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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.

Regulatory framework

The code baseline for Cache County.

2024 International Building Code; 2021 International Residential Code; 2024 International Plumbing Code; 2024 International Mechanical Code; 2024 International Fuel Gas Code; 2024 International Energy Conservation Code; 2023 National Electrical Code; and 2009 ANSI A117.1 accessibility standard, with statewide Utah amendments. Published local design criteria include at least 35 psf valley roof snow load, at least 100 psf in canyons and mountain areas, seismic design category D, 90 mph wind, and 30-inch frost depth. The division serves unincorporated Cache County and Amalga, Avon, Benson, Cornish, Cove, Hyrum, Millville, Paradise, Petersboro, Providence, Richmond, River Heights, Smithfield, Trenton, Wellsville, and the county areas; Clarkston, Hyde Park, Lewiston, Mendon, Newton, Nibley, North Logan, and Logan issue their own permits.

Inspection lane

Call 435-755-1650 and press 1 by 3:30 p.m. on the business day before the requested inspection; at least 24 hours is mandatory and 2-3 days is recommended. Same-day inspections are not available, the paid permit number/address/owner and inspection type are required, and the project must be ready by 8:00 a.m. Do not cover work before approval. Typical stages include footing and steel, foundation, drain and water, rough plumbing/electrical/framing/mechanical, gas pressure, energy/insulation, lath or wallboard, chimney, stucco certification, and final. A signed Public Works/Fire District pre-occupancy checklist is required at final for unincorporated residential projects and certain accessory structures. A failed readiness visit may trigger the published $75 reinspection fee, payable before another inspection is scheduled.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

Cache County directs applicants to 2021 IRC Section R105 for work exempt from permit. That section includes ordinary painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; qualifying one-story detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet; fences no higher than 7 feet; qualifying low retaining walls, grade-supported small water tanks, sidewalks and driveways, qualifying shallow prefabricated pools, playground equipment, limited wall-supported awnings, and qualifying low detached decks. Separate trade-code exemptions may apply, but exempt work must still comply with code. A qualifying agricultural structure does not need a structural building permit after zoning clearance and a recorded Agricultural Exemption Acknowledgement and Non-Conversion form, but electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work requires a permit and the structure cannot later be converted to residential or commercial use without code review.

Field rule

A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.

Inspection pipeline

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    Call 435-755-1650 and press 1 by 3:30 p.m. on the business day before the requested inspection; at least 24 hours is mandatory and 2-3 days is recommended. Same-day inspections are not available, the paid permit number/address/owner and inspection type are required, and the project must be ready by 8:00 a.m. Do not cover work before approval. Typical stages include footing and steel, foundation, drain and water, rough plumbing/electrical/framing/mechanical, gas pressure, energy/insulation, lath or wallboard, chimney, stucco certification, and final. A signed Public Works/Fire District pre-occupancy checklist is required at final for unincorporated residential projects and certain accessory structures. A failed readiness visit may trigger the published $75 reinspection fee, payable before another inspection is scheduled.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.

Verify contractor ↗

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.

Open planning reference ↗

Source trail

Official sources for this profile

Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Application instructionsOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Cache County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

Cache County Development Services Department, Building Division is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.

How should I begin an application?

No verified online portal was located in the reviewed public materials. Contact Building Division: 435-755-1650, press 1; Development Services / land-use questions and violations: 435-755-1640 and request the current application route before preparing a final submittal.

How long might review take?

The application page says approval normally takes 3-10 working days for average structures and 30-45 working days for larger commercial projects; the residential application cautions that review may take up to 14 days. Once paid, work must begin within 180 days, and a permit also expires if work is suspended or abandoned or more than 180 days pass between inspections; written extensions of up to 180 days may be granted for justifiable cause.

How are inspections scheduled?

Call 435-755-1650 and press 1 by 3:30 p.m. on the business day before the requested inspection; at least 24 hours is mandatory and 2-3 days is recommended. Same-day inspections are not available, the paid permit number/address/owner and inspection type are required, and the project must be ready by 8:00 a.m. Do not cover work before approval. Typical stages include footing and steel, foundation, drain and water, rough plumbing/electrical/framing/mechanical, gas pressure, energy/insulation, lath or wallboard, chimney, stucco certification, and final. A signed Public Works/Fire District pre-occupancy checklist is required at final for unincorporated residential projects and certain accessory structures. A failed readiness visit may trigger the published $75 reinspection fee, payable before another inspection is scheduled.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

2024 International Building Code; 2021 International Residential Code; 2024 International Plumbing Code; 2024 International Mechanical Code; 2024 International Fuel Gas Code; 2024 International Energy Conservation Code; 2023 National Electrical Code; and 2009 ANSI A117.1 accessibility standard, with statewide Utah amendments. Published local design criteria include at least 35 psf valley roof snow load, at least 100 psf in canyons and mountain areas, seismic design category D, 90 mph wind, and 30-inch frost depth. The division serves unincorporated Cache County and Amalga, Avon, Benson, Cornish, Cove, Hyrum, Millville, Paradise, Petersboro, Providence, Richmond, River Heights, Smithfield, Trenton, Wellsville, and the county areas; Clarkston, Hyde Park, Lewiston, Mendon, Newton, Nibley, North Logan, and Logan issue their own permits. Cache County directs applicants to 2021 IRC Section R105 for work exempt from permit. That section includes ordinary painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; qualifying one-story detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet; fences no higher than 7 feet; qualifying low retaining walls, grade-supported small water tanks, sidewalks and driveways, qualifying shallow prefabricated pools, playground equipment, limited wall-supported awnings, and qualifying low detached decks. Separate trade-code exemptions may apply, but exempt work must still comply with code. A qualifying agricultural structure does not need a structural building permit after zoning clearance and a recorded Agricultural Exemption Acknowledgement and Non-Conversion form, but electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work requires a permit and the structure cannot later be converted to residential or commercial use without code review.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.

When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.

Closeout file

Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.