Salt Lake City, UT Outdoor Cooking: Outdoor Kitchen Permits (2026)

Salt Lake City does not have a single 'outdoor kitchen' permit, but rather a combination of zoning and trade permits triggered by the components of the project. Zoning treatment is governed by SLC Code Chapter 21A.40 (Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures) and Section 21A.40.050 (general yard, bulk, and height limitations): an outdoor kitchen with a roof or enclosing walls is an accessory building subject to side-yard and rear-yard setbacks (typically 4 ft from the principal building and 1 ft from side/rear lot lines in most residential zones), the front-yard prohibition, and the 480 sq ft minimum accessory-building coverage allowance. Building permit triggers (per the 2021 International Residential Code as adopted by Salt Lake City Building Services) include: any roofed structure requires a building permit; gas lines for a built-in grill or pizza oven require a gas/plumbing permit; new 120/240V electrical for outlets, lighting, or appliances requires an electrical permit; permanent water supply and drain lines for sinks require a plumbing permit. Pergolas without permanent roofing, freestanding portable grills, and simple paver patios with no utilities typically do not require permits but must comply with zoning setbacks. Built-in fire features (firepits, outdoor fireplaces) must comply with IFC 307 series clearances. Apply through the SLC Accela permit portal.