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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 Davis County.

Davis County enforces the current Utah State Construction Code for county-jurisdiction projects: 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 applicable Utah amendments and accessibility standards. The county portal is only for unincorporated Davis County. A parcel shaded as municipal on the county jurisdiction map is permitted by that municipality; an unshaded parcel is handled by Davis County.

Inspection lane

Schedule through Shums Coda Associates at ut@shumscoda.com or 800-286-0374 with at least 24 hours' notice. Typical stages include plan check; setbacks/excavation/forms and footing; foundation reinforcing; underground plumbing, ducts, and conduit; temporary power; bond beams and fireplace work; rough framing plus four-way rough mechanical, electrical, and plumbing; gas-line air test; insulation; lath or drywall nailing; garage firewall; final trade and construction inspections; and rough grading. If the county cannot complete an inspection within three business days after the request, the applicant must first notify the county and obtain confirmation before using the separately listed Farmington, Kaysville, or Syracuse third-party inspection option.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

The county expressly requires permits for new construction, additions and remodels, basement finishes, pools, carports, accessory structures over 200 square feet, and all regulated gas, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work, including furnace and air-conditioning installations even in a smaller accessory structure. A detached accessory structure no larger than 200 square feet with no regulated trade work is the only locally stated size-based exemption. The county does not publish a complete cosmetic-work exemption list and directs applicants to Community & Economic Development for discretionary determinations.

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

    Schedule through Shums Coda Associates at ut@shumscoda.com or 800-286-0374 with at least 24 hours' notice. Typical stages include plan check; setbacks/excavation/forms and footing; foundation reinforcing; underground plumbing, ducts, and conduit; temporary power; bond beams and fireplace work; rough framing plus four-way rough mechanical, electrical, and plumbing; gas-line air test; insulation; lath or drywall nailing; garage firewall; final trade and construction inspections; and rough grading. If the county cannot complete an inspection within three business days after the request, the applicant must first notify the county and obtain confirmation before using the separately listed Farmington, Kaysville, or Syracuse third-party inspection option.

  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 ↗Permit portalOpen 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 Davis County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

Davis County Community & Economic Development, Planning and Building Permits 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?

Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact Planning & Zoning / building permits: 801-451-3278; Community & Economic Development: 801-451-3279; Shums Coda inspection scheduling: 800-286-0374; fax: 801-451-3281.

How long might review take?

N/A for permit plan review; the county publishes no standard approval time. Inspections require at least 24 hours' notice, and the statutory alternate-inspector process becomes relevant only after the county confirms it cannot complete the requested inspection within three business days. The permit becomes void if work does not start within 180 days or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days.

How are inspections scheduled?

Schedule through Shums Coda Associates at ut@shumscoda.com or 800-286-0374 with at least 24 hours' notice. Typical stages include plan check; setbacks/excavation/forms and footing; foundation reinforcing; underground plumbing, ducts, and conduit; temporary power; bond beams and fireplace work; rough framing plus four-way rough mechanical, electrical, and plumbing; gas-line air test; insulation; lath or drywall nailing; garage firewall; final trade and construction inspections; and rough grading. If the county cannot complete an inspection within three business days after the request, the applicant must first notify the county and obtain confirmation before using the separately listed Farmington, Kaysville, or Syracuse third-party inspection option.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Davis County enforces the current Utah State Construction Code for county-jurisdiction projects: 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 applicable Utah amendments and accessibility standards. The county portal is only for unincorporated Davis County. A parcel shaded as municipal on the county jurisdiction map is permitted by that municipality; an unshaded parcel is handled by Davis County. The county expressly requires permits for new construction, additions and remodels, basement finishes, pools, carports, accessory structures over 200 square feet, and all regulated gas, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work, including furnace and air-conditioning installations even in a smaller accessory structure. A detached accessory structure no larger than 200 square feet with no regulated trade work is the only locally stated size-based exemption. The county does not publish a complete cosmetic-work exemption list and directs applicants to Community & Economic Development for discretionary determinations.

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.