Grand County, UT Building Permits, Zoning & Septic Rules

Grand County, Utah generally requires a building permit before construction, alteration, repair, demolition, or a change of occupancy, including in Castle Valley and unincorporated areas¹. Grand County also administers zoning in the unincorporated county². Where public sewer is unavailable, a septic permit and plan-design approval come from the Southeast Utah Health Department³⁴.

At a glance

Building permit: Generally required before covered construction, alteration, repair, demolition, or occupancy changes¹
Zoning: Yes; Grand County administers zoning and subdivision standards in the unincorporated county²
Septic: Permit and plan-design approval required through Southeast Utah Health where public sewer is unavailable³⁴
RV living: Camping outside a permitted RV park, campground, or travel-trailer park is prohibited in all zones⁵
Tiny homes: Some code-compliant categories may qualify as primary homes, accessory units, manufactured homes, or campground units⁶⁷
Owner-builder: Available conditionally for an owner's personal, noncommercial residential project⁸⁹
Private well: A valid water right and Start Card are required before constructing a regulated well¹⁰
Minimum home size: We could not confirm a countywide minimum; ask Planning & Zoning for the parcel's current district standards¹¹

Who to call

Building permits

Grand County Building Department

Building permits, plan review, inspections, certificates of occupancy, and county floodplain questions

435-259-4134

[email protected]

59 N 200 E, Moab, UT 84532

Online permits →

Planning & zoning

Grand County Planning & Zoning Department

General inquiries about planning, zoning, engineering, and building review

[email protected]

59 N 200 East, Moab, UT 84532

Septic permits

Southeast Utah Health Department — Moab Office

Onsite wastewater permits and plan-design approval for Grand County

435-259-5602

575 S. Kane Creek Blvd., Moab, UT 84532

Floodplain permits

Grand County Floodplain Administration

Flood-map information, flood-risk consultations, and floodplain development permits

435-259-4134

[email protected]

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

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

Yes. Grand County generally requires a building permit before erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, improving, removing, converting, or demolishing a building or structure¹. The Building Department serves all of Grand County, including Castle Valley and unincorporated areas, and conducts inspections during construction¹²¹³. A few limited jobs are permit-exempt: examples include a qualifying detached accessory structure no larger than 200 square feet, a fence no higher than 7 feet, and a qualifying deck no more than 30 inches above grade¹. Even exempt building work still needs a zoning development permit and must comply with applicable codes and ordinances¹. When covered work is complete, a written Certificate of Occupancy must be issued before the building is used¹⁴.

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

The Grand County Building Department reviews plans, issues permits, and schedules inspections for county projects, including work in Castle Valley and unincorporated areas¹³. Building permit applications are submitted through the county's online portal¹³. For appointments or permit questions, call 435-259-4134 or email [email protected]; the office is at 59 N 200 E, Moab, UT 84532¹³. Planning and zoning questions go to the Grand County Planning & Zoning Department at [email protected] or 59 N 200 East, Moab, UT 84532¹¹. Residential new-construction applications carry a $130 plan-review deposit, while solar applications carry a $65 deposit¹. An owner-builder exemption is available for a qualifying sole owner building for personal, noncommercial use, but the certification and statutory conditions still apply⁸⁹.

Does Grand County have zoning?

Yes. Grand County administers a Land Use Code with zoning and subdivision standards in the unincorporated county². The county publishes a zoning map showing its districts, while incorporated areas may instead fall under the City of Moab or Town of Castle Valley¹⁵. That distinction matters because a parcel's district controls which uses and structures are possible; ask Planning & Zoning to identify the jurisdiction and district before relying on a listing description¹¹. We could not confirm a countywide minimum dwelling size, so ask Planning & Zoning for the current rule in the parcel's district¹¹. Agricultural buildings used solely for agriculture and not for human occupancy can qualify for a construction-code exemption, but zoning setbacks still apply and plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permits may remain necessary¹⁶.

How do septic permits work in Grand County?

Where public sewer is unavailable, the Southeast Utah Health Department requires a permit and plan-design approval for an onsite wastewater system serving a home or business³⁴. Contact the Moab office at 435-259-5602 or visit 575 S. Kane Creek Blvd., Moab, UT 84532¹⁷. The regulatory authority must inspect the full installation before backfilling, and final approval is required before operation¹⁸. Conventional drain fields may be difficult: only about 18.6% of Grand County soils are rated without severe limitations for that use, so make septic feasibility an early contingency rather than a post-purchase detail¹⁹. If accepted public sewer becomes available and notice is served, the private system must be discontinued and the plumbing connected after 20 days²⁰. Greywater is not a permit-free workaround; it requires a permit and certified professionals for evaluation and design²¹.

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

Grand County prohibits camping outside a permitted recreational-vehicle park, campground, or travel-trailer park in all zones, so vacant-land RV camping is not a general fallback while building⁵. Designated Sand Flats campsites allow temporary camping under posted rules, but that recreation-area permission does not authorize residential use of private land²². Tiny homes depend on their construction and use category: county material says certain code-approved units may be permitted as primary residences on approved lots, as accessory dwellings under use-specific standards, or within commercial campgrounds⁶. HUD-approved tiny homes are treated under the regulations for manufactured homes rather than automatically allowed everywhere⁷. A tiny home proposed as a dwelling therefore still needs parcel-specific zoning, building, wastewater, and utility review⁶.

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

Ask Grand County Planning & Zoning to confirm the parcel's jurisdiction, zoning district, allowed residential use, and applicable development standards²¹¹.

If public sewer is unavailable, obtain septic plan-design approval and a construction permit from the Southeast Utah Health Department before installation⁴.

If the home will use a private well, secure a valid water right and the Start Card that serves as the well-construction permit¹⁰.

If construction is in or touches the Special Flood Hazard Area, obtain a Floodplain Development Permit and preconstruction Elevation Certificate²³²⁴.

Submit the building application through the county portal and complete plan review¹³.

Schedule required phase inspections with the Building Department, and have the septic installation inspected before backfilling¹²¹⁸.

Obtain the written Certificate of Occupancy before using the completed home¹⁴.

What should you check before buying land in Grand County?

Start with legal access, zoning, water, wastewater, and flood exposure rather than the view. A driveway connecting to a Utah state highway requires a conditional access permit, including when a change in land use or access intensity is proposed²⁵. A private well requires an approved water right and Start Card, so the presence of groundwater alone does not establish legal water supply¹⁰. Septic deserves special attention because only about 18.6% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field¹⁹. Grand County averages about 11.9 inches of precipitation annually and has experienced severe drought in about 34.3% of years, which reinforces the need to verify a dependable legal water source²⁶²⁷. If the parcel touches a mapped Special Flood Hazard Area, floodplain documents and elevation certificates may become part of the permit path²³. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.4%, with a median annual bill near $2,012²⁸²⁹.

Watch-outs

A building-permit exemption does not waive Grand County's zoning development permit or allow work that violates other codes¹.
Camping outside a permitted RV park, campground, or travel-trailer park is prohibited in every Grand County zone⁵.
Only about 18.6% of Grand County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so confirm septic feasibility before closing¹⁹.
A parcel touching the Special Flood Hazard Area can require a floodplain permit and elevation certificates in addition to the building permit²³.

Sources

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

How Grand County scores

Seclusion87100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency2898% ev.

Admin Boringness34100% ev.

Durability37100% ev.

Property Autonomy60100% ev.

Carry Cost7596% 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 →

$586kTypical home

0.4%Property tax

$1,110Land / acre

11.9"Annual rain

34.3% of yrsSevere drought

21.3 / yr (+15.9)Mid-century 100°F days

32.8 daysMid-century dry spell

0.78" (+6.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.15×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,060Home insurance / yr

2.7% / yrInsurance growth

0.39%Nonrenewal rate

single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis

741Radius comparison (15 mi)

2.6People / sq mi

73.7%Federal land

59.8%Land at 15% slope or less

18.6%Septic soil without severe limits

253,413 acWorkable land screen

24.7%Wooded land

13.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac

51.7°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Grand County

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

Grand County rules

Building permitRequired
Construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, improvement, removal, conversion, demolition, or occupancy change involving buildings or structures and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems in Grand County, including Castle Valley and unincorporated areas.
- A permit is generally required before covered work begins.
- Permit exemptions include one-story detached accessory structures other than storm shelters with floor area not exceeding 200 square feet; fences not over 7 feet high; retaining walls retaining less than 4 feet of unbalanced fill unless supporting a surcharge or requiring design under Section R404.4; certain water tanks not exceeding 5,000 gallons and with height-to-diameter or width ratio not exceeding 2:1; sidewalks and driveways; painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; swings and other playground equipment; qualifying window awnings projecting no more than 54 inches and requiring no additional support; and qualifying decks not more than 30 inches above grade, not requiring guardrails, and not serving the required exit door under Section R311.4.
- Additional listed exemptions apply to specified temporary decorative lighting, receptacle reinstallation, same-location overcurrent-device replacement, certain low-voltage electrical work, minor electrical repairs, portable heating/cooking/clothes-drying appliances, certain minor gas repairs, portable fuel-cell appliances, portable heating/ventilation/cooling appliances, certain piping within heating or cooling equipment, minor mechanical repairs, portable evaporative coolers, certain small self-contained refrigeration systems, and specified plumbing leak or stoppage repairs.
- Exemption from permit requirements does not authorize work that violates the building code or other applicable laws or ordinances.
- While building permits are not required for listed exempt work, zoning development permits are required.
- Residential new-construction applications require a $130 plan-review deposit; solar applications require a $65 plan-review deposit; commercial applications require a $260 non-refundable plan-review deposit, or for large commercial new construction a deposit equal to 10% of the estimated building permit fee.
- All work must be performed by a Utah State licensed contractor under the county's Building Permit Process page, subject to the owner-builder certification described in the separate official form.
residential new-construction plan-review deposit: 130 USD · solar plan-review deposit: 65 USD · commercial plan-review deposit: 260 USD (Large commercial new construction uses 10% of the estimated building permit fee.) · detached accessory structure exemption floor area: <= 200 square feet (Does not apply to storm shelters.) · fence exemption height: <= 7 feet · retaining-wall exemption unbalanced fill: < 4 feet (Not exempt if supporting a surcharge or requiring design under Section R404.4.) · water-tank exemption capacity: <= 5000 gallons (Height-to-diameter or width ratio must not exceed 2:1.) · window-awning exemption projection: <= 54 inches (Must be supported by an exterior wall and require no additional support.) · deck exemption height: <= 30 inches (Must not require guardrails and must not serve the required exit door under Section R311.4.)
“A Building Permit is required before you erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or demolish any building or structure in Grand County.”
Building Permit Process ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
InspectionsRequired
Construction regulated by the Grand County Building Department throughout Grand County, including Castle Valley and unincorporated areas.
- The county conducts scheduled inspections during each phase of construction.
- The department's building-related functions cover all of Grand County, including Castle Valley and unincorporated areas.
- Inspection scheduling and phase requirements may vary by project and applicable code.
“This department performs building-related functions for all of Grand County, including Castle Valley and unincorporated areas. [...] Conduct scheduled inspections during each phase of construction”
Building Inspector ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Certificate of occupancyRequired
New construction and changes of use or occupancy in Grand County when the structure is ready to be occupied.
- A written Certificate of Occupancy must be issued before the completed building can be used.
- The certificate is issued when construction or work is completed and the structure is ready to be occupied.
- Inspectors must verify compliance with applicable codes before issuance.
- The Building Inspector's Office may require other inspections to assure compliance with the laws and ordinances of the jurisdiction.
“When the construction or work is completed and the structure is ready to be occupied, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued. The completed building cannot be used until a written Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.”
Building Permit Process ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Zoning districtsPublished
Zoning districts administered by Grand County for applicable unincorporated county areas.
- The official county Maps page provides a Zoning Map PDF identified as showing the county's zoning districts.
- Incorporated areas may be subject to municipal zoning administered by the City of Moab or Town of Castle Valley.
“Zoning Map (PDF) Discover the zoning districts of the county.”
Maps | Grand County, UT ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Living in an RVAllowed (with conditions)
RV camping at designated Sand Flats Recreation Area campsites.
- Camping is limited to designated sites.
- Campgrounds Alcove, Bobcat, Echo, and Juniper have campsites suitable for RVs but no hookups.
- Only 30 of 140 individual campsites can accommodate RVs 35-40 feet in length.
- No campsite can accommodate vehicles longer than 40 feet.
- All posted rules apply.
maximum RV length: 35-40 feet (No campsites accommodate vehicles longer than 40 feet)
“Campgrounds Alcove (A), Bobcat (B), Echo (E), and Juniper have campsites suitable for RVs but there are no hook- ups. Please note out of 140 individual campsites 30 can accommodate RVs 35-40 feet in length. There are no campsites that can accommodate vehicles longer than 40 feet.”
Camping ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Camping on your landAllowed (with conditions)
Temporary camping at designated Sand Flats Recreation Area campsites.
- Camping is in designated sites only.
- Campsites are first-come, first-served.
- Sites are limited to 10 people and 2 vehicles per site.
- Vehicles must park in provided parking areas.
- Checkout time is 11 a.m.
maximum occupants per campsite: <= 10 persons · maximum vehicles per campsite: <= 2 vehicles
“Camping is in designated sites only, and visitors are required to abide by all posted rules. Sand Flats has over 140 individual campsites in eight campgrounds marked 'A' through ‘G’ and Juniper. Campsites cannot be reserved, but are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.”
Camping ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Prohibited — Camping outside permitted areas in Grand County.
  “Camping outside of a permitted Recreational Vehicle Park, Campground, or Travel Trailer Park is prohibited in all zones.”
  Code Enforcement ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Tiny homesLimited
Tiny homes addressed in the Grand County Land Use Code staff report, including IRC-approved primary residences, ADUs, HUD-approved units, and non-IRC/non-HUD units in commercial campgrounds.
- The official county staff report states that certain categories can be permitted as primary residences on approved lots, as ADUs with use-specific standards, or within commercial campgrounds.
- The report states that non-IRC/non-HUD units are accommodated only by commercial RV/campgrounds.
- The source is a 2016 planning staff report and does not itself establish later amendments or current parcel-specific approvals.
- Building, zoning, health, utility, and campground requirements may also apply.
“Although certain sub-categories of “tiny homes” can be permitted in Grand County as primary residences on approved lots (1 or 4 in Table 1), ADUs with use-specific standards (2 or 4 in Table 1), or within commercial campgrounds (3 or 5 in Table 1), there is potential to further specify, and in some cases modify, regulations in order to better accommodate “tiny homes” in the LUC (see Table 2).”
Accommodating Tiny Houses in the Grand County Land Use Code ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Manufactured homesLimited
HUD-approved tiny homes treated as manufactured homes under the Grand County land-use discussion.
- The official county staff report states that HUD-approved tiny homes use the same regulations as other manufactured homes.
- This source does not establish that every manufactured home is allowed on every parcel.
- Zoning district, siting, building, utility, septic, and other applicable approvals remain unresolved.
“Moderate: GC permits HUD approved “tiny homes” using the same regulations as other manufactured homes”
Accommodating Tiny Houses in the Grand County Land Use Code ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)
Internal accessory dwelling units in Grand County subject to the county application and deed-restriction requirements.
- A building permit application is required.
- The property owner must occupy either the primary dwelling or the internal accessory dwelling unit.
- Neither dwelling may be condominiumized or sold separately.
- Neither dwelling may be rented to guests for periods of less than 30 consecutive days.
- The deed restriction must be signed and recorded before issuance of the IADU building permit.
- The IADU may not exceed 2 persons per bedroom.
- The IADU must be within the primary dwelling footprint.
minimum rental period: >= 30 consecutive days (Guests may not be rented the dwelling for shorter periods) · maximum occupancy: <= 2 persons per bedroom
“The property owner must occupy either the primary dwelling or the internal accessory dwelling unit. Neither the primary dwelling unit nor the IADU shall be condominiumized or sold separately, and shall not be rented to guests for periods of less than 30 consecutive days. A Deed Restriction (attached) shall be signed and recorded prior to issuance of the building permit for the IADU, affirming the aforementioned requirements.”
Internal Accessory Dwelling Unit (IADU) Application and Associated Deed Restriction ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Who permits septicLocal
Onsite wastewater systems in incorporated and unincorporated Grand County within the Southeast Utah Health Department service area.
- The Southeast Utah Health Department service area covers Carbon, Emery, and Grand Counties.
- Utah Rule R317-4 assigns administration to local health departments.
“Onsite wastewater systems are privately owned personal sewer systems that are installed on private land to serve individual homes and businesses in areas where public sewer is not available. A permit and plan design approval is required.”
Southeast Utah Health Department ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Onsite wastewater systems serving individual homes and businesses in Grand County where public sewer is not available.
- A permit and plan design approval are required.
- Construction may not begin until a construction permit has been issued by the regulatory authority.
- Plans for domestic wastewater systems must be submitted to the regulatory authority.
- If public sewer is available, Grand County Code prohibits issuance of a permit for installation, alteration, or repair of a private sewage disposal system.
- A variance is required for a noncompliant system.
public sewer availability distance: <= 300 feet from any property line with a building used for human occupancy (The code excepts lots below the sewer level when no public lift station is available.)
“A permit and plan design approval is required.”
Onsite Wastewater (Septic) - Southeast UT Health ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
Installation and operation of onsite wastewater systems in Grand County.
- The regulatory authority must inspect the entire installation before backfilling.
- Each tank must be tested for watertightness before backfilling and the test must be supervised by the regulatory authority.
- Final approval must be issued before operation.
- Alternative systems are subject to additional inspection and servicing requirements; inspection frequency may be increased by the regulatory authority.
“The regulatory authority shall inspect the entire installation before backfilling to determine compliance with this rule.”
R317-4 Onsite Wastewater Systems ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Off-grid wastewater sanitation, including onsite wastewater and greywater systems, in Grand County.
- Onsite wastewater is described as serving areas where public sewer is unavailable and requires a permit and plan design approval.
- Construction requires a regulatory-authority permit before work begins and final approval before operation.
- Greywater systems require a permit, a Level 1 certified professional for soil evaluation, and a Level 2 certified professional for design.
- Wastewater may not be discharged to surface waters, the ground surface, abandoned or unused wells, crevices, sinkholes, or similar openings.
“There are also special certifications required to design a greywater system and a permit required.”
Onsite Wastewater (Septic) - Southeast UT Health ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Buildings with plumbing fixtures in Grand County, including properties subject to the county sewer article.
- Every building with plumbing fixtures must connect to a public or private sewer.
- If no public sewer is available in the abutting thoroughfare or right-of-way, drainage must connect to a private sewage disposal system.
- When an accepted public sewer is ready to receive connections and notice is served, private systems must be discontinued after 20 days and plumbing connected to the public sewer.
- After the 20-day period, the applicable sewer provider may charge service fees whether or not the property is connected.
public sewer availability distance: <= 300 feet from any property line with a building used for human occupancy (The code excepts lots below the sewer level when no public lift station is available.) · connection deadline after notice: 20 days
“When a public sewer, intended to service any lot or premises is available in any thoroughfare or right-of-way abutting any lot or premises, drainage piping from any building or works shall be connected to the public sewer.”
Title 13 - Public Services ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Agricultural buildings in Grand County that are used solely in conjunction with agriculture and are not for human occupancy, or qualifying agricultural sales structures no more than 1,500 square feet.
- The agricultural use must relate to tilling soil and raising crops, caring for livestock, or raising domestic animals.
- The structure must not be for human occupancy, except that people may enter for maintenance, repair, or care of livestock, crops, or agricultural equipment kept there.
- Unless located in whole or in part in an agricultural protection area under Utah Title 17, Chapter 41, the structure is not exempt if located within city or town boundaries on less than five contiguous acres.
- If the proposed agricultural building is on a parcel within a recorded subdivision, the parcel must contain at least two contiguous acres.
- Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits are required when that work is included unless otherwise exempted.
- All zoning setback requirements from property lines must be met.
- An exempt building may not be converted to residential, non-agricultural storage, or another non-agricultural use without obtaining a building permit and complying with applicable zoning requirements.
maximum qualifying agricultural sales structure size: <= 1500 square feet (Must be used solely for the sales described in Utah Code Subsection 59-12-104(20).) · minimum parcel size within recorded subdivision: >= 2 contiguous acres · minimum parcel size within city or town boundaries: >= 5 contiguous acres (Does not apply if located in whole or in part in an agricultural protection area created under Utah Title 17, Chapter 41.)
“A structure used solely in conjunction with agriculture use, and not for human occupancy, or a structure that is no more than 1,500 square feet and used solely for the type of sales described in Subsection 59-12-104(20), is exempt from the requirements of the State Construction Code.”
Agricultural Exemption Acknowledgement ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Driveway accessRequired
Commercial new construction, additions, changes of use, and alterations requiring the Grand County commercial building permit submittal checklist.
- The requirement is to show the location of driveway access on the required site plan.
- The site plan must be to scale and also show buildings, lot and building square footage, setbacks, drainage, easements, and utility locations.
“The Site Plan MUST be to scale showing: [...] Location of driveway access”
Grand County, Utah Commercial New Construction, Additions, Change of Use, and Alterations Permit Submittal Checklist ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Building in a floodplainRequired
Construction projects in or touching the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) in Grand County.
- A copy of the plat with the floodplain layer showing where construction will take place is required if the property touches the SFHA.
- A Floodplain Development Permit Application and preconstruction Elevation Certificate completed by a Utah-licensed surveyor are required when construction is in or touches the SFHA.
- A post-construction Elevation Certificate is required before issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.
- The Floodplain Development Permit must be uploaded as a supporting document with the Building Permit Application.
- Grand County identifies Ordinance 598 as its Floodplain Management ordinance.
“If your construction project is in or touches the SFHA, a Floodplain Development Permit Application [...] is required.”
FEMA/Floodplain Administration | Grand County, UT ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
County-wide zoningPresent
Grand County administers a Land Use Code with zoning and subdivision standards for the unincorporated county.
Grand County Land Use Code ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Available (with conditions) — Owner-builders performing new residential construction or residential remodeling/additions in Grand County under the Utah Construction Trades Licensing Act.
  “For New Residential and Remodel Construction: The improvements being placed on the property are intended to be used and will be used for my personal, non-commercial, non-public use and the work performed on the project must be performed by the following:”
  Owner / Builder Certification Agreement to Comply with the Construction Trades Licensing Act ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Adopted (with conditions) — Building construction, alteration, remodeling, and repair in Grand County as part of Utah's statewide State Construction Code.
  “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:”
  Utah Code § 15A-2-103, effective July 1, 2026 ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Well permitRequired
Water production wells and regulated non-production wells in Grand County under Utah Division of Water Rights jurisdiction.
- A valid water right must exist before construction and beneficial use of a shallow water well.
- A Start Card, issued after water-right approval, is the permit to construct the well.
- Water production wells include public supply, domestic, stockwater, irrigation, industrial/commercial, recharge/recovery, and open-loop heat-exchange wells.
- Non-production wells deeper than 30 feet are regulated.
- Construction must be performed by a licensed well driller or, for shallow wells, a licensed shallow-water-well constructor.
- For pumps on regulated wells, a licensed pump installer is generally required, except an owner installing or repairing a pump on the owner's own property for personal use.
non-production well depth threshold: > 30 feet (Shallow-water-well rules now regulate all water wells regardless of depth.)
“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
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision of land within Utah municipalities under the statewide municipal land-use framework; the municipality is the administering land-use authority.
- A municipality may enact an ordinance requiring subdivision plats to comply with municipal ordinances and the statutory subdivision part before recording and sale.
- If the municipality has not enacted a subdivision ordinance, it may regulate subdivisions only to the extent provided in the statutory subdivision part.
- Subdivision plats are subject to statutory exclusions and exemptions, including Section 10-20-808 and Section 10-20-102.
“The legislative body of a municipality may enact ordinances requiring that a subdivision plat comply with the provisions of the municipality's ordinances and this part”
Utah Code Title 10, Chapter 20, Part 8, Subdivisions ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 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 residential development in unincorporated Grand 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 Grand County, Utah

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

Grand County scores 49/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 741 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 11.9″ of rain a year, in severe drought 34.3% of years and more administrative friction around building and land use.

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

Grand County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Southeast Utah Health Department (Moab office). 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.

How much does land cost in Grand County, Utah?

Land in Grand County runs about $1,110 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Grand County?

Grand County gets about 11.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 34.3% of years.

How remote is Grand County?

A typical private-land location has about 741 people within 15 miles and 388,043 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

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

Does Grand County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Grand County?

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

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

What should you check before buying land in Grand County?

Watch-outs

Sources

Grand County in Utah

How Grand County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Grand County

Grand County rules

Utah rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Grand County, Utah

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

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

How much does land cost in Grand County, Utah?

What is the water situation in Grand County?

How remote is Grand County?

How Grand compares in Utah