Do You Need a Permit for Your Utah Home Remodel?

In this blog, you’ll learn which home remodeling projects in Utah require permits, what work can usually be done without them, why permits matter, and how to take the right steps before getting started, especially if you live in Salt Lake County.

Here's what we'll cover about permits:

Do You Need a Permit for Your Utah Home Remodel?

The type of permit you need depends on your location and the scope of your project. Let’s walk through what typically needs a permit, what doesn’t, and why it all matters.

Common Projects That Require a Permit in Utah

Most remodels that go beyond surface-level updates will need one or more permits. This includes:

• Structural Changes:
  Adding rooms, moving or removing load-bearing walls, or altering your home’s footprint.

• Electrical Work:
  Installing new circuits, upgrading your service panel, or adding built-in lighting or electrical appliances.

• Plumbing Projects:
  Adding or relocating fixtures, modifying gas lines, replacing water heaters, or full-house re-piping.

• Mechanical (HVAC) Systems:
  Installing or replacing furnaces, air conditioning units, ductwork, or evaporative coolers.

• Exterior & Site Work:
  Building decks (especially elevated ones), patio covers, retaining walls over 4 feet, pools, spas, or detached structures over 200 square feet.

• Roofing & Siding:
  Reroofing, reshingling, or replacing large portions of siding.

• Window Replacements:
  Swapping out windows usually requires a permit, especially if it involves altering structural openings or improving energy efficiency.

If your project touches structure, systems, or exterior features, assume a permit will be needed, and always confirm with your local department and builder before starting.

Projects That Usually Don’t Require a Permit

Some light improvements can be done without a permit, including:

• Painting, wallpapering, or installing decorative finishes

• Replacing flooring or carpet

• Swapping faucets or showerheads

• Minor electrical repairs (not involving new circuits or service panels)

• Installing patios or driveways without overhead coverings

That said, even if the work seems small, it's smart to double-check. Cities like Salt Lake City, Millcreek, and Holliday each have their own specific requirements, and what’s allowed in one municipality may not fly in another.

Why Remodeling Permits Matter

Permits may feel like tedious paperwork, but they protect you in the long run. Here's why:

Safety

Permits are in place to ensure your remodel meets current building codes, which are designed to protect your home and everyone in it. When a project is permitted, it’s inspected at key stages: framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and final walkthroughs.

This helps prevent hazards like faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, structural instability, or poor ventilation. Permits make sure the work is functional, safe, and up to code for your area.

Property Value

If you try to sell or refinance your home, unpermitted work may show up during inspections or appraisals, and it can reduce your home’s value or even stall a transaction. Lenders may hesitate to approve loans on homes with unverified improvements, and buyers may request costly corrections or walk away entirely. 

Compliance

Each city and county in Utah has its own permitting and inspection processes. If you remodel without pulling the proper permits, you risk more than just fines.

Local building departments can issue stop-work orders, require you to halt construction, or demand costly revisions to bring the work up to code. In some cases, you may be required to tear out and redo completed portions of your project.

What You Should Do Before Starting

Before you start knocking down walls or scheduling subcontractors, it’s important to confirm what your city or county requires in terms of permits, inspections, and code compliance. Don’t assume anything. Each municipality along the Wasatch Front has its own rules, timelines, and nuances.

If you live in:

• Salt Lake City

• Millcreek

• Holliday

• Sandy

• Draper

• Midvale

• Cottonwood Heights

…it’s a smart move to call your local building department directly. They can provide current guidance on what types of remodeling work require permits, what drawings or documents your remodeler will need to submit, and what inspections are involved throughout the process. 

Let Your Remodeler Handle It

When you work with a professional remodeler like Marshall Homes, this process becomes a lot more manageable. We stay up to date with local building codes, permitting requirements, and inspection processes in each city we serve.

Our team will handle everything for you:

• Coordinating with building departments

• Preparing and submitting permit applications

• Managing inspection schedules

• Ensuring your remodel complies with local codes

That means you don’t have to worry about the paperwork, red tape, or legal jargon. We’ve got it covered. You can focus on the exciting parts of your remodel, like renovating your basement, mapping out your new addition, or choosing high-end finishes that reflect your style.

Permitting Made Easy With the Right Partner

Remodeling without the right permits isn’t just risky. It can cause serious setbacks down the line.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Marshall Homes handles permitting from day one, so your remodel stays on track, on budget, and 100% above board. Want to learn more about how we manage the details that will keep your project legal and on track? Reach out for a chat!