Utah, Washington County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Washington County Building Permits

Washington County, Utah, handles building permits for properties located in unincorporated areas of the county. For properties within incorporated cities, the respective city's building department is responsible for permit issuance. The Community Development Department, which includes the Building, GIS, and Planning divisions, oversees construction activity and implements planning policies. All building permit applications are accepted electronically through the county's online permitting software system. After submission, applicants receive a link to track their application status. A 24-hour notice is required for inspections, and the permit number must be provided when scheduling. General requirements for building permits in unincorporated areas include county building permit documents, a septic permit from the Southwest Utah Public Health Department, and verification of water availability.

Specific requirements for properties in unincorporated areas include:

A 4-yard capacity dumpster with a lid or cover must be on-site during all construction phases and regularly serviced.
A sanitary facility (porta-pottie) is required at each construction site and must be maintained until construction is complete or alternative facilities are available.

Resources to Learn More

Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Utah, including Washington County.

Utah Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

Adopted Plumbing Codes in Utah

The state of Utah has adopted the 2021 edition of the International Plumbing Code (IPC) as the baseline technical standard for plumbing systems. This adoption is part of the broader Utah State Construction Code, which incorporates various International Codes (I-Codes) to ensure statewide consistency in building safety and regulation. While the IPC serves as the foundation, the state applies specific statewide amendments to tailor the code to Utah's unique requirements, which are codified in the Utah Code.

Regulatory Agencies and Oversight

The primary regulatory framework for plumbing in Utah is administered by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL), which operates under the Utah Department of Commerce. DOPL is responsible for the licensing of plumbing professionals, including journeyman and master plumbers, under the authority of the Utah Construction Trades Licensing Act (Utah Code Title 58, Chapter 55).

The adoption, modification, and interpretation of building and plumbing codes are overseen by the Utah Uniform Building Code Commission (UBCC). The UBCC is a statutorily authorized body that reviews and recommends code adoptions and amendments to the state legislature. The commission is supported by various advisory committees, including the Plumbing Advisory Committee, which provides expert input on plumbing-related standards and code interpretations.

Resources to Learn More

Select a City in Washington County

If your project is located within incorporated city limits, you will likely need to follow municipal ordinances rather than county rules. Select your city below to view local regulations.

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