On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Castle Valley
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.
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)
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures under 200 square feet (excluding storm shelters) - may still require Castle Valley zoning development permit
- Exempt Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height - may still require Castle Valley zoning development permit
- Exempt Retaining walls retaining less than 4 feet of unbalanced fill (not requiring design under IRC R404.4)
- Exempt 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
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep
- Exempt Playground equipment
- Exempt Window awnings projecting under 54 inches without extra support
- Exempt Decks 30 inches or less above grade, requiring no guardrails, and not serving required exit door - may still require Castle Valley zoning development permit
- Exempt Grade-level, unconnected conex/shipping containers under 350 square feet used only for storage (Utah amendment) - may still require Castle Valley zoning development permit
- Exempt 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
- Exempt 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.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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/
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 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.
- 01 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).
- 02 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.
- 03 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.
- 04 Submit septic permit application to the Southeastern Utah District Health Department if project involves a new or modified septic system.
- 05 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.
- 06 Submit the Grand County Building Permit Application online at the Grand County iWorQ portal, attaching all plans, documentation, and Castle Valley zoning approval.
- 07 Pay the Castle Valley town-side permit fee to the town.
- 08 Receive payment instructions from Grand County by email; submit the Grand County plan review deposit to the Grand County Clerk's Office.
- 09 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2025 (Consolidated Fee Schedule, Ordinance 712)
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$65.00 (Grand County); see Castle Valley town fees below
02
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.
03
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
04
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2025 (Consolidated Fee Schedule, Ordinance 712)) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Castle Valley permits
01 Do I need a building permit in 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Castle Valley, UT? ▸
Building permit fees in Castle Valley, UT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Castle Valley, UT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Castle Valley, UT, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Castle Valley, UT? ▸
Building permit processing times in Castle Valley, UT typically run 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.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Castle Valley, UT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Castle Valley, UT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Castle Valley, UT 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..
last verified April 2026
source Town of Castle Valley -- Building Permit Agent and Grand County Building Department (split jurisdiction) ↗
entry id permits/utah/grand/castle-valley
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Castle Valley -- Building Permit Agent and Grand County Building Department (split jurisdiction) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.