County Building Permits
Iron County, UT - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Iron County, Utah. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Applies to all unincorporated Iron County areas not within the boundaries of Cedar City, Parowan, Enoch, Brian Head, Kanarraville, Paragonah, or other incorporated municipalities.
- Department
- Iron County Building and Zoning Department
- Address
- 82 N 100 E, Suite 102, Cedar City, UT 84720
- Phone
- 435-865-5350
Online Permit Portal
Platform: City Inspect • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Confirm property zoning using the Iron County interactive GIS zoning map via ironcountyut.gov/building using the assessor parcel number.
- Download or access the building permit plan requirements document at https://www.ironcountyut.gov/files/building/resources/building-permit-requirements.pdf.
- Prepare required documents including structural engineered plans, site plan, and geotechnical data.
- Submit the building permit application online through City Inspect portal at ironcounty.cityinspect.com, or in person at Suite 102, 82 N 100 E, Cedar City.
- Pay the non-refundable plan review / submittal fee at time of application (Dwelling: $250; Commercial: $500; Other: $50).
- Plans are reviewed for code compliance. Commercial plans may require outside consultant review billed at actual cost.
- Receive permit issuance and pay remaining permit fees.
- Post permit on site, begin construction and schedule required inspections through the portal.
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact department at 435-865-5350
General Requirements
A building permit is required for any structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work, including remodels, basement finishing, new construction, additions, accessory structures over 200 square feet or those with any electrical/plumbing/mechanical, fences over 6 feet tall, retaining walls over 4 feet tall, and utility upgrades.
Required Documents
- Structural engineered plans (required for all dwellings)
- Site plan showing property address
- Geotechnical/soils data (required for new dwellings and additions where original structure required soil testing)
- Geotechnical compliance report for footing/foundation
- Owner-builder form if applicable
- Contractor DOPL license information if not owner-builder
- Architectural, structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical stamped plans for commercial projects
- Permit validity
- No building permit fees will be refunded after 180 days. If no required inspections are completed within 1 year, the permit holder must renew the permit according to the fee schedule. Permit renewal: up to $750.
- Building code
- 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IECC, 2021 NEC -- as adopted statewide under Utah Title 15A
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builder form required; available at ironcountyut.gov/files/building/forms/owner-builder-form.pdf. Utah owner-builder rules apply statewide (DOPL Owner/Builder Certification Agreement).
- Contractor requirements
- Utah DOPL contractor license required. Utah State Surcharge: 1% of building permit fee (state-mandated).
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $24
- Permit fee formula
- $1-$500: $24; $501-$2,000: $24 for first $500 + $3 per additional $100 or fraction; $2,001-$40,000: $69 for first $2,000 + $11 per additional $1,000 or fraction; $40,001-$100,000: $487 for first $40,000 + $9 per additional $1,000 or fraction; $100,001-$500,000: $1,027 for first $100,000 + $7 per additional $1,000 or fraction; $500,001-$1,000,000: $3,827 for first $500,000 + $5 per additional $1,000 or fraction; $1,000,001-$5,000,000: $6,327 for first $1,000,000 + $3 per additional $1,000 or fraction; $5,000,001 and up: $18,327 for first $5,000,000 + $1 per additional $1,000 or fraction
- Reinspection fee
- $94.00 flat; or $47/hour for inspections requiring more than standard time
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective July 14, 2025).
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Accessory structures up to 200 square feet with no electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems
- Fences 6 feet or less in height (administrative review may still apply for setback compliance)
- Retaining walls 4 feet or less in height not supporting surcharge
- Concrete flatwork (patios, walkways) that is not structural
- Routine maintenance and repair work not involving structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical changes
Important: Even exempt structures must comply with zoning setback requirements; contact 435-865-5350 to verify
Inspections
How to Schedule
- City Inspect portal (online)
- 435-865-5350 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Typical inspection sequence: Footings, foundation/stem walls, foundation weatherproofing, groundwork plumbing, exterior shear nailing, window installation, 4-way rough-in, permanent power, final/certificate of occupancy
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IECC, 2021 NEC -- as adopted statewide under Utah Title 15A
- Verify contractor license: Utah DOPL Contractor Licensing
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Building Permit Checklist
- State Construction Registry
- Iron County Code of Ordinances
- License lookup guide: Utah Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Utah Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Utah hub: Utah Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Iron County Building and Zoning Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Iron County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Iron County, UT?
- A building permit is required for any structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work, including remodels, basement finishing, new construction, additions, accessory structures over 200 square feet or those with any electrical/plumbing/mechanical, fences over 6 feet tall, retaining walls over 4 feet tall, and utility upgrades.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Iron County, UT?
- The minimum permit fee is $24. Fees are calculated as: $1-$500: $24; $501-$2,000: $24 for first $500 + $3 per additional $100 or fraction; $2,001-$40,000: $69 for first $2,000 + $11 per additional $1,000 or fraction; $40,001-$100,000: $487 for first $40,000 + $9 per additional $1,000 or fraction; $100,001-$500,000: $1,027 for first $100,000 + $7 per additional $1,000 or fraction; $500,001-$1,000,000: $3,827 for first $500,000 + $5 per additional $1,000 or fraction; $1,000,001-$5,000,000: $6,327 for first $1,000,000 + $3 per additional $1,000 or fraction; $5,000,001 and up: $18,327 for first $5,000,000 + $1 per additional $1,000 or fraction.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Iron County, UT?
- 1. Confirm property zoning using the Iron County interactive GIS zoning map via ironcountyut.gov/building using the assessor parcel number. 2. Download or access the building permit plan requirements document at https://www.ironcountyut.gov/files/building/resources/building-permit-requirements.pdf. 3. Prepare required documents including structural engineered plans, site plan, and geotechnical data. 4. Submit the building permit application online through City Inspect portal at ironcounty.cityinspect.com, or in person at Suite 102, 82 N 100 E, Cedar City. 5. Pay the non-refundable plan review / submittal fee at time of application (Dwelling: $250; Commercial: $500; Other: $50). 6. Plans are reviewed for code compliance. Commercial plans may require outside consultant review billed at actual cost. 7. Receive permit issuance and pay remaining permit fees. 8. Post permit on site, begin construction and schedule required inspections through the portal.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Iron County, UT?
- Typical processing time is Not publicly stated; contact department at 435-865-5350.
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Iron County, UT?
- The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structures up to 200 square feet with no electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems; Fences 6 feet or less in height (administrative review may still apply for setback compliance); Retaining walls 4 feet or less in height not supporting surcharge; Concrete flatwork (patios, walkways) that is not structural; Routine maintenance and repair work not involving structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical changes. Note: Even exempt structures must comply with zoning setback requirements; contact 435-865-5350 to verify
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Iron County, UT?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: City Inspect portal, 435-865-5350.
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in Unincorporated Iron County can be complicated.
Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.
Learn how Jaspector works