Building Inspectors Office

Frequently Asked Questions

What work requires a permit?

A permit is required before you erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building or structure in the City of Moab/Grand County. For Example:

• You will need to get a permit if you are going to build a shed or storage structure that is over 200 sq. feet in area.
• Add utilities to to any sized shed.
• Setting up a mobile or modular home.
• A deck that has a roof or is 30 inches or more above ground, or attached to the house.
• If you are going to add to or remove part of your building.
• If you are going to remodel and move walls.
• When you are changing the layout of your plumbing or electrical system.
• If you are replacing a furnace or a water heater you will need a permit.
• Upgrading or changing your electrical meter will require a permit.
• In some situations reroofing a building will require a permit.
• Installing a sprinkler system that is connected to the building water supply needs a permit.
• Retaining walls over 4' or that support a structure.
• Permanent and storable pools, spas & hot tubs.

What can I do without a permit?

• Any type of finish work, such as painting or carpeting.
• General maintenance of your house or business.
• Erect a shed or storage building less than 200 sq ft in area.
• General landscaping.

How do I get a permit?

You can file an application in the Grand County Building Office, located in the Grand County Courthouse.

What will I need to file an application?

• A site plan showing size and location of existing and proposed structures, which will include location of all hard surfaces, including driveways and parking area. The site plan should also show the distances to the property lines. A map showing existing and proposed grades may be required as well.
• Two sets of construction plans that include the following: floor plans, footing and foundation details, elevation of the buildings, electrical, mechanical and plumbing details.
• Any commercial project will require that the plans be designed and stamped by a Utah licensed architect and engineer (depending on the nature of the project).
• Sometimes we will require a structural review by an engineer. In those situations a third set of plans will be necessary.

I’ve got plans, now what?

• Drop off your plans at the Building Inspectors Office and pick up the necessary forms.
• The Building Inspectors Office will need the names and state license numbers of the contractors that are going to work on your project.
• If you are building in the City of Moab you will need the signatures of the City’s Zoning Administrator and the Public Works Director.
• If you are building in the County then you will need a sign off by the Water Conservation District & County Zoning.
• If you are going to use a septic system then the Health Department will have to approve those plans.
• The Health Department must approve commercial pools and businesses handling food or private sewage disposal systems..
• All commercial buildings will require that the Fire Department give its approval as well.

How long will it take?

• We would like a couple of days to check your plans. Other than that the rest is up to you and how long it takes to get approval by the various agencies involved.

How much is a permit going to cost?

You will be charged a fee for all permits you obtain. Cost of permit is based on valuation adjusted quarterly and calculated using Table 1-A of the 1997 Uniform Building Code. For example, a 1500 sq. ft. home would cost in the neighborhood of $1,300.00. Fees will vary as the size and construction changes across projects. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work will require a separate permit. The cost for these permits varies depending on the amount and type of work performed.

Impact fees may also be assessed. You should make sure and ask about this, as impact fees can be substantial.

What inspections are required?

Basically the thing to remember is that before something is covered up, or hidden from view, it probably will need to be inspected. Here is a sample list of inspections. Other inspections may be required.

• Footing and foundation - When excavation is complete, the forms and reinforcing steel are in place, but before concrete is poured.
• Reinforced masonry inspection - For masonry block or Rastra type walls. Call when reinforcing steel is in place and ready for concrete.
• Framing - When all roof, walls, floor framing, fire stopping and bracing are complete.
• Weather Barrier - When weather barrier and all required flashings are in place, before exterior finish is installed.
• Insulation Inspection - To determine compliance with current energy codes.
• Electrical - Before any part of the electrical system is concealed.
• Plumbing - Sub-rough inspection and test will include anything that will be below ground or under a slab. The rough inspection will include all plumbing that is in the building itself.
• Mechanical - Rough inspection of the ductwork and layout.
• Insulation
• Structural steel - When structural steel members are in place but before concealing anything.
• Utility meters - Before the utilities can connect to your building a specific inspection is required. For the electric, this is an inspection of the main and/or any sub-panels. For the Gas an inspection of all vented appliances will need to be made.
• Final Inspection - All permits must receive a final inspection. We will check the final grading around the building, test the electrical circuits, and check for plumbing leaks and test the smoke alarm system.