Building Permits in San Juan County, Utah
Adopted Construction Codes
These are the state-level code editions for Utah. They apply in San Juan Countyunless a verified local adoption or amendment is noted — in local-adoption states, confirm the city or county's own code editions with the building department.
Permit Requirements
Statewide baseline under the codes as adopted by Utah. Local amendments and fee schedules for San Juan County are being verified — use the building department contacts to confirm before you build.
Exemptions: Per IRC R105.2 (2021, adopted statewide by Utah Title 15A): no permit needed for one-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) of 200 sq ft or less; fences up to 7 ft; retaining walls up to 4 ft not supporting a surcharge; sidewalks and driveways; painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, and similar finish work; prefabricated pools less than 24 in. deep; window awnings extending 54 in. or less.
Process: Apply through your city or county building department (see the jurisdiction page for the local portal). Plan review, then permit issuance, then required inspections through final.
Exemptions: No permit for decks 200 sq ft or less that are under 30 in. above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving a required exit door (IRC R105.2). All other decks require a permit.
Process: Attached or elevated decks: submit framing/footing details to the local building department.
Exemptions: New circuits, service changes, and most electrical alterations require a permit. Minor repairs (replacing devices/fixtures like-for-like) are typically exempt.
Process: Homeowners may often pull their own permit for their primary residence; otherwise a licensed electrician pulls it.
Exemptions: No permit for fences up to 7 ft tall (IRC R105.2). Taller fences require a permit. Corner-lot sight-triangle and zoning height limits still apply.
Process: Check local zoning for height/material limits before building.
Exemptions: Roof replacement generally requires a permit in Utah jurisdictions; some allow like-for-like shingle overlays without one - confirm locally.
Process: Most cities issue reroof permits over the counter or through their online portal.
Exemptions: No permit for retaining walls up to 4 ft measured from the bottom of the footing, unless supporting a surcharge (slope, driveway, structure) - then a permit and often engineering are required (IRC R105.2).
Process: Walls over 4 ft or supporting a surcharge typically require engineered drawings.
Exemptions: No permit for a ONE-STORY detached shed of 200 sq ft or less (IRC R105.2). A permit IS required for any electrical, plumbing, or gas work in the shed regardless of size, and for any shed over 200 sq ft or more than one story.
Process: If over 200 sq ft: submit site plan + construction drawings to the local building department.
Exemptions: Water heater replacement is plumbing work and requires a permit and inspection in Utah jurisdictions.
Process: Usually a same-day over-the-counter or online permit; a licensed plumber can pull it for you.
Building Department
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