Permit Requirements: South Jordan vs West Valley City
How do permit requirements rules compare between South Jordan, UT and West Valley City, UT?
South Jordan and West Valley City have similar restriction levels.
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 →West Valley City, UT
Salt Lake County
Fences 6 feet or shorter do not require a building permit in West Valley City. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit per IRC adopted by Utah.
View full West Valley City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | South Jordan | West Valley City |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Under 6 ft | - | No permit |
| Over 6 ft | - | Permit required |
| Code | - | IRC R105.2 |
| Retaining Wall | - | Over 4 ft needs permit |
| Pool Barrier | - | Always needs permit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
West Valley City FAQ
Do I need a permit for a 6-foot vinyl fence in my backyard?
No building permit needed under IRC R105.2 since it is not over 6 feet. You must still comply with WVC zoning setbacks and call Blue Stakes (811) before digging post holes.
What if I want a 7-foot privacy fence?
A building permit is required from WVC Building Division (801-963-3420). Submit a site plan showing setbacks. Zoning approval may also be needed as residential side/rear max is typically 6 feet.
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