Salt Lake County, UT Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- 1+ acre of land disturbance, or borrow pits
- Issuing office
- Salt Lake County Engineer
- Review time
- 15 days for written response
- Permit expires
- 180 days idle or 18 months unfinished
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Salt Lake County only
Summary
Grading, borrow pits and land disturbance over an acre in unincorporated Salt Lake County require a land disturbance permit from the county engineer before any building permit issues.
Every person will be required to obtain a land disturbance permit from the county engineer in the following cases:1.Land disturbing activity generally affecting one or more acres of land;...C.Building permit. No building permit shall be issued until the applicant has obtained a land disturbance permit where one is required by this ordinance.
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
County Code §17.22.040 requires a land disturbance permit from the county engineer for grading activity affecting one acre or more, smaller disturbances that are part of a larger development, borrow pits, and processing of earthen materials like topsoil or gravel. The application must include a stormwater pollution prevention plan and a sediment and erosion control plan, plus proof of a state UPDES construction permit. No building permit can issue until the land disturbance permit is obtained, and the permit expires if work does not start within 180 days or finish within 18 months.
Violations & Fines
No building permit will be issued without an approved land disturbance permit where one is required (§17.22.040(C)); permits lapse after 180 days without substantial work or 18 months without completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit just to grade my lot in Salt Lake County?
Can I get a building permit before the grading permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Salt Lake County
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