Before You Build in Provo, UT: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Structural fences 6 feet or less in height do not require a building permit in Provo. Fences over 6 feet require a permit. All fences must comply with setback, vision clearance, and zoning rules.

In Provo R1 zones, solid fences in front yards are limited to 3 feet. Side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet. Non-sight-obscuring (50%+ open) fences may be up to 6 feet in front yards. No permit required for fences 6 feet or less.

Provo follows Utah's general property law for shared fences. Fences must be within the owner's property. Disputes over shared boundary fences are governed by Utah Code §17-15-3 (fence viewers). No specific cost-sharing ordinance in Provo city code.

Above-ground pools in Provo are subject to the same building permit and fencing requirements as in-ground pools. A 6-foot fence enclosure and property line setbacks apply. Accessory structure rules may apply to associated pool structures.

Provo requires a building permit for all pools. Outdoor pools must be surrounded by a fence or wall of minimum 6 feet height, set back at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching.

Provo pool safety rules follow IRC barrier standards and UDOH Admin Code R392-302. Building permits are required. Pools must maintain required fencing, gates, and setbacks at all times. Commercial pools require Utah County Health Department approval.

Garage conversions to living space in Provo require a building permit and must meet residential occupancy codes. Converting a garage to an ADU is subject to §14.30.030 ADU standards. Off-street parking requirements must still be met.

Provo City Code §14.30.030 governs ADUs. Detached ADUs must set back 10 feet from all property lines, be on permanent foundations, be architecturally compatible, and independently connected to utilities. Internal ADUs may have 1–2 utility meters.

Provo regulates carports as accessory structures under Title 14 (Zoning). In the R1 (One-Family Residential) zone, Sec. 14.10.080 requires garages and carports to be set back at least 20 feet behind the sidewalk, or at least 26 feet behind the back of curb where no sidewalk exists. On a residential corner lot, a garage or carport in the rear yard cannot be closer to the side-street property line than any residence on the adjoining lot, and in no case closer than 30 feet, whichever is more restrictive. Building permits are required for carport construction.

Sheds under 200 sq ft in Provo do not require a building permit but must meet setback and height requirements. Structures over 200 sq ft require a permit and engineered drawings. No living quarters permitted in accessory buildings.

Provo allows residential fire pits under strict size and clearance requirements. Fire pits may not exceed 3 feet in diameter, flames may not exceed 2 feet, and non-combustible surrounds are required. Clearance is 25 feet from structures.

Open burning in Provo is prohibited except for permitted recreational fires under City Code §9.51.040. The Utah Division of Air Quality's Red/Yellow air action days ban all burning. Residents must check air quality before any fire.

Tree removal on private property in Provo generally does not require a permit for small, dead, or hazardous trees. Heritage trees under the Utah Heritage Tree Act require a permit. Street/right-of-way trees require City Forester consent.

Provo City Code §9.20.050 requires written consent from the City Forester before trimming, pruning, or treating any tree on a public right-of-way or parking strip. Property owners may hire private arborists but must get city approval first.

Provo follows the Utah Division of Water Resources weekly watering guide — typically 2 days/week in May, no watering 10 AM–6 PM, and no watering October 31–April 1. All sodded yards must have automatic irrigation. Provo does NOT participate in Utah's lawn-replacement rebate program.