Salt Lake County, UT Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- National Electrical Code
- State authority
- Utah Code § 58-56-4
- Permit
- Separate electrical sub-permit required
- Scope
- Unincorporated Salt Lake County
Summary
The unincorporated county has adopted the National Electrical Code by reference, and electrical work generally needs its own sub-permit alongside any building permit.
The International mechanical code, International plumbing code, National electrical code, International fuel gas code, International fire code and International energy conservation code along with any amendments as adopted by the state of Utah as the construction standards to be adhered to by political subdivisions of the state (Section 58-56-4, Utah Code Annotated), as well as the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, 1997 Edition, published by the International Conference of Building Officials, is adopted and incorporated herein by reference into this code.
(Ord. 1491 § 5 (part), 2002: Ord. 1413 § 1 (part), 1997)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 49).
Full Breakdown
Salt Lake County Code § 15.16.010 adopts the National Electrical Code, with the state's amendments under Utah Code § 58-56-4, as the construction standard for the unincorporated area. Section 15.16.020 treats electrical work as a licensed sub-permit: it carries its own permit and fee unless the work is issued together with a building permit, in which case the separate sub-permit fee is waived under the county's fee schedule.
Violations & Fines
Wiring or equipment installed without the required electrical permit, or work that doesn't meet the adopted National Electrical Code, is a code violation; the building official can order it corrected and withhold utility connection approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What electrical code does Salt Lake County use?
Do I need a separate electrical permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Salt Lake County
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