Salt Lake City, UT Building Permits Guide
Salt Lake City, UT building permit timeline: Initial plan review takes approximately 10 days. Expedited review is not currently offered.
Building permit review in Salt Lake City, UT takes approximately 10 days for initial plan review. The city does not currently offer expedited plan review. This page covers review timelines, required permits, costs, and how to speed up the process.
Salt Lake City Plan Review Timeline
- Time to Review First Submittal: Turnaround times vary according to each division's workload. There is no specific time frame provided on the Salt Lake City website for the first submittal review, but it generally takes longer than subsequent reviews.
- Time to Review Subsequent Submittals: Similar to the first submittal, specific times are not provided, but subsequent reviews typically take less time than the first.
- Other Time-Related Details:
- Plan Review Queue: Building Services publishes its first review queue weekly. Applicants may need to contact separate divisions for more detailed timelines.
- General Process: All required review groups must complete their tasks before the applicant can respond to comments and submit revisions. The applicant cannot respond until all assigned reviews are completed.
- Expedited Plan Review: Available with an additional fee, providing initial comments within 10 business days.
Last verified: June 2025 | Source: Salt Lake City Building Department
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What Building Permits Do You Need in Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City requires permits for most construction activity. The type of permit depends on your project scope.
Commercial Permits
- New commercial construction: full plan review with the longest timeline
- Tenant improvements and interior buildouts: plan review for structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical changes
- Change of use: required when converting building use (for example, retail to restaurant)
- Shell and core: separate from tenant improvement permits
Residential Permits
- New home construction: full plan review including structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
- Additions and remodels: required when modifying structure or adding square footage
- Decks, pools, fences: separate permits with typically faster review
Trade Permits
Individual trade permits are typically required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical (HVAC), and fire sprinkler work.
How the Salt Lake City Permit Review Process Works
Step 1: Application Submission
Submit your permit application through the Salt Lake City building department. Applications are reviewed for completeness before being assigned to a plan reviewer.
Step 2: Plan Review
The city reviews your submitted plans for building code compliance, structural integrity, fire safety, energy code, and ADA accessibility. Commercial projects are reviewed by multiple departments at the same time.
Step 3: Corrections and Resubmittal
If the city issues correction comments, you will need to revise your plans and resubmit. Each correction cycle adds another review period. Most commercial projects go through 2 to 3 correction cycles.
Step 4: Permit Issuance
Once all review departments approve your plans, the building permit is issued. Schedule inspections as work progresses.
Note: These timelines reflect general review periods. Large or complex projects may take longer. Request a quote from Permit Place for a project-specific estimate, or get an instant due diligence report from PermitNow.io.
Salt Lake City Building Permit Costs
Permit fees in Salt Lake City vary based on project type and valuation.
Commercial
- Tenant improvements: $500 to $5,000+
- New commercial construction: $2,000 to $25,000+ (based on valuation)
- Plan review fee: typically 50-65% of the building permit fee
Residential
- Small projects (decks, pools, fences): $50 to $300
- Home additions and remodels: $200 to $2,000+
- New home construction: $1,000 to $10,000+ (based on valuation)
For a detailed permit cost breakdown specific to your project, get a free due diligence report from PermitNow.io.
Trade Permits
- Electrical: $50 to $500
- Plumbing: $50 to $500
- Mechanical: $50 to $500
Fee ranges are estimates. Actual fees depend on project valuation and scope. Contact the Salt Lake City building department or Permit Place for exact costs.
Salt Lake City Building Department
Salt Lake City Building Department
- Website: www.slc.gov/buildingservices/building-permits
- City Website: www.slc.gov
Frequently Asked Questions About Salt Lake City Building Permits
How long does it take to get a building permit in Salt Lake City?
Plan review in Salt Lake City, UT takes approximately 10 days for the initial review cycle. Projects that receive correction comments will need additional review cycles, each adding time to the total. Most commercial projects go through at least two review cycles before approval.
What is the difference between residential and commercial permit review in Salt Lake City?
Commercial projects in Salt Lake City require review by multiple departments (building, fire, public works, and sometimes health), which adds time. Residential projects typically involve fewer review disciplines and can be processed faster. Tenant improvements fall between the two depending on scope.
Does Salt Lake City offer expedited permit review?
Salt Lake City does not currently offer a formal expedited review program. However, submitting complete, code-compliant plans on the first attempt is the best way to reduce total review time. Permit Place helps ensure your application is complete before submission.
Do I need a permit for a tenant improvement in Salt Lake City?
Yes. Most interior buildouts in Salt Lake City that involve structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, or HVAC modifications require a building permit. Simple cosmetic changes (paint, flooring, non-structural work) typically do not require a permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Salt Lake City?
Permit fees in Salt Lake City are calculated based on project valuation and type. Commercial projects typically pay $500 to $25,000+ in total permit and plan review fees. The exact cost depends on project scope, square footage, and any additional trade permits required.
Can a permit expediter help with my Salt Lake City project?
Yes. Permit Place expedites building permits in Salt Lake City and 600+ other jurisdictions. We handle everything from application preparation through plan review, corrections, and permit issuance. Our clients typically get permits faster because we submit complete applications that reduce correction cycles.
What building permits do I need in Salt Lake City, UT?
Most construction in Salt Lake City requires a building permit. This includes new construction, tenant improvements, change of use, additions, and major renovations. Separate trade permits for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire protection are also typically required. For a project-specific permit requirements report, use PermitNow.io.
Need Help With Salt Lake City Building Permits?
Permit Place has helped hundreds of businesses get permits in Salt Lake City and across Utah. We handle everything from application to approval so you can focus on building.
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