Understanding Utah Deck Permits: A Complete Guide

Building a deck in Utah requires more than just good design and quality materials—you also need to navigate the permit process. Understanding when you need a permit, what's required, and how to apply will save you time, money, and potential legal issues. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about deck permits in Utah.

Do You Need a Permit for Your Utah Deck?

When Permits Are Required

In most Utah jurisdictions, you'll need a permit if your deck:

Is more than 200 square feet in size
Is 30 inches or higher above ground level
Attaches to your home (ledger board connection)
Requires footings below frost line
Includes electrical work (lighting, outlets)
Is in a special zone (floodplain, hillside, etc.)

When You Might Not Need a Permit

Generally, permits aren't required for:

Ground-level decks (less than 30 inches high)
Freestanding decks under 200 square feet
Simple repairs or board replacement
Refinishing or restaining existing deck

Important: Requirements vary by municipality. Always check with your local building department before starting any deck project.

Why Permits Matter

Legal Protection

Property value: Permitted construction doesn't complicate home sales
Insurance coverage: Unpermitted work may void claims
Legal compliance: Avoid fines and forced removal
Future modifications: Easier to get permits for additions

Safety Assurance

Structural integrity: Inspections ensure safe construction
Code compliance: Meet minimum safety standards
Professional review: Expert feedback on your plans
Peace of mind: Confidence in your deck's safety

Financial Benefits

Accurate home value: Properly documented improvements
Refinancing ease: No issues with unpermitted work
Tax benefits: Legal documentation for property improvements
Avoid penalties: No fines or reconstruction costs

Utah Building Codes for Decks

International Residential Code (IRC)

Utah adopts the IRC with some local amendments. Key requirements:

Structural Requirements:

Joist spacing: Typically 16 inches on center
Beam sizing: Based on span and load calculations
Footing depth: Below frost line (usually 30-36 inches in Utah)
Ledger attachment: Specific fastener requirements for house connection
Post sizing: Minimum 4x4 for typical residential decks

Railing Requirements:

Height: 36-42 inches (36 inches minimum for most Utah jurisdictions)
Baluster spacing: Maximum 4 inches between balusters
Load capacity: Must withstand 200 pounds of force
Graspability: Handrails must be 1.25 to 2 inches in diameter

Stair Requirements:

Riser height: 4 to 7.75 inches (consistent throughout)
Tread depth: Minimum 10 inches
Width: Minimum 36 inches
Handrails: Required for stairs with 4 or more risers

Local Amendments

Utah cities and counties may have additional requirements:

Salt Lake County:

Special requirements for hillside lots
Additional engineering for slopes over 30%
Specific setback requirements

Utah County:

Seismic design considerations in some areas
Wind load requirements for exposed locations

Summit County/Park City:

Enhanced snow load requirements
Additional architectural review in some neighborhoods

Washington County/St. George:

Heat considerations for material selection
Different frost line requirements (shallower)

The Permit Application Process

Step 1: Preliminary Planning

Before applying for a permit:

Design your deck: Create detailed plans (see our deck design guide)
Check HOA rules: Get HOA approval if required
Review setbacks: Ensure compliance with property line requirements
Calculate costs: Budget for permit fees and materials
Choose builder: Decide on DIY vs. professional

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Typical permit application requirements:

Site Plan:

Property boundaries and dimensions
Existing structures
Proposed deck location
Setback distances
North arrow

Deck Plans:

Top view with dimensions
Elevation views (front, side)
Foundation/footing details
Framing plan with joist/beam layout
Connection details (ledger attachment)
Railing and stair details

Calculations:

Snow load calculations (varies by Utah elevation)
Live load (typically 40 PSF for residential)
Dead load calculations
Beam and joist span tables

Additional Documents:

Property survey (may be required)
HOA approval (if applicable)
Engineering stamp (for complex designs)
Contractor license information

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Where to Apply:

Submit to your local building department:

Major Utah Jurisdictions:

Salt Lake City: 451 S State St, Room 215
- Online: slc.gov/building-services
- Phone: (801) 535-6000
Provo City: 351 W Center St
- Online: provo.org/departments/development-services
- Phone: (801) 852-6150
Ogden City: 2549 Washington Blvd
- Online: ogdencity.com/building
- Phone: (801) 629-8956
St. George: 175 E 200 N
- Online: sgcity.org/buildingpermit
- Phone: (435) 627-4700

Submission Options:

In-person at building department
Online through city website (many Utah cities offer this)
Mail (less common, check with jurisdiction)

Step 4: Plan Review

Review Timeline:

Simple decks: 1-2 weeks
Complex designs: 2-4 weeks
Corrections needed: Add 1-2 weeks per revision

Common Plan Review Comments:

Joist spacing or sizing issues
Inadequate footing details
Missing connection specifications
Railing design concerns
Stair dimension problems

Tips for Smooth Review:

Use professional drawing software or templates
Include all required views and details
Show calculations clearly
Reference code sections
Provide clear, legible drawings

Step 5: Pay Permit Fees

Typical Utah Permit Costs:

Fees vary by jurisdiction and project size:

Base permit fee: $50-150
Plan review fee: $50-200
Per square foot charge: $0.10-0.50/sq ft
Total typical range: $150-500 for average deck

Example Costs:

200 sq ft deck in Salt Lake City: ~$200-300
400 sq ft deck in Provo: ~$300-450
Complex multi-level deck: $400-600+

Additional Fees:

Engineering review (if required): $100-300
Electrical permit (if adding outlets): $50-100
Re-inspection fee (if corrections needed): $25-75

Step 6: Schedule Inspections

Required Inspections:

Footing/Foundation Inspection
- Before pouring concrete
- Verifies depth below frost line
- Checks footing size and rebar
Framing Inspection
- After framing complete, before decking
- Verifies joist/beam installation
- Checks ledger board attachment
- Reviews structural connections
Final Inspection
- After project completion
- Verifies railings meet code
- Checks stairs and guards
- Confirms overall compliance

Scheduling Tips:

Call 24-48 hours in advance
Have permit posted on site
Don't cover work before inspection
Be present to answer questions
Have plans available on-site

Step 7: Pass Final Inspection

Common Reasons for Failed Inspections:

Incorrect baluster spacing
Railing height issues
Missing fasteners or hardware
Improper ledger attachment
Unsafe stair construction
Incomplete work

If You Fail an Inspection:

Note all deficiencies clearly
Make required corrections
Schedule re-inspection
Don't use deck until final approval
Keep documentation of corrections

Working with Contractors

Hiring Licensed Contractors

Benefits:

Licensed contractors handle permits
Insurance protects you from liability
Warranty on work performed
Experience with local codes
Professional plans and engineering

Verify Contractor License:

Check Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Website: dopl.utah.gov
Verify active license status
Check for complaints or violations
Confirm insurance coverage

DIY Deck Building

Advantages:

Cost savings
Personal satisfaction
Flexibility in timing
Complete control over project

Considerations:

You're responsible for permit compliance
Must pass all inspections
Need proper tools and skills
Insurance implications
Time commitment

DIY Permit Tips:

Be thorough in your plans
Ask questions at building department
Consider hiring engineer for plans
Take photos during construction
Keep all receipts and documentation

Special Situations

Historic Districts

If your property is in a historic district:

Additional architectural review required
Design must be compatible with historic character
May limit material choices
Extended approval timeline
Contact local historic preservation office

Homeowners Associations (HOAs)

Many Utah neighborhoods have HOA requirements:

Common HOA Restrictions:

Design review required
Material specifications
Color requirements
Size limitations
Architectural consistency

Process:

Review CC&Rs and architectural guidelines
Submit design to architectural committee
Get written approval before applying for permit
Submit HOA approval with permit application

Condominiums and Townhomes

Special considerations for attached housing:

May need board approval
Shared structure concerns
Limited build locations
Insurance implications
Check association bylaws

Hillside and Sloped Lots

Utah's topography creates unique challenges:

May require engineering stamp
Special foundation requirements
Soil stability analysis
Drainage considerations
Higher costs for foundation work

Floodplains and Special Zones

Additional requirements for:

FEMA flood zones
Earthquake fault zones
Landslide hazard areas
Wildfire interface areas

Common Permit Mistakes to Avoid

1. Starting Without a Permit

Consequences:

Stop-work orders
Fines up to $1,000+ per day
Required removal of work
Permit fees doubled or tripled
Complications when selling home

2. Incomplete Applications

Problems:

Delayed review process
Multiple resubmissions needed
Frustrated building officials
Extended project timeline

3. Skipping Required Inspections

Risks:

Code violations undiscovered
Safety hazards
Failed final inspection
Insurance claim denial

4. Not Calling for Inspections

Issues:

Work covered before inspection
Required removal of completed work
Project delays
Additional costs

5. Ignoring Plan Review Comments

Results:

Failed inspections
Safety concerns
Code violations
Required modifications

Permit Expiration and Extensions

Standard Permit Duration

Most Utah permits valid for 180 days (6 months)
Work must commence within 180 days
Continuous progress required
Different jurisdictions may vary

Requesting Extensions

If your project is delayed:

Submit extension request before expiration
Explain reason for delay
Show good faith effort
Pay extension fee (typically $50-100)
Usually can extend 6 months at a time

Expired Permits

If your permit expires:

Must apply for new permit
Pay full fees again
May need updated plans
Existing work inspected
Could face penalties

After Your Deck is Complete

Certificate of Occupancy

After final inspection approval:

Receive Certificate of Occupancy or Completion
Keep with home records
Provide to future buyers
May increase property tax assessment
Document for insurance

Property Records

Important Documentation:

Permit application and approval
Final inspection certificate
All paid receipts
Contractor licenses and insurance
Warranty information
Photos of construction process

Insurance Notification

Inform homeowners insurance of addition
May increase coverage needs
Document for claims
Potential premium adjustments

Cost Considerations

Budget for Permits in Total Project Cost

Typical Deck Project Budget Breakdown:

Materials: 50-60%
Labor (if hiring contractor): 30-40%
Permits and inspections: 2-5%
Unexpected issues: 5-10%

ROI on Permitted Decks

Properly permitted decks add full value to home
Unpermitted work may decrease value
Can affect sale negotiations
Eliminates buyer concerns

Resources and Contacts

Utah State Resources

Utah Division of Occupational Licensing: dopl.utah.gov
Utah State Construction Code: (801) 530-6701
International Code Council: iccsafe.org

Major City Building Departments

Already listed in Step 3 above, but keep these contacts handy:

Salt Lake City: (801) 535-6000
Provo: (801) 852-6150
Ogden: (801) 629-8956
St. George: (435) 627-4700

Professional Organizations

Utah Home Builders Association: utahhba.com
Better Business Bureau: bbb.org/utah
Utah Contractor Licensing: dopl.utah.gov/contractors

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I build a deck without a permit if it's small? A: Depends on your jurisdiction. Most allow small, ground-level decks under 200 sq ft without permits, but always check locally.

Q: How long does the permit process take? A: Typically 1-4 weeks depending on complexity and jurisdiction workload.

Q: Can I do electrical work myself? A: Only if you obtain an electrical permit. Most jurisdictions require licensed electricians.

Q: What if my neighbor complains? A: If you have proper permits and follow setbacks, you're protected legally.

Q: Do I need a permit to replace boards on existing deck? A: Usually not for simple repairs, but check with your building department for major renovations.

Q: Can I apply for a permit online? A: Many Utah cities now offer online permit applications. Check your city's website.

Integration with Design and Maintenance

Understanding permit requirements should influence your deck design choices. For more information:

Complete Guide to Deck Design in Utah - Design your deck with permits in mind
Essential Deck Maintenance Tips - Maintain your investment properly

Conclusion

Navigating Utah's deck permit process doesn't have to be intimidating. By understanding requirements, preparing thorough documentation, and working with your local building department, you'll ensure your deck is safe, legal, and valuable. Remember:

Key Takeaways:

Check permit requirements early in planning
Prepare complete, detailed plans
Budget time and money for permits
Schedule inspections at proper times
Keep all documentation
Don't skip steps to save time

Your deck is a significant investment in your home. Taking the time to properly permit it protects that investment and ensures years of safe enjoyment. When in doubt, contact your local building department—they're there to help ensure safe construction, not to create obstacles.

Start your deck project right with proper permits and planning. Your future self (and any future homebuyers) will thank you.

Last updated: January 2025

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about deck permits in Utah. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Always verify current requirements with your local building department before starting any construction project.