Emery County, UT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Emery County areas outside incorporated city and town limits.

Department

Emery County Building and Zoning Department

Address

75 East Main Street, Room 106, Castle Dale, UT 84513

Phone

(435) 381-3555

Email

building@emery.utah.gov

Website

https://emery.utah.gov/home/department-directory/bz/

Application Process

1. Determine whether property is inside or outside city limits. Properties inside city limits must first obtain zoning clearance from the applicable city.
2. If outside city limits, submit zoning/pre-application documents including trust deed or plat showing ownership of 10+ acres, letter from water district confirming culinary water hookup availability, Road Encroachment Permit from UDOT or Emery County Road Department, State Health Department approval of sewage disposal system, and plot plan.
3. Verify setback requirements are met (front 55 ft from road centerline or 30 ft from right-of-way, side 10 ft, rear 10 ft).
4. Complete the Building Permit Application form.
5. Prepare construction drawings appropriate to project type (stick-built homes and major structures require complete blueprints; unconventional construction requires architect/engineer stamp; commercial requires certified architect/engineer and licensed contractor).
6. For manufactured/modular homes, include floor plan and model-specific footing/foundation plan with detailed measurements and tie-down specifications.
7. Submit completed application and all required documents in person at Room 106 or by mail to P.O. Box 417, Castle Dale, UT 84513.
8. Pay permit fee at time of application. Minimum fee is $50.
9. Await plan review and approval (24 hours to several weeks depending on complexity).
10. Receive issued permit. Post permit and approved plans on the job site before beginning work.
11. Schedule and pass all required inspections in sequence.
12. Obtain final inspection approval and Certificate of Occupancy before occupying any structure.

Typical processing time: 24 hours to several weeks depending on project complexity

Source: Emery County Building and Zoning Department

General Requirements

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure must obtain a permit. Specifically required for: all new residential and commercial construction, outbuildings 200 sq ft and over, all porches/decks/patios, re-roofing/siding/window replacements, all electrical/gas/plumbing system work, water heater installations, remodels and additions of any size.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Plot plan/site plan
• Construction drawings appropriate to project type
• Owner-builder certification (if owner-builder)
• State health department sewage approval (outside city limits)
• Water district letter confirming culinary water hookup availability (outside city limits)
• UDOT or county road encroachment permit (outside city limits)
• Trust deed or county plat showing ownership of 10+ acres
• Contractor license information

Permit validity

Permits become invalid if work does not commence within 180 days of issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after commencement. Building Official may grant extensions of up to 180 days each upon written request.

Building code

All Utah statewide codes: IBC 2021 with Utah amendments, IRC 2021 with Utah amendments, IMC 2021, IPC 2021, IFGC 2021, NEC 2020, IECC 2021, Existing Building Code 2021, Utah Wildland Urban Interface Code.

Owner-builder

Owner-builder rules per Utah Code Section 58-55-305: applies only to owner's primary residential structure; property cannot be sold for one year after completion; owner may use unpaid family/friends or pay licensed subcontractors; specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas, fire suppression, alarms, radon mitigation) must be performed by licensed contractors.

Contractor requirements

Utah Code Section 58-55 requires state contractor license from DOPL for all construction work valued at $3,000 or more. License types: General Contractor (B100), Residential/Small Commercial (R100/S100), specialty trades.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50

Permit fee formula

Based on project valuation using cost-per-square-foot methodology. Contact B&Z at (435) 381-3555 for current valuation tables.

Reinspection fee

Assessed for any inspection that fails and requires a return visit. Amount not published online; contact B&Z for current amount.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Detached accessory structures (tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses) with floor area of 200 sq ft or less
• Fences not over 7 feet high
• Oil derricks
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from bottom of footing to top of wall (unless supporting a surcharge or impounding liquids)
• Water tanks supported directly on grade, not exceeding 5,000 gallons, with height-to-diameter or height-to-width ratio not exceeding 2:1
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
• Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep, not greater than 5,000 gallons, installed entirely above ground
• Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
• Window awnings supported by exterior wall
• Agricultural shade cloth structures (nursery/agricultural purposes only, not including service systems)

Important: Exemption from permit does not authorize work to be done in violation of adopted codes. All exempt work must still comply with code requirements.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (435) 381-3555 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Minimum 24 to 48 hours advance notice required. Concrete rebar inspections receive priority if called in 24 hours in advance.

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Required sequence (residential new construction): 1. Footing reinforcement, 2. Foundation wall reinforcement, 3. Additional rebar work, 4. Under-concrete floor inspection, 5. Stitch and lag pier with tie-downs (manufactured homes only), 6. Rough framing and sheathing, 7. Rough plumbing, 8. Rough electrical, 9. Rough mechanical (steps 6-9 can combine as 'four-way'), 10. Insulation, 11. Power to panel and trench, 12. Notification when starting brick/siding/exterior finishes, 13. Notification when starting roofing, 14. Notification for fireplace/chimney work, 15. Rough drywall before taping, 16. Pressure test on gas line before backfilling, 17. Masonry inspections, 18. Final inspection.

Do not cover or conceal any work that requires inspection. Penalties for covering uninspected work include required removal of coverings or condemnation.

Additional Resources

• Building code: All Utah statewide codes: IBC 2021 with Utah amendments, IRC 2021 with Utah amendments, IMC 2021, IPC 2021, IFGC 2021, NEC 2020, IECC 2021, Existing Building Code 2021, Utah Wildland Urban Interface Code.
• Verify contractor license: Utah DOPL Contractor Licensing
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• County General Plan
• Planning and Zoning Commission
• County Fee Schedule (2025)
• Conditional Use Permits
• License lookup guide: Utah Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Utah Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Utah hub: Utah Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Emery County Building Permit FAQ

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

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure must obtain a permit. Specifically required for: all new residential and commercial construction, outbuildings 200 sq ft and over, all porches/decks/patios, re-roofing/siding/window replacements, all electrical/gas/plumbing system work, water heater installations, remodels and additions of any size.

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

The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Based on project valuation using cost-per-square-foot methodology. Contact B&Z at (435) 381-3555 for current valuation tables..

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

1. Determine whether property is inside or outside city limits. Properties inside city limits must first obtain zoning clearance from the applicable city. 2. If outside city limits, submit zoning/pre-application documents including trust deed or plat showing ownership of 10+ acres, letter from water district confirming culinary water hookup availability, Road Encroachment Permit from UDOT or Emery County Road Department, State Health Department approval of sewage disposal system, and plot plan. 3. Verify setback requirements are met (front 55 ft from road centerline or 30 ft from right-of-way, side 10 ft, rear 10 ft). 4. Complete the Building Permit Application form. 5. Prepare construction drawings appropriate to project type (stick-built homes and major structures require complete blueprints; unconventional construction requires architect/engineer stamp; commercial requires certified architect/engineer and licensed contractor). 6. For manufactured/modular homes, include floor plan and model-specific footing/foundation plan with detailed measurements and tie-down specifications. 7. Submit completed application and all required documents in person at Room 106 or by mail to P.O. Box 417, Castle Dale, UT 84513. 8. Pay permit fee at time of application. Minimum fee is $50. 9. Await plan review and approval (24 hours to several weeks depending on complexity). 10. Receive issued permit. Post permit and approved plans on the job site before beginning work. 11. Schedule and pass all required inspections in sequence. 12. Obtain final inspection approval and Certificate of Occupancy before occupying any structure.

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

Typical processing time is 24 hours to several weeks depending on project complexity.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Detached accessory structures (tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses) with floor area of 200 sq ft or less; Fences not over 7 feet high; Oil derricks; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from bottom of footing to top of wall (unless supporting a surcharge or impounding liquids); Water tanks supported directly on grade, not exceeding 5,000 gallons, with height-to-diameter or height-to-width ratio not exceeding 2:1; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep, not greater than 5,000 gallons, installed entirely above ground; Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings; Window awnings supported by exterior wall; Agricultural shade cloth structures (nursery/agricultural purposes only, not including service systems). Note: Exemption from permit does not authorize work to be done in violation of adopted codes. All exempt work must still comply with code requirements.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (435) 381-3555. Minimum 24 to 48 hours advance notice required. Concrete rebar inspections receive priority if called in 24 hours in advance..