Bolthole Index

Summit County, Utah

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Kamas, Utah

Kamas, Utah requires building permits for construction regulated by the State Construction Code; ask the Kamas Building Inspector about the application and project exemptions.12 Kamas administers its own zoning inside city limits, while Summit County Health Department handles septic systems.34 Tiny homes cannot serve as accessory apartments in Kamas, and the city’s RV-park rules do not establish permission to live in an RV on a private lot.56

At a glance

Building permits
Required for construction regulated by Utah’s State Construction Code; ask the city inspector about exemptions.12
Zoning
Kamas City administers base zoning and overlay districts.3
Septic permits
Summit County Health Department; new onsite systems require approval.47
RV living
RV-park occupancy is temporary; private-lot residential occupancy remains unconfirmed. Ask the City Planner.68
Tiny homes
Prohibited as accessory apartments; other dwelling proposals need a district-specific answer from the City Planner.53
Owner-builder
Utah’s qualifying owner-builder exemption concerns contractor licensing, not removal of building-permit or inspection requirements.9

Who to call

Building permits

Kamas City Building Inspector

Building-permit and inspection inquiries

435-783-4630

170 N Main Street

Planning & zoning

Kamas City Planner

Kamas zoning, land-use and development inquiries

435-783-4630

[email protected]

170 N Main Street

Septic permits

Environmental Health Division, Summit County Health Department

Onsite wastewater systems serving Kamas, including septic permitting and installation review

435-336-3224

[email protected]

650 Round Valley Drive, Park City, Utah 84060

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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Do you need a building permit in Kamas, UT?

Utah requires a construction permit from the local compliance agency for work regulated by the State Construction Code, including new construction and specified alterations or changes of use.1 Kamas lists a municipal Building Inspector and Building Department; start there for the city application, plans and inspection schedule.2 We could not confirm Kamas-specific building-permit exemptions or fees, so ask the inspector to identify the requirements for your exact project.2

A qualifying Utah owner-builder exemption removes a contractor-licensing requirement; the exemption does not itself remove building permits, inspections or code compliance.9 Keep the licensing question separate from the city’s construction approval when planning to build your own home.9

Who handles building permits and zoning inquiries in Kamas?

The Kamas City Building Inspector is listed at 435-783-4630 for Building Department inquiries.2 The Kamas City Planner is listed at the same phone number and at [email protected] for Planning Department inquiries.8 Ask the inspector for building application requirements and ask the planner to identify the parcel’s base zoning, overlays and allowed uses.23

Kamas land-use review starts with the official land use map, available from the city recorder or city planner.3 Septic review remains a separate Summit County Health Department responsibility inside Kamas; a city zoning answer does not substitute for onsite wastewater approval.47

Does Kamas have zoning, and what does it mean for a home?

Kamas administers its own zoning inside city limits, and applicants must identify both the base district and any overlay districts before applying the corresponding standards.3 Kamas requires a conditional use permit when the desired use is listed as conditional in the applicable zone.10 Ask the City Planner for the parcel-specific lot area, setbacks, height and dwelling standards before choosing a house footprint; we could not confirm a general minimum dwelling size or lot-coverage limit.8

Kamas also regulates subdivision and related parcel changes, including mergers and re-subdivision where the subdivision process applies.11 A plan to divide land or combine parcels therefore needs its own land-use review rather than relying on the approval of a proposed home.11

How do septic permits work inside Kamas?

Summit County Health Department administers onsite wastewater systems inside Kamas, applying state and local standards and reviewing sites, applications and installation.4 Utah requires public-sewer connection where available and practicable; where connection is unavailable or impracticable, an adequate onsite or other acceptable wastewater system is required.12 Establish the sewer answer before commissioning a septic design.12

For a new Kamas onsite system, the application requires a percolation test and water-supply documentation; the approved septic permit becomes wastewater documentation for the building permit.7 The permit lasts 1 year and may be renewed for $25.7 After installation, the owner or installer must contact the Health Department 48 hours before backfill to schedule the final inspection.13

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in Kamas?

Kamas describes RV-park occupancy as temporary, with stays ranging from overnight stops to several days or 8 weeks, and an RV park requires a conditional use permit.6 That RV-park provision does not answer whether a household may live in an RV on a private residential lot while building; we could not confirm that permission, so ask the City Planner before making an RV your construction housing plan.68

Kamas expressly prohibits tiny homes, travel trailers, mobile homes, boats and similar recreational vehicles from being used as accessory apartments.5 The accessory-apartment prohibition does not establish the answer for every primary tiny-home proposal; the district and proposed use still need city review.53 An accessory apartment and its single-family dwelling must have city sewer or another adequate sewer or septic system.14

Building a home in Kamas: what should you do first?

  1. Ask the City Planner to identify the base and overlay districts, review the proposed use and determine whether conditional-use approval is needed.310
  2. Resolve sewer availability; if an onsite system is needed, obtain Summit County Health Department site review and wastewater approval with water-supply documentation.127
  3. Ask the Kamas Building Inspector for the construction-permit application and project-specific inspection requirements before starting code-regulated construction.21
  4. Schedule the septic installation inspection before backfilling, with the required advance notice to the Health Department.13

For land outside Kamas city limits, use the Summit County guide: county zoning applies to unincorporated areas under the county development codes.15 For access onto a Utah state highway, a new driveway connection or change in access intensity requires UDOT conditional access approval.16

Watch-outs

  • Kamas prohibits overnight camping, sleeping or habitation in vehicles on public streets, public parking lots, parks, playing fields and other public areas.17
  • Do not treat the tiny-home accessory-apartment prohibition as a blanket answer for every primary dwelling proposal in Kamas; ask the City Planner about the proposed use and district.53
  • We could not confirm Kamas building-permit fees, project-specific inspection requirements or certificates of occupancy; request those details from the Kamas Building Inspector before budgeting construction.2

Sources

  1. Utah Code Title 15A, State Construction and Fire Codes Act (Utah statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  2. Kamas City Building Inspector (kamascityut.gov)
  3. Kamas Municipal Code § 15.01.040, How to use this chapter (Kamas), quoted and re-checked
  4. Summit County Health Department, Water and onsite wastewater (Kamas), quoted and re-checked
  5. Kamas Municipal Code § 15.35.020, Accessory apartments (Kamas), quoted and re-checked
  6. Kamas Municipal Code § 15.13.010, RV park purpose (Kamas), quoted and re-checked
  7. Summit County Health Department, Permitting New Septic System (Kamas), quoted and re-checked
  8. Kamas City Planner (kamascityut.gov)
  9. Utah Code Title 58, Chapter 55, Construction Trades Licensing Act exemptions (Utah statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Kamas Municipal Code § 15.01.040, How to use this chapter (Kamas), quoted and re-checked
  11. Kamas Municipal Code § 15.01.040, How to use this chapter (Kamas), quoted and re-checked
  12. DAR File No. 37575, Rule R317-4, Onsite Wastewater Systems (Utah statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Summit County Health Department, Septic inspection procedure (Kamas), quoted and re-checked
  14. Kamas Municipal Code § 15.35.020, Accessory apartments (Kamas), quoted and re-checked
  15. Development Codes for Summit County, Utah (2026 county census)
  16. Conditional Access Permit (Utah statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Kamas Municipal Code § 10.10.030, Standard parking regulations (Kamas), quoted and re-checked

Written October 11, 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.

Answers from the rulebook for Kamas

Kamas’s own rules

  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Kamas city limits; Kamas City administers its own land-use and zoning regulations.

    • Applicants must identify the applicable base zoning and overlay districts on the official land use map and then apply the corresponding district and use standards.
    “Prior to considering the development or redevelopment of land, an applicant should refer to the official land use map to determine which base zoning and overlay districts correspond to the property. The official land use map is available from the city recorder and/or the city planner.”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Occupancy of recreational vehicles in an RV park inside Kamas city limits.

    • An RV park requires a conditional use permit.
    • The code describes occupancy as temporary, ranging from short overnight stops to stays of several days to eight weeks.

    maximum stated stay: <= 8 weeks (the purpose section describes the range; other site-specific rules may apply)

    “Assure reasonable standards for the development of facilities for the occupancy of recreational vehicles on a temporary basis, ranging from short overnight stops to longer destination-type stays of several days to eight weeks.”
  • Camping on your landProhibited

    Overnight camping, sleeping, or habitation in vehicles on Kamas public streets, public parking lots, public parks, playing fields, and other public areas.

    • This claim is limited to the public locations listed in the ordinance and does not resolve camping on private property or in an approved RV park.
    “It shall be unlawful to park a vehicle on a public street, or within a public parking lot, or within public parks, playing fields, or other areas for purposes of overnight camping, sleeping or other habitation.”
  • Tiny homesProhibited

    Use of tiny homes as accessory apartments inside Kamas city limits.

    • This claim is limited to accessory-apartment use and does not establish a general tiny-home rule for every zoning district.
    “Mobile homes, travel trailers, boats, tiny homes, or similar recreational vehicles shall not be used as an accessory apartment.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured homes placed or substantially improved in specified flood-hazard zones inside Kamas city limits.

    • Floodplain requirements vary by FIRM zone, site context, and whether the home is in an existing or new manufactured-home park or subdivision.
    • Elevation and anchoring requirements apply in the specified zones and circumstances.

    minimum pier height in specified existing parks or subdivisions: >= 36 inches above grade (where the lowest floor is not at or above base flood elevation)

    “Require that manufactured homes be placed or substantially improved on sites in an existing manufactured home park or subdivision with Zones A1-30, AH and AE on the community's FIRM that are not subject to the provisions of paragraph (4) of this section be elevated so that either: (1) The lowest floor of the manufactured home is at or above base flood elevation; or (2) The manufactured home chassis is supported by reinforced piers or other foundation elements of at least equivalent strength that are no less than 36 inches in height above grade and be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist flotation, collapse and lateral movement.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Accessory apartments inside Kamas city limits.

    • The accessory apartment and single-family dwelling must be served by the city's sewer system or another adequate sewer or septic system.
    “The single-family dwelling and accessory apartment shall be served by the city's sewer system or by another adequate sewer or septic system.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision, parcel merger, re-subdivision, and related land divisions inside Kamas city limits.

    • Applicants should review KMC 15.18 and applicable exceptions.
    • The code describes subdivision regulations as addressing development-site appropriateness, public services, ownership records, access, and maintenance of improvements, utilities, and amenities.
    “If the applicant would like to subdivide a piece of property, merge a number of different parcels into one parcel, or re-subdivide, the applicant may need to go through the subdivision process as outlined in KMC 15.18 of this land use ordinance.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Kamas City land-use approvals and conditional uses.

    • Applicants identify the base and overlay districts, review the applicable district standards and use table, and apply for a conditional use permit when the use is conditional.
    • Variance and rezone procedures are separately described in KMC 15.15.050 and KMC 15.03.010.
    • This claim does not establish the complete building-permit process.
    “The applicant should first determine if the desired use is allowed in the zone. If the use is allowed as a conditional use, the applicant must apply for and obtain a conditional use permit.”

Rules another office applies inside Kamas

Kamas does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Who permits septicCounty

    Onsite wastewater systems inside Kamas city limits; Summit County Health Department administers the septic program.

    • The program applies state and local standards.
    • The county health department evaluates sites, reviews permit applications, and checks installation.
    “Summit County’s Wastewater (septic) Program protects public health by making sure that wastewater systems work properly. It is important that sewage does not leak onto the ground or into groundwater sources. We make sure that wastewater systems are designed, installed, and maintained in ways that meet State and local standards.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New onsite wastewater systems inside Kamas city limits.

    • All proposed lots require a percolation test.
    • The application requires water-supply documentation.
    • The permit is good for one year from issue date.
    • Renewal is possible by paying a $25 fee.
    • The approved onsite wastewater permit becomes wastewater documentation for the building permit.

    permit validity: 1 year (from issue date) · renewal fee: 25 USD

    “Once the application is approved, you will receive your onsite wastewater permit. This permit will then be your wastewater documentation for your building permit.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Onsite wastewater systems inside Kamas city limits.

    • Inspection occurs after installation but before backfilling.
    • The installer or property owner must contact the Health Department 48 hours before backfill to schedule it.

    advance notice: 48 hours (before backfill)

    “Once the system is installed, but prior to backfilling the system, the health department will perform the final inspection. It is the responsibility of the installer/ property owner to contact the Health Department 48 hours prior to backfill to schedule the inspection.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Kamas or Summit County directly.

  • Building permit — Residential building permits inside Kamas city limits.
  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemptions inside Kamas city limits.
  • Building code adopted — Building-code adoption inside Kamas city limits.
  • Inspections — Building inspections inside Kamas city limits.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy inside Kamas city limits.
8 more unanswered
  • Minimum dwelling size
  • Lot coverage
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access
  • Short-term rentals
  • Permit fees

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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Kamas publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Summit County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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