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Building Inspections
Need to schedule an inspection? For information on the different types of inspections, how to schedule an inspection or additional help to schedule an inspection, click the button below:
InspectionsBuilding Permits
Need to apply for a building permit? Tell us more about your project and we will tell you what you need to submit an application. Click the appropriate button below to get started. What is your project type?
Residential
The construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal and demolition of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures not more than three stories above grade plane in height.
Commercial
The construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building (excluding buildings covered in the Residential section) or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need a permit?
Any time you do anything pertaining to electrical, framing, or plumbing a permit is required. Permits are also
required for commercial projects, residential projects, sheds, fences, furnace & water heater change outs/new
installation, water & sewer lateral repairs, electric service changes, pools, decks, solar, basement entrances,
signs and billboards.
There are specific permit applications for commercial, residential, accessory structures, basements, decks,
fences, mechanical, signs, solar, billboards and swimming pools.
Do | need a permit for a shed, gazebo, detached carport, or a detached garage?
Yes. All of these are considered Accessory Structures and require a permit.
How do | apply for a permit?
To apply for a permit go to our Building Permits page.
What do | need to submit with a building permit application?
You can find the submittal requirements for all permits on our Submittal Requirements page.
What are the requirements for awnings?
Refer to our Municipal Code 15.3.24.90 F.
What are the requirements for landscaping?
How does the deposit refund work?
A $1500 Public Improvement deposit, paid for new single family homes, is collected to guarantee that all terms
& conditions of the permit are met, site plan improvements are completed, damage done to City facilities is
repaired, and all fees are paid. Once all conditions of the permit have been met, the deposit will be refunded to
the person who paid the deposit.
What does Grandfathering mean?
Grandfathering, or legal non-conforming to be more accurate, is a structure that complied with zoning code
when it was built, and then the zoning or code changed. If the building never complied with the code, and was
constructed without a permit, but was never cited, it is simply an illegal structure that can be cited as an illegal
structure.
What do | need to do for a basement entrance?
Submit plans to show the following: 1) How much foundation is left above the door, 2) Footing & foundation
detail for walkout area including stairs (rise & run), 3) Handrail & guardrail detail, 4) Storm drain management,
5) A landing at the top & bottom of the stairs.
Engineering is required for footings, foundation, and the stairs. Engineering is required when making a new
hole in the foundation for the entrance or when widening an existing window to make the entrance.
Engineering is not required for an existing window opening.
Stairs need to be 36” wide. Headroom needs to be 6 feet 8 inches going down the stairs. Handrails can
project into stair width. As long as the basement entrance is not covered it can encroach in the side setback
area.
Final inspection will consist of checking for railing, lighting (exterior), drain, and if a window it must be
tempered.
What is required for fire blocking the basement cement walls near ceiling?
- Fire block the top plates continuously along the foundation.
- Draft stop from top plate to bottom plate behind stud & at intervals of 10 feet.
- Acceptable materials are tightly packed fiberglass insulation, ½" drywall, ¾" OSB, or solid 2x blocking.
What building codes is Spanish Fork City currently using?
As of July 1st 2025:
IBC 2021 Int'l Bidg Code w/UT Amendments
IRC 2021 Int'l Residential Code
IECC 2021 Energy
NEC 2023 Commercial Electrical
IFC 2021 National Fire
IMC 2021 Mechanical
IPC 2021 Plumbing
IFGC 2021 Fuel Gas Code
ICCA117.1-2009 ADA (handicap)
What is the Ground Snow Load for Spanish Fork?
Visit the Utah Ground Snow Load Map for this information.
How do | schedule an inspection?
You can schedule online, text, or call us at 801-804-4540. When scheduling online go to
Citizenserve and sign into your Citizenserve account.
Where do I find the City’s Municipal Code?
Questions concerning Radon?
Visit the Radon Program page from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.
What does a basement permit cost and how do | apply?
There is no fee for a basement permit. To apply visit Citizenserve.
How do | get in touch with the Fire Marshal?
You can contact the Fire Marshal for Spanish Fork, Jason Turner, by email at jturner@spanishfork.gov or phone at 801-804-4755.
How do | get information about ADU’s (Accessory Dwelling Unit)?
Visit our ADU page.
What is the status of my building permit?
Log in to Citizenserve to view the status of your building permit.
What do I need to do to add an in-ground trampoline to my yard?
Call Blue Stakes at 811 to have property marked. No permit is required, but check with James Darling at 801-804-4570 for easement related questions.
Is a permit required for an above ground pool?
Yes, if the pool is deeper than 24 inches. Above ground pools require a site plan (location of pool on the lot), how you will meet fencing or cover requirements, and a copy of the installation instructions. We have an application specifically for a pool.
Can I connect my RV to my sewer cleanout?
Yes, you can. But you must disconnect after emptying the waste and move the RV.
What are the requirements for residential handrails?
Handrails are required for stairs with more than 3 risers. Handrail height is to be a minimum of 34” and maximum of 38” from the nose of the stairs.
A guardrail is required when the landing is more than 30” above grade. Guardrail minimum height is 36”.
When does the Public Safety Impact Fee apply?
It is assessed to each building constructed in the city.
How can I find the cost for local impact fees?
Visit our Developer Toolbox to calculate impact fees.
How is the Drinking Water Impact Fee calculated?
Multi-Family and Commercial Buildings are calculated based on the anticipated usage divided by the estimated number of Equivalent Residential Connections (ERC). An ERC is 0.32 acre feet per year. A one inch meter or less is equivalent to one ERC. The minimum is one ERC.
When does the Recreation Impact Fee apply?
It is assessed to each new residential dwelling in the city.
Can an owner of a commercial building do their own demolition?
According to DOPL, no, they cannot. They need to have a B100 or S310 Foundation, Excavation, and Demolition Contractor.
Do sinks in a bathroom need to be vented to the outside?
At least one vent needs to go outside. As long as you have that, any others can be vented elsewhere but are required to have an air admittance valve on them.
What are the requirements for fencing & the clear vision area?
Please see Section 15.4.16.150 of the Municipal Code.
What are the setbacks for Awnings, Carports or Covered Decks?
Please see Section 15.3.24.090, F of the Municipal Code.
Is a permit required to remove a wall/post?
A permit is required if the wall has electrical in it or if the post is load bearing. The owner must determine whether the post is load bearing or not. An engineer should be hired to look at things and give the approval to remove it. The building department will want to review plans and engineering information, and also inspect the work that is done to ensure safety and structural compliance.
Can a licensed contractor do his own work on a Commercial project?
According to DOPL (Department of Professional Licensing), a person with a General or R100 contractor’s license can be the contractor for work done on their own building, but will need to sub out for the electrical and plumbing work that needs to be done.
If basement bedroom windows are changed from aluminum to vinyl, does this affect the “grandfathered-in” status?
Changing the types of windows does not constitute bringing them up to Code. However, you are not allowed to make the openings smaller or less compliant. If modifying the opening, you will be required to bring the windows up to Code. If changing the use of space, you are required to update to current Code. If changing a living room or office to a bedroom, you are required to bring the windows up to current Code.
Who can I contact if having problems with a landlord who is not fixing life/safety hazards?
Contact Utah Legal Services, visit their website or call 801-328-8891.
What is the ceiling height requirement for turning a crawl space into habitable space?
7 feet minimum is the requirement.
What are the general contractor classifications?
B100 General Contractor (can do basements)
R100 Residential/Small Commercial Contractor (can do basements)
E100 General Engineering Contractor
P200 General Plumbing Contractor
P201 Residential Plumbing Contractor
E200 General Electrical Contractor
E201 Residential Electrical Contractor
*These classifications are based on the scope of work the contractor can perform.
Other Questions? Contact Us
