Every city and county in Utah uses zoning districts to regulate how land can be used: residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and mixed-use. Start by visiting your city or county planning department website. Most now host interactive zoning maps where you can search by parcel number or address. Once you identify your zoning district, check the local land-use code for what is allowed by right and what requires a conditional use permit.

• Lot size minimums and building heights
• Allowed uses such as single-family home, duplex, or small business
• Parking and landscaping requirements
• Overlay zones for floodplains, historic areas, or wildlife corridors

Utah’s environmental framework is managed by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality and the Division of Water Rights. Before starting construction, determine if your project affects air, water, or soil resources.

• Stormwater permits for construction sites disturbing over 1 acre
• Wetlands or stream alteration permits for projects near waterways
• Wastewater and septic approvals for properties without city sewer
• Water rights verification if you are adding a new well or irrigation system

Utah’s arid climate makes water protection and erosion control a priority. Even small remodels in hillside areas may require drainage or grading permits from your local building office.

Before any physical work begins, you will need a building permit from your city or county building department. For larger land splits or developments, you will also need subdivision approval through the local planning commission.

• Site plans and architectural drawings
• Proof of ownership and property description
• Utility access documentation
• Compliance letters from fire, health, or public works departments

Tip: In many Utah counties, subdivision approval requires multiple hearings. Plan for roughly 6 to 10 weeks for review and revisions before final plat recording.

Utah law requires property owners to respect existing easements and setback requirements, usually the minimum distance between your structure and property lines, roads, or waterways. These standards differ by zoning type and lot size.

• Front, side, and rear setbacks in your zoning code
• Recorded easements on your property title report
• Any public notice requirements if neighbors must be notified of your plans

Many permit delays come from ignoring utility or drainage easements. Always verify before starting design work.

Most Utah projects involve both county and city coordination, especially in unincorporated or border areas. City planning departments handle zoning, while county building divisions manage permits and inspections.

• Road access and driveways connecting to public rights-of-way
• Sewer, water, and storm drain service areas
• Annexation or boundary adjustments if your land spans jurisdictions

For rural projects, check with your county recorder and county engineer to confirm correct parcel descriptions and road access.

If your intended use is not allowed under your current zoning, you can apply for a rezoning or a variance. A rezoning changes the zoning map for your parcel, while a variance allows exceptions to specific rules such as setback distance. These requests go before a Planning Commission or Board of Adjustment with public hearings and required notices.

• Align your proposal with the city’s general plan
• Demonstrate minimal impact on neighbors and infrastructure
• Provide professional plans or reports showing feasibility

Utah code enforcement officers can issue stop-work orders or fines if construction starts before permits are approved.

• Building without a permit or inspection
• Failing to record a subdivision plat
• Ignoring stormwater or dust control requirements
• Non-compliant signage or fences

If you receive a citation, contact your local code enforcement office quickly. Most issues can be resolved by submitting missing documents, updating plans, or applying retroactively for the correct permit.

You can find official zoning and land-use documents at the following sources:

• Utah State Geographic Information Database (SGID) for statewide GIS layers
• Utah Department of Environmental Quality permitting portal for environmental and water permits
• Your city or county planning office website for zoning maps, conditional use forms, and application checklists

Always download forms directly from government sources to ensure you are using the most recent version.