Before You Build in Salt Lake City, UT: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)
Everything you need to know before starting a home improvement project
Building a fence, installing a pool, or adding a shed? Each project has its own set of local permits and rules in Salt Lake City. This guide consolidates fence, pool, ADU, shed, fire pit, and landscaping regulations into one checklist so you know what to expect before you start.
Quick Permit Checklist
At-a-glance overview of permit categories in Salt Lake City. Click any card for details.
Fences & Walls
4 rules on file
Swimming Pools
5 rules on file
ADUs & Granny Flats
2 rules on file
Sheds & Outbuildings
3 rules on file
Fire Pits & Outdoor Structures
2 rules on file
Landscaping & Tree Removal
3 rules on file
Fences & Walls
Heavy RestrictionsHeight limits, materials, permits, and shared fence rules.
Neighbor Fence Rules
Few RestrictionsUtah has no shared-fence cost statute. SLC does not require neighbor consent for a compliant fence on your own property.
Pool Barriers
Heavy RestrictionsAll swimming pools must be enclosed by a 48-in minimum barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates per IRC Appendix G adopted by Utah.
Height Limits
Some RestrictionsSalt Lake City allows 4 ft fences in front yards and 6 ft in side/rear yards per SLC 21A.40.120. Up to 8 ft permitted with design review in some zones.
Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsFences 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.
Swimming Pools
Heavy RestrictionsPool permits, safety fencing, and drainage requirements.
Hot Tub Rules
Some RestrictionsHot tubs/spas in Salt Lake City require an electrical permit and must have a locking, safety cover (ASTM F1346) OR a 60-inch barrier per Utah IRC Appendix G, §AG105.2.
Pool Permits
Some RestrictionsBuilding permit required for all in-ground pools and spas in Salt Lake City; IRC Appendix G standards apply.
Safety Rules
Some RestrictionsPools must meet Virginia Graeme Baker drain cover, bonding, and barrier requirements; no city lifeguard rule for private pools.
Fencing Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsPools must be enclosed by a 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates per IRC Appendix G.
Above-Ground Pools
Some RestrictionsAbove-ground pools over 24 inches deep require a permit and barrier; ladders must be removable or secured.
ADUs & Granny Flats
Some RestrictionsAccessory dwelling unit rules and garage conversion permits.
Garage Conversions
Some RestrictionsGarage conversions require building permit; replacement parking must be provided if required by zone.
ADU Rules
Few RestrictionsADUs (internal, attached, and detached) allowed citywide in single-family zones per SLC 21A.40.200 (2018, expanded 2021).
Sheds & Outbuildings
Some RestrictionsShed permits, setback limits, and outbuilding size rules.
Tiny Homes
Some RestrictionsTiny homes on foundations treated as dwellings; tiny homes on wheels treated as RVs and not allowed as permanent residences.
Carport Rules
Some RestrictionsCarports allowed as accessory structures with standard setbacks; front-yard carports require special review.
Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsSheds under 200 sq ft and 12 ft tall exempt from building permit but must meet setbacks (SLC 21A.40).
Fire Pits & Outdoor Structures
Heavy RestrictionsFire pit placement, outdoor burning restrictions, and permits.
Outdoor Burning
Heavy RestrictionsOpen burning generally prohibited; Utah DAQ burn windows apply only to agricultural parcels (SLC Code 18.60, UAC R307-202).
Fire Pit Rules
Some RestrictionsRecreational fires allowed with restrictions per Salt Lake City Fire Code (SLC Code Title 18.60 adopting IFC 307).
Landscaping & Tree Removal
Heavy RestrictionsTree removal permits, heritage tree protections, and water rules.
Tree Trimming
Heavy RestrictionsPublic street trees managed by Urban Forestry; private pruning of park-strip trees requires a permit (SLC Code 2.26).
Water Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsWatering restricted by season; no watering 10 AM-6 PM May-October per Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Heavy RestrictionsRemoving public/park-strip trees requires Urban Forestry permit and replacement; private tree removal generally unregulated (SLC 2.26).
General Permit Tips
When do you typically need a permit?
Most cities require permits for structural work, including fences over a certain height, pools, ADUs, and sheds above a size threshold. Even projects that seem minor can trigger permit requirements, so it is always best to check first.
How to apply for a building permit
Visit your local building department or their website. Most jurisdictions accept online applications. You will typically need a site plan, project description, and may need contractor information. Processing times vary from same-day for simple projects to several weeks for larger builds.
Common permit violations to avoid
Building without a permit, exceeding approved dimensions, and ignoring setback requirements are the most common violations. Penalties can include fines, required removal of the structure, and complications when selling your home.
Permit Guides for Nearby Cities
Looking for rules beyond permits? View all ordinances we track for Salt Lake City.