Lehi, UT Environmental Rules: Grading & Drainage (2026)

Utah County enforces IBC 2021 Appendix J Grading and the Land Use Ordinance grading provisions. A grading permit is required for earthwork over 50 cubic yards, any fill deeper than 2 feet, cuts deeper than 5 feet, or any grading on slopes steeper than 30 percent. Provo City Code §15.04 and Orem City Code §16-3 impose substantially similar thresholds within city limits. Retaining walls over 4 feet tall (measured bottom of footing to top of wall) require a separate building permit with engineered plans sealed by a Utah-licensed PE. Historic drainage patterns must be preserved; owners may not redirect concentrated flow onto neighboring properties, which violates Utah common law and county code. Engineered geotechnical reports are required on hillside lots because of landslide and debris-flow hazards mapped along the Wasatch Front. Compaction testing at 90–95 percent modified Proctor is required for structural fill. Final grade certification must match approved plans before certificate of occupancy.