Duchesne County, UT Building Permits & Zoning Rules

Unincorporated Duchesne County, Utah requires a building permit for any building designed or intended for human occupancy, regardless of size¹. County zoning also applies, and the building site must meet zoning requirements before a permit is issued²¹. Septic permits go through the TriCounty Health Department³.

At a glance

Building permit: Required in unincorporated areas for any building designed or intended for human occupancy, regardless of size¹
Zoning: Yes, countywide; five-acre and ten-acre minimum lot sizes are common⁴⁵
Septic authority: TriCounty Health Department (Roosevelt office)⁶⁷
Owner-builder exemption: Yes, statewide: a sole owner may build up to 1 residential structure per year, no more than 3 in any five-year span, for noncommercial use⁸⁹
Accessory building exemption: A single-story storage shed 200 sq ft or less needs no permit once a dwelling already exists on the parcel⁵
RV living: Primary-residence use is barred outside an approved RV park, except for a possible temporary building-permit exception¹⁰
Wells: Common on rural parcels; TriCounty Health Department must test and approve well water before a dwelling is occupied⁵
Accessory dwelling: Permitted in A-10/A-5, A-2.5 and R-1; conditional use in R-1/2; prohibited in commercial and industrial districts¹¹

Who to call

Building permits

Duchesne County Department of Building Safety

Building permits, plan review and inspections for construction in unincorporated Duchesne County

(435) 738-1150

[email protected]

734 North Center Street, Duchesne, UT 84021

Online permits →

Building permits

Duchesne County Department of Building Safety

Building permits, plan review and inspections for construction in unincorporated Duchesne County

Building permits

Duchesne County Department of Building Safety

Publishes the county's Tiny Home Information Sheet, applying the state's tiny-house building code appendix to permit applications

Codes & inspections

Duchesne County Community Development Department

Publishes the county's 'Things to Know Before Purchasing Land' guide covering permits, zoning, septic, water, road classes, subdivisions and the wildfire code

Zoning

Duchesne County Community Development Department

Zoning administration, subdivisions and land-use permits for unincorporated Duchesne County

435-738-1152

[email protected]

PO Box 317, Duchesne, UT 84021

Online permits →

Floodplain permits

Duchesne County Community Development Department (Floodplain Management)

Administers Duchesne County's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and floodplain development permits for unincorporated land

(435) 738-1135

[email protected]

Online permits →

Septic permits

TriCounty Health Department (Roosevelt office)

Septic (onsite wastewater) plan review, construction permits and inspections for Duchesne County, plus well-water testing and approval

(435) 722-6300

[email protected]

409 South 200 East, Roosevelt, UT 84066

Roads & driveways

Duchesne County Road Department

County road maintenance, approach (driveway) permits and right-of-way crossing permits

435-738-2468

[email protected]

20800 East River Road, Duchesne, UT 84021

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

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

Yes. Unincorporated Duchesne County requires a building permit for any building designed or intended for human occupancy, regardless of size¹. Incorporated Altamont, Tabiona, Duchesne, Roosevelt and Myton use separate building departments or inspectors¹. An accessory storage shed on a parcel with an established dwelling can avoid a permit only when it is single story and 200 square feet or less; a shed on a vacant parcel needs a permit regardless of size⁵. A qualifying agricultural structure used solely for agriculture and not for human occupancy may be exempt, but plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits can still apply, subdivision acreage conditions matter, and zoning setbacks still must be met¹². County building-permit fees vary with estimated construction-cost valuation, with a 1% state surcharge and plan review priced at 35% to 65% of the permit fee¹³.

Who is the Duchesne County building department, and how do you reach them?

The Duchesne County Department of Building Safety is at 734 North Center Street, Duchesne, UT 84021, reachable at (435) 738-1150 or [email protected]¹⁴. The county offers an online application and PDF forms, including a permit packet and checklist¹⁵. Construction documents must be dimensioned and drawn on suitable material, while an approved electronic submission must be a PDF¹⁵. A permit expires if work does not begin within 180 days or stops for 180 days after it begins; a written request based on circumstances beyond the permit holder's control can support an extension of up to 180 days¹⁵. County-permitted work is inspected against the approved plans, and final approval plus a certificate of occupancy are required before a completed building is occupied or used¹⁶¹⁷.

Does Duchesne County have zoning?

Yes. Duchesne County administers separate zoning districts, where a use may be allowed outright, allowed with conditions or restricted². The county publishes those districts in the zoning layer of its Tax Parcel Viewer¹⁸. The Community Development Department at PO Box 317, Duchesne, UT 84021, (435) 738-1152 or [email protected], is the office to confirm a parcel's district¹⁹. The listed districts use 30-foot front and rear setbacks, while side-yard standards vary; in R-1, one side must be at least 8 feet and both sides together must total 20 feet²⁰. Buildings in A-10, A-5, A-2.5, R-1 and R-1/2 are limited to 40 feet unless conditional-use approval allows more²¹. PUD lot area, width, yards and coverage are set through site-plan approval²².

How do septic permits work in Duchesne County?

The TriCounty Health Department's Roosevelt office, at 409 South 200 East, Roosevelt, UT 84066, (435) 722-6300, handles onsite wastewater in Duchesne County³⁷. Its environmental health staff review plans, issue construction permits and inspect installations against state and local standards⁷. A Duchesne County building-permit applicant must show either a legal connection to an approved sewer facility or an onsite wastewater permit from TriCounty Health¹. Statewide rules require a public-sewer connection where one is available and practicable; otherwise, the property needs an adequate onsite or otherwise approved wastewater system²³. Only about 9.7% of county soils rate free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so arrange the site evaluation before assuming a standard system will work²⁴.

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

Unincorporated Duchesne County does not allow an RV to serve as a primary residence on a parcel unless it is in an approved RV park²⁵. The Community Development Administrator may grant an exception for no more than 1 year when the RV occupancy accompanies a valid building permit for a permanent dwelling and appropriate water and wastewater facilities are provided²⁵. Accessory dwellings are permitted in A-10/A-5, A-2.5 and R-1, require conditional-use approval in R-1/2, and are prohibited in commercial and industrial districts¹¹. A tiny house in an RV park must meet state labeling and certification or inspection requirements, but we could not confirm a county land-use rule authorizing tiny-home occupancy on ordinary private land²⁶. Ask Community Development how the proposed unit would be classified¹⁹.

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

Confirm the parcel's zoning district and setbacks with Community Development before designing the house¹⁸²⁰.

Establish an approved culinary-water source; a new well requires a valid water right and a Start Card before construction¹²⁷.

Secure sewer confirmation or a TriCounty Health onsite wastewater permit¹³.

Obtain fire-plan approval, then submit the building application and construction documents to Building Safety¹¹⁵.

Obtain an approach permit for work beside or across a county road, or a UDOT conditional access permit for a state-highway connection²⁸²⁹.

Schedule inspections and obtain final approval and the certificate of occupancy before moving in¹⁶¹⁷.

What to check before you buy land in Duchesne County

Confirm legal access before committing: Duchesne County warns that a parcel is not guaranteed to have legal access, and Community Development can provide a map of nearby roads⁵. An installation across or alongside a county road requires a Road Department permit²⁸. Check flood status early because any proposed structure or land use in the unincorporated county's 1% annual-chance floodplain requires a floodplain development permit³⁰. Check soils and water together: only about 9.7% of county soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, and a new water-production well requires state water-right approval before its construction permit is issued²⁴²⁷. If rental income matters, confirm the district before purchase: the county's reviewed A-2½ and A-5 commercial short-term-rental example required a conditional-use permit, business license, health approvals and a building inspection³¹.

Watch-outs

The county's 2019 'Things to Know' PDF lists the TriCounty Health Department's water line as 435-722-6310, but the health department's own current website lists (435) 722-6300 for its Roosevelt office; call ahead and confirm which line reaches the office you need⁵⁷.
The same PDF lists 435-7381151 for the Community Development Department's road-access map request, one digit off from the department's current listed line, (435) 738-1152; try the current number first⁵¹⁹.
A primary-residence RV is unlawful outside an approved RV park unless the Community Development Administrator grants the limited building-permit exception²⁵.
We could not confirm a countywide minimum dwelling size or a specific county land-use rule allowing an occupied tiny home on private land; ask Community Development before relying on either¹⁹.

Sources

Written September 29, 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.

How Duchesne County scores

Seclusion66100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency4396% ev.

Admin Boringness40100% ev.

Durability58100% ev.

Property Autonomy60100% ev.

Carry Cost81100% 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 →

$376kTypical home

0.6%Property tax

$1,649Land / acre

17.5"Annual rain

29.5% of yrsSevere drought

1 / yr (+0.9)Mid-century 100°F days

27.2 daysMid-century dry spell

1.15" (+9.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.2×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,043Home insurance / yr

2.4% / yrInsurance growth

1.01%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

18Radius comparison (15 mi)

6.3People / sq mi

45.2%Federal land

46.9%Land at 15% slope or less

9.7%Septic soil without severe limits

109,216 acWorkable land screen

33.4%Wooded land

18.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac

42.1°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Duchesne County

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

Duchesne County rules

Building permitRequired
New residential building construction in unincorporated Duchesne County administered by the Duchesne County Department of Building Safety.
- The source states that Town of Altamont, Town of Tabiona, and the cities of Duchesne, Roosevelt, and Myton have separate building departments or inspectors; this claim does not cover those incorporated jurisdictions.
- All building sites must meet minimum zoning requirements before a building permit is issued.
- Applicants must provide proof of legal connection to an approved sewer treatment facility or an onsite Waste Water Disposal Permit from Tri-County Health Department.
- For residential or business uses, evidence of an approved culinary water source or supply is required.
- A fire protection plan must be reviewed and approved by the County Fire Warden or County Fire Marshal before the building permit is issued.
- The 2023 packet states that building permit fees are based on estimated construction cost valuation, includes a 1% state surcharge on issued permits, and sets the plan review fee at not less than 35% and up to 65% of the building permit fee.
- Every permit expires if work is not commenced within 180 days from issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after commencement; an extension not exceeding 180 days may be requested in writing for circumstances beyond the permit holder's control.
state surcharge: 1% (required on all issued building permits) · plan review fee: 35%-65% of building permit fee · permit commencement deadline: 180 days (permit becomes null and void if work has not commenced) · permit suspension or abandonment period: 180 days (after work has commenced)
“Building Permits – Building permits are required for any building that is designed or intended for human occupancy, regardless of size.”
Duchesne County Building Permit Process and Inspection Requirements ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
InspectionsRequired
Buildings and structures constructed under a Duchesne County building permit in unincorporated Duchesne County.
- All buildings or structures must be inspected according to approved plans.
- Minimum notice is 24 hours for afternoon inspections and 48 hours for morning inspections.
- No work may proceed beyond the point indicated in a successive inspection without inspection and approval by the code official.
- The packet lists required inspections including pre-site/Wildland Urban Interface, footings, foundation, underground utilities, under-floor slab, framing, sheathing, weather-resistive barrier and flashing, rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical/framing, insulation, drywall, final trade inspections, grading, and final inspection.
- Inspection scheduling requires calling the Duchesne County Department of Building Safety; voicemail is not considered notice.
afternoon inspection notice: 24 hours · morning inspection notice: 48 hours
“ALL BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURE SHALL BE INSPECTED according to the approved plans.”
Duchesne County Building Permit Process and Inspection Requirements ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Certificate of occupancyRequired
All buildings and structures constructed under the Duchesne County building-permit process in unincorporated Duchesne County.
- A final inspection approval must occur before the certificate is issued.
- The certificate must be issued before the building or structure is occupied or used.
- An onsite wastewater operating permit is required for the County Building Department to issue a Certificate of Occupancy.
- The source distinguishes incorporated towns and cities with separate building departments or inspectors.
“THERE SHALL BE A FINAL INSPECTION APPROVAL AND A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY SHALL BE ISSUED ON ALL BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES PRIOR TO THEIR BEING OCCUPIED OR USED.”
Duchesne County Building Permit Process and Inspection Requirements ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
County zoning authority and regulations administered by Duchesne County, including separate county zoning districts.
- Uses may be permitted outright, permitted with conditions, or restricted depending on the separate zoning district.
- Duchesne County's zoning districts are shown in the County Tax Parcel Viewer zoning layer.
- Drinking water source protection zones in unincorporated areas have additional permitted and prohibited uses under a separate County ordinance.
“Code outlining zoning authority, administration, definitions, and regulations. Review this code to see the multiple uses permitted outright, permitted with conditions, or restricted in each, separate zoning district.”
Zoning ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Land, buildings, and premises in Duchesne County's unincorporated area shown on the county official zoning district map.
- Uses and structures must comply with Title 8 zoning regulations.
- The county zoning title establishes minimum requirements and additional requirements may be imposed by the zoning administrator, board of adjustment, planning commission, or county commission.
- This claim does not establish zoning rules administered by incorporated municipalities.
- The county code site states that its posted code may not reflect the most current legislation and that the official printed copy should be consulted.
“The provisions of this title shall apply to all lands within the unincorporated area of the county, as indicated on the county official zoning district map, accompanying and incorporated herein by reference.”
Duchesne County Code § 8-1-3: Applicability ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
Zoning districtsPublished
County zoning districts and the County zoning layer for unincorporated Duchesne County.
- The County publishes zoning districts through its Tax Parcel Viewer/GIS mapping application.
- The County zoning page instructs users to open the GIS map, select the Layer List, and select the Duchesne County Zoning layer.
- The zoning page also identifies drinking-water source-protection zones in unincorporated areas and states that permitted and prohibited uses are outlined in the applicable ordinance.
“Duchesne County's zoning districts are found in its Tax Parcel Viewer mapping application.”
Zoning ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)
Lots and parcels in unincorporated Duchesne County subject to the county zoning ordinance.
- A-10 requires a Tri-County Health Department-approved nonpublic water source or public water connection for residential development and a wastewater system permit.
- A-5 and A-2.5 require a Tri-County Health Department-approved nonpublic water source or public water connection and a wastewater system permit for buildings for human occupancy.
- R-1 requires a public water source and a Tri-County Health Department wastewater system permit or public sewer connection.
- R-1/2 requires both a public water source and public sewer system.
- Proof of public water and/or sewer connections may allow property mapped A-5 or A-2.5 to be treated as R-1 or R-1/2 without rezoning as described in § 8-5-1.
- Lot sizes within 98.75 percent of the stated minimum may be rounded up.
- Easements and rights-of-way may count toward required acreage.
- If a parcel lies in multiple zoning districts, each district applies only to the portion within its boundaries.
- Minimum lot-size standards do not apply to parcels created for unmanned public or private transportation, utility-service, or telecommunications facilities.
A-10 minimum lot size: >= 10 acres (No parcel in A-10 may be reduced below 10 acres.) · A-5 minimum lot size: >= 5 acres · A-2.5 minimum lot size: >= 2.5 acres · R-1 minimum lot size: >= 1 acre · R-1/2 minimum lot size: >= 0.5 acre · C minimum lot size: none (No minimum area requirement.) · I minimum lot size: none (No minimum area requirement.) · lot-size rounding threshold: >= 98.75 percent of minimum (May be rounded up to meet the standard.)
“A-10, ten (10) acre minimum zone[...] A-5, five (5) acre minimum zone.[...] A-2.5, two and one-half (2 1/2) acre minimum zone”
Duchesne County Code § 8-5-1: Zoning Districts Specified; Purpose ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
SetbacksSpecified
Development subject to Duchesne County zoning districts.
- Minimum front and rear setbacks are 30 feet in A-10, A-5, A-2.5, R-1, R-1/2, C, and I districts.
- Minimum side setbacks vary by district: R-1 requires 8 feet with the total distance of both side setbacks 20 feet; R-1/2 is the same as R-1; C uses the Building Code standard; other listed districts generally require 30 feet or the R-1 standard.
- Corner-lot side setbacks are 30 feet in A-10, A-5, A-2.5, R-1, and I; 20 feet in R-1/2 and C.
- Accessory structure or dwelling setbacks are 30 feet front and on the side abutting a street, with interior side and rear setbacks per the Building Code in agricultural and residential districts.
minimum front yard setback: 30 feet (All listed zoning districts) · minimum rear yard setback: 30 feet (All listed zoning districts) · R-1 minimum side yard setback: 8 feet (Total distance of the two side setbacks must be 20 feet)
“Minimum front yard setback | 30 feet | 30 feet | 30 feet | 30 feet | 30 feet | 30 feet | 30 feet”
Duchesne County Code, Section 8-6-2: Site Development Standards Table ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)
Planned Unit Developments treated as their own zoning district in Duchesne County.
- Lot area, lot width, yard, and coverage regulations are determined through approval of the site plan.
- PUD applications require a public hearing.
- A PUD must generally have at least 10 acres, subject to the stated cluster-development provision.
- Required common or public open space is 25 percent of total acreage.
PUD minimum area: >= 10 acres (The minimum area may be reduced to a specific minimum lot size for cluster development) · PUD minimum open space: 25 percent of total acreage
“Area, Width, Coverage: Lot area, lot width, yard and coverage regulations shall be determined by approval of the site plan.”
Duchesne County Code, Section 8-8-3: Required Conditions ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Building heightSpecified
Buildings subject to Duchesne County zoning district standards.
- Maximum building height is 40 feet in A-10, A-5, A-2.5, R-1, and R-1/2 districts.
- Commercial and industrial districts have a 50-foot maximum and an 8-foot minimum shown in the table.
- Any maximum building height exceeding 40 feet requires conditional-use approval.
- Height limitations do not apply to spires, belfries, cupolas, antennas, water tanks, ventilators, chimneys, or other appurtenances usually required above roof level and not intended for human occupancy.
maximum building height in A-10, A-5, A-2.5, R-1, and R-1/2: 40 feet (Exceeding 40 feet requires conditional-use approval) · maximum building height in C and I: 50 feet (Subject to the table and conditional-use rule)
“Maximum/minimum building height (see note below) | 40 feet | 40 feet | 40 feet | 40 feet | 40 feet | 50 feet/8 feet | 50 feet/8 feet”
Duchesne County Code, Section 8-6-2: Site Development Standards Table ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)
Primary residential occupancy of a recreational vehicle on land under Duchesne County zoning jurisdiction.
- Primary residential use is allowed in an approved recreational vehicle park.
- An exception may be granted by the Community Development Administrator for occupancy of not more than one year.
- The exception must be associated with a valid building permit for construction of a permanent dwelling.
- Appropriate water and wastewater facilities must be provided.
- County zoning regulations apply to unincorporated areas.
maximum exception occupancy: <= 1 year
“It is unlawful to place any recreational vehicle on any lot or parcel of land in the County and to use the same as a primary residence, except when located in an approved recreational vehicle park. An exception may be granted by the Community Development Administrator when the occupancy of a recreational vehicle is for not more than one year, is associated with a valid building permit for the construction of a permanent dwelling and appropriate water and wastewater facilities are provided.”
Duchesne County Zoning Ordinance Amendment Ordinance #22-398 ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Using a recreational vehicle as a primary residence on a lot or parcel in the county's zoning jurisdiction.
  “It is unlawful to place any recreational vehicle on any lot or parcel of land in the County and to use the same as a primary residence, except when located in an approved recreational vehicle park. An exception may be granted by the Community Development Administrator when the occupancy of a recreational vehicle is for not more than one year, is associated with a valid building permit for the construction of a permanent dwelling and appropriate water and wastewater facilities are provided.”
  Duchesne County Zoning Ordinance Amendment Ordinance #22-398 ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Accessory dwellingsLimited
Accessory dwelling units on parcels in unincorporated Duchesne County zoning districts.
- An accessory dwelling is defined as a dwelling unit on the same parcel as a permitted principal use and secondary to that use.
- Accessory dwellings are permitted in A-10/A-5, A-2.5, and R-1 districts.
- Accessory dwellings require conditional-use approval in the R-1/2 district.
- Accessory dwellings are prohibited in Commercial and Industrial districts under the table of uses.
- All applicable building-permit standards still apply.
- The county zoning title applies to unincorporated areas.
“Accessory dwelling | P | P | P | CU | X | X”
Duchesne County Code § 8-2-1, Terms Defined ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
Who permits septicLocal
Onsite wastewater and sanitary sewer authority for Duchesne County parcels using private onsite wastewater systems.
- Lots within cities and towns are usually served by sanitary sewer systems; most county lots use private onsite wastewater systems.
- Parcel suitability is not guaranteed and depends on site conditions.
“Environmental health scientists review and approve system plans, issue construction permits, and conduct inspections to verify that installations meet state and local standards.”
Things to Know Before Purchasing Land in Duchesne County ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Onsite wastewater systems in the Duchesne County portion of the TriCounty Health Department jurisdiction.
- The regulation applies within all incorporated and unincorporated areas of Duchesne, Uintah, and Daggett Counties.
- A site assessment must establish feasibility for the specific project.
- The onsite wastewater construction permit application requires a signed application, proof of drinking water, an official floor plan, a current tax ID form when applicable, appropriate fees, and a detailed system drawing.
- Construction permits are valid for one year; an additional one-year extension may be requested after payment of the approved fee and demonstration that plans comply with the current rule.
- If the onsite wastewater system is under construction, the Department will extend construction permits an additional 60 days.
- A public sewer connection is required when the sewer is accessible under the applicable rule.
construction permit validity: 1 year (Additional one-year extension may be requested after payment of the approved fee and compliance with the current rule.) · construction extension while under construction: 60 days
“All onsite wastewater systems must have an operating permit.”
TriCounty Health Department Wastewater Regulation ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
Final inspection of onsite wastewater construction in the Duchesne County portion of the TriCounty Health Department jurisdiction.
- The department must conduct final inspections to verify that construction follows submitted plans and complies with current local and state regulations.
- Construction must remain sufficiently exposed for inspection; approved methods may be used to verify gravel and groundwater depths.
- Inspection requests seeking compliance assistance incur a fee approved by the Board of Health.
- The Department may inspect construction at any point during the permitting process.
- An operating permit is issued only after the system is inspected and approved, paperwork is complete, drinking water is approved, and all fees are paid.
“The department must conduct final inspections to ensure that the construction adheres to the submitted plans and complies with current local and state regulations.”
TriCounty Health Department Wastewater Regulation ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Sewer connection and wastewater disposal for development in the Duchesne County portion of the TriCounty Health Department jurisdiction.
- Connection to a state-approved sewer system is required when sewer lines are accessible as determined by TriCounty Health Department and within 300 feet of any part of the property proposed for development.
- For residential development, an additional 150 feet per lot or residential unit is added for each lot or dwelling unit proposed in all project phases.
- When a proposed building or use generates wastewater and is not connected to an existing sewer, wastewater-disposal approval must be obtained from TriCounty Health Department.
- The county subdivision ordinance separately requires public sewage collection where onsite disposal is infeasible, proposed lots are under one net acre, or the subdivision boundary is within 150 feet multiplied by the number of proposed lots from an existing public sanitary sewer line; a variance may be requested from the land use authority.
accessible sewer distance: <= 300 feet (Accessibility is determined by TriCounty Health Department.) · additional residential sewer-distance allowance: per 150 feet per lot or residential unit (Applied for each lot or dwelling unit proposed in all phases.)
“Connection to a State approved sewer system is required if sewer lines are accessible (as determined by the Tri-County Health Department) and within three hundred feet (300') of any part of the property proposed for development.”
Duchesne County Code § 8-9-8 Water and Sewage Requirements ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Conditional — Culinary water service for development in the Duchesne County portion of the TriCounty Health Department jurisdiction.
  “If culinary water is not provided from a public water system, a proposed building may be served in accordance with the Rules for Non-Public Water Systems adopted by the Tri- County Health Department Board.”
  Duchesne County Code § 8-9-8 Water and Sewage Requirements ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Agricultural structures in Duchesne County that qualify under Utah Code Section 15A-1-204(11) and the county agricultural-exemption acknowledgement.
- The structure must be used solely in conjunction with agriculture and not for human occupancy, or be no more than 1,500 square feet and used solely for the specified agricultural sales.
- Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits may still be required.
- The agricultural use must involve tilling soil and raising crops or keeping or raising domestic animals.
- The structure must not be for human occupancy, subject to the stated maintenance, repair, livestock, crop, and equipment-care access.
- County parcels within county-approved subdivisions must be at least 2 continuous acres.
- Parcels within cities and towns must have 5 continuous acres; the city/town restriction does not govern the unincorporated scope of this claim.
- Unless located in an agricultural protection area, the structure is not exempt if in a city or town under 5 contiguous acres or in a county-approved subdivision under 2 contiguous acres.
- All zoning setback requirements from property lines must be met.
agricultural sales structure maximum size: <= 1500 square feet (Must be used solely for the sales described in Utah Code Section 59-12-104(20)) · county-approved subdivision parcel minimum: >= 2 continuous acres (Agricultural protection area exception stated in the source)
“County parcels, within county approved subdivisions, must be 2 continuous acres or more in size.”
Duchesne County Agricultural Exemption Acknowledgement ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Division, redivision, or proposed division of land into two or more lots in unincorporated Duchesne County for offer, sale, lease, or development, subject to stated statutory and ordinance exclusions.
- A subdivision generally requires county approval; applications require applicable fees and plats, drawings, and supplements under the subdivision and zoning ordinances.
- A bona fide division or partition of agricultural land for agricultural purposes is excluded from the county's subdivision definition.
- Recorded boundary adjustments, certain parcel joins, utility-facility divisions, road or highway dedications, and other listed exceptions in § 9-1-4 are excluded if their stated conditions are met.
- A minor subdivision is limited to four or fewer parcels and requires professional survey preparation, required public notice, compliance with minimum lot size or a variance, sanitary-sewer-authority approval, legal access to an official Class D or Class B road or state highway, and an approved culinary water source for each new lot or parcel.
- For minor subdivisions without culinary-water connections, no further minor division of the same parent parcel is allowed for three years; with culinary-water connections, the period is one year, subject to the standard-subdivision or amendment alternatives stated in § 9-1-4(F).
- Divisions requiring public roads, public water lines, or public sewer lines must use the standard subdivision process.
- Minor subdivision maps must be recorded with the county recorder and filed with the county surveyor.
- The HB 1001 minor-subdivision exemption allows one new parcel of at least one acre, at least 1,000 feet from another parcel created under the exemption, from a parent parcel of at least 100 acres, under Utah Code § 17-27a-605 and amendments.
- More than one agricultural parcel in a minor subdivision requires greenbelt assessment on the county tax rolls and a recorded agreement limiting the parcels to agricultural use until approved as building lots; agricultural-use parcels are not approved for recreational or other non-agricultural use.
- For subdivisions with lots of 40 acres or more, a potable water source approved by the culinary water authority is required and may include hauled water and cistern storage.
- For subdivisions with lots under 40 acres, an approved water source or system, valid water rights, and applicable well or spring protection requirements are required.
- If the culinary water authorities cannot verify sufficient water for all new lots or parcels, the minimum lot size is 40 acres regardless of zoning district.
- A public sewage collection system is required where onsite wastewater disposal is infeasible, proposed lot sizes are under one net acre, or the subdivision boundary is within 150 feet multiplied by the number of proposed lots from an existing public sanitary sewer line, subject to a possible variance.
- The 2025 land-use fee schedule states an effective date of March 6, 2025: subdivision preliminary plat $25 per lot, final plat $25 per lot, minor subdivision $300, and plat amendment requiring a public hearing $650.
subdivision threshold: >= 2 lots (Subject to § 9-1-4 exclusions.) · minor subdivision maximum: <= 4 parcels · HB 1001 parent parcel minimum: >= 100 acres (One new exempt parcel.) · HB 1001 new parcel minimum: >= 1 acre (Must be at least 1,000 feet from another parcel created under the exemption.) · water-adequacy fallback minimum lot size: 40 acres (Applies regardless of designated zoning district if culinary water authorities cannot verify sufficient water.) · 2025 preliminary plat fee: 25 USD per lot (Fee schedule effective March 6, 2025.) · 2025 final plat fee: 25 USD per lot (Fee schedule effective March 6, 2025.) · 2025 minor subdivision fee: 300 USD (Fee schedule effective March 6, 2025.) · 2025 public-hearing plat amendment fee: 650 USD (Fee schedule effective March 6, 2025.)
“Per County code, a subdivision is any land that is divided, resubdivided or proposed to be divided into two (2) or more lots”
Duchesne County Code § 9-1-4: Definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
Driveway accessRequired
Installing a driveway or other access-related improvement across or alongside a Duchesne County road.
- The County Road Department administers the permit requirement for installations across or alongside a county road.
- The County page links separate Right of Way Crossing and Approach Permit applications.
- The page states that a cut is inspected after two years and the bond is released if satisfactory.
post-construction cut inspection: 2 years (Bond is released if the cut is satisfactory.)
“When ever any one needs to install anything across or along side a county road, a permit is issued for this.”
Road Department ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Building in a floodplainRequired
Any proposed structure or land use in the 1% annual-chance floodplain in unincorporated Duchesne County.
- The Community Development Department administers the Flood Damage Prevention ordinance as part of the zoning regulation throughout the unincorporated County.
- A floodplain development permit is required for any proposed structure or land use in the 1% annual-chance floodplain.
- The County's base-flood-elevation estimator is required to determine whether flood mitigation is required.
- The 2025 land-use fee schedule lists a $75 floodplain development permit fee.
floodplain probability: 1 percent annual chance (Also described by the County as the 100-year floodplain.) · floodplain development permit fee: 75 USD (2025 County land-use fee schedule.)
“Duchesne County does require a floodplain development permit for any proposed structure built or land use in the 1% annual-chance floodplain”
Floodplain Management ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Short-term rentalsLimited
Commercial short-term rental use in the A-2½ and A-5 zoning districts in unincorporated Duchesne County, as illustrated by the County's official conditional-use staff report.
- A conditional use permit is required in the A-2½ and A-5 districts for the cited commercial short-term rental use.
- A County business license must be obtained before operations and maintained during the permit.
- The driveway and parking areas must meet Wildland Urban Interface standards before operations and continuously thereafter.
- Drinking water and wastewater facilities must be approved by TriCounty Health Department.
- The Building Official's Short Term Rental Restrictions for Single Family Dwellings remain in force, and a Department of Building Safety inspection is required before public occupancy; the inspection has an additional fee.
- Transient Room Tax must be collected from guests.
- The cited report concerns a specific parcel and does not establish that every zoning district permits short-term rentals.
public notice to nearby property owners: 300 feet (For the conditional-use hearing described in the report.) · conditional-use application lead time: >= 21 days (Required information must be provided to the planning office before the Planning Commission meeting.) · permit inactivity period: 18 months (Without substantial action, the conditional use permit is null and void.)
“As a commercial use the proposed operation is permitted within the A-2½ and A-5 zoning districts with a conditional use permit.”
Short-term Rental Conditional Use Permit Staff Report ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Permit feesVariable (with conditions)
Building permits administered by Duchesne County Department of Building Safety for construction in unincorporated Duchesne County.
- Fees are based on estimated construction-cost valuation under the County's adopted construction valuation schedule.
- A 1% state surcharge is required on all issued building permits.
- Plan review is 35% to 65% of the building permit fee.
- The cited packet gives an example, not a universal fee amount.
example project valuation: 295654.18 USD (Typical 1,500-square-foot single-level home with 700-square-foot attached garage.) · example building permit fee: 1744.36 USD (For the example project valuation.) · state surcharge: 1 percent (Applies to all issued building permits.) · plan review fee: 35-65 percent of building permit fee
“Building permit fees are based on an estimated construction cost valuation. This will be determined by the Counties adopted construction valuation schedule.”
Building Permit Packet ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Permit processPartial
Building-permit process administered by Duchesne County Department of Building Safety.
- A building permit must be approved before covered construction, reconstruction, alteration, or change of use.
- The County provides an online building permit application and PDF forms, including a building permit packet and application checklist.
- Construction documents must be dimensioned and drawn on suitable material; electronic submissions must be PDF when approved by the building official.
- A permit expires if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance or is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after commencement.
- An extension may be granted for up to 180 days on written request showing circumstances beyond the permit holder's control.
permit commencement deadline: 180 days (Six months from issue date.) · permit suspension or abandonment limit: 180 days (Six months after work has commenced.) · maximum extension: <= 180 days (Written request and satisfactory reason required.)
“Every permit issued by the Department of Building Safety under the provisions of the adopted minimum safety standards shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the building or work authorized by such permit is not commenced within 180 days (6 months) from the issue date of such permit”
Building Inspector — Obtaining a Building Permit ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026

Utah rules that apply here

Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (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.
- The sole owner may build no more than one residential structure per year on the owner's property and no more than three residential structures per five years.
- The use must be the sole owner's noncommercial, nonpublic use.
- A person other than the property owner or the specified volunteer exemption persons who engages in building the residential structure must be licensed if otherwise required by the chapter.
- Incidental structures such as a shed, carport, or detached garage are covered when for the sole owner's noncommercial, nonpublic use.
- For persons working under the owner, work must be without compensation other than qualifying token compensation and under the direction of the property owner.
- Token compensation must be minimal compared with fair market value, unrelated to fair market value, and incidental, including meals, refreshments, or reasonable transportation costs.
residential structures per year: <= 1 structure (For the sole owner's property and sole owner's noncommercial, nonpublic use.) · residential structures per five years: <= 3 structures (For the sole owner's property and sole owner's 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”
Utah Code Title 58, Chapter 55, Construction Trades Licensing Act exemptions ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Building construction, alteration, remodeling, and repair, and regulation of those activities throughout Utah, subject to the State Construction Code's statewide and local amendments and statutory exceptions.
- The code version cited is effective July 1, 2026 and is superseded January 1, 2027.
- The adopted codes operate together with Chapter 3 statewide amendments and Chapter 4 local amendments incorporated into the State Construction Code.
- Compliance is required when new construction is involved.
- For an existing building, compliance is required when the owner or agent voluntarily undertakes repair, renovation, remodeling, alteration, enlargement, rehabilitation, conservation, or reconstruction, or changes the character or use in a way that increases occupancy loads, other demands, or safety risks.
- The 2006 Utah Wildland Urban Interface Code may be adopted by a local compliance agency by local ordinance or similar action as a local amendment.
- Historic-property plaster standards apply only when the owner receives a government tax subsidy based on historic status, the property is wholly or partially funded by public money, or the property is owned by a government entity.
International Building Code edition: 2024, including Appendices C and J · International Residential Code edition: 2021, including Appendix AQ · International Plumbing Code edition: 2024 · International Mechanical Code edition: 2024 · International Fuel Gas Code edition: 2024 · National Electrical Code edition: 2023 · International Energy Conservation Code edition: 2024 · International Existing Building Code edition: 2024 · effective date: 2026-07-01 · superseded date: 2027-01-01
“the following construction codes are incorporated by reference [...] (a) the 2024 edition of the International Building Code, including Appendices C and J”
Utah Code § 15A-1-204, Adoption of State Construction Code ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Well permitRequired
Water-production wells, including domestic wells, and regulated non-production wells in Duchesne County.
- A shallow water well owner must have a valid water right before construction.
- A Start Card is issued after water-right approval and serves as the permit to construct the well.
- Water-production wells at any depth are regulated.
- Non-production wells greater than 30 feet deep are regulated.
- Regulated drilling, construction, deepening, repair, renovation, replacement, or abandonment must be permitted by the Utah Division of Water Rights and completed by a licensed well driller.
- Cleaning, development, testing, disinfection, and pump installation or repair are regulated but do not require a permit under the cited rule; licensing requirements still apply.
- A person installing or repairing a pump on their own well on their own property for their own use is exempt from the pump-installer license requirement.
non-production well depth threshold: > 30 feet (Non-production wells at 30 feet or less are excluded from regulation under R655-4-1.)
“A Start Card is issued upon approval of the water right, which is essentially the permit to construct the well.”
Water Well Drilling Information ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
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:”
Utah Administrative Code Rule R392-301, Recreational Vehicle Parks ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
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:”
  OPRO Accessory Dwellings (ADU's) and other dwelling types ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
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”
Utah Code, Title 17, Chapter 79, Section 17-79-101 ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
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.”
Utah Code Section 17-60-204, County safety and welfare regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size for dwellings in unincorporated Duchesne County.
Tiny homes — Occupancy and classification of tiny homes on private land in unincorporated Duchesne 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.

Living off-grid in Duchesne County, Utah

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

Duchesne County scores 62/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and sparse surroundings — about 18 people within 15 miles. Watch-outs: more administrative friction around building and land use.

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

Duchesne County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by TriCounty Health Department (local health district under Utah DEQ). 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 Duchesne County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Duchesne County is allowed on a temporary basis only: Primary residential occupancy of a recreational vehicle on land under Duchesne County zoning jurisdiction. Primary residential use is allowed in an approved recreational vehicle park. An exception may be granted by the Community Development Administrator for occupancy of not more than one year. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Duchesne County, Utah?

Land in Duchesne County runs about $1,649 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Duchesne County?

Duchesne County gets about 17.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 29.5% of years.

How remote is Duchesne County?

A typical private-land location has about 18 people within 15 miles and 3,161,596 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Duchesne County, Utah

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who is the Duchesne County building department, and how do you reach them?

Does Duchesne County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Duchesne County?

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

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

What to check before you buy land in Duchesne County

Watch-outs

Sources

Duchesne County in Utah

How Duchesne County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Duchesne County

Duchesne County rules

Utah rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Duchesne County, Utah

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Duchesne County, Utah?

What is the water situation in Duchesne County?

How remote is Duchesne County?

How Duchesne compares in Utah