Nephi, UT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Nephi limits. Nephi is the county seat of Juab County and manages its own building permit process, planning and zoning, and building inspections independently of the county.

Department

Nephi City Planning and Zoning / Building Permit Department

Address

Nephi City Hall, 21 East 100 North, Nephi, UT 84648

Phone

(435) 250-8086

Email

building.permit@nephi.utah.gov

Website

https://nephi.utah.gov/713/Building-Permits

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Obtain a plat map for the property from the Juab County Recorder's Office (160 North Main, Nephi, UT 84648).
2. Download the completed building permit application from https://nephi.utah.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2833/Building-Permit-Rev-12-6-23.
3. Submit the completed building permit application together with the plat map to Nephi City Planning and Zoning for approval signature. Contact: planning@nephi.utah.gov or (435) 250-8089.
4. After Planning and Zoning approval, submit the application to Nephi City Building Permit office along with two complete sets of construction plans and the plat map for building inspector review.
5. Contact the Building Permit office: building.permit@nephi.utah.gov or (435) 250-8086.
6. The Building Inspector retains one set of plans and assesses the value of the proposed construction. Permit fees are calculated based on assessed valuation plus 1% state surcharge, plus applicable connection fees.
7. Once the application is accepted, it is routed to the Streets Superintendent for approval.
8. Upon Streets approval, it is submitted to the Electric and Natural Gas Superintendents for review of utility connection requirements.
9. Pay all applicable permit fees, connection fees (electric, gas, water, sewer), and the 1% state surcharge.
10. Receive the issued building permit and post it on-site in a visible location.
11. Schedule required inspections with the Building Inspector at (435) 610-0547 or nephi.inspector@nephi.utah.gov.

Typical processing time: Not explicitly published on the city website; contact the building permit office for current turnaround estimates.

Source: Nephi City Planning and Zoning / Building Permit Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for any new construction, addition, alteration, repair, or change of use within Nephi City limits for buildings larger than 200 square feet. Structures 200 square feet or smaller are exempt.

Required Documents

• Completed Nephi City Building Permit Application
• Plat map obtained from Juab County Recorder
• Two complete sets of construction plans (residential: IRC-compliant; commercial: prepared by Utah-licensed engineer or architect)
• Property owner information
• Contractor license number (if applicable)
• Project valuation estimate
• Connection fee information for applicable city utilities (electric, gas, water, sewer)

Permit validity

The building permit becomes null and void if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance, or if construction is suspended or abandoned for 180 consecutive days after commencement.

Building code

Utah statewide 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and current National Electrical Code (NEC) under Utah Code Title 15A; Nephi City Land Use Ordinance

Owner-builder

Utah statewide owner-builder exemption applies. Nephi City registers the owner-builder with DOPL at permit issuance.

Contractor requirements

Utah DOPL state contractor license required for regulated work valued at $3,000 or more. Trade contractors (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) must hold applicable Utah specialty licenses.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Permit fees calculated based on assessed construction valuation (specific formula provided by building inspector during plan review)

Payment note

Sewer connection fee: $300.00 for owner-installed systems meeting city specifications. Electric connection fees assessed based on cost estimate from Power Superintendent. Gas connection fees assessed based on whether city or customer digs. Contact building permit office for current utility connection fee schedules and acceptable payment methods.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective June 3, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Structures 200 square feet or less (consistent with IRC Section R105.2)
• Ordinary repairs that do not involve structural changes
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Fences not over 7 feet high
• Retaining walls under 4 feet in height from bottom of footing (not supporting a surcharge)

Important: Renovations or additions still require a building permit and applicable fees; however, new utility connection fees may not apply to renovations or additions when utility connections already exist. Any work involving electrical, plumbing, or mechanical regardless of size requires applicable trade permits.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (435) 610-0547 (phone)
• nephi.inspector@nephi.utah.gov (email)

Scheduling deadline

Have the permit number and project address available when scheduling.

Inspection hours

Contact the building inspector for availability.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential new construction sequence: footing and foundation; framing; rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical; insulation; final inspection before occupancy.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Utah statewide 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and current National Electrical Code (NEC) under Utah Code Title 15A; Nephi City Land Use Ordinance
• Verify contractor license: Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL)
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Water and Sewer Department
• Planning Commission
• Utah DOPL Contractor Licensing
• License lookup guide: Utah Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Utah Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Utah hub: Utah Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Nephi Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Nephi, UT?

A building permit is required for any new construction, addition, alteration, repair, or change of use within Nephi City limits for buildings larger than 200 square feet. Structures 200 square feet or smaller are exempt.

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

Fees are calculated as: Permit fees calculated based on assessed construction valuation (specific formula provided by building inspector during plan review).

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

1. Obtain a plat map for the property from the Juab County Recorder's Office (160 North Main, Nephi, UT 84648). 2. Download the completed building permit application from https://nephi.utah.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2833/Building-Permit-Rev-12-6-23. 3. Submit the completed building permit application together with the plat map to Nephi City Planning and Zoning for approval signature. Contact: planning@nephi.utah.gov or (435) 250-8089. 4. After Planning and Zoning approval, submit the application to Nephi City Building Permit office along with two complete sets of construction plans and the plat map for building inspector review. 5. Contact the Building Permit office: building.permit@nephi.utah.gov or (435) 250-8086. 6. The Building Inspector retains one set of plans and assesses the value of the proposed construction. Permit fees are calculated based on assessed valuation plus 1% state surcharge, plus applicable connection fees. 7. Once the application is accepted, it is routed to the Streets Superintendent for approval. 8. Upon Streets approval, it is submitted to the Electric and Natural Gas Superintendents for review of utility connection requirements. 9. Pay all applicable permit fees, connection fees (electric, gas, water, sewer), and the 1% state surcharge. 10. Receive the issued building permit and post it on-site in a visible location. 11. Schedule required inspections with the Building Inspector at (435) 610-0547 or nephi.inspector@nephi.utah.gov.

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

Typical processing time is Not explicitly published on the city website; contact the building permit office for current turnaround estimates..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Structures 200 square feet or less (consistent with IRC Section R105.2); Ordinary repairs that do not involve structural changes; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls under 4 feet in height from bottom of footing (not supporting a surcharge). Note: Renovations or additions still require a building permit and applicable fees; however, new utility connection fees may not apply to renovations or additions when utility connections already exist. Any work involving electrical, plumbing, or mechanical regardless of size requires applicable trade permits.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (435) 610-0547, nephi.inspector@nephi.utah.gov. Have the permit number and project address available when scheduling..

Other cities in Juab County