Town of Castle Valley, UT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Castle Valley operates under a split-jurisdiction model. The Town of Castle Valley has its own Building Permit Agent who handles town-side zoning review and approval for all land use and construction within town boundaries. Grand County Building Department then issues the actual building permit and performs inspections. Applicants must obtain both town zoning approval and county building permit approval before beginning any regulated construction.

Department

Town of Castle Valley -- Building Permit Agent and Grand County Building Department (split jurisdiction)

Address

2 Castle Valley Drive, HC 64 Box 2705, Castle Valley, UT 84532 (town); 59 N 200 E, Moab, UT 84532 (county)

Phone

435-259-9828 (town); 435-259-4134 (county)

Email

colleent@castlevalleyutah.com (Building Permit Agent) , building@grandcountyutah.net (county)

Website

https://castlevalleyutah.com/administration/land_use_and_construction.php

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact the Castle Valley Building Permit Agent (Colleen Thompson, 435-259-9828, colleent@castlevalleyutah.com) before starting any project to confirm zoning compliance, setbacks, height limits, and whether the project is routine (BPA approval) or nonroutine (PLUC + Town Council approval).
2. Assemble the Castle Valley submittal package: scaled plot plan (8.5x11 minimum showing property lines, road easements, setbacks, wells, septic, existing and proposed structures with square footage, and owner signature); building plans (floor plans with labeled room uses, elevations showing building heights from finished and existing grade, roof plan, exterior light fixture locations); and any required signed acknowledgments and forms.
3. Submit required town-side forms and acknowledgments as applicable: Building Permit Information Sheet and Acknowledgment; Acknowledgment of One Dwelling Per Platted Lot; Acknowledgment of Short-Term Rentals Prohibited; Geologic Hazard Release Agreement; Grade Review by Building Permit Agent (required before any cuts, fills, excavation, grading, pad work, driveway work, septic prep, or foundation prep); Land Disturbance Preliminary Questionnaire if disturbing half acre or more, within 10 feet of a watercourse, or moving 50+ cubic yards; Right-of-Way Encroachment Permit application if work affects a public road easement; Temporary Dwelling Permit application if a temporary structure will be used for habitation during construction; IADU permit if an Internal Accessory Dwelling Unit is proposed; Agricultural Exemption Form if applicable.
4. Submit septic permit application to the Southeastern Utah District Health Department if project involves a new or modified septic system.
5. Receive zoning approval from the Castle Valley Building Permit Agent (routine) or from PLUC and Town Council (nonroutine). For nonroutine applications, submit to PLUC at least one week before a PLUC meeting.
6. Submit the Grand County Building Permit Application online at the Grand County iWorQ portal, attaching all plans, documentation, and Castle Valley zoning approval.
7. Pay the Castle Valley town-side permit fee to the town.
8. Receive payment instructions from Grand County by email; submit the Grand County plan review deposit to the Grand County Clerk's Office.
9. Grand County reviews plans (up to approximately 2 weeks depending on workload).
10. Respond to any plan review corrections.
11. Receive the Grand County building permit; post it on site.
12. Schedule inspections through Grand County Building Department at 435-259-4134 with at least 24 hours advance notice.
13. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy from Grand County after all inspections pass; structure may not be occupied until CO is issued.

Typical processing time: Town zoning review timing depends on whether the project is routine (BPA approval, no fixed timeline published) or nonroutine (next available PLUC meeting after complete application is submitted). Grand County plan review up to approximately 2 weeks, subject to staffing. Allow additional time for multi-department signoffs.

Source: Town of Castle Valley -- Building Permit Agent and Grand County Building Department (split jurisdiction)

General Requirements

Castle Valley zoning approval is required for all construction, alterations, additions, mobile/modular/manufactured homes moved onto a lot, portable sheds or shipping containers, re-roofing, covered or attached decks and porches, fences over 7 feet, and retaining walls over 4 feet or supporting a structure. Also required before any land disturbance qualifying under the land disturbance ordinance. Grand County building permit required for all regulated construction -- erecting, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, improving, removing, converting, or demolishing any building or structure, and for installation or modification of electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.

Required Documents

• Scaled plot plan (8.5x11 minimum, showing property lines, road easements, setbacks, wells, septic, existing and proposed structures with square footage, and owner signature)
• Building plans (floor plans with labeled room uses, elevations showing building heights from finished and existing grade, roof plan, exterior light fixture locations)
• All required town acknowledgment forms and signatures
• Septic permit if applicable
• Utah DOPL owner-builder certification if owner is acting as contractor
• Castle Valley zoning approval documentation

Permit validity

Grand County building permit expires 180 days after issuance or 180 days from the last inspection, whichever is later. A one-time six-month written extension may be requested before expiration. Renewal fee: $65.00.

Building code

Grand County enforces the current Utah State Construction Code package (2021 IBC, IRC, IPC, IMC, IECC, 2020 NEC with Utah amendments). Castle Valley does not adopt separate building codes; it relies on Grand County for code enforcement.

Owner-builder

Utah DOPL owner-builder rules apply. Owner must be sole owner of the property; work must be for personal, non-commercial use. Submit the Owner-Builder Certification form to Grand County. The county's residential checklist notes that all contractors/subcontractors must hold current Utah state licenses unless an owner-builder form is used.

Contractor requirements

All work must be performed by a Utah-state-licensed contractor (including work that does not require a building permit). Architects and engineers on commercial projects must hold applicable Utah professional licenses. Verify license status: https://dopl.utah.gov/

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$65.00 (Grand County); see Castle Valley town fees below

Plan check fee

Grand County: Residential new construction $130 nonrefundable; Solar $65; Commercial new construction, tenant finish, major remodel 10% of permit fee minimum $260 nonrefundable. Castle Valley town fees include initial plan review as part of building permit fee.

Permit fee formula

Grand County valuation-based fee table: $1-$500: $65 flat; $501-$2,000: $65 for first $500 plus $3.66 per $100 fraction; $2,001-$25,000: $119.90 plus $16.80 per $1,000 above $2,000; $25,001-$50,000: $506.30 plus $12.12 per $1,000 above $25,000; $50,001-$100,000: $809.30 plus $8.40 per $1,000 above $50,000; $100,001-$500,000: $1,229.30 plus $6.72 per $1,000 above $100,000; $500,001-$1,000,000: $3,917.30 plus $6.72 per $1,000 above $500,000; $1,000,001+: $7,277.30 plus $6.72 per $1,000 above $1,000,000

Reinspection fee

Grand County: Not charged on first failed inspection. Reinspection fee applies beginning with second failure of same inspection type: $65/hour, due before third or later reinspection.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2025 (Consolidated Fee Schedule, Ordinance 712)).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures under 200 square feet (excluding storm shelters) - may still require Castle Valley zoning development permit
• Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height - may still require Castle Valley zoning development permit
• Retaining walls retaining less than 4 feet of unbalanced fill (not requiring design under IRC R404.4)
• Water tanks on grade under 5,000 gallons with height-to-width ratio of 2:1 or less - may still require Castle Valley zoning development permit
• Sidewalks and driveways
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep
• Playground equipment
• Window awnings projecting under 54 inches without extra support
• Decks 30 inches or less above grade, requiring no guardrails, and not serving required exit door - may still require Castle Valley zoning development permit
• Grade-level, unconnected conex/shipping containers under 350 square feet used only for storage (Utah amendment) - may still require Castle Valley zoning development permit
• Agricultural buildings not for human occupancy and without plumbing or electrical - still require Certificate of Land Use Compliance (CLUC) from Castle Valley and may require Agricultural Exemption Acknowledgment
• Minor electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing repairs (in-kind replacements, no new rough work)

Important: Even for building-permit-exempt structures, Castle Valley's zoning approval is often still required. Contact Colleen Thompson (435-259-9828) before assuming any work is fully exempt from town-side requirements.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 435-259-4134 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

At minimum 24 hours advance notice required for scheduling, changing, or canceling an inspection. Phone scheduling required -- not by email, text, or voicemail.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (closed county holidays)

Time windows

Monday-Friday business hours as listed above. After-hours inspections available at $65/hour, 2-hour minimum.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential sequence: Floodplain/location check if applicable; service-line and trench inspections; footing/foundation; under-slab work; four-way inspection (framing, rough electrical, rough plumbing, and mechanical inspected together after framing and before concealment); weather barrier/lath; insulation; drywall; shower pan; permanent power/mechanical; blower-door/duct testing if energy code requires; final inspections. Post-construction floodplain elevation certificate required before CO if project is in a flood zone. Castle Valley town-side final site review is included in the town building permit fee and is performed by the Castle Valley Building Permit Agent.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Grand County enforces the current Utah State Construction Code package (2021 IBC, IRC, IPC, IMC, IECC, 2020 NEC with Utah amendments). Castle Valley does not adopt separate building codes; it relies on Grand County for code enforcement.
• Verify contractor license: Utah DOPL Contractor License Verification
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Castle Valley Land Use Ordinance 85-3
• Grand County Planning and Zoning
• Grand County Floodplain Administration
• Southeastern Utah District Health Department (septic)
• Grand Water and Sewer Service Agency
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center
• License lookup guide: Utah Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Utah Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Utah hub: Utah Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Castle Valley Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Castle Valley, UT?

Castle Valley zoning approval is required for all construction, alterations, additions, mobile/modular/manufactured homes moved onto a lot, portable sheds or shipping containers, re-roofing, covered or attached decks and porches, fences over 7 feet, and retaining walls over 4 feet or supporting a structure. Also required before any land disturbance qualifying under the land disturbance ordinance. Grand County building permit required for all regulated construction -- erecting, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, improving, removing, converting, or demolishing any building or structure, and for installation or modification of electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.

How much does a building permit cost in Town of Castle Valley, UT?

The minimum permit fee is $65.00 (Grand County); see Castle Valley town fees below. Fees are calculated as: Grand County valuation-based fee table: $1-$500: $65 flat; $501-$2,000: $65 for first $500 plus $3.66 per $100 fraction; $2,001-$25,000: $119.90 plus $16.80 per $1,000 above $2,000; $25,001-$50,000: $506.30 plus $12.12 per $1,000 above $25,000; $50,001-$100,000: $809.30 plus $8.40 per $1,000 above $50,000; $100,001-$500,000: $1,229.30 plus $6.72 per $1,000 above $100,000; $500,001-$1,000,000: $3,917.30 plus $6.72 per $1,000 above $500,000; $1,000,001+: $7,277.30 plus $6.72 per $1,000 above $1,000,000. Plan check fee: Grand County: Residential new construction $130 nonrefundable; Solar $65; Commercial new construction, tenant finish, major remodel 10% of permit fee minimum $260 nonrefundable. Castle Valley town fees include initial plan review as part of building permit fee..

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Castle Valley, UT?

1. Contact the Castle Valley Building Permit Agent (Colleen Thompson, 435-259-9828, colleent@castlevalleyutah.com) before starting any project to confirm zoning compliance, setbacks, height limits, and whether the project is routine (BPA approval) or nonroutine (PLUC + Town Council approval). 2. Assemble the Castle Valley submittal package: scaled plot plan (8.5x11 minimum showing property lines, road easements, setbacks, wells, septic, existing and proposed structures with square footage, and owner signature); building plans (floor plans with labeled room uses, elevations showing building heights from finished and existing grade, roof plan, exterior light fixture locations); and any required signed acknowledgments and forms. 3. Submit required town-side forms and acknowledgments as applicable: Building Permit Information Sheet and Acknowledgment; Acknowledgment of One Dwelling Per Platted Lot; Acknowledgment of Short-Term Rentals Prohibited; Geologic Hazard Release Agreement; Grade Review by Building Permit Agent (required before any cuts, fills, excavation, grading, pad work, driveway work, septic prep, or foundation prep); Land Disturbance Preliminary Questionnaire if disturbing half acre or more, within 10 feet of a watercourse, or moving 50+ cubic yards; Right-of-Way Encroachment Permit application if work affects a public road easement; Temporary Dwelling Permit application if a temporary structure will be used for habitation during construction; IADU permit if an Internal Accessory Dwelling Unit is proposed; Agricultural Exemption Form if applicable. 4. Submit septic permit application to the Southeastern Utah District Health Department if project involves a new or modified septic system. 5. Receive zoning approval from the Castle Valley Building Permit Agent (routine) or from PLUC and Town Council (nonroutine). For nonroutine applications, submit to PLUC at least one week before a PLUC meeting. 6. Submit the Grand County Building Permit Application online at the Grand County iWorQ portal, attaching all plans, documentation, and Castle Valley zoning approval. 7. Pay the Castle Valley town-side permit fee to the town. 8. Receive payment instructions from Grand County by email; submit the Grand County plan review deposit to the Grand County Clerk's Office. 9. Grand County reviews plans (up to approximately 2 weeks depending on workload). 10. Respond to any plan review corrections. 11. Receive the Grand County building permit; post it on site. 12. Schedule inspections through Grand County Building Department at 435-259-4134 with at least 24 hours advance notice. 13. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy from Grand County after all inspections pass; structure may not be occupied until CO is issued.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Castle Valley, UT?

Typical processing time is Town zoning review timing depends on whether the project is routine (BPA approval, no fixed timeline published) or nonroutine (next available PLUC meeting after complete application is submitted). Grand County plan review up to approximately 2 weeks, subject to staffing. Allow additional time for multi-department signoffs..

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Castle Valley, UT?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures under 200 square feet (excluding storm shelters) - may still require Castle Valley zoning development permit; Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height - may still require Castle Valley zoning development permit; Retaining walls retaining less than 4 feet of unbalanced fill (not requiring design under IRC R404.4); Water tanks on grade under 5,000 gallons with height-to-width ratio of 2:1 or less - may still require Castle Valley zoning development permit; Sidewalks and driveways; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep; Playground equipment; Window awnings projecting under 54 inches without extra support; Decks 30 inches or less above grade, requiring no guardrails, and not serving required exit door - may still require Castle Valley zoning development permit; Grade-level, unconnected conex/shipping containers under 350 square feet used only for storage (Utah amendment) - may still require Castle Valley zoning development permit; Agricultural buildings not for human occupancy and without plumbing or electrical - still require Certificate of Land Use Compliance (CLUC) from Castle Valley and may require Agricultural Exemption Acknowledgment; Minor electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing repairs (in-kind replacements, no new rough work). Note: Even for building-permit-exempt structures, Castle Valley's zoning approval is often still required. Contact Colleen Thompson (435-259-9828) before assuming any work is fully exempt from town-side requirements.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Castle Valley, UT?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 435-259-4134. At minimum 24 hours advance notice required for scheduling, changing, or canceling an inspection. Phone scheduling required -- not by email, text, or voicemail..

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