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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Morgan County
A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, remodels (including basement finishes), demolitions, changes of occupancy, detached structures (garages, sheds, storage buildings), swimming pools, solar panel installations, and commercial buildings. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work require trade permits in addition to or separate from the building permit.
One-story detached accessory structures with a floor area of 200 square feet or less (sheds, playhouses, tool sheds, and similar structures under this threshold)
Ordinary repairs that do not involve structural changes, changes to exit or egress, fire-resistant construction, or the building's mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems
Interior cosmetic and finish work: painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinet installation, countertop replacement, and similar finish work
Replacement of lamps and connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles
Agricultural buildings on qualifying agricultural property (subject to completion of Morgan County's Agricultural Exemption form)
Fences, retaining walls under 4 feet in height, and similar minor site work (confirm with the department as local ordinance specifics vary)
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures with a floor area of 200 square feet or less (sheds, playhouses, tool sheds, and similar structures under this threshold)
- Exempt Ordinary repairs that do not involve structural changes, changes to exit or egress, fire-resistant construction, or the building's mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems
- Exempt Interior cosmetic and finish work: painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinet installation, countertop replacement, and similar finish work
- Exempt Replacement of lamps and connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles
- Exempt Agricultural buildings on qualifying agricultural property (subject to completion of Morgan County's Agricultural Exemption form)
- Exempt Fences, retaining walls under 4 feet in height, and similar minor site work (confirm with the department as local ordinance specifics vary)
Note: Even for exempt structures, zoning setbacks, land use regulations, and other county requirements may still apply. Contact the Planning & Development Department to confirm exempt status before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed permit application (via Civic Review)
- Architectural plans (all pages, PDF) with engineer stamps and Architectural Review Committee electrical stamp
- Structural engineering calculations
- Site plan showing property lines, setbacks, and proposed structure location
- Land Use Permit (submitted concurrently)
- Fire Protection Plan Approval form (signed by appropriate fire district)
- Memo of Understanding (signed)
- Owner/Builder Certification (if not using a licensed contractor -- for primary owner-occupied residences only)
- Hold Harmless Agreement
- REScheck energy compliance report (demonstrating IRC Chapter 11 compliance + 5%)
- Geoscoping Application (if required by site conditions)
- Floodplain Permit (if in SFHA)
- Agricultural Exemption form (if qualifying ag property)
- Building code
- 2021 IRC (primary code for 1- and 2-family dwellings and townhouses), 2021 IBC (commercial and multi-family), 2021 IPC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 IECC, NEC 2023, all as adopted by Utah under Title 15A, effective July 1, 2023. Morgan County's building and construction regulations codified in Title 7 of the Morgan County Code; land use regulations in Title XV.
- Permit validity
- A permit becomes invalid if authorized work does not commence within 180 days of issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after commencement. The building official may grant written extensions of up to 180 days each upon written request with justifiable cause demonstrated.
- Owner-builder
- Per Utah Code Section 58-55-305, a property owner may pull their own building permit for a structure they own and intend to occupy as their primary residence. The Owner/Builder Certification form must be submitted with the application. The county registers the owner-builder with DOPL automatically. Owner-builder status is not permitted for rental, commercial, or investment properties.
- Contractor requirements
- All hired contractors must hold a current Utah DOPL license. General contractors need a B100 license for projects over $3,000. Trade-specific licenses required for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other specialty work. Contractor license information must be provided with permit application.
Source: Morgan County Planning & Development Department -- Building Division ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Up to three weeks (approximately 14 business days) once the application is deemed complete. Additional review cycles for correction rounds extend this timeline.
- 01 Determine whether your property is in unincorporated Morgan County or within Morgan City limits. If within Morgan City, apply through Morgan City Planning & Zoning instead.
- 02 Review the project-type checklist on the county website (available for: Residential New Construction, Remodel/Basement Finish, Addition, Detached Structure, Solar Panels, Swimming Pool, Commercial Building).
- 03 Obtain any required supplementary approvals: Land Use Permit, Fire Protection Plan Approval, Geoscoping Application (if required), Floodplain Permit (if in SFHA), or Change of Address Form.
- 04 Prepare all required documents in PDF format. All documents requiring a signature and notary stamp must be printed, signed and notarized, then scanned and submitted digitally.
- 05 Create an account in Civic Review and initiate a new permit application at https://app.civicreview.com/application/641db259d3a8ae9867874539.
- 06 Upload all plans and documents. Plans must be complete PDFs with all pages, including engineer stamps and any required Architectural Review Committee stamps.
- 07 Pay the non-refundable plan review deposit through Civic Review (or by phone or in person). Review will not begin until payment is received and all required items have been submitted.
- 08 County staff conducts a pre-review phase to confirm all documents and payments are received and complete.
- 09 Formal plan review begins once the application is deemed complete. Review takes up to three weeks (approximately 14 business days) from that point.
- 10 Receive comments or approval through Basecamp. Respond to any correction requests and resubmit revised plans.
- 11 Once approved, pay the remaining permit fee (plan review balance + permit fee based on building valuation + 1% state fee + applicable impact fees).
- 12 Receive issued permit. Post permit on job site.
- 13 Ensure a port-a-john is onsite before the footing inspection and kept onsite through final inspection.
- 14 Schedule required inspections by calling (801) 845-4015.
- 15 Complete all required inspection stages and receive final sign-off.
- 16 Obtain Certificate of Occupancy (CO) upon completion of final inspection.
Typical processing time: Up to three weeks (approximately 14 business days) once the application is deemed complete. Additional review cycles for correction rounds extend this timeline.
Source: Morgan County Planning & Development Department -- Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Morgan County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Plan review deposits (non-refundable; review does not begin until paid): Residential dwellings (new construction) $500; Solar panels $100; Accessory buildings, detached garages, storage buildings, swimming pools, additions, finished basements $50
02
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based fee formula (refer to Building Permit Fees and Worksheet PDF for the valuation-based fee table). Contact the county at (801) 845-4015 for the most current fee amounts, as schedules may be updated by resolution.
03
Reinspection fee
Investigation/verification inspection fee for stop-work order corrections: $70 (must be paid before verification inspection can be scheduled)
04
Penalty (no permit)
100% of the permit fee is charged as an additional penalty when work is discovered to have been performed without a permit
Mandatory 1% state surcharge applied to the total permit fee, remitted to the State of Utah. Impact fees (assessed by Morgan County and/or local service districts for roads, parks, utilities, etc.) may also apply.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (801) 845-4015 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Typical sequence: Required inspection sequence (residential new construction): 1. Footing inspection (before concrete is poured; port-a-john required); 2. Foundation inspection (after forms are set, before backfill); 3. Frame inspection (after framing, rough electrical, rough plumbing, and rough mechanical are complete, before insulation and drywall); 4. Final inspection (after all construction is complete). Additional inspections available for: Remodel/Basement Finish, Addition, Detached Structure, Swimming Pool, Solar Panels, Commercial Building. Temporary/permanent power inspections require the permit number and Rocky Mountain Power work order number.
Port-a-john requirement: A portable restroom facility MUST be onsite at the time of the footing inspection and must remain onsite through the final inspection.
Source: Morgan County Planning & Development Department -- Building Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Morgan County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Morgan County, UT? ▸
A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, remodels (including basement finishes), demolitions, changes of occupancy, detached structures (garages, sheds, storage buildings), swimming pools, solar panel installations, and commercial buildings. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work require trade permits in addition to or separate from the building permit.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Morgan County, UT? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Morgan County, UT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based fee formula (refer to Building Permit Fees and Worksheet PDF for the valuation-based fee table). Contact the county at (801) 845-4015 for the most current fee amounts, as schedules may be updated by resolution.. Plan check fee: Plan review deposits (non-refundable; review does not begin until paid): Residential dwellings (new construction) $500; Solar panels $100; Accessory buildings, detached garages, storage buildings, swimming pools, additions, finished basements $50.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Morgan County, UT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Morgan County, UT, follow these steps: 1. Determine whether your property is in unincorporated Morgan County or within Morgan City limits. If within Morgan City, apply through Morgan City Planning & Zoning instead. 2. Review the project-type checklist on the county website (available for: Residential New Construction, Remodel/Basement Finish, Addition, Detached Structure, Solar Panels, Swimming Pool, Commercial Building). 3. Obtain any required supplementary approvals: Land Use Permit, Fire Protection Plan Approval, Geoscoping Application (if required), Floodplain Permit (if in SFHA), or Change of Address Form. 4. Prepare all required documents in PDF format. All documents requiring a signature and notary stamp must be printed, signed and notarized, then scanned and submitted digitally. 5. Create an account in Civic Review and initiate a new permit application at https://app.civicreview.com/application/641db259d3a8ae9867874539. 6. Upload all plans and documents. Plans must be complete PDFs with all pages, including engineer stamps and any required Architectural Review Committee stamps. 7. Pay the non-refundable plan review deposit through Civic Review (or by phone or in person). Review will not begin until payment is received and all required items have been submitted. 8. County staff conducts a pre-review phase to confirm all documents and payments are received and complete. 9. Formal plan review begins once the application is deemed complete. Review takes up to three weeks (approximately 14 business days) from that point. 10. Receive comments or approval through Basecamp. Respond to any correction requests and resubmit revised plans. 11. Once approved, pay the remaining permit fee (plan review balance + permit fee based on building valuation + 1% state fee + applicable impact fees). 12. Receive issued permit. Post permit on job site. 13. Ensure a port-a-john is onsite before the footing inspection and kept onsite through final inspection. 14. Schedule required inspections by calling (801) 845-4015. 15. Complete all required inspection stages and receive final sign-off. 16. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy (CO) upon completion of final inspection.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Morgan County, UT? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Morgan County, UT typically run Up to three weeks (approximately 14 business days) once the application is deemed complete. Additional review cycles for correction rounds extend this timeline.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Morgan County, UT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Morgan County, UT. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures with a floor area of 200 square feet or less (sheds, playhouses, tool sheds, and similar structures under this threshold); Ordinary repairs that do not involve structural changes, changes to exit or egress, fire-resistant construction, or the building's mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems; Interior cosmetic and finish work: painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinet installation, countertop replacement, and similar finish work; Replacement of lamps and connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles; Agricultural buildings on qualifying agricultural property (subject to completion of Morgan County's Agricultural Exemption form); Fences, retaining walls under 4 feet in height, and similar minor site work (confirm with the department as local ordinance specifics vary). Note: Even for exempt structures, zoning setbacks, land use regulations, and other county requirements may still apply. Contact the Planning & Development Department to confirm exempt status before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Morgan County, UT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Morgan County, UT via: (801) 845-4015.
last verified April 2026
source Morgan County Planning & Development Department -- Building Division ↗
entry id permits/utah/morgan/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Morgan County Planning & Development Department -- Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.