Garfield County, UT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Garfield County. Building Inspector: Jared Woolsey. Planning & Economic Development Director: Kaden Figgins. Office hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Department

Garfield County Building Department (Planning & Economic Development)

Address

55 South Main Street, Panguitch, UT 84759 (Garfield County Courthouse)

Phone

435-676-1111

Email

kaden.figgins@garfield.utah.gov

Website

https://www.garfield.utah.gov/Departments/Building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Obtain the building permit application from the county website or courthouse (two forms available: standard and residential).
2. Review the Checklist of Necessary Information to Acquire a Building Permit.
3. Submit written evidence of an approved culinary water supply and an approved waste disposal method from the Utah State Health Department / Southwest Utah Public Health Department (435-865-5158).
4. Confirm prairie dog clearance applicability with the Planning Department (step 1 of online-steps.pdf).
5. Submit completed application, plans, supporting documents, and required approvals to the Garfield County Building Department in person.
6. Plans are reviewed by the Building Inspector; staff may request corrections or additional information.
7. Pay permit fees upon approval. Fees are calculated using ICC Building Valuation Data (updated every six months).
8. Permit is issued; post permit card on site and keep approved plans on site throughout construction.
9. Schedule required inspections with the Building Department no less than two working days before the requested inspection date by phone or in writing (435-676-1111).
10. Final inspection required before occupancy; certificate of occupancy will not be issued for an occupied building.

Typical processing time: Not published; contact the Building Department directly.

Source: Garfield County Building Department (Planning & Economic Development)

General Requirements

No building or structure shall be commenced or proceeded with except after issuance of a written permit. Applies to new construction, additions, remodels, and structural alterations. Sheds of 200 square feet or more require a permit.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site plan
• Construction plans
• Evidence of approved water supply (approved in writing by Utah State Health Department)
• Evidence of approved waste disposal (approved in writing by Utah State Health Department)
• Owner/Builder Affidavit (if applicable, signed and notarized)
• Prairie dog clearance documentation (where applicable)

Permit validity

Permits expire 180 days from date of issue if construction is not started. Once started, permits may expire if construction is abandoned for 180 days. If work is not started within one year from issuance, a new permit is required.

Building code

2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IECC, and NEC as mandated by Utah Title 15A (effective November 1, 2023).

Owner-builder

Owner/Builder Affidavit must be signed and notarized. DOPL registration handled automatically by the county at permit issuance. Statewide rules apply: one new structure per calendar year, no more than three in five years, residential only.

Contractor requirements

Utah state contractor licensing through DOPL required for any work $3,000 or above. General contractors must provide license verification.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based using ICC Building Valuation Data multiplied by 0.6 modifier; approximately $102 per square foot for single-family residence (2025). Approximately 1% of project valuation. Example: 3,000 sq ft home valued at $306,000 = permit fee approximately $5,437.57.

Reinspection fee

$60 per reinspection (assessed when plans not on site, work not ready, or prior corrections not made)

Payment note

Additional fees: $100/hour for inspections outside regular business hours (increased from $50/hour in 2025); $100/hour for additional plan reviews (increased from $50/hour in 2025); $400 flat fee for commercial reroofing (established in 2025).

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Sheds under 200 square feet are exempt from permit requirements per the county's Shed Policy.
• Fence work below applicable code thresholds (confirm specific fence height and material thresholds with Building Department).
• Standard Utah code exemptions for minor repairs and maintenance that do not affect structural, life safety, or mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems.

Important: Permit exemption does not override zoning setback, height, or lot coverage requirements. Contact the Planning Department for zoning compliance even on exempt structures.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 435-676-1111 (phone)
• In writing to Garfield County Building Department (mail)

Scheduling deadline

Requests must be made no less than two working days prior to the proposed inspection date.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday during regular business hours (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). After-hours inspections available at $100/hour.

Typical inspection sequence: Standard sequence: Footings (after excavation and forms in place), Foundation Walls (after forms and reinforcing steel in place), 4-Way Rough (combined rough framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical), Final Building Inspection (required before certificate of occupancy; building may not be occupied before final inspection approval). Other inspections as deemed necessary by Building Inspector.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IECC, and NEC as mandated by Utah Title 15A (effective November 1, 2023).
• Verify contractor license: Utah DOPL Contractor Licensing
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• County Fee Resolution
• Reinspection Fee Requirements
• Planning & Economic Development
• Southwest Utah Public Health Department
• Utah State Construction Code (UpCodes)
• License lookup guide: Utah Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Utah Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Utah hub: Utah Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Garfield County Building Permit FAQ

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

No building or structure shall be commenced or proceeded with except after issuance of a written permit. Applies to new construction, additions, remodels, and structural alterations. Sheds of 200 square feet or more require a permit.

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

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based using ICC Building Valuation Data multiplied by 0.6 modifier; approximately $102 per square foot for single-family residence (2025). Approximately 1% of project valuation. Example: 3,000 sq ft home valued at $306,000 = permit fee approximately $5,437.57..

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

1. Obtain the building permit application from the county website or courthouse (two forms available: standard and residential). 2. Review the Checklist of Necessary Information to Acquire a Building Permit. 3. Submit written evidence of an approved culinary water supply and an approved waste disposal method from the Utah State Health Department / Southwest Utah Public Health Department (435-865-5158). 4. Confirm prairie dog clearance applicability with the Planning Department (step 1 of online-steps.pdf). 5. Submit completed application, plans, supporting documents, and required approvals to the Garfield County Building Department in person. 6. Plans are reviewed by the Building Inspector; staff may request corrections or additional information. 7. Pay permit fees upon approval. Fees are calculated using ICC Building Valuation Data (updated every six months). 8. Permit is issued; post permit card on site and keep approved plans on site throughout construction. 9. Schedule required inspections with the Building Department no less than two working days before the requested inspection date by phone or in writing (435-676-1111). 10. Final inspection required before occupancy; certificate of occupancy will not be issued for an occupied building.

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

Typical processing time is Not published; contact the Building Department directly..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Sheds under 200 square feet are exempt from permit requirements per the county's Shed Policy.; Fence work below applicable code thresholds (confirm specific fence height and material thresholds with Building Department).; Standard Utah code exemptions for minor repairs and maintenance that do not affect structural, life safety, or mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems.. Note: Permit exemption does not override zoning setback, height, or lot coverage requirements. Contact the Planning Department for zoning compliance even on exempt structures.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 435-676-1111, In writing to Garfield County Building Department. Requests must be made no less than two working days prior to the proposed inspection date..