Fees
Estimated city fees
Baseline for a simple permitted shed: No building permit fee for Utah-exempt sheds (≤ 200 sq ft, no utilities); $150–$450 estimated total city fees for a permitted shed over 200 sq ft
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential building permit (sheds over 200 sq ft) | $150–$450 (estimated range, based on declared valuation) | Salt Lake City Building Services calculates permit fees based on project valuation. Sheds 200 sq ft or less without utilities typically require no building permit fee. Verify current amounts at slc.gov/building-services before applying. |
| Plan review fee | Typically included or ~65% of permit fee | Residential plan review is usually bundled with the permit fee for standard accessory structure work. Projects requiring structural engineering review or special overlay review may incur a separate charge. |
| Electrical permit | $75–$200 (estimated range) | Required for any electrical wiring to or within the shed, regardless of shed size. Must be pulled by a licensed electrician or the homeowner under the Utah owner-builder exemption. |
| Plumbing permit | $75–$200 (estimated range) | Required for any plumbing fixture (sink, hose bib, toilet). Must be pulled by a licensed plumber or the homeowner under the Utah owner-builder exemption. |
| Inspections | Included; reinspection fee if not ready | Required inspections (footing, framing, final) are covered under the building permit. A reinspection fee applies if the site is not ready when the inspector arrives. Electrical and plumbing permits have their own inspection stages. |
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Conditions
The rules that apply
- One-story accessory structures such as sheds with a floor area of 200 square feet or less, used for storage, and without electrical or plumbing are generally exempt from Salt Lake City's building permit requirement under the 2021 Utah Residential Code (2021 IRC with Utah amendments) Section R105.2.
- A building permit is required for any shed exceeding 200 square feet in floor area.
- A building permit is required for any shed more than one story in height.
- An electrical permit is required for any shed with wiring, outlets, lighting, or a subpanel — regardless of the shed's size or permit-exempt status.
- A plumbing permit is required for any shed with a sink, toilet, hose bib, or other plumbing fixtures.
- All sheds — including permit-exempt structures — must comply with Salt Lake City's zoning ordinance setbacks, height limits, and accessory structure placement standards for the applicable zoning district.
- In most SLC residential zoning districts, detached accessory structures must be located in the rear yard and maintain minimum setbacks from rear and side property lines — typically 3–5 feet depending on the district.
- Any shed placed on a permanent foundation (slab or piers) that requires a permit must include footing design to below SLC's frost line (approximately 30 inches below finished grade) to prevent frost-heave damage.
- Salt Lake City's significant ground snow load (approximately 43 psf in the valley per ASCE 7-22) requires that permitted sheds be designed to carry local snow loads — structural members must be sized accordingly.
- Sheds may not be placed within front yard setbacks, over drainage or utility easements, or in a floodplain overlay area without additional review.
- Properties in a Salt Lake City locally designated historic district (such as the Avenues, Capitol Hill, or Marmalade neighborhoods) require review or approval from the SLC Historic Landmark Commission before any accessory structure work.
- HOA covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) may impose stricter size, setback, material, or placement requirements and are enforced separately from the City's rules.
Documents
What you'll need to file
- Completed residential building permit application submitted through the Salt Lake City online permit portal at slc.gov/building-services.
- Scaled site plan showing property lines, existing structures, setbacks, easements, and the proposed shed location and dimensions.
- Floor plan and elevation drawings showing shed dimensions, height, roof pitch, wall and roof materials, and door or window locations.
- Foundation plan showing slab, pier, or skid design; if a permanent foundation is used, footing depth must be at or below SLC's 30-inch frost line.
- Structural details demonstrating compliance with the 2021 Utah Residential Code and SLC snow load requirements (approximately 43 psf ground snow load for the SLC valley per ASCE 7-22).
- Manufacturer's specifications and installation instructions for prefabricated or kit sheds.
- Property survey or recorded plat if the shed is near a rear or side setback line, easement, or shared property boundary.
- Historic Landmark Commission review or approval documentation if the property is in a SLC locally designated historic district.
- Homeowner authorization if a contractor files on the owner's behalf.
- HOA approval documentation if required by subdivision CC&Rs.
Process
How the permit process works
Sequential — each step gates the next.
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Determine whether your shed requires a permit A one-story shed 200 square feet or less, with no electrical or plumbing, is generally exempt from Salt Lake City's building permit requirement under the 2021 Utah Residential Code. Sheds larger than 200 sq ft, multi-story, or containing utilities require a building permit. Electrical and plumbing permits are always required when applicable, regardless of shed size.
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Check SLC zoning setbacks and placement requirements Even permit-exempt sheds must comply with SLC zoning. In most SLC residential districts, detached accessory structures must be in the rear yard with minimum setbacks of 3–5 feet from rear and side property lines. Confirm your specific requirements through Salt Lake City's online zoning map or by contacting SLC Building Services.
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Plan for snow load and frost depth SLC's valley ground snow load is approximately 43 psf (ASCE 7-22) — significant enough that permitted shed framing must be sized accordingly. Any shed on a permanent foundation must also have footings bearing at or below the 30-inch SLC frost line. Including snow-load calculations and frost-depth details in your submittal upfront avoids correction cycles.
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Check for overlays, easements, and historic districts If the property is in a SLC Landmark or historic district overlay, contact the Historic Landmark Commission and obtain any required approval before applying for the building or zoning permit. Verify that the shed location is clear of drainage, utility, and access easements.
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Prepare plans and site plan Draft a scaled site plan showing the shed location relative to property lines, setbacks, and easements. Prepare floor plan and elevations. For permitted sheds, include foundation details meeting the 30-inch frost depth, snow-load-compliant framing, and manufacturer specs for prefab kits.
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Submit through the SLC permit portal Create or log in to an account at Salt Lake City's online permitting system at slc.gov/building-services. Select the appropriate residential building permit type, upload the application and drawings, and pay the application fee. Include electrical or plumbing sub-permit applications if applicable. In-person service is available at SLC Building Services, 451 South State Street.
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Respond to plan and zoning review comments Salt Lake City Building Services will route the application through zoning and building plan review. Reviewers check against the 2021 Utah Residential Code, SLC zoning ordinances, and snow-load and frost-depth requirements. Respond promptly and resubmit revised documents.
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Pay fees and receive the permit Once approved, pay outstanding fees, download the permit, and keep it accessible at the job site throughout construction. Do not begin permitted work before the permit is issued.
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Schedule and pass required inspections Request inspections through the SLC permit portal at required stages — typically footing, framing, and final. The footing inspection is especially important to verify frost-depth compliance before concrete is poured. Electrical and plumbing sub-permits have their own inspection stages. Do not conceal framing or rough-in work before inspection.
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Close out the permit After the final inspection passes, the permit is closed. Retain all documentation for insurance, title review, and future additions or resale.
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Provenance
Code basis & official sources
Last verified 2026-04-29.
2021 Utah Residential Code (Utah adoption of the 2021 International Residential Code with Utah state amendments) Section R105.2 (Work Exempt from Permit), administered locally through Salt Lake City Building Services. Permitted sheds must meet SLC snow-load requirements (approx. 43 psf ground snow load, ASCE 7-22) and frost depth (30 inches). SLC zoning ordinance governs accessory structure placement, setbacks, and height by district.
Residential permit page: https://www.slc.gov/building-services/
If you skip the permit
- Salt Lake City Building Services can issue a stop-work order if unpermitted shed construction is discovered.
- You may be required to open or demolish completed work to verify foundation design, snow-load-compliant framing, and utility installations.
- After-the-fact permit fees are typically higher and the process more disruptive than applying upfront; frost-depth compliance is particularly hard to verify retroactively.
- Unpermitted sheds in setbacks or over easements can derail real estate transactions and may require removal at the seller's expense.
- A shed that was built without proper snow-load design may suffer structural damage under winter snow accumulation, with no inspector record to support an insurance claim.
- Historic district violations can trigger mandatory removal or remediation orders from the SLC Historic Landmark Commission.
- Unpermitted electrical work creates fire and safety hazards with no inspector verification.
FAQ
Common Salt Lake City shed permit questions
Do I need a permit to build a shed in Salt Lake City, UT?
It depends on size and utilities. A one-story shed 200 square feet or less with no electrical or plumbing is generally exempt from Salt Lake City's building permit requirement under the 2021 Utah Residential Code. Any shed larger than 200 sq ft, multi-story, or containing electrical or plumbing requires a building permit. All sheds must comply with SLC zoning setback requirements.
What is the maximum shed size without a permit in Salt Lake City?
Up to 200 square feet, one story, with no electrical or plumbing. Above that threshold — or with any utilities — a building permit is required. SLC zoning setbacks and placement requirements apply to all sheds regardless of permit status.
Why does snow load matter for a Salt Lake City shed permit?
SLC's valley ground snow load is approximately 43 psf (ASCE 7-22), which is significant. Permitted shed framing — rafters, posts, footings, and connections — must be sized to handle this load. Building Services reviewers will check that structural drawings address snow loading, so including snow-load calculations in your submittal avoids correction cycles.
How deep do shed footings need to be in Salt Lake City?
Any permitted shed on a permanent foundation must have footing bottoms at or below SLC's frost line, approximately 30 inches below finished grade. This prevents frost-heave from lifting or tilting the structure over winter. The footing inspection occurs before concrete is poured to verify compliance.
What are the setback requirements for a shed in Salt Lake City?
In most SLC residential zoning districts, detached accessory structures must be located in the rear yard with minimum setbacks of 3–5 feet from rear and side property lines. Exact requirements depend on your specific zoning district. Verify your setbacks using Salt Lake City's online zoning map or by contacting SLC Building Services before placing your shed.
Does adding electricity to my shed require a permit in Salt Lake City?
Yes. Any electrical work — including outlets, lighting, or a dedicated circuit — requires a separate electrical permit regardless of whether the shed itself is exempt from the building permit. An electrical inspection is required before the work is closed out.
Does adding plumbing to my shed require a permit in Salt Lake City?
Yes. Any plumbing fixtures — including a hose bib, utility sink, or toilet — require a separate plumbing permit. A plumbing inspection is required before any concealed work.
How much does a shed permit cost in Salt Lake City?
Sheds exempt from the building permit (≤ 200 sq ft, no utilities) incur no building permit fee. Full building permits for larger sheds are calculated from project valuation and typically run $150–$450, plus electrical or plumbing permits ($75–$200 each). Verify current fees at slc.gov/building-services.
How long does it take to get a shed permit in Salt Lake City?
Standard residential shed permit review typically takes 7 to 15 business days, with total project timing of roughly 3 to 6 weeks including inspections. Including snow-load calculations and frost-depth details upfront avoids correction cycles. Historic district reviews and incomplete applications can add time.
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Disclaimer: Informational only — not legal advice. Rules change; verify with Salt Lake City permitting staff before you build.