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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Salt Lake City
A building permit is required for most construction work including erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, improving, removing, converting, or demolishing a building or making regulated electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work.
Note: No city-specific exempt-work list was clearly surfaced on the main public building permit page; confirm exemptions directly with Building Services.
- Online permit application
- Construction plans and plan review documents uploaded to ProjectDox
- Worksheet/forms as applicable
- Zoning and planning materials as applicable
- Building code
- Salt Lake City Building Services administers Utah-adopted codes with city ordinance amendments.
- Permit validity
- Permit validity and expiration terms should be confirmed on issued permit and current city code.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builder and project worksheets are posted in city forms.
- Contractor requirements
- Utah state contractor licensing applies; application materials request contractor business name and state license number.
Application process
Typical processing: Applications reviewed in order received; current review queue dates posted on permit page rather than fixed SLA.
- 01 Confirm zoning and project path with Planning Counter if required for your project type.
- 02 Register or log in to the Citizen Access Portal and submit the building permit application.
- 03 After acceptance, upload plans and supporting documents through ProjectDox per emailed instructions.
- 04 City reviewers perform prescreening and plan review; invoices and comments are issued.
- 05 Pay outstanding permit balances through the portal or in person.
- 06 Permit is issued after approvals and fees are complete.
- 07 Schedule inspections through the Citizen Access Portal or 801-535-6000 before 3:00 p.m. for next business day.
Typical processing time: Applications reviewed in order received; current review queue dates posted on permit page rather than fixed SLA.
Fee schedule
Salt Lake City building permit fees
Cashier payments at 451 S State St #225 with invoice; paper check by mail with invoice; portal and app support workflow after issuance.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Citizen Access Portal (online)
- 801-535-6000 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Before 3:00 p.m. for next business day scheduling.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Typical sequence: Permit-specific inspections based on project scope and approved permit; results available online and through app.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Salt Lake City permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Salt Lake City, UT? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Salt Lake City, UT? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Salt Lake City, UT? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Salt Lake City, UT? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Salt Lake City, UT? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Services, Salt Lake City Corporation before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.