It’s best to consult your local building permits department in Utah before starting renovations, as this is where you will learn whether a permit is needed for your bathroom renovations. In general, permits are not needed for simple bathroom remodeling in Salt Lake City. For example, if you are only changing the look of the bathroom by replacing the cabinetry, and you aren’t making any changes to the plumbing or wiring, you likely won’t need a permit. However, if you are making changes that affect the plumbing or wiring, you will need a permit.
Here is some information if you are remodeling in major cities in Utah.
What Normally Requires a Permit?
In Utah, a permit is required for projects that include any of the following:
- Relocating or adding plumbing fixtures (including toilets, sinks, and showers)
- Any electrical work aside from equivalent fixture replacements
- Removing or moving walls, including any changes to load-bearing walls
- Installation of an exhaust fan that has an outside exhaust
- Adding a window or changing the size of a window
If you are doing purely cosmetic work, such as painting, swapping a vanity for a new one in the same location, or swapping a faucet, you typically don’t need a permit.
City-by-City Breakdown
In Salt Lake City, a permit is required for all bathroom renovations involving plumbing, electrical work, or changes to the layout of the space. Salt Lake City offers an online permit application; however, the extensive review process means you should expect to wait 2 to 4 weeks to receive your permit. Unpermitted work may be uncovered during a sale and pose a problem for the homeowner.
Provo requires all renovations to comply with Utah Title 15A codes and requires an online application. In Provo, extensive renovations may require engineered plans and an Energy Code analysis. Historic properties in Provo require approval by the Landmarks Commission before a permit can be issued.
St. George is one of the most common places where homeowners mistakenly believe permits are not required for interior tiling work. Permits are needed for interior tiling work if the tiling is part of a larger project that requires alterations to a building’s structure or plumbing. St. George and Washington County strictly enforce this.
Washington City (St. George neighbor) has one of the toughest positions in the region. Like nearby Hurricane, Washington City requires an official submission for review of any planned fixture relocation work. There are no same-day, over-the-counter permits. A Washington City permit process requires a minimum of two weeks. GFCI/AFCI electrical compliance is mandatory.
Ogden and the Salt Lake County area have similar rules. Permits are required for all structural, electrical, and plumbing work. Minor permits in Salt Lake County take less than a week to clear. A typical full bathroom remodel takes 2-4 weeks.
What is the Result of Skipping the Permit?
While there is always a cost associated with permits, the bigger issue is the practical ramifications of skipping permits. It is possible to have safety issues with your work that will be obvious to an inspector. Bathroom remodeling in Salt Lake City without permits poses a safety risk, requires the work to be redone in the future, and may delay the sale of your home.
Advice for Homeowners Before the Work Begins
- Contact your building department first. Permit requirements are different between cities. What you may be able to do in one city may require a full plan review in another.
- Apply early. Salt Lake City, Draper, and Park City all have lengthy approval processes. It is a mistake to start work too soon.
- Hire a licensed contractor. Experienced contractors who perform bath remodels in Utah handle the permits for you. This will save you time and may help you avoid a ‘red tag’.
The probability of your bathroom remodel failing is low, but Utah chooses to err on the side of caution to ensure you do not lose any value in your investment.
