On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Salt Lake County
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.
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
- Exempt Replacing defective plumbing fixtures with equivalent fixtures
- Exempt Replacing electrical lights and receptacles with equivalent devices
- Exempt Deck or platform less than 18 inches above adjoining ground, under 200 square feet, and not attached to dwelling, subject to zoning approval
- Exempt Detached accessory structure less than 200 square feet residential or 120 square feet commercial, one story, without plumbing/mechanical/electrical, subject to zoning approval
- Exempt Fence no more than 7 feet high from adjoining grade
- Exempt Driveways and patios without roof coverings, except Public Works-permitted work
Required documents
- Permit application
- Plans
- Plan review checklists
- Stamped drawings
- Zoning and outside-agency items as applicable
- Building code
- MSD administers Utah-adopted codes and local district requirements.
- Permit validity
- Not clearly stated.
- Owner-builder
- Confirm directly with MSD.
- Contractor requirements
- Utah licensing applies.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not clearly posted as fixed SLA.
- 01 Confirm parcel is in unincorporated Salt Lake County served by MSD.
- 02 Create CityWorks account and start permit application.
- 03 Upload plans, checklists, and supporting documents.
- 04 Complete plan review and related zoning or land use approvals as required.
- 05 Pay fees through MSD process.
- 06 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Salt Lake County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Applies through MSD review.
02
Permit fee formula
Current MSD fee schedule governs.
Portal-based payment workflow with MSD tutorials.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Preconstruction, footing, foundation, trade rough-ins, framing, insulation, drywall, gas, meter set, final 4-way, and other permit-specific inspections.
Source: Building Permits and Inspections, Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Salt Lake County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Salt Lake County, UT? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Salt Lake County, UT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Current MSD fee schedule governs.. Plan check fee: Applies through MSD review..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Salt Lake County, UT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Salt Lake County, UT, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Salt Lake County, UT? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Salt Lake County, UT typically run Not clearly posted as fixed SLA.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Salt Lake County, UT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Salt Lake County, UT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Salt Lake County, UT 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..
last verified April 2026
source Building Permits and Inspections, Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District ↗
entry id permits/utah/salt-lake/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Permits and Inspections, Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.