Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Unincorporated Davis County?
It depends. Whether shed or accessory structure needs a permit in Unincorporated Davis County comes down to the details of your project.
A shed that will have electricity, plumbing, or a permanent foundation falls outside the usual small accessory building exemption, which generally covers simple unpowered structures only. Electrical and plumbing work each normally require their own permit and inspection even when the structure itself would have been exempt, and many jurisdictions require a licensed electrician or plumber to pull them. Zoning setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage are reviewed separately from the building permit, so confirm placement with your local department before the shed is delivered or poured. Utah's adopted 2021 IRC Section R105.2 exempts one-story detached accessory structures of 200 square feet or less from a building permit; larger or multi-story structures need one. Utah Code 15A-3-202 adds a statewide exemption for grade-level, non-connected conex (shipping container) boxes under 350 square feet used only for storage. The exemption covers the building permit only: wiring or plumbing in the shed needs its own permit, and zoning setbacks, height limits, and HOA rules still apply. Structures used solely for agriculture and not for human occupancy are exempt from the State Construction Code under Utah Code 15A-1-204(11), but not on small parcels inside cities or approved subdivisions.
Documents you may need
- Permit application on the standardized Utah building permit formLikely required
- Property address and tax parcel identification numberLikely required
- Site plan showing the structure, property lines, and setbacksLikely required
- Floor area and height of the structurerequired
- Construction drawings or manufacturer plans for structures over 200 square feetSometimes required
- Owner/Builder Certification Agreement if the owner does the workSometimes required
Possible inspections
- Footing or foundation inspection where a permit is issued
- Framing inspection where required
- Electrical or plumbing rough-in inspection if the structure has power or water
- Final inspection
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Unincorporated Davis County?
- It depends. Whether shed or accessory structure needs a permit in Unincorporated Davis County comes down to the details of your project. The documents and inspections sections on this page list what the building department typically asks for.
- Who issues the permit in Unincorporated Davis County?
- The local building department for Unincorporated Davis County handles permitting. This page lists its contact details and online portal. Your mailing city is not always the permitting authority, so confirm the jurisdiction before you apply.
- How do I find out the exact requirements for my project?
- Run the free PermitRoadmap check for your specific project and answers. It returns the likely permits, documents, inspections, and next steps, each linked to its official source.
PermitRoadmap is an independent informational service and is not affiliated with any city, county, state agency, or permitting authority. Results are informational and do not replace confirming requirements with the local permitting authority.