How to Get an Owner-Builder Permit in Utah (2025 Guide)
How to Get an Owner-Builder Permit in Utah (2025 Guide)
If you're planning to build or significantly remodel your own home in Utah, an owner-builder permit lets you act as your own general contractor — saving you money on labor markups and giving you direct control over your project. But the process comes with specific requirements, and skipping steps can delay your build by months.
Here's everything you need to know about getting an owner-builder permit in Utah in 2025.
What Is an Owner-Builder Permit?
An owner-builder permit allows a property owner to pull building permits directly without hiring a licensed general contractor. In Utah, this is governed by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) and administered through your county or city building department.
The key benefit: you can manage subcontractors yourself, negotiate directly with trades, and potentially save 15–25% on construction costs. The key responsibility: you take on full accountability for code compliance, inspections, and project management.
Who Qualifies for an Owner-Builder Permit in Utah?
To qualify, you must:
- Own the property (or be in the process of purchasing it)
- Intend to occupy the structure as your primary residence
- Not have sold an owner-built home in the past 24 months (this prevents using the exemption commercially)
- Sign an affidavit acknowledging you understand your responsibilities
Some counties have additional requirements. Summit County, Wasatch County, and Utah County each have slightly different forms and thresholds — always confirm with your local building department before submitting.
What Documents Do You Need?
This is where most owner-builders get tripped up. A complete permit application typically requires:
- Site plan — A professionally prepared drawing showing your lot boundaries, proposed structure footprint, setbacks, utility connections, and drainage. This must be stamped by a licensed engineer or surveyor in most Utah counties.
- Floor plans and elevations — Architectural drawings of the structure
- Grading plan — Required for most new construction, showing how stormwater will be managed
- Septic design — If you're not connecting to municipal sewer
- Owner-builder affidavit — Signed declaration of your intent and qualifications
- Proof of ownership — Deed or purchase agreement
The site plan is usually the longest lead-time item. A licensed civil engineering firm like PEC Engineering Pro can typically prepare a permit-ready site plan in 1–3 weeks depending on lot complexity and current workload.
Step-by-Step: The Owner-Builder Permit Process in Utah
Step 1: Confirm your county's specific requirements Contact your county or city building department and ask for their owner-builder permit checklist. Requirements vary between Salt Lake County, Utah County, Summit County, Wasatch County, and others.
Step 2: Get your site plan prepared Hire a licensed civil engineer to prepare your site plan. This is not optional in most jurisdictions — a hand-drawn sketch will not be accepted. Your engineer will need a legal description of your property, a copy of your plat or survey, and the proposed building footprint.
Step 3: Complete architectural plans Unless you're doing a simple accessory structure, you'll need full architectural drawings. Some owner-builders hire a draftsman; others use an architect.
Step 4: Submit your application Submit all documents to your building department along with permit fees. Fee amounts vary widely by jurisdiction and project valuation.
Step 5: Plan review Most Utah counties take 4–8 weeks for plan review on residential projects. Incomplete submittals reset the clock, so submitting a complete, code-compliant package the first time is critical.
Step 6: Permits issued — begin construction Once approved, your permit will be issued with a list of required inspections. You're responsible for scheduling inspections at each phase.
Common Mistakes That Delay Owner-Builder Permits
- Submitting without a stamped site plan
- Incorrect setback calculations on the site plan
- Missing drainage or grading information
- Not accounting for utility easements on the lot
- Applying in the wrong jurisdiction (city vs. county)
Working with an experienced civil engineering firm eliminates most of these issues. A good engineer knows what each county's reviewers look for and prepares documents accordingly.
How Much Does an Owner-Builder Permit Cost in Utah?
Permit fees are set by each jurisdiction based on project valuation, typically ranging from $500 to $3,000+ for a new single-family home. That's separate from the cost of preparing your engineering documents (site plan, grading plan, septic design), which varies by project scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell a home I built with an owner-builder permit? Yes, but you must disclose that it was owner-built. If you sell within one year of obtaining the certificate of occupancy, additional inspections may be required. And as noted above, you cannot use the owner-builder exemption to build homes for sale repeatedly.
Do I need a licensed civil engineer for an owner-builder permit? In most Utah counties, yes — a stamped site plan from a licensed PE (Professional Engineer) or PLS (Professional Land Surveyor) is required. Check your county's specific requirements.
How long is an owner-builder permit valid in Utah? Most Utah jurisdictions issue permits valid for 12–24 months, with the ability to extend if construction is actively progressing.
What if my project is in a flood zone or on a steep slope? Additional engineering analysis will be required. A geotechnical report or flood elevation certificate may be needed before the building department will review your application.
Ready to get started? PEC Engineering Pro prepares site plans, grading plans, and septic designs for owner-builders throughout Utah — including Utah County, Salt Lake County, Summit County, Wasatch County, and surrounding areas. Request a free estimate and we'll tell you exactly what your project needs.
