St. George, UT Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- St. George City Code § 9-1-3
- Inspection authority
- Chief building official's office
- Requirement
- Final inspection before occupancy
- Penalty
- Class B misdemeanor (§ 1-4-1)
- Utility hold
- No water/electric transfer until CO issued
Summary
St. George bars occupancy of any new, altered, or relocated building until the chief building official's office completes a final inspection and issues a certificate of occupancy confirming code compliance.
No vacant land shall be occupied or used and no building or structure hereafter erected, altered or moved shall be occupied until a certificate of occupancy shall have been issued by the chief building official or an inspector from his office. ... The certificate of occupancy provided for herein shall be issued only after final inspection by the office of the chief building official and determination that the extent and kind of use to be made of the building or premises conforms to the provisions of this chapter and any codes adopted hereunder.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-062, passed August 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
St. George City Code section 9-1-3 bars occupancy of any new, altered, or relocated building, and use of any vacant land, until the chief building official's office issues a certificate of occupancy. The certificate follows a final inspection confirming the building and its intended use comply with the adopted construction codes and city ordinances. The chief building official can issue a conditional certificate covering only part of a building at his discretion. Water and electric utilities cannot be transferred into a permanent occupant's name until the certificate has been issued. A contractor or builder who lets anyone occupy a dwelling unit before the certificate issues commits a class B misdemeanor.
Violations & Fines
Occupying before the certificate issues is a class B misdemeanor under section 1-4-1; utilities also cannot be transferred to the occupant until the certificate is issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does St. George require a final building inspection?
What happens if someone occupies a building before the inspection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. George
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