County Building Permits

Kane County, UT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Kane County, Utah. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Utah Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Kane County, Utah; this includes rural residential and agricultural areas throughout the county; also note the county provides building permit administration, plan review, and inspection services for several small villages; Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and other federal lands within the county boundaries are outside the county's building permit jurisdiction entirely.

Department
Kane County Building Department
Address
76 N Main Street, Kanab, UT 84741
Phone
435-644-4985

Online Permit Portal

Platform: ROE Permits System • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  1. Verify the parcel is in unincorporated Kane County (not inside city/town limits) using county mapping resources.
  2. Log in to the ROE Permits System at permits.kaneroe.org using a Google or Microsoft email account.
  3. Submit building permit application electronically; paper applications are not accepted.
  4. Upload all required plans and supporting documents; engineering is required for all trusses, residences at or above 70 lbs ground snow load, all commercial projects, garages, swimming pools, fences over 7 ft tall, and retaining walls over 4 ft tall.
  5. Await county review; track status through the ROE Permits System.
  6. Pay permit fees and any applicable state surcharge when the permit is ready to issue.
  7. Obtain permit; work must commence within 180 days of issuance.
  8. Request inspections through City Inspect at kanecounty.cityinspect.com (minimum 24-hour advance notice required).
  9. Complete all required construction inspections and obtain final approval before occupancy.

Source: Kane County Building Department

General Requirements

All new construction, additions, alterations, and installations of regulated systems in unincorporated Kane County; specific examples confirmed in county sources include: water heater replacement, meter base installation, solar panel installation, electrical panel replacement, furnace installation/replacement, accessory structures (depending on square footage and use); contact the county at 435-644-4985 or PermitHelp@kaneroe.org if uncertain whether a project requires a permit. Governed by Kane County Code Title 8, Chapter 1.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Site plan
  • Architectural/construction drawings
  • Engineering for all trusses, structures at or above 70 lbs snow load, commercial projects, garages, swimming pools, fences over 7 ft, and retaining walls over 4 ft
  • Proof of parcel access meeting 28-ft minimum
  • Health/septic documentation where applicable
Permit validity
Valid for 180 days from issuance; all construction must begin within 180 days; if construction has commenced and at least one inspection has occurred within the initial 180 days but the project is not yet complete, an extension may be applied for by paying a $15.00 extension fee; the extension, if approved, adds another 180 days.
Building code
2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), and all other codes as adopted by the Utah State Construction Code Act (Title 15A); adopted effective January 1, 2022 for all permit applications received on or after that date; Kane County Code Chapter 1 (Title 8) codifies the adoption.
Owner-builder
Utah owner-builder rules apply under Utah State Code 55-55-305; contact the building department for specific owner-builder declaration forms required at the county level.
Contractor requirements
Utah DOPL contractor license required.

Fees

Permit fee formula
Valuation-based; exact multiplier and table established by County Commission resolution; a state surcharge also applies on top of the base permit fee (percentage established by state).
Payment note
Through ROE Permits System at permits.kaneroe.org; contact county building department at PermitHelp@kaneroe.org or 435-644-4985 for current fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Detached one-story accessory structures 200 sq ft or less not used for human occupancy
  • Fences not over 7 ft high
  • Retaining walls not over 4 ft high (bottom of footing to top of wall) not supporting a surcharge
  • Platforms, decks, and walks not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story
  • Painting, papering, tiling, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
  • Window awnings supported by exterior wall not projecting more than 54 inches and not requiring additional support
  • Swings and other playground equipment

Important: Kane County engineering requirements impose a more stringent threshold than the standard exemption text for some project types -- verify with the county before treating any project as exempt. Contact: 435-644-4985 or PermitHelp@kaneroe.org.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Scheduling deadline
Minimum 24-hour advance notice required; permit number is required when scheduling.

Typical inspection sequence: Project-specific; county follows Utah-adopted IBC/IRC inspection sequences; typical phases include footing/foundation, framing, rough mechanical/electrical/plumbing, insulation, and final.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Kane County Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kane County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Kane County, UT?
All new construction, additions, alterations, and installations of regulated systems in unincorporated Kane County; specific examples confirmed in county sources include: water heater replacement, meter base installation, solar panel installation, electrical panel replacement, furnace installation/replacement, accessory structures (depending on square footage and use); contact the county at 435-644-4985 or PermitHelp@kaneroe.org if uncertain whether a project requires a permit. Governed by Kane County Code Title 8, Chapter 1.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Kane County, UT?
Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; exact multiplier and table established by County Commission resolution; a state surcharge also applies on top of the base permit fee (percentage established by state)..
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Kane County, UT?
1. Verify the parcel is in unincorporated Kane County (not inside city/town limits) using county mapping resources. 2. Log in to the ROE Permits System at permits.kaneroe.org using a Google or Microsoft email account. 3. Submit building permit application electronically; paper applications are not accepted. 4. Upload all required plans and supporting documents; engineering is required for all trusses, residences at or above 70 lbs ground snow load, all commercial projects, garages, swimming pools, fences over 7 ft tall, and retaining walls over 4 ft tall. 5. Await county review; track status through the ROE Permits System. 6. Pay permit fees and any applicable state surcharge when the permit is ready to issue. 7. Obtain permit; work must commence within 180 days of issuance. 8. Request inspections through City Inspect at kanecounty.cityinspect.com (minimum 24-hour advance notice required). 9. Complete all required construction inspections and obtain final approval before occupancy.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Kane County, UT?
The following work is generally exempt: Detached one-story accessory structures 200 sq ft or less not used for human occupancy; Fences not over 7 ft high; Retaining walls not over 4 ft high (bottom of footing to top of wall) not supporting a surcharge; Platforms, decks, and walks not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story; Painting, papering, tiling, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Window awnings supported by exterior wall not projecting more than 54 inches and not requiring additional support; Swings and other playground equipment. Note: Kane County engineering requirements impose a more stringent threshold than the standard exemption text for some project types -- verify with the county before treating any project as exempt. Contact: 435-644-4985 or PermitHelp@kaneroe.org.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Kane County, UT?
Inspections can be scheduled via: City Inspect portal. Minimum 24-hour advance notice required; permit number is required when scheduling..

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.
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