Grand County, UT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All of unincorporated Grand County. Properties inside Moab city limits use the City of Moab Building Safety Department. Castle Valley properties use a split jurisdiction (Castle Valley Building Permit Agent for zoning, Grand County for building permit issuance and inspections). Federal and tribal lands (Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, BLM, and any Navajo Nation parcels) are outside county jurisdiction.

Department

Grand County Building Department

Address

59 N 200 E, Moab, UT 84532

Phone

435-259-4134

Email

building@grandcountyutah.net

Website

https://www.grandcountyutah.net/143/Building-Inspector

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm jurisdiction: Verify the property is in unincorporated Grand County (not inside Moab city limits, Castle Valley town limits, or federal/tribal land). Contact the county at 435-259-4134 if uncertain.
2. Review the Grand County Building Permit Process page and the applicable checklist (Residential, Commercial, or Solar) linked from the county building pages.
3. Determine if the project requires outside signoffs before county approval. Residential new construction and additions require approvals/signatures from Planning and Zoning (435-259-1343); Floodplain Administrator (if in flood zone); Grand Water and Sewer Service Agency; Southeastern Utah District Health Department (if well, septic, or greywater involved). Commercial permits additionally require signoffs from Planning and Zoning, Southeastern Utah District Health Department, Moab Valley Fire Department, and Grand Water and Sewer Service Agency.
4. Assemble the application package per the applicable checklist. Residential new construction minimum submittal: digital permit application; scaled site plan; construction documents/plans; owner consent if applicant is not owner of record; Owner-Builder Certification Form if applicable; contractor license numbers for all trades.
5. Submit the application online through the Grand County iWorQ portal.
6. Receive payment instructions by email from Grand County Building Department. Submit the plan review deposit to the Grand County Clerk's Office (59 N 200 E, Moab, UT 84532).
7. Plan review takes approximately up to 2 weeks depending on workload. (Grand County experienced staffing shortages as of mid-2025, which may extend this timeframe.) Respond to any plan review correction notices and resubmit as required.
8. Receive approval or conditional approval of plans.
9. Pay the full permit fee as invoiced.
10. Receive the issued permit. Post it on site before beginning construction.
11. Schedule required inspections by calling 435-259-4134 with at least 24 hours advance notice. Have the permit number and property address available.
12. Pass all required inspections.
13. Obtain the Certificate of Occupancy from Grand County before occupying the structure.

Typical processing time: Plan review approximately up to 2 weeks; subject to workload and staffing. Allow additional time for required outside-agency signoffs.

Source: Grand County Building Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required before erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, improving, removing, converting, or demolishing any building or structure in unincorporated Grand County. A permit is also required for installation or modification of electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems regulated by code. When in doubt, contact 435-259-4134 before starting work.

Required Documents

• Completed digital permit application
• Scaled site plan
• Construction documents/plans
• Owner consent if applicant is not owner of record
• Owner-Builder Certification Form if applicable
• Contractor license numbers for all contractors and subcontractors
• Floodplain elevation certificate (pre-construction) if project is in a FEMA flood zone (residential)
• Proof of Planning and Zoning signoff (commercial)
• Southeastern Utah District Health Department signoff (commercial)
• Moab Valley Fire Department signoff (commercial)
• Grand Water and Sewer Service Agency signoff as applicable (commercial)
• Licensed architect/engineer plans with Utah professional license (commercial designers)

Permit validity

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

Building code

2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IECC, 2020 NEC with Utah state amendments. No published Grand County local amendments were found beyond fee schedules. Construction costs for permit valuation use ICC Building Valuation Data (updated February and August).

Owner-builder

Utah DOPL owner-builder rules apply. The Owner-Builder Certification Form must be submitted to Grand County. Owner must be sole legal owner; work must be for personal, non-commercial use. Even with an owner-builder certification, all subcontractors performing trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) must hold current Utah state licenses unless the owner is also doing that trade work personally.

Contractor requirements

All work must be performed by a Utah-state-licensed contractor, including work that does not require a building permit. Verify license status at https://dopl.utah.gov/. Utah DOPL 'Courses Taken' verification is also referenced by Grand County for CE compliance.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$65.00

Plan check fee

Residential new construction: $130.00 nonrefundable. Solar: $65.00. Commercial new construction, tenant finish, major remodel: 10% of building permit fee, $260.00 minimum, nonrefundable.

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based fee table per Section 3.06.100 of Ordinance 712: $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. Valuation basis: ICC Building Valuation Data (updated every February and August)

Reinspection fee

Not charged on first failed inspection. Reinspection fee applies beginning with second failure of same inspection type: $65.00 per 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 used as tool sheds, playhouses, or similar (excluding storm shelters) - may still require zoning development permit
• Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height - may still require zoning development permit
• Retaining walls retaining less than 4 feet of unbalanced fill (not requiring structural design under IRC R404.4)
• Water tanks supported on grade, capacity under 5,000 gallons, height-to-width ratio 2:1 or less - may still require zoning development permit
• Sidewalks and driveways (building permit exempt; check Planning and Zoning for grading/development permit requirements)
• Interior finish work: painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar work
• Prefabricated swimming pools with a depth of less than 24 inches
• Playground equipment
• Window awnings projecting under 54 inches from the exterior wall without additional support
• Decks 30 inches or less above grade with no guardrails required and not serving the required egress door - may still require zoning development permit
• Grade-level, unconnected conex/shipping containers under 350 square feet used only for storage (Utah state amendment) - may still require zoning development permit
• Minor electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing repairs and in-kind replacements (no new rough work)
• Agricultural buildings not for human occupancy and without plumbing or electrical wiring -- but a Certificate of Land Use Compliance (CLUC) from Grand County Planning and Zoning may still be required, along with the Agricultural Exemption Acknowledgment

Important: Grand County zoning development permits are required for some of these exempt items. Grand County explicitly states that even for building-permit-exempt work, 'contact Grand County Planning and Zoning at 435-259-1343' to confirm whether a zoning development permit is needed.

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 is 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, arranged in advance.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential new construction sequence per county residential checklist: 1. Floodplain/location verification if applicable (pre-construction elevation certificate required if in flood zone); 2. Service-line and trench inspections; 3. Footing and foundation inspection; 4. Under-slab work inspection; 5. Four-way inspection (framing, rough electrical, rough plumbing, and mechanical -- all inspected together after framing is complete and before systems are concealed); 6. Weather barrier and lath; 7. Insulation inspection; 8. Drywall inspection; 9. Shower pan inspection; 10. Permanent power and mechanical; 11. Blower-door and duct-leakage testing if required by IECC; 12. Final building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections; 13. Post-construction elevation certificate (if in flood zone) before Certificate of Occupancy; 14. Certificate of Occupancy issued after all inspections pass.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IECC, 2020 NEC with Utah state amendments. No published Grand County local amendments were found beyond fee schedules. Construction costs for permit valuation use ICC Building Valuation Data (updated February and August).
• Verify contractor license: Utah DOPL Contractor License Verification
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Grand County Commercial Building Permit Requirements
• Grand County Floodplain Administration
• Southeastern Utah District Health Department (septic/well)
• Grand Water and Sewer Service Agency
• Moab Valley Fire Department
• Utah Construction Trades Licensing Act
• Utah State Construction Code Act (Title 15A)
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center
• FloodSmart
• License lookup guide: Utah Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Utah Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Utah hub: Utah Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Grand County Building Permit FAQ

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

A building permit is required before erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, improving, removing, converting, or demolishing any building or structure in unincorporated Grand County. A permit is also required for installation or modification of electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems regulated by code. When in doubt, contact 435-259-4134 before starting work.

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

The minimum permit fee is $65.00. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based fee table per Section 3.06.100 of Ordinance 712: $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. Valuation basis: ICC Building Valuation Data (updated every February and August). Plan check fee: Residential new construction: $130.00 nonrefundable. Solar: $65.00. Commercial new construction, tenant finish, major remodel: 10% of building permit fee, $260.00 minimum, nonrefundable..

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

1. Confirm jurisdiction: Verify the property is in unincorporated Grand County (not inside Moab city limits, Castle Valley town limits, or federal/tribal land). Contact the county at 435-259-4134 if uncertain. 2. Review the Grand County Building Permit Process page and the applicable checklist (Residential, Commercial, or Solar) linked from the county building pages. 3. Determine if the project requires outside signoffs before county approval. Residential new construction and additions require approvals/signatures from Planning and Zoning (435-259-1343); Floodplain Administrator (if in flood zone); Grand Water and Sewer Service Agency; Southeastern Utah District Health Department (if well, septic, or greywater involved). Commercial permits additionally require signoffs from Planning and Zoning, Southeastern Utah District Health Department, Moab Valley Fire Department, and Grand Water and Sewer Service Agency. 4. Assemble the application package per the applicable checklist. Residential new construction minimum submittal: digital permit application; scaled site plan; construction documents/plans; owner consent if applicant is not owner of record; Owner-Builder Certification Form if applicable; contractor license numbers for all trades. 5. Submit the application online through the Grand County iWorQ portal. 6. Receive payment instructions by email from Grand County Building Department. Submit the plan review deposit to the Grand County Clerk's Office (59 N 200 E, Moab, UT 84532). 7. Plan review takes approximately up to 2 weeks depending on workload. (Grand County experienced staffing shortages as of mid-2025, which may extend this timeframe.) Respond to any plan review correction notices and resubmit as required. 8. Receive approval or conditional approval of plans. 9. Pay the full permit fee as invoiced. 10. Receive the issued permit. Post it on site before beginning construction. 11. Schedule required inspections by calling 435-259-4134 with at least 24 hours advance notice. Have the permit number and property address available. 12. Pass all required inspections. 13. Obtain the Certificate of Occupancy from Grand County before occupying the structure.

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

Typical processing time is Plan review approximately up to 2 weeks; subject to workload and staffing. Allow additional time for required outside-agency signoffs..

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

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures under 200 square feet used as tool sheds, playhouses, or similar (excluding storm shelters) - may still require zoning development permit; Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height - may still require zoning development permit; Retaining walls retaining less than 4 feet of unbalanced fill (not requiring structural design under IRC R404.4); Water tanks supported on grade, capacity under 5,000 gallons, height-to-width ratio 2:1 or less - may still require zoning development permit; Sidewalks and driveways (building permit exempt; check Planning and Zoning for grading/development permit requirements); Interior finish work: painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar work; Prefabricated swimming pools with a depth of less than 24 inches; Playground equipment; Window awnings projecting under 54 inches from the exterior wall without additional support; Decks 30 inches or less above grade with no guardrails required and not serving the required egress door - may still require zoning development permit; Grade-level, unconnected conex/shipping containers under 350 square feet used only for storage (Utah state amendment) - may still require zoning development permit; Minor electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing repairs and in-kind replacements (no new rough work); Agricultural buildings not for human occupancy and without plumbing or electrical wiring -- but a Certificate of Land Use Compliance (CLUC) from Grand County Planning and Zoning may still be required, along with the Agricultural Exemption Acknowledgment. Note: Grand County zoning development permits are required for some of these exempt items. Grand County explicitly states that even for building-permit-exempt work, 'contact Grand County Planning and Zoning at 435-259-1343' to confirm whether a zoning development permit is needed.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Grand County, 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 is required -- not by email, text, or voicemail..