Moab, UT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Moab limits. Properties in unincorporated Grand County or Castle Valley town limits must use the Grand County Building Department.

Department

City of Moab Building Safety Services

Address

217 East Center Street, Moab, UT 84532

Phone

435-259-5129

Email

permitting@moabcity.gov

Website

https://www.moabcity.gov/500/Building-Inspection

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether the project is inside Moab city limits using city zoning/GIS if uncertain.
2. Review the Building Permit Application Checklist and Process Flow Chart.
3. Complete the building permit application via the iWorQ portal, selecting permit type, identifying the property, entering project details, and adding all contractor information with Utah state license numbers.
4. Submit construction documents (site plan, building plans, engineering as applicable) by email to permitting@moabcity.gov or through the portal upload function.
5. If owner is acting as contractor, submit the completed Utah DOPL Owner/Builder Certification Form.
6. Plan review is conducted by multiple departments: Zoning, Floodplain, Engineering, Public Works, Waste Water, and the Building Official for residential projects. Commercial projects additionally require Health Department and Fire Inspector review.
7. Respond to any correction notices and resubmit as required.
8. Pay permit fees upon approval.
9. Receive and post the permit on site.
10. Schedule inspections by calling 435-259-5129 with at least 24 hours advance notice, providing the permit number and/or property address.
11. Pass all required inspections and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy before occupying or using a new or changed-occupancy structure.

Typical processing time: Up to 21 days for plan review per published flow chart. Complex or multi-department commercial projects may take longer.

Source: City of Moab Building Safety Services

General Requirements

A permit is required for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, or change of occupancy of any building or structure, and for installation or alteration of electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems regulated by code. When in doubt, contact Building Safety at 435-259-5129.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application with project description and valuation
• Site plan
• Construction drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections, roof plan)
• Structural engineering where required
• Energy compliance documentation (IECC)
• Contractor information with active Utah DOPL license numbers for all trades
• Owner-builder certification form if applicable
• Floodplain elevation certificate if project is in a flood zone

Permit validity

Moab follows state-based permit expiration rules. Permits expire if work is not commenced within a specified period after issuance or if work is abandoned or suspended. Confirm current expiration period with Building Safety.

Building code

2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IFGC, 2020 NEC, 2021 IECC with Utah state amendments. Local design criteria: Roof Snow Load 15 lbs; Ground Snow Load 21 lbs; Frost Depth 20 inches; Wind Load 115 mph (Exposure C); Seismic Zone B.

Owner-builder

Utah law permits an owner to act as their own general contractor for their primary residence (non-commercial, non-public use). The Utah DOPL Owner/Builder Certification Form must be submitted to the city. The owner must be the sole legal owner and work must be for personal use only.

Contractor requirements

All contractors performing work under a Moab permit must hold current, active Utah state contractor licenses through DOPL. This includes general, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractors. Utah DOPL license verification: https://dopl.utah.gov/

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$85.00

Plan check fee

Residential new construction plan review deposit: $170.00 nonrefundable. Commercial new construction, tenant finish, or major remodel: 10% of the building permit fee with $260.00 minimum, nonrefundable. If plans sent to outside professional plan checker: 65% of building permit fee. Staff plan review: $30.00/hour minimum $30. Additional plan review (after first submittal): $85.00/hour minimum 1 hour. Deferred commercial submittals: $170.00 per submittal.

Permit fee formula

ICC Building Valuation Data sliding schedule: $1-$500: $85 flat; $501-$2,000: $100 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

Reinspection fees assessed at actual cost plus 10%, with 2-hour minimum. Fees due before reinspection is scheduled.

Penalty (no permit)

Double the permit fee for construction without permit.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective June 24, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided floor area does not exceed 200 square feet
• Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
• Retaining walls that retain less than 4 feet of unbalanced fill and do not require structural design under IRC R404.4
• Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and height-to-diameter ratio does not exceed 2:1
• Sidewalks and driveways
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Prefabricated swimming pools with a depth of less than 24 inches
• Playground equipment
• Window awnings that project no more than 54 inches from an exterior wall and do not require additional support
• Decks that are 30 inches or less above grade, do not require guards, and do not serve the required egress door
• Grade-level, unconnected conex/shipping containers under 350 square feet used only for storage (Utah state amendment)
• Minor electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing repairs and replacements where no new rough work is involved

Important: Even for exempt work, Moab zoning/floodplain rules may still require a separate zoning development permit or floodplain review. When in doubt, contact Building Safety at 435-259-5129 before starting.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 435-259-5129 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

At minimum 24 hours advance notice is required. Provide the permit number and/or property address.

Inspection hours

Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m.-noon

Time windows

Weekday business hours as listed above. After-hours inspections available at actual cost plus 10% (2-hour minimum).

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential sequence: footing/foundation; underground utilities/under-slab; framing (four-way: framing, rough electrical, rough plumbing, mechanical combined); insulation; drywall if applicable; energy compliance (blower door/duct testing where required); final inspection. Commercial inspections include fire inspection and health department signoff.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IFGC, 2020 NEC, 2021 IECC with Utah state amendments. Local design criteria: Roof Snow Load 15 lbs; Ground Snow Load 21 lbs; Frost Depth 20 inches; Wind Load 115 mph (Exposure C); Seismic Zone B.
• Verify contractor license: Utah DOPL Contractor License Verification
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Floodplain and Grading Permits
• Building Permit Application (fillable PDF)
• 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

Moab Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Moab, UT?

A permit is required for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, or change of occupancy of any building or structure, and for installation or alteration of electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems regulated by code. When in doubt, contact Building Safety at 435-259-5129.

How much does a building permit cost in Moab, UT?

The minimum permit fee is $85.00. Fees are calculated as: ICC Building Valuation Data sliding schedule: $1-$500: $85 flat; $501-$2,000: $100 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: Residential new construction plan review deposit: $170.00 nonrefundable. Commercial new construction, tenant finish, or major remodel: 10% of the building permit fee with $260.00 minimum, nonrefundable. If plans sent to outside professional plan checker: 65% of building permit fee. Staff plan review: $30.00/hour minimum $30. Additional plan review (after first submittal): $85.00/hour minimum 1 hour. Deferred commercial submittals: $170.00 per submittal..

How do I apply for a building permit in Moab, UT?

1. Determine whether the project is inside Moab city limits using city zoning/GIS if uncertain. 2. Review the Building Permit Application Checklist and Process Flow Chart. 3. Complete the building permit application via the iWorQ portal, selecting permit type, identifying the property, entering project details, and adding all contractor information with Utah state license numbers. 4. Submit construction documents (site plan, building plans, engineering as applicable) by email to permitting@moabcity.gov or through the portal upload function. 5. If owner is acting as contractor, submit the completed Utah DOPL Owner/Builder Certification Form. 6. Plan review is conducted by multiple departments: Zoning, Floodplain, Engineering, Public Works, Waste Water, and the Building Official for residential projects. Commercial projects additionally require Health Department and Fire Inspector review. 7. Respond to any correction notices and resubmit as required. 8. Pay permit fees upon approval. 9. Receive and post the permit on site. 10. Schedule inspections by calling 435-259-5129 with at least 24 hours advance notice, providing the permit number and/or property address. 11. Pass all required inspections and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy before occupying or using a new or changed-occupancy structure.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Moab, UT?

Typical processing time is Up to 21 days for plan review per published flow chart. Complex or multi-department commercial projects may take longer..

What work is exempt from building permits in Moab, UT?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided floor area does not exceed 200 square feet; Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height; Retaining walls that retain less than 4 feet of unbalanced fill and do not require structural design under IRC R404.4; Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and height-to-diameter ratio does not exceed 2:1; Sidewalks and driveways; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools with a depth of less than 24 inches; Playground equipment; Window awnings that project no more than 54 inches from an exterior wall and do not require additional support; Decks that are 30 inches or less above grade, do not require guards, and do not serve the required egress door; Grade-level, unconnected conex/shipping containers under 350 square feet used only for storage (Utah state amendment); Minor electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing repairs and replacements where no new rough work is involved. Note: Even for exempt work, Moab zoning/floodplain rules may still require a separate zoning development permit or floodplain review. When in doubt, contact Building Safety at 435-259-5129 before starting.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Moab, UT?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 435-259-5129. At minimum 24 hours advance notice is required. Provide the permit number and/or property address..

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