On this page 6
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Nephi
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.
- Exempt Structures 200 square feet or less (consistent with IRC Section R105.2)
- Exempt Ordinary repairs that do not involve structural changes
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt 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.
- 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)
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
Source: Nephi City Planning and Zoning, Buildings, and Development ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Not explicitly published on the city website; contact the building permit office for current turnaround estimates.
- 01 Review the Nephi City Building Permits page and select the applicable CivicReview application for the project type (building permit, sign and miscellaneous permit, or internal accessory dwelling unit).
- 02 Prepare the required application materials, including site plan, construction plans, property owner information, contractor licensing information if applicable, and any policy documents or utility forms listed on the Building Permits page.
- 03 If a plat map is required for the project, obtain it from the Juab County Recorder's Office before final submission.
- 04 Submit the application through the CivicReview portal. For questions before submission, contact Planning and Zoning at planning@nephi.utah.gov or Shauna Talbot at (435) 250-8089; Building Permit Tech contact listed by the city is Leslee Anderson at (435) 623-0829.
- 05 Nephi City reviews the application through its planning/building process and routes it to the building inspector and city utility/public works departments as needed for service and connection review.
- 06 The Building Inspector assesses the value of the proposed construction. Permit fees are calculated based on assessed valuation plus the 1% state surcharge, plan check charges, permit tracking fee, and applicable connection or impact fees.
- 07 Pay all applicable permit fees, connection fees (electric, gas, water, sewer), and the 1% state surcharge.
- 08 Receive the issued building permit and post it on-site in a visible location.
- 09 Schedule required inspections with Lane Allred, Building Plan Check and Inspector, at (435) 610-0547 or laneallred@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, Buildings, and Development ↗
Fee schedule
Effective March 3, 2026
Current fee schedule lists a $1,000.00 non-refundable building permit application deposit that is credited when a permit is issued, plus the 1% state surcharge and a $75 permit tracking fee. Selected published charges include sewer connection fee of $300.00, electric impact fee of $2,075.00 per EDU, water impact fee of $6,067.00 per EDU, parks and recreation impact fee of $2,802.00 for single-family residential and $2,016.00 for multi-family residential, and utility connection fees set administratively in some cases.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective March 3, 2026) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (435) 610-0547 (phone)
- laneallred@nephi.utah.gov (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- Have the permit number and project address available when scheduling.
- Inspection hours
- City Hall hours are 7:30am-5:30pm Monday through Thursday and 8:00am-12:00pm Friday; contact the building inspector directly for site inspection availability.
Typical sequence: Typical residential new construction sequence: footing and foundation; framing; rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical; insulation; final inspection before occupancy.
Source: Nephi City Planning and Zoning, Buildings, and Development ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Nephi permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Nephi, UT? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Nephi, UT? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Nephi, UT? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Nephi, UT? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Nephi, UT? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Nephi, UT? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Nephi City Planning and Zoning, Buildings, and Development before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.