Permit Requirements: Salt Lake City vs South Jordan
How do permit requirements rules compare between Salt Lake City, UT and South Jordan, UT?
Salt Lake City and South Jordan have similar restriction levels.
Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake County
Fences up to 6 ft do not require a building permit in Salt Lake City but must meet zoning height/setback rules. Over 6 ft requires a permit.
View full Salt Lake City rules →South Jordan, UT
Salt Lake County
Building permits in unincorporated Salt Lake County are generally required for fences taller than six feet, any fence in a flood plain or foothill overlay, and all masonry walls over three feet in height. Standard residential wood, vinyl, and chain link fences under six feet typically do not need a building permit but must still meet zoning standards. Retaining wall permits are required over four feet.
View full South Jordan rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Salt Lake City | South Jordan |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 ft | No permit | - |
| Over 6 ft | Permit required | - |
| Retaining Wall | Permit if over 4 ft | - |
| Permit Fee | From $75 | - |
| Standard fence permit | - | Not required under six feet |
| Tall fence permit | - | Required over six feet |
| Masonry wall | - | Permit over three feet |
| Retaining wall | - | Permit over four feet |
| Overlay zones | - | Additional review in foothills and floodplains |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Salt Lake City FAQ
Do I need a permit for a chain-link fence?
No if 6 ft or under and meets zoning rules.
Who enforces this?
Salt Lake City at (801) 535-7704.
South Jordan FAQ
Do I need a permit for a six-foot cedar fence in my backyard?
Usually no building permit is needed if the fence is six feet or less and is outside floodplain and overlay zones. You still must meet setback and corner visibility standards.
What about a three-foot CMU block garden wall?
A block wall exactly at three feet is typically at the permit threshold, and anything over three feet requires a permit with engineered drawings. It is safest to confirm with the county.
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