Bolthole Index

Beaver County, Utah

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Beaver County, Utah

50Index Score / 100
#14 of 29 in Utah

Unincorporated Beaver County, Utah requires a building permit before most construction, alterations, demolition, occupancy changes, and regulated trade work1. Beaver County also administers zoning for unincorporated parcels whose numbers begin with 01- or 02-2. Southwest Utah Public Health Department handles septic permits and inspections3.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for most construction and regulated trade work1
Zoning
County-administered for unincorporated parcels beginning 01- or 02-2
Septic permits
Southwest Utah Public Health Department3
RV living
Temporary permit only; May 1 through October 31, up to 180 days yearly4
Owner-builder
Licensing exemption available; permits and inspections still apply5
Private well
Water right and state permission required before drilling6
Septic soil suitability
37.1% of soils avoid severe conventional drain-field limits7

Who to call

Building permits

Beaver County Building Department

Building permits, zoning, payment and inspection scheduling for unincorporated Beaver County

(435) 438-6484

105 East Center Street, Beaver, UT 84713

Septic permits

Southwest Utah Public Health Department Environmental Health

Reviews septic plans, issues permits, conducts inspections and maintains records for Beaver County

(435) 865-5158

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Beaver County, Utah?

Yes. Unincorporated Beaver County requires the owner or authorized agent to obtain a permit before covered construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, occupancy changes, or regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work1. Exempt work includes a single-story detached storage shed or playhouse no larger than 200 square feet, a fence no higher than 7 feet, and a retaining wall no higher than 4 feet, subject to the claim's stated conditions1. Adding electrical to an otherwise exempt accessory structure still requires a permit1. Utah's agricultural construction-code exemption can cover a structure used solely for agriculture and not for human occupancy, but plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work may still need permits and the exemption narrows on certain smaller tracts8.

Who is the Beaver County building department, and how do you reach it?

The Beaver County Building Department handles permits and inspections for unincorporated Beaver County at 105 East Center Street in Beaver and can be reached at (435) 438-64849. For an unincorporated parcel beginning with 01- or 02-, the department handles zoning, the permit application, payment, and inspection scheduling29. Incorporated Beaver City handles its own zoning and permit applications, while Minersville and Milford handle parts of zoning or payment and contract other building functions through the county10. Published electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and roofing permits cost $75.75, while new-home and commercial fees depend on building area and project value11. Required inspections need at least 24 hours' notice129.

Does Beaver County have zoning?

Yes. Beaver County administers zoning for unincorporated parcels whose parcel numbers begin with 01- or 02-2. Incorporated Beaver City, Minersville, and Milford have separate zoning arrangements, so a municipal parcel should not be treated as though the unincorporated-county rules control it10. Standards depend on the zoning district: in the Forest/Recreation Residential districts, FR-1 requires at least 1 acre and 120 feet of width, while FR-.5 requires at least 0.5 acre and 80 feet of width13. Those districts also have specific front, side, and rear setbacks rather than one countywide setback14. The county's online zoning map is informational, may change, and should be verified with the appropriate authority before a purchase or building decision15.

How do septic permits work in Beaver County?

Southwest Utah Public Health Department is the septic authority for Beaver County, and its Environmental Health program reviews plans, issues permits, conducts inspections, and keeps system records316. Call the Beaver and Garfield County septic contact at (435) 865-515816. A permit and approved design are required before installing, replacing, or modifying a septic system, and soil and percolation testing must be completed by a Utah-certified onsite professional17. Every septic system needs a final inspection before backfilling18. Only 37.1% of Beaver County soils avoid severe USDA limitations for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility part of the land evaluation rather than assuming a standard system will work7. Off-grid wastewater may use an approved onsite system, but it remains subject to district permitting and inspection19.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Beaver County?

Beaver County does not allow a travel trailer as permanent living quarters outside an approved and licensed travel-trailer park4. A property owner may seek a temporary-use permit in listed zoning districts for the period from May 1 through October 31, limited to 180 days in a calendar year, with a new permit required each year4. That temporary residence also needs approved septic, culinary water, fire protection, and power4. The reviewed research did not locate a Beaver County provision specifically defining tiny-home occupancy, so confirm how a proposed unit will be classified with the Building Department before buying or placing it. A detached accessory dwelling unit must be permanent; a trailer, mobile home, or other portable wheeled structure cannot qualify as one20.

Building a home in Beaver County: the steps, in order

  1. Identify whether the parcel is unincorporated from its parcel number, then confirm the zoning district and allowed dwelling type with the Beaver County Building Department29.
  2. Verify lot area, width, setbacks, and access rules for that district; Forest/Recreation Residential standards, for example, vary between FR-1 and FR-.51314.
  3. Secure a water source; a private well requires a valid water right and state permission to drill6.
  4. Obtain the septic permit and approved design before installation, then leave the system uncovered for its final inspection1718.
  5. Apply for the building permit before covered work starts21.
  6. Schedule each required county inspection with at least 24 hours' notice and do not cover work until approved12.

What should you check before buying land in Beaver County?

Start with jurisdiction and zoning because Beaver County handles unincorporated parcels differently from Beaver City, Minersville, and Milford10. Verify septic feasibility early because only 37.1% of county soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional drain field7. Confirm legal water before assuming a well is available, since groundwater use and drilling require a valid water right and state approval6. If access connects to a state highway, a UDOT conditional access permit is required for a new driveway connection or a change in access intensity22. Beaver County averages 2.8 people per square mile, and 76.7% of its land is federally owned, figures that help explain why parcel access and neighboring public land deserve close title and map review2324. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.4%, with a median annual bill of $1,1212526.

Watch-outs

  • A small accessory building may be permit-exempt, but adding electrical work triggers a permit1.
  • The Utah owner-builder exemption concerns contractor licensing only; Beaver County permits, inspections, zoning, and other requirements still apply5.
  • County driveway rules and floodplain-development permitting remain unconfirmed; ask the Building Department about both before designing access or building in a mapped flood area9.

Sources

  1. Building Permit Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  2. Building Department | Beaver County, UT - Official Website, quoted and re-checked
  3. Septic Systems - Southwest Utah Public Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  4. 9-20-2: Location and Use, quoted and re-checked
  5. Utah Code Title 58, Chapter 55, quoted and re-checked
  6. Water Well Drilling - Utah Division of Water Rights, quoted and re-checked
  7. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  8. Utah Code § 15A-1-204 (Utah statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Beaver County Building Department (beaver.utah.gov)
  10. Building Department | Beaver County, UT - Official Website, quoted and re-checked
  11. Fees & Payments | Beaver County, UT - Official Website, quoted and re-checked
  12. Inspection Information, quoted and re-checked
  13. 9-6C-5: Area, Width and Yard Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  14. 9-6C-5: Area, Width and Yard Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  15. Planning & Zoning | Beaver County, UT - Official Website, quoted and re-checked
  16. Southwest Utah Public Health Department Environmental Health (swuhealth.gov)
  17. Septic Systems - Southwest Utah Public Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  18. Septic System Application Checklist v03-2023, quoted and re-checked
  19. Septic Systems - Southwest Utah Public Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  20. 9-21-4: Permitted and Conditional Uses and Limitations, quoted and re-checked
  21. Permits | Beaver County, UT - Official Website, quoted and re-checked
  22. Conditional Access Permit (Utah statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 27, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Found land here? Start a Property Hunt →

County locator

Beaver County in Utah

50
County map
Beaver County highlighted among the Utah counties · colored by Index score

How Beaver County scores

Seclusion89100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency2695% ev.
Admin Boringness40100% ev.
Durability38100% ev.
Property Autonomy60100% ev.
Carry Cost82100% ev.

Evidence strength: 99%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$322kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$3,779Land / acre
12.7"Annual rain
20.3% of yrsSevere drought
7.4 / yr (+6.7)Mid-century 100°F days
34.5 daysMid-century dry spell
0.91" (+7.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.16×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$922Home insurance / yr
2.9% / yrInsurance growth
0.62%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
737People within 30 min
158,643People within 2 hr
2,153Radius comparison (15 mi)
2.8People / sq mi
76.7%Federal land
77.9%Land at 15% slope or less
37.1%Septic soil without severe limits
259,390 acWorkable land screen
32.8%Wooded land
12.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
49.6°FAvg temp

Scout Beaver County

Camp here before you commitBook a few nights nearby on Hipcamp →Already own land here?Earn money hosting campers — get $100 when you become a Hipcamp host →

Some links are affiliate or referral links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Property hunt

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Search live inventory elsewhere, then cost and vet each candidate here. No copied listings, account, or paid data feed.

View your full hunt →
ZillowLand & lotsRealtor.comLand listingsLandSearchRural & vacant land

Each button opens a current land search for Beaver County. Listing sites control their own results and filters.

Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances

Use rough quotes or placeholders. Blank fields count as $0.

Working estimate

—land + entered setup costs
Asking $ / acre
—
Setup allowance
—
All-in $ / acre
—

A planning estimate, not a valuation or contractor quote. The USDA benchmark includes farm land and buildings; it is context, not a parcel comp.

Before an offer

Parcel due diligence

0/8 checked

Saved properties and checklist progress stay on this device. Bolthole Index does not receive them.

Answers from the rulebook for Beaver County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Beaver County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, occupancy changes, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing work in unincorporated Beaver County.

    • The owner or authorized agent must apply to the building official and obtain the required permit before the covered work is done.
    • Work not requiring a permit includes decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, and not attached to a dwelling; fences not over 7 feet high; painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; portable heating, cooling, and ventilation appliances; re-roofing; retaining walls not over 4 feet high measured from bottom of footing to top of wall; single-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet; sidewalks and driveways; and swings and other playground equipment.
    • For emergency equipment replacements and repairs, the permit application must be submitted within the next working business day.
    • Adding electrical in an accessory structure, including structures not exceeding 200 square feet, requires a permit; new gas appliances, new or upgraded gas lines or meters, new plumbing, all new electrical work, furnace or other heating-appliance replacements, and panel-board or circuit-breaker changes also require permits.
    • The county page states that incorporated Beaver City, Milford City, and Minersville Town have distinct or contracted arrangements; this claim is limited to unincorporated areas.

    detached accessory structure permit-exemption threshold: <= 200 square feet (single-story detached accessory structures used as storage or tool sheds or playhouses) · deck permit-exemption threshold: <= 200 square feet (also must be not more than 30 inches above grade and not attached to a dwelling) · fence permit-exemption height: <= 7 feet · retaining-wall permit-exemption height: <= 4 feet (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) · emergency repair application deadline: next working business day (permit is not valid until prescribed fees are paid)

    “Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction regulated by Beaver County in unincorporated Beaver County.

    • The adopted construction code is the state construction code adopted by the Utah Legislature under Utah Code Annotated § 15A-1-204, as amended.
    • The County Building Department handles building permits and inspections for unincorporated Beaver County.
    • The ordinance citation states Ord. 2014-03, dated 2-3-2014; no separate effective date is stated in the cited passage.
    “The state construction code adopted by the legislature in accordance with Utah Code Annotated section 15A-1-204, as amended, is hereby adopted as the construction code for the county. (Ord. 2014-03, 2-3-2014)”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Required code inspections for permitted construction in unincorporated Beaver County.

    • The permit holder or contractor must contact the Beaver County Building Department for all required inspections.
    • The person requesting inspection must provide access to and means for inspection.
    • At least 24 hours' notice is required.
    • Work may not proceed beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without building-department approval; noncompliant portions must be corrected and may not be covered or concealed until authorized.
    • The listed inspections include footings, foundations, underground electrical and plumbing, framing, rough plumbing, rough electrical, rough mechanical, weather-resistive barrier and flashing, insulation and vapor barrier, drywall or firewall, exterior finish, gas piping, electrical service panel, and final inspection.
    • The county states that the inspection list may not be conclusive and may vary depending on project scope.

    minimum inspection notice: >= 24 hours

    “It is the responsibility of the permit holder or contractor to contact the Beaver County Building Department for all required inspections, which are listed as follows:”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Commercial buildings or structures and changes in existing occupancy classification subject to the International Building Code in unincorporated Beaver County.

    • No building or structure may be used or occupied, and no change in existing occupancy classification may be made, until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy.
    • A certificate of occupancy will not be issued without all required inspections having been completed and approved.
    • This source specifically identifies International Building Code Section 110.1 and commercial application; no broader residential certificate-of-occupancy rule was located on the official page.
    “Please note that the International Building Code Section 110.1 states, "No building or structure shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification. . .shall be made until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy... A certificate of occupancy will not be issued without all required inspections having been completed and approved."”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land-use zoning administered by Beaver County for unincorporated Beaver County parcels, identified by parcel numbers beginning 01- or 02-.

    • The County Building Department states that, for unincorporated parcels, "Everything goes through Beaver County: zoning, permit application, payment, and scheduling inspections."
    • Incorporated Beaver City, Minersville, and Milford have separate zoning administration as described by the County.
    “Unincorporated Beaver County — Parcel starts with 01- or 02- Everything goes through Beaver County: zoning, permit application, payment, and scheduling inspections.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Zoning administration across unincorporated and incorporated areas of Beaver County.

    • This is an aggregate countywide conclusion; it does not assert that Beaver County administers each municipal zoning ordinance.
    • Unincorporated parcels beginning 01- or 02- are administered by Beaver County for zoning.
    • Beaver City handles zoning; Minersville and Milford handle the zoning portion of permitting.
    “Beaver City handles zoning, permit applications, and scheduling inspections through their own City Inspect website. Currently, payments will need to be made in person at Beaver City. The inspections themselves are completed by Beaver County under contract. Minersville handles the zoning portion of the permit. Everything else — permit application, payment, and inspections — goes through Beaver County's Building Department. Milford handles the zoning portion of the permit and payment of the permit. Everything else — permit application and inspections — goes through Beaver County's Building Department.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning designations displayed through Beaver County's interactive zoning map.

    • The County states that its zoning map is informational only and is not legally binding.
    • The County states that zoning designations may change and directs users to verify information with the appropriate authorities.
    “This zoning map is provided for informational purposes only and is not a legally binding document. While efforts are made to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information, the County makes no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, or current status of the zoning data. Zoning designations are subject to change.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lots in Beaver County Forest/Recreation Residential districts FR-1 and FR-.5.

    • The cited standards apply specifically to the FR-1 and FR-.5 zoning districts.
    • Other Beaver County zoning districts may have different area requirements.
    • The code page identifies the provision as amended by Ordinance 2019-05 dated 9-3-2019.

    FR-1 minimum lot area: >= 1 acre · FR-.5 minimum lot area: >= 0.5 acre · FR-1 minimum lot width: >= 120 feet · FR-.5 minimum lot width: >= 80 feet

    “District | Area (Acre) | Width (Feet) | Yards In Feet Front | Side | Rear FR-1 | 1 | 120 | 25 | 15 and 15 | 20 FR-.5 | 1/2 | 80 | 25 | 15 and 15 | 15”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Building setbacks in Beaver County Forest/Recreation Residential districts FR-1 and FR-.5.

    • The cited setbacks apply specifically to the FR-1 and FR-.5 zoning districts.
    • FR-1 requires a 25-foot front yard, 15-foot side yards on each side, and a 20-foot rear yard.
    • FR-.5 requires a 25-foot front yard, 15-foot side yards on each side, and a 15-foot rear yard.
    • The code page identifies the provision as amended by Ordinance 2019-05 dated 9-3-2019.

    FR-1 front yard setback: >= 25 feet · FR-1 side yard setback, each side: >= 15 feet · FR-1 rear yard setback: >= 20 feet · FR-.5 front yard setback: >= 25 feet · FR-.5 side yard setback, each side: >= 15 feet · FR-.5 rear yard setback: >= 15 feet

    “District | Area (Acre) | Width (Feet) | Yards In Feet Front | Side | Rear FR-1 | 1 | 120 | 25 | 15 and 15 | 20 FR-.5 | 1/2 | 80 | 25 | 15 and 15 | 15”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Planned unit developments in Beaver County residential or agricultural districts.

    • A planned unit development must have at least five acres in a residential or agricultural district.
    • Lot coverage is determined through approval of the site development plan.
    • The proposed use must satisfy the other listed planned-unit-development conditions, including required open-space, landscaping, grading and drainage, planting, and nondetriment requirements.

    minimum planned unit development area in residential or agricultural district: >= 5 acres · lot coverage: determined by approved site development plan

    “Lot area, width, yard, height, density and coverage regulations shall be determined by approval of the site development plan.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Buildings and dwelling structures in the Beaver County Forest/Recreation Residential district.

    • No building may exceed 30 feet.
    • A dwelling structure must be at least one story.
    • The cited section does not state a separate exception in the quoted rule.

    maximum building height: <= 30 feet · minimum dwelling height: >= 1 story

    “No building shall be erected to a height greater than thirty feet (30'), and no dwelling structure shall be erected to a height less than one story.”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Travel-trailer residential occupancy in Beaver County zoning districts, including property-owner temporary residence and approved travel-trailer parks.

    • Residential use of a travel trailer is prohibited outside approved and licensed travel-trailer parks, except as otherwise provided.
    • A property-owner temporary residence is limited to the agricultural, multiple use, residential estate, residential, forest/recreation residential, and multiple-family residential zoning districts.
    • A temporary use permit may be granted only between May 1 and October 31.
    • The permit may not exceed 180 days in each calendar year and must be issued each year.
    • The permit requires an approved septic tank, adequate fire protection, an approved culinary water source, and adequate power.
    • Travel-trailer park development requires an overall plan submitted to the planning commission for review.

    maximum temporary-residence duration: 180 days per calendar year (permit must be issued each year) · temporary-residence season: May 1 through October 31

    “Travel trailers may be stored, but not used for permanent living quarters.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Placement and residential occupancy of new HUD-certified manufactured homes on lots zoned for single-family dwellings in Beaver County.

    • Application and payment of a fee are required before a building permit may be issued.
    • The home must be HUD-certified under the National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 and constructed after July 1, 1976.
    • The lot must be zoned for single-family dwellings and comply with applicable zoning requirements, including lot size, setbacks, access, enclosures, yard requirements, and structure orientation.
    • The home must be placed on a permanent foundation complying with the adopted building code, with permanent masonry or cement perimeter enclosures and removal of towing hitches and transport running gear.
    • The home must be used only for purposes allowed in the zoning district and be compatible with existing structures.
    • The minimum width is 24 feet, the home must be multisectional or multimodular, and its sides must face the side yards.
    • Corrugated metal, fiberglass, and typical trailer-coach or recreational-vehicle coverings are prohibited.
    • The roof must have at least a 3-inch vertical rise per 12 inches of horizontal run, meet required snow and dead-load engineering, and satisfy the stated eave-overhang requirements.
    • Accessory uses and additions must conform to applicable codes.
    • Permanent utility connections require local-authority approval, including two hose bibs when not contained within the home.
    • The title must be delivered to the county assessor, after which the home is subject to local taxation as real property.

    minimum home width: >= 24 feet (width is the smallest dimension) · minimum roof pitch: >= 3:12 vertical rise:horizontal run · construction date: > after July 1, 1976

    “The manufactured house shall have received an insignia of approval by the U.S. department of housing and urban development”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Detached accessory dwelling units in Beaver County zoning districts.

    • A detached ADU must be a permanent structure; trailers, mobile homes, and other portable structures, especially structures with wheels, are not permitted as detached ADUs.
    • Detached ADUs may not be built on slopes of 30 percent or greater.
    • The rear-yard parcel coverage limit is 25 percent.
    • Side and rear setbacks are 5 feet; heights greater than 16 feet require increased setbacks.
    • The maximum height is 24 feet and all county requirements apply.
    • Two off-street parking spaces are required for the ADU in addition to the principal dwelling's minimum parking requirement.
    • The occupancy limit is one occupant per 210 square feet of habitable space.

    maximum slope: < 30 percent · rear-yard parcel coverage: <= 25 percent · side and rear setback: >= 5 feet (heights greater than 16 feet require increased setbacks) · maximum height: <= 24 feet (must also follow county setback and height requirements) · occupancy limit: per 1 occupant per 210 square feet of habitable space

    “A detached ADU shall be a permanent structure.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Who permits septicLocal

    Onsite wastewater and septic-system permitting, inspection, and records for Beaver County within the Southwest Utah Public Health Department district.

    • The district also serves Garfield, Iron, Kane, and Washington Counties.
    • Utah DEQ identifies the local health department as the primary contact for septic systems and private wells.
    “Your Local Health Department (LHD) is your primary contact for issues like septic systems (onsite wastewater), private wells (not part of a public water system), food safety, and general sanitation. [...] Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane, Washington Southwest Utah Public Health Department”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installing, replacing, or modifying a septic system in Beaver County within the Southwest Utah Public Health Department district.

    • A permit and approved design are required before installing, replacing, or modifying the system.
    • A complete application package is required; incomplete submissions may delay the request.
    • Soil and percolation testing must be completed by a Utah-certified onsite professional before design or installation.
    “A permit and approved design are required before installing, replacing, or modifying a system.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Individual septic systems in Beaver County within the Southwest Utah Public Health Department district.

    • Every septic system must receive a final inspection before backfilling.
    • The inspection is to assure compliance with submitted plans and septic-system regulations.
    • The applicant must call the Environmental Health Office to schedule an appointment.
    • Information about materials used must be available on-site.
    “Every septic system must have a final inspection BEFORE BACKFILLING to assure compliance with submitted plans and septic system regulations.”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

    Off-grid wastewater sanitation using an onsite wastewater/septic system in Beaver County within the Southwest Utah Public Health Department district.

    • An onsite wastewater system is an authorized alternative to a public sewer connection under the cited official guidance.
    • A permit and approved design are required before installing, replacing, or modifying the system.
    • The system remains subject to district review and inspection.
    “Utah law requires wastewater to be handled through a public sewer connection or an onsite wastewater system (septic system). A permit and approved design are required before installing, replacing, or modifying a system.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Bona fide divisions or partitions of agricultural land for agricultural purposes in Beaver County.

    • The exemption is from the county subdivision provisions and regulations cited in Section 10-3-6.
    • The division must be a bona fide division or partition of agricultural land for agricultural purposes as defined in the county code.
    • This claim does not establish an exemption from zoning, building, septic, health, access, or other applicable requirements.
    “Land divisions which are bona fide divisions or partitions of agricultural land for agricultural purposes, as defined herein.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land divisions in Beaver County that meet the county's subdivision definition, including divisions for offer, sale, lease, or development.

    • The county subdivision page defines a subdivision as land divided, re-subdivided, or proposed to be divided into two or more lots, parcels, sites, units, plots, or other divisions for offer, sale, lease, or development.
    • County subdivision regulations apply generally to land divided into two or more parts.
    • Bona fide divisions or partitions of agricultural land for agricultural purposes are exempt from the cited county subdivision regulations.
    • Bona fide divisions or partitions of commercial land for commercial purposes and industrial land for industrial purposes are also exempt under the cited section.
    • A subdivision of fewer than ten lots is treated as a minor subdivision and need not file or record a final plat before sale by metes and bounds if all listed conditions are met, including ALUA recommendation, approval marking, no mapped proposed-street conflict or dedication requirement, zoning frontage/width/area compliance or variance, precise dimensions, and required improvements.
    • A simple subdivision may divide one parcel into two if the cited requirements are met and all land-use regulations are followed.

    minimum number of lots or divisions for subdivision definition: >= 2 lots or divisions · minor subdivision threshold: < 10 lots (The section states subdivisions of less than ten lots are minor subdivisions subject to the listed conditions.)

    “Any land divided for any purpose into two (2) or more parts after the passage date hereof, shall be subject to the provisions and regulations herein, except the following, which are exempt therefrom:”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Beaver County Building Department permits.

    • Building-permit fees differ by the permit issued.
    • Residential dwelling and commercial building permit fees are based on structure square footage, including materials and labor.
    • A bank processing fee applies to credit-card payments.
    • Some inspections may require higher fees because of unforeseen circumstances or additional inspections.

    electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and roofing permit fee: 75.75 USD

    “Electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and roofing permits are $75.75. Building permit fees will differ depending on the permit that has been issued. Residential dwelling permits (new homes) and commercial building permits are based on square footage of the structure, including materials and labor.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building work regulated by the County code.

    • The owner or authorized agent must first apply to the building official and obtain the required permit.
    • For emergency equipment replacements and repairs, the application must be submitted by the next business day.
    • An emergency-repair permit is not valid until prescribed fees are paid.
    • The County publishes an online building-permit application and additional permit forms.
    “Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.”

Utah rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Sole property owners building residential structures on their own property for their own noncommercial, nonpublic use under Utah contractor-licensing law, including incidental sheds, carports, and detached garages.

    • The exemption is from licensure under Utah Code Title 58, Chapter 55; it does not itself establish an exemption from county building-permit, inspection, zoning, or other construction requirements.
    • For residential structures, the sole owner may build no more than one residential structure per year and no more than three residential structures per five years on the sole owner's property.
    • The use must be noncommercial and nonpublic.
    • The construction trade must be performed by the sole property owner or, under the applicable statutory provision, by a qualifying volunteer.
    • Structures incidental to a residential structure, including a shed, carport, or detached garage, are included when for the owner's noncommercial, nonpublic use.
    • A person other than the property owner who engages in building a residential structure must be licensed if otherwise required to be licensed.
    • The statute also provides a separate exemption for persons working on residential construction or renovation without compensation other than token compensation and under the property owner's direction; token compensation is defined by the statute.

    residential structures per year: <= 1 structure (on the sole owner's property for noncommercial, nonpublic use) · residential structures per five years: <= 3 structures (on the sole owner's property for noncommercial, nonpublic use)

    “a sole owner of property engaged in building: (i) no more than one residential structure per year on the sole owner's property and no more than three residential structures per five years on the sole owner's property for the sole owner's noncommercial, nonpublic use, except that a person other than the property owner or a person described in Subsection (1)(e), who engages in building a residential structure must be licensed under this chapter if the person is otherwise required to be licensed under this chapter; or (ii) structures on the sole owner's property for the sole owner's noncommercial, nonpublic use that are incidental to a residential structure on the property, including a shed, carport, or detached garage;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — A sole owner acting as an owner-builder for residential construction on the owner's property, concerning exemption from contractor licensure under the Utah Construction Trades Licensing Act; this does not by itself eliminate applicable building-permit, inspection, or code requirements.
      “a sole owner of property engaged in building: (i) no more than one residential structure per year on the sole owner's property and no more than three residential structures per five years on the sole owner's property for the sole owner's noncommercial, nonpublic use”
  • Well permitRequired

    Water-well construction and use associated with property in Beaver County, Utah.

    • The owner must have a valid water right to beneficially use groundwater before constructing a shallow water well.
    • A Start Card is issued upon approval of the water right and functions as the permit to construct the well.
    • Water well drillers are licensed and cannot drill a well unless permission to drill has been obtained from the State Engineer.
    • Regulated wells must be constructed by a currently licensed well driller; shallow wells may also be constructed by a licensed shallow-water-well constructor.
    • The cited state rules apply statewide, including Beaver County.
    “A shallow water well owner must have a valid water right to beneficially use groundwater from a shallow water well prior to well construction. [...] A Start Card is issued upon approval of the water right, which is essentially the permit to construct the well.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Wastewater drainage for dwellings, buildings, and premises covered by Utah's onsite wastewater rule.

    • Connection to a public sewer is required when available and practicable.
    • If public sewer is unavailable or impracticable, connection must be made to an adequate onsite wastewater system or another wastewater system acceptable under the listed Utah rules.
    • When a dwelling served by an onsite wastewater system connects to a public sewer, the septic tank must be abandoned and disconnected or bypassed unless otherwise approved by the regulatory authority.
    “shall have a connection to a public sewer”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveway or local-street connections to Utah state highways and changes in land use or access intensity along state highways.

    • The rule applies along a state highway.
    • A conditional access permit is required whenever a driveway or local street connection is requested.
    • A conditional access permit is also required for a change in land use or a change in the intensity of existing access.
    • The application process includes a pre-application meeting, a complete application packet, a non-refundable review fee, and UDOT technical review.
    “A conditional access permit is required when any of the following is true along a state highway: Whenever a driveway or local street connection is requested. When there is a change in land use (e.g. change in zoning, site plan, or conditional use). When there is a change in intensity of an existing access.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Temporary RV occupancy in Utah recreational vehicle parks providing temporary living quarters for two or more recreational vehicles.

    • The location must be an RV park as defined by Rule R392-301.
    • The operator must comply with all applicable building, zoning, electrical, health, fire codes and local ordinances.
    • Each RV must satisfy the required data-plate or permanent-label and certification or qualified third-party inspection requirements.
    • Wastewater must comply with the rule, applicable Utah Department of Environmental Quality requirements, local health department regulations, and the local sewer district having jurisdiction.

    minimum number of recreational vehicles: >= 2 vehicles

    “A recreational vehicle or a tiny house may be allowed in a recreational vehicle park only if:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Tiny houses in Utah RV parks; the state source also states that tiny-home permission in a particular area depends on local land-use regulations.
      “A recreational vehicle or a tiny house may be allowed in a recreational vehicle park only if:”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Utah counties may enact land-use controls, including zoning ordinances, for land in unincorporated areas statewide.

    • The authority is subject to Utah Code Section 17-79-101(4) and Section 11-41-103.
    • The statutory grant expressly covers the unincorporated area of a county and a designated mountainous planning district.
    • The quoted provision lists uses, density, open spaces, structures, and buildings among the subjects of permissible land-use controls.
    “Subject to Subsection (4) and Section 11-41-103, to accomplish the purposes of this chapter, a county may enact all ordinances, resolutions, and rules and may enter into other forms of land use controls and development agreements that the county considers necessary or appropriate for the use and development of land within the unincorporated area of the county or a designated mountainous planning district”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Utah counties may adopt and enforce building regulations and require building permits for construction in unincorporated areas statewide.

    • The general county building-regulation authority applies outside the limits of cities and towns.
    • Local regulations may not conflict with general laws.
    • Under Utah Code Section 17-79-901, erecting, constructing, reconstructing, altering, or changing the use of a building or other structure within a county requires approval of a building permit.
    • A county may not issue a building permit unless the plans fully conform to regulations then in effect.
    • The county permit authority is subject to the State Construction and Fire Codes Act and other statutory limitations.
    “A county may make and enforce within the limits of the county, outside the limits of cities and towns, all local, police, building, and sanitary regulations that are not in conflict with general laws.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum floor area or other minimum dwelling-size requirement in Beaver County.
  • Tiny homes — Occupancy of tiny homes in Beaver County.
  • Building in a floodplain — Development within a floodplain in unincorporated Beaver County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rentals in unincorporated Beaver County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Water rights & wells in Beaver County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Utah’s water agency.

Closed to new supply

New water supply here generally requires a permit, an offset, or buying an existing right — a household well is not automatic.

Household wellPermit required — restricted

Utah has NO exempt domestic well — you must own a water right to drill any well, including a household well. In an open area you file a new appropriation, but because much of Utah is closed to new appropriation a newcomer typically must PURCHASE an existing water right and file a change application to move it to the new well.

Limit: ~0.45 acre-ft/yr indoor domestic (typical allocation); no statutory exempt-well quantity

Utah Division of Water Rights — FAQ ↗

Prior-appropriation state (first in time, first in right). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Utah state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Beaver County, Utah

Is Beaver County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Beaver County scores 50/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 737 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 12.7″ of rain a year, in severe drought 20.3% of years and 76.7% federal land exposure.

Do you need a building permit in Beaver County, Utah?

Beaver County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Southwest Utah Public Health Department. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Beaver County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Beaver County is allowed on a temporary basis only: Travel-trailer residential occupancy in Beaver County zoning districts, including property-owner temporary residence and approved travel-trailer parks. Residential use of a travel trailer is prohibited outside approved and licensed travel-trailer parks, except as otherwise provided. A property-owner temporary residence is limited to the agricultural, multiple use, residential estate, residential, forest/recreation residential, and multiple-family residential zoning districts. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Beaver County, Utah?

Land in Beaver County runs about $3,779 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Beaver County?

Beaver County gets about 12.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 20.3% of years. On water rights, Beaver County lies in the Sevier River Basin (closed to new groundwater since 1997) — Large central-Utah basin closed to new groundwater appropriations since 1997 (surface water since 1946); new development must acquire and change existing valid rights..

How remote is Beaver County?

A representative private-land location has about 737 people within a 30-minute drive and 158,643 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Beaver County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

How Beaver compares in Utah

Compare side-by-side →See all 29 Utah counties ranked →