complexity and completeness of submittal; contact Building Department for estimates.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Duchesne County, UT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Duchesne County, UT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Duchesne County, UT via: (435) 738-1150, Building@duchesne.utah.gov.
last verified April 2026
source Duchesne County Building Department ↗
entry id permits/utah/duchesne/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Duchesne County Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.