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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 Duchesne County.

Current Utah State Construction Code: 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 provisions. The county code also adopts the International Property Maintenance and Fire Codes and administrative portions and selected appendices of the international codes. Duchesne County reviews and issues permits for unincorporated areas and the towns of Altamont and Tabiona; Duchesne City, Roosevelt, and Myton have their own building departments.

Inspection lane

Call Glenna Mayhew at 435-738-1150 to schedule and obtain confirmation. Allow at least 24 hours for an afternoon inspection and 48 hours for a morning inspection; voicemail alone does not count as notice, although a message should be left for a return call. Do not proceed beyond a required inspection point without approval. Typical stages include footing/foundation, underground utility and drain lines, under-slab systems, rough framing and plumbing/electrical/mechanical, insulation, lath or drywall, service clearances, and final; the approved plans and permit must remain available onsite.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

County-code exemptions include one-story tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar detached structures up to 120 square feet for commercial applications or 200 square feet for residential applications; fences no higher than 6 feet; qualifying retaining walls no higher than 4 feet; qualifying grade-supported water tanks up to 5,000 gallons; low sidewalks and driveways; painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finishes; qualifying shallow above-ground pools; agricultural/nursery shade cloth; residential playground equipment; wall-supported awnings; movable cases, counters, and low partitions; specified minor electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing repairs; and ordinary nonstructural repairs. Exemption does not authorize code-violating work, structural changes, egress changes, or regulated trade alterations. Qualifying agricultural and storage-container exemptions require the county's acknowledgement forms.

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 Glenna Mayhew at 435-738-1150 to schedule and obtain confirmation. Allow at least 24 hours for an afternoon inspection and 48 hours for a morning inspection; voicemail alone does not count as notice, although a message should be left for a return call. Do not proceed beyond a required inspection point without approval. Typical stages include footing/foundation, underground utility and drain lines, under-slab systems, rough framing and plumbing/electrical/mechanical, insulation, lath or drywall, service clearances, and final; the approved plans and permit must remain available onsite.

  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 Duchesne County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

Duchesne County Department of Building Safety 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 Department of Building Safety and inspection scheduling: 435-738-1150; Planning & Zoning: 435-738-1151; Public Works / road approach: 435-738-2468.

How long might review take?

N/A. The county publishes no standard plan-review duration. Inspection requests require 24 hours for afternoons or 48 hours for mornings. Permit-expiration and extension terms are governed by the issued permit and adopted state code; no separate county average is stated.

How are inspections scheduled?

Call Glenna Mayhew at 435-738-1150 to schedule and obtain confirmation. Allow at least 24 hours for an afternoon inspection and 48 hours for a morning inspection; voicemail alone does not count as notice, although a message should be left for a return call. Do not proceed beyond a required inspection point without approval. Typical stages include footing/foundation, underground utility and drain lines, under-slab systems, rough framing and plumbing/electrical/mechanical, insulation, lath or drywall, service clearances, and final; the approved plans and permit must remain available onsite.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Current Utah State Construction Code: 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 provisions. The county code also adopts the International Property Maintenance and Fire Codes and administrative portions and selected appendices of the international codes. Duchesne County reviews and issues permits for unincorporated areas and the towns of Altamont and Tabiona; Duchesne City, Roosevelt, and Myton have their own building departments. County-code exemptions include one-story tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar detached structures up to 120 square feet for commercial applications or 200 square feet for residential applications; fences no higher than 6 feet; qualifying retaining walls no higher than 4 feet; qualifying grade-supported water tanks up to 5,000 gallons; low sidewalks and driveways; painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finishes; qualifying shallow above-ground pools; agricultural/nursery shade cloth; residential playground equipment; wall-supported awnings; movable cases, counters, and low partitions; specified minor electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing repairs; and ordinary nonstructural repairs. Exemption does not authorize code-violating work, structural changes, egress changes, or regulated trade alterations. Qualifying agricultural and storage-container exemptions require the county's acknowledgement forms.

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.