Unincorporated Piute County

A building permit is required before any owner or authorized agent erects, constructs, reconstructs, alters, repairs, moves, demolishes, or changes the occupancy of a building or structure, or installs, enlarges, alters, repairs, removes, converts, or replaces any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system regulated by the adopted codes. Violation is a Class B Misdemeanor (maximum fine $1,000 or 6 months in jail, or both).

• Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, storage buildings) with a floor area not greater than 120 square feet are generally exempt from building permit requirements under the Utah-adopted 2021 IRC (Section R105.2 baseline).
• Exempt Ordinary repairs that do not involve structural members, changes to the building envelope, or modifications to regulated mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems may be exempt.
• Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work are typically exempt under model code provisions.
• Exempt Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery are typically exempt.

Note: Piute County's specific local exemption list is not publicly posted. Always confirm with the Building Inspector before treating any work as exempt.

Building code

Piute County adopted a building code ordinance last updated by Ordinance 10-286 (passed January 31, 2011). As a matter of state law, Piute County is also bound by the statewide Utah State Construction Code (Title 15A), which mandates enforcement of the 2021 IBC, IRC, and associated codes effective November 1, 2023.

Permit validity

Under the 2021 IRC/IBC model code provisions (which Utah has adopted statewide), permits typically expire if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance or if work is abandoned for 180 days; confirm current Piute County policy by phone.

Owner-builder

Utah Code Section 58-55-304 owner-builder exemption applies. The property must be owned by the applicant, the structure must be for the owner's own occupancy, not for sale or lease, and the owner may only use this exemption once per three years. The DOPL Owner/Builder Certification Agreement must be submitted with the permit application.

Contractor requirements

All contractors working in Piute County must hold a valid Utah state contractor license through DOPL (dopl.utah.gov). Verify license at dopl.utah.gov before hiring.

1. 01
   Contact the Piute County Building Inspector at 435-577-2840 to discuss the project and confirm permit requirements before applying.
2. 02
   Obtain the building permit application form from the county office at 550 N Main, Junction, UT 84740.
3. 03
   Prepare two sets of construction plans (site plan, floor plans, elevations, structural details, and supporting engineering where required) that fully conform to all applicable regulations in effect.
4. 04
   Submit the completed application, plans, and required documents in person at the county office.
5. 05
   The Building Inspector reviews the plans for conformance with adopted codes and county regulations.
6. 06
   Once approved, pay the applicable permit fee. The county may not issue a permit unless plans fully conform to all regulations.
7. 07
   Permit is issued. Post the permit card on-site and keep approved plans at the job site throughout construction.
8. 08
   Schedule required inspections with the Building Inspector as work progresses.

Typical processing time: Not publicly posted. Given the county's small size and staffing, processing times will vary; contact the office directly for current turnaround.

Source: Piute County Building Inspector ↗

• 435-577-2840 (phone)

Typical sequence: Varies by project type. For residential new construction, standard inspections include footing/foundation, framing, insulation, rough mechanical/electrical/plumbing, and final. Approved plans must be present on site at all inspections.