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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Ballard
New construction, additions, remodels, and other building activity regulated by the adopted building code within Ballard City limits.
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, and similar) not exceeding 120 square feet in floor area.
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high.
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height and not supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids.
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
- Exempt Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below.
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work.
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a group R-3 occupancy not more than 24 inches deep and not more than 5,000 gallons.
Note: Exemptions default to Utah-adopted IRC/IBC standards. Verify project-specific exemption status with the City Office before treating work as permit-exempt.
- Completed building permit application (Residential/Duplex form)
- Site plan and construction plans
- Contractor license information
- Planning and Zoning approval if required by project type
- Building code
- Ballard City operates under the Utah statewide adopted 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, and related I-Codes as the baseline; local amendments if any are published in the city ordinance code.
- Permit validity
- Default Utah-adopted 180-day code standard likely applies unless locally amended.
- Owner-builder
- Utah state owner-builder rules apply; not separately published on reviewed city pages.
- Contractor requirements
- Utah DOPL contractor license required; city may require additional local registration; confirm with City Office.
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated; contact City Office for current processing times.
- 01 Contact Ballard City Office at 435-722-3393 or info@ballardcityut.gov to confirm the current intake process and permit requirements for the specific project type.
- 02 Download the Residential/Duplex Building Permit form from https://www.ballardcityut.gov/media/46 or obtain it from the City Office.
- 03 Complete the permit application in full; include all contractor and owner information, project description, site address, and parcel number.
- 04 Submit the completed application and any required supporting plans or documents to the City Office.
- 05 If the project requires Planning and Zoning approval, complete the Planning and Zoning Application and pay associated fees before the Planning and Zoning Board meeting (held the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall).
- 06 Await city review and pay permit fees when approved.
- 07 Receive the issued permit; keep it and approved plans on site.
- 08 Schedule inspections with Jim Lisonbee at 435-724-2318, providing at least 24 hours notice.
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact City Office for current processing times.
Fee schedule
Ballard building permit fees
Fees payable at or before permit issuance; confirm payment methods and amounts with City Office.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Jim Lisonbee: 435-724-2318 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24-hour advance notice is required for all inspections.
- Inspection hours
- City offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; inspection hours not separately published; confirm with City Office.
- Time windows
- Not separately published; contact City Office for inspection windows.
Typical sequence: Project-specific; inspections during construction phases required before covering work; final inspection required before occupancy; confirm specific required inspection stages with the Building Department.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Ballard permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Ballard, UT? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Ballard, UT? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Ballard, UT? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Ballard, UT? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Ballard, UT? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Ballard, UT? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Ballard City Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.