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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Cedar City
New buildings, additions, structural changes, electrical, plumbing, mechanical work, grading/site work tied to development, meter upgrades, solar installations, retaining walls over 4 feet, and other work regulated by the adopted construction codes per IRC R105.1/R105.2 and IBC 105.1/105.2
- Exempt Fences 6 feet or less in height
- Exempt Retaining walls 4 feet or less in height not supporting surcharge
- Exempt Concrete flatwork (patios, walkways) not structural in nature
- Exempt Accessory structures consistent with Utah-adopted IRC R105.2 / IBC 105.2 exemptions (generally: detached accessory structures up to 200 sq ft without electrical/plumbing/mechanical)
- Exempt Limited finish work, fixture replacement, painting, and similar minor work per IRC R105.2 / IBC 105.2
Note: Cedar City may have zone-specific requirements -- verify with 435-865-4519 or Cedar City Ordinance Chapter 26 Article 3
- Actual property address on all plans and documents
- Digital architectural plans (PDF, separate from structural/site plans)
- Stamped structural plans
- Site plan
- Geotechnical Data Sheet
- Prairie Dog Clearance Request
- Signed energy code compliance documentation
- Water acquisition / impact fee documentation (when applicable)
- Owner-Builder Certification if applicable
- Contractor DOPL license information if not owner-builder
- Notice Criteria Tool for commercial projects
- Water/flood/easement documentation for commercial projects
- Building code
- Utah statewide 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IEBC and related Utah State Construction Code adopted under Title 15A; local amendments per Cedar City Ordinance Chapter 36
- Permit validity
- Utah-adopted code standard is 180 days without commencement or ongoing permitted activity; check with department for local policy
- Owner-builder
- Residential property owners may obtain permits for owner-occupied primary structures; must submit notarized Owner-Builder Certification; contractor information not required for owner-builder projects but can be included
- Contractor requirements
- All permits require applicable DOPL-licensed contractor information unless owner-builder form is submitted. Contractors must be licensed through Utah DOPL (dopl.utah.gov/contracting/)
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated; contact 435-865-4519
- 01 Confirm project scope and zoning by calling 435-865-4519 or reviewing Cedar City Ordinance Chapter 26 Article 3.
- 02 For new commercial buildings, pole signs, monument signs, and tenant improvements involving a change of use classification, attend a required Project Review Meeting (typically held 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month at 8:30 AM, City Office 2nd Floor Conference Room).
- 03 Create an account at the City Inspect portal or log in to existing account.
- 04 Submit the permit application online; upload all required documents in PDF format. All document upload boxes must be checked before submission.
- 05 Pay fees when application is approved for issuance.
- 06 Post permit on site and schedule inspections through the portal (must request by 5:00 PM the business day prior to desired inspection date).
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact 435-865-4519
Fee schedule
Effective December 3, 2025
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective December 3, 2025) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- City Inspect permit portal (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Request by 5:00 PM the business day prior to the desired inspection date
- Time windows
- AM and PM time blocks; time blocks are not guaranteed; no same-day inspections offered
Frequently asked
Common questions about Cedar City permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Cedar City, UT? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Cedar City, UT? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Cedar City, UT? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Cedar City, UT? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Cedar City, UT? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Cedar City, UT? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Cedar City Building and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.