Building Permit Guide for Washington County, Utah: What Requires a Permit?

By the team at Beehive Rental & Sales — Serving Southern Utah's contractors and homeowners since 1994.

Whether you are building a backyard shed, pouring a new driveway, or adding a swimming pool, the first question every Washington County homeowner asks is "Do I need a permit?" The answer depends on the project, the city, and the specific circumstances — and getting it wrong can mean fines, tear-outs, and expensive do-overs. This guide covers every common residential project in Washington County so you can plan with confidence.

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Quick Answer: In Washington County, Utah, most structural projects (sheds over 200 sq ft, pools, decks over 30 inches above grade, retaining walls over 4 feet, and all electrical/plumbing work) require building permits. BeeHive Rental & Sales at (435) 628-6663 provides the equipment you need once your permit is approved — from excavators and compactors to concrete tools and trenchers.

Key Takeaways

• •Sheds and accessory buildings over 200 square feet require a permit in most Washington County cities; under 200 sq ft is generally exempt
• •Fences rarely need permits but must meet height limits: 6'4" max on side/rear property lines and 4 feet max in front yards
• •Swimming pools always require a building permit, plus electrical and plumbing sub-permits and a barrier/fence for safety
• •Different cities have different rules — St. George, Hurricane, Washington, Ivins, Santa Clara, LaVerkin, and Toquerville each have their own building departments with specific requirements
• •Browse BeeHive's equipment inventory for every project type — excavators, trenchers, compactors, concrete tools, and more

How the Permit System Works in Washington County

Washington County includes multiple incorporated cities and unincorporated areas, and each has its own building department. The city your property is in determines which office handles your permits.

Incorporated cities (each has its own building department):

• •St. George
• •Hurricane
• •Washington
• •Ivins
• •Santa Clara
• •LaVerkin
• •Toquerville

Unincorporated areas (outside city limits) go through:

• •Washington County Building Department — (435) 634-5700, located at 197 East Tabernacle, St. George

All jurisdictions have adopted the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) with local amendments. This means the core rules are similar, but each city can add its own requirements.

Project-by-Project Permit Requirements

Sheds and Accessory Buildings

Does it need a permit? Depends on size.

• •Under 200 square feet: Generally exempt from building permits in most Washington County cities. However, the structure must still comply with setback requirements and cannot be placed in an easement.
• •200 square feet and over: Requires a building permit, site plan, and inspections.
• •Over 400 square feet: Some cities require additional engineering or foundation specifications.

Process: Submit a building permit application with a site plan showing the shed location, property lines, setbacks, and dimensions. Plan review typically takes 1–2 weeks.

Fees: $75–$200 for standard residential accessory buildings.

Inspections: Foundation/slab, framing (if applicable), and final.

Equipment needed: A skid steer for site prep and grading, plate compactor for sub-grade, and concrete tools if pouring a slab. All available from BeeHive Rental & Sales.

Important setback rules: Accessory buildings typically must be at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines and behind the front setback line. In some zones, they cannot be taller than the primary residence.

Fences

Does it need a permit? Usually not, but height limits and placement rules apply.

Height limits in most Washington County cities:

• •Side and rear property lines: Maximum 6 feet 4 inches
• •Front yard: Maximum 4 feet
• •Corner lots: Reduced height in the sight-triangle area near intersections for driver visibility

When a permit IS needed:

• •Fences over the allowed height
• •Retaining wall/fence combinations where the wall-plus-fence exceeds height limits
• •Fences in flood zones or near drainage easements
• •Some HOAs require architectural review (this is separate from a city permit)

Fees: When required, fence permits are typically $50–$100.

Equipment needed: Post hole auger (rental $40–$75/day from BeeHive Rental & Sales), concrete mixer, and level.

Note: Even without a permit requirement, you must know your property lines. Building a fence on your neighbor's property creates legal problems. Consider a property survey if boundaries are unclear.

Retaining Walls

Does it need a permit? Depends on height and conditions.

• •Under 4 feet, no surcharge, not in setback: No permit required
• •Over 4 feet: Permit required with stamped engineered drawings
• •Any height with surcharge (driveway, building, slope above): Permit required
• •In setback areas or hillside overlay zones: Permit required

Process: Submit permit application, site plan, and engineered drawings (for walls over 4 feet). Plan review takes 2–3 weeks.

Fees: $100–$400 for the permit plus $800–$2,500 for engineering.

Inspections: Footing, drainage, backfill compaction, and final.

Equipment needed: Mini excavator for footing trenching, plate compactor for base and backfill, dump trailer for materials. See our detailed guide on retaining wall permits in St. George for complete information.

Swimming Pools

Does it need a permit? Always yes — no exceptions.

Every in-ground and above-ground swimming pool (including hot tubs holding more than 5,000 gallons) requires:

• •Building permit for the pool structure
• •Electrical permit for pumps, lighting, and bonding
• •Plumbing permit for water lines and drainage
• •Barrier permit — All pools must have a safety barrier (fence) meeting specific requirements: minimum 48 inches tall, self-closing and self-latching gates, no openings that allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through

Process: Submit building permit with pool plans, equipment layout, barrier plan, and grading/drainage plan. Plan review takes 2–4 weeks.

Fees: $300–$800 depending on pool size and complexity.

Inspections: Excavation, steel/rebar, plumbing, electrical, bonding, deck, barrier, and final — typically 6–8 inspections total.

Equipment needed: Excavator for pool excavation (this is the biggest rental), skid steer for soil removal, dump trailer for hauling spoils, compactor for backfill around the pool shell. BeeHive Rental & Sales carries excavators sized for residential pool work — call (435) 628-6663 to discuss your project.

Timeline: Permitting through completion typically takes 8–16 weeks in Washington County.

Driveways and Concrete Flatwork

Does it need a permit? Varies by city.

• •St. George: A permit is required for new driveway approaches (the connection to the public street). Replacing an existing driveway in the same footprint generally does not require a permit, but check with the engineering department.
• •Other cities: Requirements vary — some require permits for any concrete work over a certain square footage. Call your local building department.

Process: For driveway approaches, submit a right-of-way permit through the city engineering department. For large flatwork projects, a standard building permit may be required.

Fees: $50–$200 for driveway approach permits.

Inspections: Sub-grade compaction and final (for permitted work).

Equipment needed: Skid steer for grading and site prep, plate compactor for sub-grade compaction, concrete saw for cutting control joints, power trowel for finishing, concrete vibrator for consolidation. All available at BeeHive Rental & Sales.

Decks and Covered Patios

Does it need a permit? Depends on height and attachment.

• •Decks 30 inches or less above grade: Generally exempt from permits
• •Decks over 30 inches above grade: Permit required with construction plans
• •Attached decks/patios (connected to the house): Often require a permit regardless of height because they affect the building's structural load
• •Freestanding patio covers: Generally exempt if they are open on at least two sides and under a certain size, but check your city's specific rules

Process: Submit building permit with deck plans showing dimensions, materials, connection details, and footing specifications. Plan review takes 1–2 weeks.

Fees: $100–$300 for residential decks.

Inspections: Footing, framing/connections, and final.

Equipment needed: Post hole auger for footing holes, concrete mixer for footings, circular saw, and standard construction tools.

Carports and RV Covers

Does it need a permit? Almost always yes.

Carports and RV covers are considered structures and require building permits in virtually every Washington County jurisdiction. They must meet:

• •Setback requirements — Cannot be too close to property lines
• •Height limits — Must comply with zone-specific maximum height
• •Wind load requirements — Southern Utah experiences strong wind events; engineering may be required
• •Snow load requirements — Even in St. George, building codes require snow load calculation

Process: Submit building permit with construction plans. For pre-engineered metal carport kits, the manufacturer typically provides stamped engineering that satisfies the city's requirements.

Fees: $100–$400 depending on size and complexity.

Inspections: Foundation, framing, and final.

Equipment needed: Concrete tools for footings, post hole auger, and standard construction equipment.

Patios (Uncovered, At Grade)

Does it need a permit? Generally no.

A standard at-grade patio — concrete, pavers, or flagstone laid at ground level — is typically exempt from building permits as long as it:

• •Does not require significant grading changes
• •Does not direct drainage onto neighboring properties
• •Does not encroach into easements
• •Is not attached to the house structure

Equipment needed: Plate compactor for base preparation, concrete tools if pouring concrete, or a wet saw for cutting pavers. All available for daily rental from BeeHive Rental & Sales.

Electrical Work

Does it need a permit? Always yes for new circuits, panels, and most modifications.

All electrical work beyond simple fixture replacements requires an electrical permit in Washington County. This includes:

• •New circuits or sub-panels
• •Service upgrades (100-amp to 200-amp, for example)
• •Outdoor lighting circuits
• •Hot tub or pool wiring
• •Generator hookups and transfer switches
• •EV charging station installation

Important: Electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician or the homeowner on their own primary residence. Inspections are required before covering wires with drywall or burying conduit.

Fees: $50–$150 for most residential electrical permits.

Plumbing Work

Does it need a permit? Always yes for new lines, water heaters, and major modifications.

Plumbing permits are required for:

• •Water heater replacement (yes, even replacing an existing one)
• •New water or sewer lines
• •Gas line installation or modification
• •Sprinkler system connections to the main water line
• •Bathroom or kitchen remodels involving moving or adding plumbing fixtures

Fees: $50–$150 for most residential plumbing permits.

Equipment needed: For water and sewer line work, a trencher rental makes the job dramatically easier than hand digging. BeeHive Rental & Sales carries walk-behind and ride-on trenchers.

Building Department Contact Information

Here is the contact information for every building department in Washington County.

Office hours: Most building departments are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some close for lunch.

The General Permit Process (All Cities)

While specifics vary, the general process is consistent across Washington County.

Step 1: Determine If You Need a Permit

Use this guide or call your local building department. When in doubt, call — it's always free to ask, and building officials are generally helpful and willing to explain requirements.

Step 2: Gather Documentation

At minimum, you will need:

• •Permit application form (available online for most cities)
• •Site plan — A drawing showing your property, existing structures, and the proposed project
• •Construction plans — Detailed enough for the reviewer to understand what you are building
• •Engineering (when required) — Stamped drawings from a Utah-licensed engineer

Step 3: Submit and Wait for Review

Submit your application in person or online. Plan review takes 1–4 weeks depending on the city and project complexity. The reviewer may return your plans with comments requiring revisions.

Step 4: Receive Your Permit and Begin Work

Once approved, you will receive a permit card to post at the job site. Display it visibly — inspectors will look for it.

Step 5: Schedule Inspections

Call the building department to schedule inspections at required milestones. Do not proceed to the next phase of construction until the current inspection passes. Common inspection points:

• •Foundation/footing — Before pouring concrete
• •Rough framing — Before covering with sheathing or drywall
• •Rough electrical/plumbing — Before covering
• •Insulation — Before drywall
• •Final — When the project is complete

Step 6: Final Inspection and Closeout

The final inspection confirms the project matches the approved plans and meets code. Once it passes, your permit is closed and the project is officially on record.

Common Permit Mistakes to Avoid

Starting Without a Permit

This is the most common and most expensive mistake. If an inspector discovers unpermitted work, you face:

• •Stop-work orders — All construction halts
• •Fines — Typically double the original permit fee, plus daily penalties
• •Retroactive permitting — You must apply for a permit after the fact, which may require exposing completed work for inspection (partial demolition)
• •Insurance complications — Homeowner's insurance may not cover damage related to unpermitted work
• •Sale complications — Unpermitted work creates title issues when you sell the home

Ignoring HOA Requirements

HOA architectural review is separate from city permits. You may need both. Getting a city permit does not satisfy your HOA, and getting HOA approval does not satisfy the city. Check both before starting.

Not Calling for Inspections

Completing work without calling for required inspections means the permit stays open. Open permits show up on title searches and can complicate future home sales. If you've completed permitted work without getting a final inspection, contact the building department to schedule one and close the permit.

Hiring Unlicensed Contractors

Utah requires contractors performing work valued over $3,000 to be licensed. Hiring an unlicensed contractor puts you at risk for poor workmanship with no recourse through the state licensing board. Verify contractor licenses at dopl.utah.gov.

FAQ

What projects can I do without a permit in Washington County, Utah? In most Washington County cities, you can do the following without a permit: build a shed under 200 square feet, install a fence within height limits, build an at-grade patio, paint, replace flooring, replace cabinets, and do minor cosmetic improvements. The general rule is that structural changes, electrical work, plumbing work, and anything affecting life safety require a permit.

How long does it take to get a building permit in St. George? Standard residential permits (sheds, fences, simple decks) typically take 1–2 weeks for plan review. More complex projects (pools, large additions, retaining walls requiring engineering) take 2–4 weeks. If the plan reviewer requires revisions, add another 1–2 weeks. You can check permit status online through the city's portal.

How much do building permits cost in Washington County? Permit fees vary by project and city. General ranges: sheds $75–$200, fences $50–$100, decks $100–$300, swimming pools $300–$800, retaining walls $100–$400, electrical work $50–$150, plumbing work $50–$150. Fees are typically based on project valuation using a standard formula.

Can a homeowner pull their own building permit in Utah? Yes. Utah law allows homeowners to pull permits and perform their own work on their primary residence. You do not need a contractor's license to build on your own property. However, the work must still meet code and pass inspections. Electrical and plumbing work performed by homeowners must still meet the same code standards as licensed contractor work.

What happens if I get caught with unpermitted work? Consequences include stop-work orders, fines (typically double the permit fee plus daily penalties), mandatory retroactive permitting (which may require partial demolition to expose work for inspection), and potential requirements to remove and rebuild non-compliant work. Unpermitted work also creates complications when selling your home, as title companies flag open permits and unpermitted structures.

Building permits exist to protect you, your family, and your property value. Taking the time to check requirements before you start digging saves money, stress, and potential tear-out costs. Once your permit is approved and you're ready to build, BeeHive Rental & Sales at 1175 Highland Drive in St. George has every piece of equipment you need — excavators, compactors, trenchers, concrete tools, augers, and more. Call (435) 628-6663 for availability and expert project advice, or browse the full rental inventory online.