Bolthole Index

Garfield County, Utah

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

42Index Score / 100
#20 of 29 in Utah

Unincorporated Garfield County, Utah requires a written building permit before construction, alteration, or removal of a structure begins1. Garfield County also enforces its zoning ordinance throughout unincorporated areas2. Septic permits go through the Southwest Utah Public Health Department rather than the county Building Department3.

At a glance

Building permit
Required in unincorporated Garfield County, issued by the county Building Department1
Zoning
County zoning applies throughout unincorporated Garfield County4
Septic
Southwest Utah Public Health Department requires a permit and approved design35
Owner-builder exemption
Available to a qualifying sole owner for noncommercial, nonpublic residential work67
RV living
Permanent RV living is generally limited to approved, licensed RV parks8
Tiny and manufactured homes
Treatment depends on construction and mobility; county approvals still apply910
Private well
A water right and state Start Card are required to construct a production well11
Federal land
91% of the county is federal land — confirm parcel boundaries and access before buying12

Who to call

Building permits

Garfield County Building Department

Building permits, plan review, and inspections under Utah's State Construction Code for unincorporated Garfield County

(435) 676-1111

[email protected]

55 South Main St., Panguitch, UT 84759

Online permits →

Planning & zoning

Garfield County Planning & Economic Development

Zoning, conditional use permits, and land-use planning for unincorporated Garfield County

(435) 676-1157

[email protected]

55 South Main St., Panguitch, UT 84759

Septic permits

Southwest Utah Public Health Department – Garfield County Office

Onsite wastewater (septic) plan review, permits and inspections for Garfield County

(435) 710-5003

601 East Center, Panguitch, UT 84759

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 Garfield County, Utah?

Unincorporated Garfield County requires a written building permit before construction, alteration, location, or removal of a structure begins12. Utah's current construction standards include the 2024 International Building Code and the 2021 International Residential Code, together with statewide and local amendments13. A structure used solely for agriculture and not for human occupancy is exempt from the State Construction Code, but plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work may still need a permit; the exemption also narrows for certain small parcels inside municipalities or county-approved subdivisions14. Permitted work must remain exposed and accessible until approved, and Garfield County requires at least two working days' notice before a proposed inspection15.

Who is the Garfield County Building Department, and how do you reach them?

The Garfield County Building Department issues residential and commercial building permits, reviews plans, and performs inspections and code enforcement from the county courthouse in Panguitch16. The department accepts building-permit applications through City Inspect, where a new applicant creates an account16. Reach the Building Department at 435-676-1111 or [email protected]16. Garfield County will not issue a signed final inspection or certificate of occupancy while code violations remain uncorrected, and the county will not perform the final inspection after the building is occupied17. Direct zoning, subdivision, and land-use questions to Planning & Economic Development at 435-676-1157 or [email protected]18.

Does Garfield County have zoning?

Garfield County enforces its zoning ordinance throughout the county's unincorporated areas2. Planning & Economic Development manages zoning and subdivision reviews, while incorporated municipalities administer their own land-use rules1819. Garfield County does not enforce homeowners-association covenants, conditions, or restrictions, so a parcel can satisfy county zoning and still carry separate private restrictions2. A use listed as conditional needs a recommendation from the Planning Commission and approval from the County Commission before the county may issue a building permit or other permit or license19. The reviewed ordinance confirms district-specific building coverage rules, including a commercial-zone threshold, but it does not justify assuming one setback or coverage limit applies to every parcel20. Ask Planning & Economic Development to identify the parcel's zone and applicable table before designing the site18.

How do septic permits work in Garfield County?

Southwest Utah Public Health Department handles onsite-wastewater plan review, permits, inspections, and records for Garfield County21. Its Garfield County office is at 601 East Center in Panguitch and the main line is (435) 710-50035. Installing, replacing, or modifying a septic system requires a permit and approved design before work begins, and soil and percolation testing must be completed by a Utah-certified onsite professional22. Every septic system needs a final inspection before backfilling; contact Environmental Health to schedule it and keep the project information on site23. Only 14.1% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility part of the purchase investigation rather than an afterthought24.

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

Garfield County treats RV occupancy longer than 30 days in any 60-day period as permanent living and generally allows it only in an approved, licensed RV park8. Temporary dry camping under the county's conditional-use standards is limited to 30 consecutive days, prohibits permanent water, wastewater, and power, and requires disposal of wastewater and greywater at an approved dump station25. A construction-camp conditional use permit can temporarily allow utilities during permitted construction and expires 30 days after the work is completed8. For tiny homes, classification matters: a qualifying wheeled unit follows the RV rule; a prefabricated or modular unit without a permanent foundation is treated as a mobile home and needs written approval; and one on a permanent foundation is treated as conventional housing only if it meets applicable building, housing, and zoning rules9. Ask Planning & Economic Development to classify the proposed unit and parcel before purchase18.

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

  1. Ask Garfield County Planning & Economic Development to identify the zone and determine whether the use is permitted or conditional1819.
  2. Confirm water: a production well requires a valid water right, and the state-issued Start Card serves as the well-construction permit11.
  3. Have a Utah-certified onsite professional complete soil and percolation testing, then obtain the septic permit and approved design from Southwest Utah Public Health Department22.
  4. Apply to the Garfield County Building Department through City Inspect16. A qualifying sole owner may use the owner-builder licensing exemption, but the exemption does not erase permit or inspection duties7.
  5. Obtain a UDOT conditional access permit if the driveway will connect to a state highway26.
  6. Give the Building Department at least two working days' notice for inspections and leave permitted work exposed until approved15.
  7. Have Environmental Health inspect the septic system before backfilling, then complete the building final before occupancy2317.

What to check before you buy land in Garfield County

Federal ownership covers 91% of Garfield County, so verify the parcel boundary, legal access, and any route crossing public land before making an offer12. Only 14.1% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, making an early site evaluation especially valuable24. Garfield County averages 12.9 inches of precipitation a year and has experienced severe drought in about 32.2% of years, so confirm the water right and physical supply instead of assuming a well will solve the problem272811. Accessory-dwelling standards in applicable unincorporated areas require a private or approved shared well, an approved septic permit, certified access, and a county building permit; the usual minimum lot is 1 acre, with a narrow shared-well path for lots greater than 0.5 acre29. Ask Planning & Economic Development to confirm the parcel's zoning and proposed dwelling type before closing18.

Watch-outs

  • Garfield County does not use one blanket classification for a tiny home: wheels, foundation, construction method, intended occupancy, and whether it is accessory to a primary dwelling determine which rules apply9.
  • Garfield County's owner-builder exemption is limited to one residential structure per year and three in five years, and prohibited use of unlicensed labor can bring a Class A misdemeanor and an administrative fine up to $2,000 per day7.

Sources

  1. Garfield County Building Department (2026 county census)
  2. Garfield County, Utah Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  3. Southwest Utah Public Health Department - Septic Systems (2026 county census)
  4. Garfield County, Utah Zoning Ordinance (2026 county census)
  5. Southwest Utah Public Health Department – Garfield County Office (swuhealth.gov)
  6. Owner/Builder Certification and Agreement to Comply with the Construction Trades Licensing Act (2026 county census)
  7. Owner/Builder Certification and Agreement to Comply with the Construction Trades Licensing Act, quoted and re-checked
  8. Garfield County Code § 155.397, Location, quoted and re-checked
  9. Land Use Applications, quoted and re-checked
  10. Garfield County Code § 155.397, Location, quoted and re-checked
  11. Water Well Drilling, quoted and re-checked
  12. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data
  13. Building - Garfield County, quoted and re-checked
  14. Utah Code § 15A-1-204 (Utah statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Inspection Information and Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  16. Garfield County Building Department (garfield.utah.gov)
  17. Inspection Information and Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  18. Garfield County Planning & Economic Development (garfield.utah.gov)
  19. Garfield County, Utah Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  20. Garfield County, Utah Zoning Ordinance No. 2018-65, quoted and re-checked
  21. Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  22. Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  23. Septic System Checklist - Southwest Utah Public Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  24. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  25. Garfield County Code § 155.285, Conditional Use Standards, quoted and re-checked
  26. Conditional Access Permit (Utah statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Garfield County Code § 155.285, Conditional Use Standards, quoted and re-checked

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.

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County locator

Garfield County in Utah

42
County map
Garfield County highlighted among the Utah counties · colored by Index score

How Garfield County scores

Seclusion90100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency2798% ev.
Admin Boringness40100% ev.
Durability20100% ev.
Property Autonomy60100% ev.
Carry Cost83100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$248kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$4,398Land / acre
12.9"Annual rain
32.2% of yrsSevere drought
9 / yr (+6.9)Mid-century 100°F days
35.8 daysMid-century dry spell
0.99" (+8.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.17×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,081Home insurance / yr
2.4% / yrInsurance growth
0.76%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
741Radius comparison (15 mi)
1People / sq mi
91%Federal land
49.1%Land at 15% slope or less
14.1%Septic soil without severe limits
267,880 acWorkable land screen
28.9%Wooded land
16.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
49.2°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Garfield County

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

Garfield County rules

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Owner-builders seeking to perform or supervise residential construction in unincorporated Garfield County under the county's Owner/Builder Certification form.

    • The owner must be the sole owner of the property and construction project.
    • The project must be the only residential structure the owner has built that year, and the owner must not have built more than three residential structures in the past five years.
    • The improvements must be for the owner's personal, non-commercial, non-public use.
    • Work may be performed by the sole property owner, a licensed contractor, covered employees for whom required payroll taxes and worker's compensation obligations are satisfied, or another person under the owner's supervision receiving no compensation or only token compensation.
    • Retaining an unlicensed contractor or compensating an unlicensed person beyond token compensation or employee wages may constitute a Class A misdemeanor and may result in an administrative fine of up to $2,000 for each day of violation.
    • The county permit checklist requires an Owner/Builder Affidavit signed and notarized if applicable.

    residential structures built: <= 1 per year · residential structures built: <= 3 per five years · administrative fine: <= 2000 USD per day (maximum stated in the certification form)

    “I understand that work performed on the project must be performed by the following: a. myself as the sole property owner”
  • InspectionsRequired

    All construction work for which Garfield County has issued a building permit in unincorporated Garfield County.

    • The permitted work must remain accessible and exposed until approved.
    • The person doing the permitted work must notify the Building Department that the work is ready for inspection at least two working days before the proposed inspection date, by telephone or in writing.
    • The person requesting inspection must provide access to and the means for inspections.
    • The county inspection schedule includes footings, foundation walls, four-way rough work, insulation and shower pan, gypsum board, final inspection, and any other inspection the department deems necessary.
    • Final inspection occurs after finish grading and completion, when the building is ready for occupancy, but before occupancy.
    • The county will not perform a final inspection on an occupied building.

    inspection notice: >= 2 working days (before the proposed inspection date)

    “shall be subject to inspection by the Garfield County Building Department”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Permitted construction projects in unincorporated Garfield County for which the county issues a final inspection or certificate of occupancy.

    • Final inspection must occur after finish grading and completion, when the building is ready for occupancy, but before occupying.
    • Garfield County will not issue a signed Final Inspection or Certificate of Occupancy on any permitted project with uncorrected code violations.
    • The county will not perform a final inspection on an occupied building.
    “will not issue a signed Final Inspection or a Certificate of Occupancy”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Garfield County zoning regulation in the county's unincorporated areas.

    • The ordinance is enforced in all unincorporated areas of Garfield County.
    • Garfield County does not enforce Home Owner’s Association (HOA) Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R’s).
    • The ordinance states that construction, alteration, location, or removal of structures may not commence or proceed except after issuance of a written permit by the Building Official.
    • The ordinance was adopted May 27, 2019.
    “The Zoning Ordinance will be enforced in all unincorporated areas of Garfield County.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County-administered zoning in unincorporated Garfield County; this claim does not represent zoning administered by incorporated municipalities.

    • The Garfield County Zoning Ordinance is enforced in all unincorporated areas of the county.
    • Conditional uses require a conditional use permit recommended by the Garfield County Planning Commission and approved by the Garfield County Commission before a building permit or other permit or license may be issued.
    • The ordinance does not enforce HOA covenants, conditions and restrictions.
    “An approved conditional use permit shall be required for each conditional use listed in this Ordinance. No building permit or other permit or license shall be issued for a conditional use by any officer or employee unless a conditional use permit has been recommended by the Garfield County Planning Commission and approved by the Garfield County Commission.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lots in the county's unincorporated zoning districts, subject to the applicable district.

    • The source is the 1998 Garfield County General Plan and does not by itself establish that these figures are the current adopted ordinance text.
    • The plan identifies eight zoning districts overlaying county land except National Park Service holdings.
    • Multiple Use District requires 40 acres.
    • Forest/Recreation District requires 22,000 square feet.
    • Agricultural District requires 6 acres.
    • Residential District allows lot sizes ranging from 12,500 to 20,000 square feet.
    • Residential Estates District allows 1 acre.

    Multiple Use District minimum lot size: 40 acres · Forest/Recreation District minimum lot size: 22000 square feet · Agricultural District minimum lot size: 6 acres · Residential District lot size: 12,500–20,000 square feet · Residential Estates District minimum lot size: 1 acre

    “The minimum lot size is forty (40) acres [...] The minimum lot size is 22,000 square feet. [...] The minimum lot size is six (6) acres. [...] Allowable lot sizes range from 12,500 to 20,000 square feet. [...] The allowable lot size is one acre.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Buildings and lots in the Agriculture (A) zoning district in unincorporated Garfield County.

    • The cited table also requires a 6.0-acre minimum area and 400-foot minimum width.

    front yard setback: 30 feet · side yard setback: 10 feet · rear yard setback: 20 feet

    “A | 6.0 Acres | 400 feet | 30 feet | 10 feet | 20 feet”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lot coverage and building coverage in unincorporated Garfield County zoning districts.

    • The opened ordinance defines building coverage as the percentage of total site area covered by buildings.
    • The located commercial-zone rule applies to commercial structures and excludes parking, loading, and circulation areas.
    • Planning Commission approval is required when the stated commercial coverage threshold is exceeded.

    Commercial structure lot coverage threshold: > 35 percent (Exclusive of parking, loading, and circulation areas; Planning Commission approval required.)

    “Coverage, Building: The percent of the total site area covered by buildings.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Dwellings in the Agriculture (A) zoning district in unincorporated Garfield County.

    • Approval by both the Planning Commission and Building Official can authorize an exception to the stated height limit.

    maximum height: <= 2.5 stories (Unless specifically approved by the Planning Commission and Building Official) · maximum height: <= 35 feet (Unless specifically approved by the Planning Commission and Building Official)

    “No dwelling shall be erected to a height greater than two and one-half stories or 35 feet, unless specifically approved by the Planning Commission and Building Official.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Buildings in the Commercial (C) zoning district in unincorporated Garfield County.
      “No building shall be erected to a height greater than four stories and 48 feet, unless specifically approved by the Planning Commission and Building Official.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Occupancy of recreational vehicles for permanent living purposes in Garfield County zoning districts, including vacant and developed private lots or parcels in unincorporated areas.

    • Permanent living is defined as occupying a recreational vehicle for longer than 30 days in any 60-day period.
    • Permanent living is allowed only within approved and licensed recreational vehicle parks, except as otherwise provided in the ordinance.
    • On a developed lot or parcel, temporary connection to the dwelling unit's utilities is allowed, but permanent occupancy is prohibited.
    • On a vacant lot or parcel, connection to permanent utilities is prohibited except within approved and licensed recreational vehicle parks or under the construction-camp exception.
    • A conditional use permit from the County Planning Commission and County Commission may temporarily extend permanent infrastructure or utilities for uses such as a construction camp.
    • The construction-camp CUP requires evidence of an approved building permit, is valid during construction and expires 30 days after applicable work is completed; afterward the temporary mobile home or structure must be removed and the RV or travel trailer must be removed or disconnected and stored without permanent living occupancy.
    • Unoccupied recreational vehicles may be stored on a private lot or parcel if required setbacks are not violated.

    permanent living threshold: > 30 days in any 60-day period · construction-camp CUP expiration: 30 days after applicable work is completed

    “No recreational vehicle as herein defined shall be [...] occupied for permanent living purposes in any district except within approved and licensed recreational vehicle parks”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary dry camping under Garfield County's conditional-use standards in applicable unincorporated zoning areas.

    • Permanent utilities are prohibited, including water, wastewater, and power.
    • Wastewater and greywater must be disposed of at an approved dump station.
    • Access must be certified by the Garfield County Public Works Director.
    • Occupancy of recreational vehicles is limited to 30 consecutive days or less.

    maximum recreational-vehicle occupancy: <= 30 consecutive days

    “Occupancy of recreational vehicles shall be limited to 30 consecutive days or less.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    A permanently founded small dwelling proposed as an accessory dwelling unit on a Garfield County lot or parcel.

    • One ADU per lot or parcel is permitted in all zoning districts.
    • The ADU must be a habitable living unit added to, created within, or detached from a primary single-family dwelling and contained on one lot or parcel.
    • The ADU must primarily offer a long-term rental of 30 consecutive days or longer.
    • The ADU must comply with required setbacks, local building codes, applicable State or Local Health Department wastewater and potable-water approvals, State water-approval requirements, and all other Garfield County ordinances.
    • The ADU may not exceed 50% of the main dwelling or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less.
    • Minimum setbacks are 10 feet from any dwelling or accessory building, 30 feet from any front property line, and 10 feet from any side or rear property line.
    • A written building permit is required before construction, use, or occupancy begins.

    maximum ADU size: 50% of main dwelling or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less · minimum setback from dwelling or accessory building: >= 10 feet · minimum front property-line setback: >= 30 feet · minimum side or rear property-line setback: >= 10 feet · minimum rental term: >= 30 consecutive days

    “One ADU per lot or parcel shall be permitted in all zoning districts.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Tiny homes on wheels or foundations used for residential occupancy outside RV parks in unincorporated Garfield County.
      “No mobile home, mobile home park or mobile home subdivision shall be located anywhere within the unincorporated areas of the county without written approval”
    • Allowed (with conditions) — A permanently founded small dwelling intended as a primary single-family dwelling in documented Garfield County Agriculture, Commercial, or Resort Recreation zoning districts.
      “if placed upon a permanent foundation such structures which meet all applicable building and housing codes shall not be considered as MOBILE HOMES”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Mobile/manufactured-home occupancy and placement in unincorporated Garfield County.

    • No mobile home, mobile home park, or mobile home subdivision may be located anywhere within the unincorporated areas of the county without written approval of the County Building Official.
    • The ordinance defines a mobile home as a detached single-family dwelling unit not less than 45 feet long, designed for long-term occupancy, transported on its own wheels or on trailers or detachable wheels, and containing specified habitation facilities and utility connections.
    • Mobile homes may be accommodated in mobile home parks or mobile home subdivisions only where the applicable county approval and zoning requirements are satisfied.

    minimum mobile-home length: >= 45 feet

    “No mobile home, mobile home park or mobile home subdivision shall be located anywhere within the unincorporated areas of the county without written approval”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    One single-family and/or accessory dwelling per parcel under Garfield County conditional-use standards in applicable unincorporated zoning areas.

    • Minimum lot area is 1.0 acre.
    • Lot area may be less than 1 acre but must be greater than 0.5 acre if served by a shared well approved by the State of Utah and Southwest Utah Public Health Department.
    • A private or shared well with water rights approved by the State of Utah is required.
    • A septic permit approved by the Southwest Utah Public Health Department is required.
    • Access must be certified by the Garfield County Public Works Director.
    • A building permit must be issued by the Garfield County Building Official.

    accessory dwellings per parcel: 1 per parcel · minimum lot area: >= 1 acre (May be less than 1 acre but must be greater than 0.5 acre with an approved shared well.) · shared-well minimum lot area: > 0.5 acre (Shared well must be approved by the State of Utah and Southwest Utah Public Health Department.)

    “Single-family and/or accessory dwellings, one (each) per parcel.”
  • Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater systems in Garfield County within the Southwest Utah Public Health Department district

    • The department states that its district includes Beaver and Garfield Counties.
    • Wastewater must be handled through a public sewer connection or an onsite wastewater system.
    • State and local health requirements also apply.
    “Our department reviews plans, issues permits, conducts inspections, and maintains septic system records within our district.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Local (with conditions) — Onsite wastewater and septic-system permitting, plan review, inspections, and records for Garfield County within the Southwest Utah Public Health Department district.
      “Our department reviews plans, issues permits, conducts inspections, and maintains septic system records within our district.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installing, replacing, or modifying a septic or onsite wastewater system in Garfield County.

    • 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.
    • The 2026 checklist states that Garfield County areas may require prairie-dog habitat clearance before submission.
    “A permit and approved design are required before installing, replacing, or modifying a system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installing, replacing, or modifying an onsite wastewater/septic system in Garfield County
      “A permit and approved design are required before installing, replacing, or modifying a system.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Septic systems in Garfield County before backfilling.

    • A final inspection is required before backfilling to assure compliance with submitted plans and septic-system regulations.
    • The Environmental Health Office must be contacted to schedule the appointment.
    • Inspectors may ask questions about materials used; project information must be on-site.
    “Every septic system must have a final inspection BEFORE BACKFILLING to assure compliance with submitted plans and septic system regulations.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of land into two or more lots, and sale, conveyance, exchange, or recording of interests in subdivisions, in unincorporated Garfield County.

    • The prohibition applies after the effective date of the ordinance codified in the subchapter; the source does not state that date.
    • Subdivisions and lots lawfully approved before that effective date remain valid under regulations in effect at approval; amendments, replats, and modifications are subject to the subchapter.
    • The subchapter applies to division of all lands within unincorporated areas.
    • The county may charge fees for applications, plan reviews, inspections, engineering services, variances, appeals, or other required services; fees are established and updated by Board of County Commissioners resolution.
    • For dry-subdivision lots, an onsite wastewater system with private well requires at least one acre; an onsite wastewater system with offsite shared well or water system requires at least 0.50 acres; written water approval of at least 0.45 acre-feet per single-family dwelling is required; and applicable land-use ordinances, building codes, state laws, and local health regulations apply.
    • No site preparation related to a subdivision may occur before approval, and no building permit may be issued for a lot in a proposed subdivision until the subchapter and applicable county approvals are satisfied.

    minimum lots triggering subdivision regulation: >= 2 lots (Lawfully approved prior subdivisions are addressed separately in § 155.360(B)(2))

    “After the effective date of the ordinance codified herein, no person shall subdivide land in the unincorporated areas of Garfield County into two or more lots, nor sell, convey, exchange, or offer for recording any interest in land that is part of a subdivision, except in compliance with this subchapter.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision development in unincorporated Garfield County.
      “The county adopted a Subdivision Ordinance in 1966, which was updated in 1985. This ordinance has been used from time to time to give direction to subdivision development in the county, and a number of subdivisions have been reviewed and recorded under its guidance.”

Utah rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Erecting, constructing, reconstructing, altering, or changing the use of any building or other structure in Utah, including Garfield County and its unincorporated area.

    • Approval of a building permit is required before the covered activity proceeds.
    • The county may not issue the permit unless the plans fully conform to all regulations then in effect.
    • The rule is subject to the exceptions in Utah Code Title 17, Chapter 79, Section 901(3) through (6).
    • A county may not deny a permit or certificate of occupancy solely because an infrastructure improvement is incomplete unless the improvement is essential to the permit or certificate under Title 15A and the county has accepted an improvement completion assurance.
    • For a building permit, essential infrastructure includes operable fire hydrants installed consistently with county engineering standards and, for temporary construction roads, a properly compacted road base installed consistently with county engineering standards.
    • A county may not require a permanent road or a temporary road covered with asphalt or concrete before issuing a building permit.
    • A county may not deny a permit or certificate of occupancy for failure to submit a private landscaping plan or complete a non-public landscaping improvement.
    • A county may not withhold a building permit for an incomplete public sidewalk serving a proposed single-family or two-family residence or townhome when an improvement completion assurance has been posted; the statute separately addresses sidewalk completion and certificates of occupancy.
    “It is unlawful to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter, or change the use of any building [...] without approval of a building permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Construction regulated by Utah's State Construction Code statewide, including new construction and specified voluntary alterations, renovations, remodeling, enlargement, rehabilitation, conservation, reconstruction, or changes of use that increase occupancy loads, other demands, or safety risks.
      “The State Construction Code is the construction codes adopted with any modifications in accordance with this section that the state and each political subdivision of the state shall follow.”
  • 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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building construction, alteration, remodeling, and repair in Garfield County under Utah's State Construction Code, administered locally through the Garfield County Building Department.
      “Subject to the other provisions of this part, the following construction codes are incorporated by reference, and together with the amendments specified in Chapter 3, Statewide Amendments Incorporated as Part of State Construction Code, and Chapter 4, Local Amendments Incorporated as Part of State Construction Code, are the construction standards to be applied to building construction, alteration, remodeling, and repair, and in the regulation of building construction, alteration, remodeling, and repair in the state:”
  • Well permitRequired

    Water-well construction in Garfield County, Utah, under the statewide Utah Division of Water Rights well-regulation program.

    • A valid water right must be in place before constructing a shallow water well.
    • A Start Card issued upon approval of the water right serves as the permit to construct the well.
    • Wells must be constructed by a licensed well driller or licensed shallow water well constructor.
    • A shallow water well constructor cannot construct or work on wells deeper than 30 feet.
    • A well owner may drill their own shallow water well only if they have a valid water right and obtain a shallow water well constructor license.
    • Utah's shallow-water-well exemption for wells 30 feet deep or less was removed; the statutory change took effect May 10, 2022, and the revised administrative rules became effective July 22, 2022.
    • The rule concerns well construction; pump installation and repair have separate licensing rules, including an exception for a person working on their own well on their own property for their own use.

    statutory regulation change effective date: 2022-05-10 · revised well administrative rules effective date: 2022-07-22 · shallow-water-well constructor maximum depth: <= 30 feet (A shallow water well constructor cannot construct or work on water wells deeper than 30 feet.)

    “A Start Card is issued upon approval of the water right, which is essentially the permit to construct the well.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Water production wells and regulated non-production wells in Garfield County under Utah law
      “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”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Structures used solely in conjunction with agricultural use and not for human occupancy, under Utah's State Construction Code.

    • A plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permit may still be required when that work is included in the structure.
    • The structure is not exempt from a permit requirement if it is within city or town boundaries and on less than five contiguous acres, unless located in whole or in part in an agricultural protection area.
    • The structure is not exempt from a permit requirement if it is within a subdivision for which the county approved a subdivision plat and on less than two contiguous acres, unless located in whole or in part in an agricultural protection area.

    maximum area for alternate sales-structure exemption: <= 1500 square feet (This threshold applies to the separate sales-structure category in § 15A-1-204(11)(a), not to the agricultural-use structure category.) · city or town land threshold: < 5 contiguous acres (The permit exception does not apply when the structure is within city or town boundaries and less than five contiguous acres, unless located in an agricultural protection area.) · subdivision land threshold: < 2 contiguous acres (The permit exception does not apply when the structure is within a county-approved subdivision and less than two contiguous acres, unless located in an agricultural protection area.)

    “a structure used solely in conjunction with agriculture use, and not for human occupancy, [...] is exempt from the requirements of the State Construction Code.”
  • 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 dwelling size in unincorporated Garfield County.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation on private property in Garfield 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 Garfield 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 Garfield County, Utah

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

Garfield County scores 42/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 741 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure and weak self-sufficiency basics: only 12.9″ of rain a year, in severe drought 32.2% of years.

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

Garfield 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 Garfield County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Garfield County is limited to specific cases: Occupancy of recreational vehicles for permanent living purposes in Garfield County zoning districts, including vacant and developed private lots or parcels in unincorporated areas. Permanent living is defined as occupying a recreational vehicle for longer than 30 days in any 60-day period. Permanent living is allowed only within approved and licensed recreational vehicle parks, except as otherwise provided in the ordinance. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Garfield County, Utah?

Land in Garfield County runs about $4,398 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Garfield County?

Garfield County gets about 12.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 32.2% of years. On water rights, Garfield 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 Garfield County?

A typical private-land location has about 741 people within 15 miles and 103,066 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Garfield compares in Utah

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