Salt Lake County, UT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers MSD-served unincorporated Salt Lake County areas, including Brighton, Copperton, White City, Emigration Canyon, and other unincorporated districts served by MSD Building Services.

Department

Building Permits and Inspections, Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District

Address

860 W Levoy Dr, Suite 300, Taylorsville, UT 84123

Phone

385-910-7138

Email

inspections@msd.utah.gov

Website

https://www.msd.utah.gov/205/Building-Services

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm parcel is in unincorporated Salt Lake County served by MSD.
2. Create CityWorks account and start permit application.
3. Upload plans, checklists, and supporting documents.
4. Complete plan review and related zoning or land use approvals as required.
5. Pay fees through MSD process.
6. Print permit and stamped drawings, schedule inspections, and complete all required sign-offs.

Typical processing time: Not clearly posted as fixed SLA.

Source: Building Permits and Inspections, Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District

General Requirements

Same MSD permit triggers apply: additions, remodels, detached structures over 200 sq ft residential or 120 sq ft commercial, retaining walls over 4 ft, plumbing/electrical changes, service changes, HVAC replacement, spas, windows, reroofing, siding/stucco replacement.

Required Documents

• Permit application
• Plans
• Plan review checklists
• Stamped drawings
• Zoning and outside-agency items as applicable

Permit validity

Not clearly stated.

Building code

MSD administers Utah-adopted codes and local district requirements.

Owner-builder

Confirm directly with MSD.

Contractor requirements

Utah licensing applies.

Fees

Plan check fee

Applies through MSD review.

Permit fee formula

Current MSD fee schedule governs.

Payment note

Portal-based payment workflow with MSD tutorials.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Replacing defective plumbing fixtures with equivalent fixtures
• Replacing electrical lights and receptacles with equivalent devices
• Deck or platform less than 18 inches above adjoining ground, under 200 square feet, and not attached to dwelling, subject to zoning approval
• Detached accessory structure less than 200 square feet residential or 120 square feet commercial, one story, without plumbing/mechanical/electrical, subject to zoning approval
• Fence no more than 7 feet high from adjoining grade
• Driveways and patios without roof coverings, except Public Works-permitted work

Inspections

How to Schedule

• CityWorks portal (online)
• 385-910-5830 inspection hotline (phone)
• inspections@msd.utah.gov (email)

Scheduling deadline

Before 3:00 p.m. for next business day; concrete inspections may request approximate time between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Preconstruction, footing, foundation, trade rough-ins, framing, insulation, drywall, gas, meter set, final 4-way, and other permit-specific inspections.

Additional Resources

• Building code: MSD administers Utah-adopted codes and local district requirements.
• Verify contractor license: Utah DOPL License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Do I Need a Building Permit
• Building Permit Checklists
• License lookup guide: Utah Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Utah Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Utah hub: Utah Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Salt Lake County, UT?

Same MSD permit triggers apply: additions, remodels, detached structures over 200 sq ft residential or 120 sq ft commercial, retaining walls over 4 ft, plumbing/electrical changes, service changes, HVAC replacement, spas, windows, reroofing, siding/stucco replacement.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Salt Lake County, UT?

Fees are calculated as: Current MSD fee schedule governs.. Plan check fee: Applies through MSD review..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Salt Lake County, UT?

1. Confirm parcel is in unincorporated Salt Lake County served by MSD. 2. Create CityWorks account and start permit application. 3. Upload plans, checklists, and supporting documents. 4. Complete plan review and related zoning or land use approvals as required. 5. Pay fees through MSD process. 6. Print permit and stamped drawings, schedule inspections, and complete all required sign-offs.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Salt Lake County, UT?

Typical processing time is Not clearly posted as fixed SLA..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Salt Lake County, UT?

The following work is generally exempt: Replacing defective plumbing fixtures with equivalent fixtures; Replacing electrical lights and receptacles with equivalent devices; Deck or platform less than 18 inches above adjoining ground, under 200 square feet, and not attached to dwelling, subject to zoning approval; Detached accessory structure less than 200 square feet residential or 120 square feet commercial, one story, without plumbing/mechanical/electrical, subject to zoning approval; Fence no more than 7 feet high from adjoining grade; Driveways and patios without roof coverings, except Public Works-permitted work.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Salt Lake County, UT?

Inspections can be scheduled via: CityWorks portal, 385-910-5830 inspection hotline, inspections@msd.utah.gov. Before 3:00 p.m. for next business day; concrete inspections may request approximate time between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m..