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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Grand County
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.
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
- 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
- Exempt Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height - may still require zoning development permit
- Exempt Retaining walls retaining less than 4 feet of unbalanced fill (not requiring structural design under IRC R404.4)
- Exempt Water tanks supported on grade, capacity under 5,000 gallons, height-to-width ratio 2:1 or less - may still require zoning development permit
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways (building permit exempt; check Planning and Zoning for grading/development permit requirements)
- Exempt Interior finish work: painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar work
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools with a depth of less than 24 inches
- Exempt Playground equipment
- Exempt Window awnings projecting under 54 inches from the exterior wall without additional support
- Exempt Decks 30 inches or less above grade with no guardrails required and not serving the required egress door - may still require zoning development permit
- Exempt Grade-level, unconnected conex/shipping containers under 350 square feet used only for storage (Utah state amendment) - may still require zoning development permit
- Exempt Minor electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing repairs and in-kind replacements (no new rough work)
- Exempt 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.
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)
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Plan review approximately up to 2 weeks; subject to workload and staffing. Allow additional time for required outside-agency signoffs.
- 01 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.
- 02 Review the Grand County Building Permit Process page and the applicable checklist (Residential, Commercial, or Solar) linked from the county building pages.
- 03 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.
- 04 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.
- 05 Submit the application online through the Grand County iWorQ portal.
- 06 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).
- 07 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.
- 08 Receive approval or conditional approval of plans.
- 09 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2025 (Consolidated Fee Schedule, Ordinance 712)
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$65.00
02
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.
03
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)
04
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 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 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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Grand County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Grand County, UT? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Grand County, UT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Grand County, UT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Grand County, UT, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Grand County, UT? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Grand County, UT typically run Plan review approximately up to 2 weeks; subject to workload and staffing. Allow additional time for required outside-agency signoffs.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Grand County, UT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Grand County, UT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Grand County, UT 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..
last verified April 2026
source Grand County Building Department ↗
entry id permits/utah/grand/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Grand County Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.