Utah County, UT Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- UCC §§ 8.18.010, 8.18.030
- Standard adopted
- Utah State Construction Code
- Penalty class
- Class C misdemeanor
- Maximum fine
- $750
- Maximum jail time
- 90 days
- Ag exemption
- § 8.18.060 application required
- Appeal deadline
- 20 calendar days
Summary
Utah County Code § 8.18.010 adopts the Utah State Construction Code as the building standard for unincorporated Utah County, and § 8.18.030 makes it unlawful to grade, excavate, fill, or erect, alter, convert, or demolish any building or structure without complying with it, meaning a permit and inspections are required before most construction begins. A narrow agricultural exemption exists under § 8.18.060.
In accordance with the provisions of Utah Code § 15A-2-103, the County adopts the Utah State Construction Code, as adopted by the Utah State Legislature, ("Construction Code") as the construction standard to be adhered to within unincorporated Utah County. ... It shall be unlawful for a property owner, or other person, firm, corporation, partnership, or entity, contrary to or in violation of the provision of this chapter, to: do any grading, excavating, or filling in the County; erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building, structure, or service equipment; or permit, hire, authorize, or cause the same to occur in the County.
Full Breakdown
010 adopts the Utah State Construction Code, as adopted by the Utah State Legislature under Utah Code § 15A-2-103, as the construction standard for all building work in unincorporated Utah County. 030, Violations, makes it unlawful for any property owner or other person, firm, corporation, partnership, or entity to do any grading, excavating, or filling in the county, or to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy, or maintain any building, structure, or service equipment, without complying with the chapter, which in practice means obtaining the required building permit and passing the inspections the adopted Construction Code calls for.
070. 060 lets a property owner who believes a proposed structure qualifies for the agricultural use exemption under Utah Code § 15A-1-204 file an exemption application with the Community Development Division; building without first securing that exemption approval exposes the owner to the fines set in the Fee Schedule. 050 within twenty calendar days. The chapter's current text reflects the October 12, 2022 update adopted by Ordinance 2022-971, Updated Building and Safety Codes Copy on File.
Violations & Fines
Building, grading, excavating, or altering a structure in unincorporated Utah County without complying with Chapter 8.18, including without the required permit, is a class C misdemeanor under § 8.18.040, and each day the violation continues is a separate offense. Under § 1.04.010, a class C misdemeanor carries a fine up to $750, up to ninety days in jail, or both. Building under the claimed agricultural exemption without first securing § 8.18.060 approval draws separate fines set by the county's Fee Schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a shed or addition in unincorporated Utah County?
Is there an exception for farm buildings?
What happens if I disagree with a building permit decision?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Utah County
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