County Building Permits
Wayne County, UT - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Wayne County, Utah. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Utah Updated March 2026
Permit Authority
All unincorporated areas of Wayne County, excluding federal lands within Capitol Reef National Park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and BLM-managed lands.
- Department
- Wayne County Planning and Zoning / Wayne County Building Department
- Address
- 18 South Main Street, Loa, UT 84747
- Phone
- 435-836-1302
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Paper-based • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Download the Building Permit Application from https://waynecountyutah.gov/documents or pick it up in person at the Wayne County Courthouse.
- Consult the Wayne County Administrative Manual for the complete checklist of required materials and submittal requirements.
- Prepare required supporting documents: water approval letter or private well permit, wastewater feasibility study (septic approval), road encroachment permit if applicable, plot plan/site plan, and construction drawings.
- Complete the Building Permit Application form.
- If owner-building, prepare the notarized DOPL Owner/Builder Certification Agreement.
- Submit completed application and all supporting documents in person at the Wayne County Courthouse or by mail to P.O. Box 189, Loa, UT 84747.
- Plans are reviewed by the Building Inspector. Staff may request corrections or additional information.
- Pay permit fee upon approval based on project valuation.
- Receive issued permit. Post the permit card on the job site and keep approved plans on site throughout construction.
- Schedule required inspections by contacting the Building Department at 435-836-1302.
- Pass all required inspections in sequence.
- Obtain final inspection approval and Certificate of Occupancy before occupying the structure.
Source: Wayne County Planning and Zoning / Wayne County Building Department
General Requirements
Any new construction, addition, alteration, repair, demolition, relocation, or change of occupancy of a building or structure requires a building permit.
Required Documents
- Completed building permit application
- Site plan/plot plan showing parcel dimensions, proposed structure location, setbacks, easements, and drainage
- Construction drawings appropriate to project type
- Letter of water approval from nearest city/town water system or approved private well permit from Utah Division of Water Rights
- Wastewater feasibility study (septic approval) from Central Utah Public Health Department
- Road encroachment permit from Wayne County Road Department or UDOT, if applicable
- DOPL Owner/Builder Certification Agreement, if owner-builder
- Permit validity
- Standard Utah practice: permits expire if construction does not start within 180 days of issuance, or if construction is abandoned for 180 days after commencement. Confirm exact policy with the Building Department.
- Building code
- 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IEBC, NEC 2020, and Utah Wildland Urban Interface Code, per Utah Title 15A (effective November 1, 2023).
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders are allowed under statewide law (Utah Code Section 58-55-305). Notarized DOPL Owner/Builder Certification Agreement is required with permit application. County registers owner-builder with DOPL at permit issuance.
- Contractor requirements
- Utah DOPL state license required for all construction work valued at $3,000 or more. Contractor must provide license verification at permit application.
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Valuation-based, calculated as a percentage of project valuation derived from ICC Building Valuation Data (updated semi-annually).
- Payment note
- Wayne County does not publish a standalone fee schedule online. Contact the Building Department at 435-836-1302 for current fee amounts.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Ordinary maintenance and repair not affecting structural systems, life safety systems, or regulated mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems
- Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, and similar finish work
- Replacement of existing fixtures or appliances in-kind without structural or code-level changes
- Minor repairs to existing roofing without structural alteration
- Fences not exceeding 6 feet in height
- Portable structures under applicable square footage thresholds
- Sheds under 200 square feet (typically exempt across Utah)
Important: Permit exemption does not override zoning setback, height, or lot coverage requirements. Contact the Planning & Zoning office for zoning compliance obligations even on exempt structures.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 435-836-1302 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Call in advance of the needed inspection date. Contact the department for required lead time.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. for lunch)
Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing inspection, foundation inspection, rough-in inspections (framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical), insulation inspection, and final inspection. All work must remain accessible and exposed until approved.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IEBC, NEC 2020, and Utah Wildland Urban Interface Code, per Utah Title 15A (effective November 1, 2023).
- Verify contractor license: Utah DOPL Contractor License Verification
- Central Utah Public Health Department (Septic/Water Approvals)
- Utah DOPL Contractor Licensing
- Utah State Construction Code (Title 15A)
- License lookup guide: Utah Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Utah Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Utah hub: Utah Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Wayne County Planning and Zoning / Wayne County Building Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wayne County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Wayne County, UT?
- Any new construction, addition, alteration, repair, demolition, relocation, or change of occupancy of a building or structure requires a building permit.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Wayne County, UT?
- Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based, calculated as a percentage of project valuation derived from ICC Building Valuation Data (updated semi-annually)..
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Wayne County, UT?
- 1. Download the Building Permit Application from https://waynecountyutah.gov/documents or pick it up in person at the Wayne County Courthouse. 2. Consult the Wayne County Administrative Manual for the complete checklist of required materials and submittal requirements. 3. Prepare required supporting documents: water approval letter or private well permit, wastewater feasibility study (septic approval), road encroachment permit if applicable, plot plan/site plan, and construction drawings. 4. Complete the Building Permit Application form. 5. If owner-building, prepare the notarized DOPL Owner/Builder Certification Agreement. 6. Submit completed application and all supporting documents in person at the Wayne County Courthouse or by mail to P.O. Box 189, Loa, UT 84747. 7. Plans are reviewed by the Building Inspector. Staff may request corrections or additional information. 8. Pay permit fee upon approval based on project valuation. 9. Receive issued permit. Post the permit card on the job site and keep approved plans on site throughout construction. 10. Schedule required inspections by contacting the Building Department at 435-836-1302. 11. Pass all required inspections in sequence. 12. Obtain final inspection approval and Certificate of Occupancy before occupying the structure.
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Wayne County, UT?
- The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair not affecting structural systems, life safety systems, or regulated mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, and similar finish work; Replacement of existing fixtures or appliances in-kind without structural or code-level changes; Minor repairs to existing roofing without structural alteration; Fences not exceeding 6 feet in height; Portable structures under applicable square footage thresholds; Sheds under 200 square feet (typically exempt across Utah). Note: Permit exemption does not override zoning setback, height, or lot coverage requirements. Contact the Planning & Zoning office for zoning compliance obligations even on exempt structures.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Wayne County, UT?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 435-836-1302. Call in advance of the needed inspection date. Contact the department for required lead time..
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This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.