Bolthole Index

Wasatch County, Utah

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Midway, Utah

Midway, Utah requires building permits for home construction and regulated alterations, with applications handled by Midway City.1 Midway sets its own zoning; Wasatch County Health Department handles qualifying domestic septic permits, while the city requires sewer connection where service is available.234 RV habitation in Midway is limited, including conditional occupancy during construction.5

At a glance

Building permits
Required for home construction and regulated work; apply to Midway City1
Zoning
Midway City administers its own zoning and maps2
Sewer and septic
Connect to available public sewer within 300 feet of the property line; qualifying septic systems need county health approval43
RV living
Limited guest occupancy or conditional construction occupancy5
Minimum home size
R-1-15 requires 1,200 square feet of ground-floor area, except approved large-scale development exceptions6
Minimum lot size
R-1-7 single-family lots require at least 7,000 square feet7
Internal accessory dwelling
Allowed conditionally in primarily residential areas; owner must live in the primary dwelling8

Who to call

Building permits

Midway City Building Department

City building permit applications and building inspections

435-654-3223 x 107

[email protected]

75 North 100 West Midway City, UT 84049

Online permits →

Zoning

Midway City Planning and Zoning Department

City zoning maps, land-use applications, subdivision review and floodplain development application questions

435-654-3223 x 106

[email protected]

Septic permits

Wasatch County Health Department — Wastewater

Wastewater permits for qualifying domestic onsite systems in Wasatch County, including Midway

435-657-3307

55 South 500 East, Heber City, UT 84032

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 Midway means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Midway, UT?

Midway requires a building permit before constructing a home, changing a building’s occupancy, or performing regulated electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing work.1 Midway exempts certain small detached accessory structures and other listed minor work, but exempt work must still comply with applicable codes and other laws.1 A building permit exemption therefore does not establish permission to use an accessory structure as a dwelling.1 Midway’s new-home plan-review deposit is $1,050.25; deposits for additions, alterations, remodels and some repairs are $100, and impact fees or final-completion deposits may also apply.9

Who handles Midway building permits and inspections?

Contact the Midway City Building Department at 435-654-3223 x 107 or [email protected] for city building permit questions.10 The city lists its physical address as 75 North 100 West Midway City, UT 84049.10 Midway requires electronic building permit submissions and inspection requests, with plans and documents uploaded as PDFs.10 Incomplete applications are returned for correction, and the plan-review deposit receipt must be uploaded before review submission.10 Permitted work requires inspections, with the building permit card available on site; request inspections at least a day ahead rather than assuming next-day availability.11

Does Midway have zoning, minimum lot sizes and home-size rules?

Midway City administers its own zoning code and zoning maps; ask the Midway City Planning and Zoning Department to identify the parcel’s district before designing a home.212 In Midway’s R-1-7 zone, a single-family dwelling needs a lot of at least 7,000 square feet.7 In R-1-15, dwellings need at least 1,200 square feet of ground-floor area unless an exception is approved in a large-scale development.6 Midway’s general building-height maximum is 35 feet, subject to stated exceptions, resort-zone provisions and sensitive-land restrictions.13 Ask city planning for the setbacks and lot-coverage standards applicable to the specific parcel.12

How do sewer connections and septic permits work inside Midway?

Midway requires domestic wastewater facilities in dwellings and other occupied buildings to connect to public sewage when the property line is within 300 feet of an available public sewer.4 Farther away, public sewer must be extended or wastewater facilities must meet health-department standards before a building permit is issued.4 Wasatch County Health Department requires a wastewater permit for domestic onsite systems with daily flow of 5,000 gallons or less; larger flows or nondomestic wastewater go to Utah DEQ.3 Septic approval therefore does not bypass Midway’s sewer-connection requirement.34 Ask the health department about the site evaluation and inspection requirements for the proposed system.14

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

Midway limits temporary RV occupation by relatives or friends of the residing family to 14 days.5 RV habitation during construction requires approved water and sewer facilities and a $200 bond, or another amount set by City Council; occupancy ends when construction is complete or no later than a year from the permit date.5 We could not confirm a separate tiny-home occupancy rule in Midway; ask city planning how the proposed structure would be classified.12 Manufactured homes must meet residential zoning criteria, sit on permanent foundations and satisfy state-law criteria.15 Midway permits an internal accessory dwelling conditionally, including an owner-occupied primary residence and a lot of at least 6,000 square feet.8

What are the steps to building a home in Midway?

  1. Ask Midway City Planning and Zoning to confirm the parcel’s zoning, dimensional standards and any subdivision review; the city also lists floodplain development and elevation-certificate applications.1216
  2. Resolve sewer availability with the city and, if an onsite system is proposed, discuss wastewater approval with Wasatch County Health Department before building permit issuance.43
  3. Submit complete building permit documents electronically, including PDF plans and the plan-review deposit receipt.10
  4. Schedule required inspections and keep the building permit card on site; Midway’s final inspection occurs when the building is ready for occupancy.1117

For land outside Midway city limits, use the Wasatch County guide for the county building permit process.18

Watch-outs

  • Midway’s construction RV allowance requires approved water and sewer facilities and a bond; buying a vacant lot alone does not meet those conditions.5
  • We could not confirm Midway’s owner-builder eligibility conditions; ask the city Building Department about the linked Owner Builder Certification before relying on an exemption.10
  • Midway’s R-1-15 minimum ground-floor area can rule out a small dwelling unless the stated large-scale development exception is approved.6
  • For a shallow private well, Utah requires a valid water right, a Start Card and a licensed well constructor; ask the Utah Division of Water Rights before planning groundwater supply.19

Sources

  1. Building Permits & Inspections - City of Midway (Midway), quoted and re-checked
  2. Planning & Zoning - City of Midway (Midway), quoted and re-checked
  3. Permits & Applications, quoted and re-checked
  4. Midway City Municipal Code, Title 16 Land Use (Midway), quoted and re-checked
  5. Midway City Municipal Code, Title 16 Land Use (Midway), quoted and re-checked
  6. midway.municipalcodeonline.com (Midway), quoted and re-checked
  7. midway.municipalcodeonline.com (Midway), quoted and re-checked
  8. Midway City Municipal Code, Title 16 Land Use (Midway), quoted and re-checked
  9. Building Permits & Inspections - City of Midway (Midway), quoted and re-checked
  10. Midway City Building Department (midwaycityut.gov)
  11. Building Permits & Inspections - City of Midway (Midway), quoted and re-checked
  12. Midway City Planning and Zoning Department (midwaycityut.gov)
  13. Midway City Municipal Code, Title 16 Land Use (Midway), quoted and re-checked
  14. Wasatch County Health Department — Wastewater (wasatchcountyhealth.gov)
  15. Midway City Municipal Code, Title 16 Land Use (Midway), quoted and re-checked
  16. Planning & Zoning - City of Midway (Midway), quoted and re-checked
  17. Midway City Municipal Code, Title 16 Land Use (Midway), quoted and re-checked
  18. wasatchcounty.gov, quoted and re-checked
  19. Water Well Drilling Information (Utah statewide rule), 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 Midway

Midway’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, occupancy changes, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing work inside Midway city limits.

    • Permit exemptions include certain one-story detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet, fences up to 7 feet, retaining walls up to 4 feet unless supporting a surcharge, certain water tanks, sidewalks and driveways, finish work, shallow prefabricated pools, playground equipment, certain awnings, and qualifying decks.
    • Emergency equipment repairs require the application by the next working business day.
    • A temporary-power permit requires a $50.51 fee.
    • The source states that exempt work remains subject to code and other laws.

    temporary power permit fee: 50.51 USD

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

    Work inside Midway city limits that requires a building permit.

    • Inspections are requested at least one day in advance; next-day availability may vary.
    • The city lists temporary power, footing, foundation, underground, structural, rough-in, weather barrier, insulation, lath, fire-resistive wallboard, permanent power, and final inspections.
    • If the city cannot inspect within 3 business days under the stated timing rules, approved third-party agencies may be used; Midway pays when the stated timing requirements are followed.

    reinspection fee: 50 USD (first reinspection is at no charge)

    “Any work which requires a permit will require inspections. When a permit is issued, a Building Permit card will be issued. This card must be available on the job site for all inspections.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Two-family dwelling projects inside Midway city limits, and final building approval generally.

    • The code expressly requires a hard-surface driveway for both dwellings before Certificate of Occupancy approval.
    • The building inspection page states that final inspection occurs when the building is ready for occupancy.
    “A hard surface driveway (concrete, asphalt, or brick) must be installed for both dwellings before the Certificate of Occupancy is approved.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Midway city limits; Midway City administers its own zoning and land-use code.

    • The Planning Department maintains and updates the City zoning/development code and zoning maps.
    “Additionally, the Planning Department maintains and updates the City’s Zoning/Development Code, Zoning Maps, and the General Plan of Midway City, and conducts long-term planning for the city’s future expansion.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts and zoning maps inside Midway city limits.

    • The Planning Department maintains and updates the City zoning/development code and zoning maps.
    • The code states that the accompanying zoning map is amended through Planning Commission recommendation and City Council action after required public hearings.
    “Additionally, the Planning Department maintains and updates the City’s Zoning/Development Code, Zoning Maps, and the General Plan of Midway City, and conducts long-term planning for the city’s future expansion.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Dwellings in the R-1-15 residential zone.

    • The source provides an exception for approval in a large-scale development.

    minimum ground-floor area: >= 1200 square feet (unless approved in a large-scale development)

    “The ground floor area of all dwellings shall be not less than 1,200 square feet except as may be approved in a large-scale development.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    One-family dwellings in the R-1-7 residential zone.

    minimum lot or parcel size: >= 7000 square feet

    “A minimum lot or parcel size of 7,000 square feet shall be provided for one-family dwellings. A minimum lot or parcel size of 10,000 square feet shall be provided for attached two-family dwellings such as a duplex or twin home.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Buildings inside Midway city limits, subject to zone, resort-zone, sensitive-lands, and stated special exceptions.

    • Antennas, chimneys, flues, vents, and similar structures may extend 5 feet above the limit.
    • Water towers and mechanical equipment may extend 5 feet above the limit.
    • Bell towers, finials, architectural features, and flag poles may extend up to 50 percent above the limit, without habitable space above the maximum.
    • Resort zones may exceed 35 feet if the Recreational Resort Chapter requirements are satisfied.
    • Sensitive Lands restrictions apply on benches and slopes greater than 10 percent.
    • Qualifying church steeples may reach 70 feet, subject to the stated 3-acre and setback requirements; otherwise the maximum steeple height is 52 feet 6 inches.

    maximum building height: <= 35 feet (stated exceptions and special-zone rules)

    “The height of any building shall not exceed 35 feet. The total height shall be measured as the vertical distance from the natural grade, as defined in this Title, to the highest point of a roof. To allow for unusual conditions or appurtenances the following exceptions apply:”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Human habitation of recreational vehicles on lots or parcels inside Midway city limits covered by the zoning map.

    • Temporary occupation by relatives or friends of the residing family is limited to 14 days.
    • Occupation during construction requires approved water and sewer facilities and a bond of $200 or an amount set by the City Council, and ends on completion or no later than one year from the permit date.
    • Two of electrical, water, or sanitary-sewer connections are prima facie evidence of human habitation.

    temporary guest occupation limit: <= 14 days · construction RV bond: 200 USD (or amount set by City Council from time to time) · construction occupation maximum: <= 1 year (or ends upon completion of construction, whichever occurs first)

    “A recreational vehicle shall not be placed on any lot or parcel of land in an area covered by the zone map and to use the same for human habitation except in compliance with one or more of the following conditions:”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured homes inside Midway city limits.

    • The home must be in a residential area.
    • It must meet all zoning criteria for a residential dwelling unit.
    • It must be placed on a permanent foundation.
    • It must meet state-law criteria.
    “Manufactured homes may be placed within the residential areas of Midway City, when they meet all zoning criteria for a residential dwelling unit, when the home is placed on a permanent foundation, and when meeting the criteria of State law.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    One internal accessory dwelling unit within a primary dwelling in an area zoned primarily for residential use inside Midway city limits.

    • The unit must comply with applicable building, health, and fire codes, subject to listed exceptions.
    • The primary dwelling must be the owner's primary residence.
    • The lot must be at least 6,000 square feet.
    • One additional on-site parking space is required.
    • Separate utility meters, IADUs in mobile homes, IADUs in dwellings served by a failing septic tank, and rentals under 30 consecutive days are prohibited.

    minimum lot size: >= 6000 square feet (no common or limited common area may count) · minimum rental term: >= 30 consecutive days (shorter rental prohibited)

    “The use of one internal accessory dwelling unit within a primary dwelling is a permitted use in any area zoned primarily for residential use.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Dwellings and other human-occupancy buildings inside Midway city limits.

    • If the property line is within 300 feet of an available public sewer, domestic liquid waste facilities must connect to public sewage.
    • If farther than 300 feet from an available public sewer, the sewer must be extended or facilities must meet health-department standards before a building permit is issued.

    available public sewer distance: <= 300 feet (If farther away, extend public sewer or meet health-department standards.)

    “Domestic liquid waste facilities in all dwellings and other buildings used for human occupancy which buildings are located on property of which the property line is within 300 feet to an available public sewer shall be connected to a public sewage system. Where domestic liquid waste facilities are located of which the property line is further away than 300 feet from any available public sewer, a public sewer shall either be extended to connect with such facilities or else the facilities must be constructed in accordance with health department standards before a building permit shall be issued for the building in which the sewage facilities are to be constructed.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and plat applications inside Midway city limits.

    • The city planning page lists preliminary and final subdivision reviews, small-scale subdivisions, rural-preservation subdivisions, subdivisions with or without new roads, and plat amendments.
    • Specific zoning, infrastructure, notice, approval, and recording requirements vary by subdivision type and zone.
    “Density Reduction Subdivision – Preliminary or Final Review Elevation Certificate Floodplain Development Permit General Plan Amendment Historic Building Permit Home Occupation Business License Application Internal Accessory Dwelling Unit (IADU) Registration Land Use Reviews by City Council Lot Boundary Adjustment Master Plan Amendment Master Plan Review Miscellaneous Services Planned Unit Development – Final Review Planned Unit Development – Preliminary Review Plat Amendment Plat Extension Rural Preservation Subdivision – Preliminary or Final Review”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Residential building access and final inspection inside Midway city limits.

    • The residential final inspection checklist states a maximum driveway slope of 15%.
    • Two-family dwellings require a hard-surface driveway before Certificate of Occupancy approval.

    maximum driveway slope: <= 15 percent

    “Driveway slope max 15% All garage outlets GFCI protected Garage floor slopes out to driveway”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term lodging facilities in applicable Midway City commercial and overlay zones.

    • The code excerpt identifies short-term lodging facilities as limited to the Transient Rental Overlay District and to 8 units or fewer.
    • Units are limited to two bedrooms per unit and cannot contain kitchens unless one dwelling is approved as a mixed-use conditional use permit; wet bars are allowed as defined in the code.
    • The source excerpt is zone-specific and does not establish citywide permission.

    maximum short-term lodging units: <= 8 units (excludes hotels and motels; mixed-use CUP exception for kitchens)

    “Short-term lodging facilities (must be in the TROD and limited to 8 units or less) (excludes hotels and motels) (short-term rental units are limited to 8 units (limited to two bedrooms per unit) and cannot contain kitchens unless one dwelling is approved as a mixed-use CUP.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Midway City building permit submissions and inspections.

    • New-home plan-review deposit is $1,050.25.
    • Plan-review deposits for additions, alterations, remodels, and some repairs are $100.
    • Reinspection is $50, with the first reinspection free.
    • Certain listed permit types require no fee; temporary power requires a $50.51 permit fee.
    • Impact fees and final-completion deposits may also apply.

    new-home plan review deposit: 1050.25 USD · addition/alteration/remodel/some repair plan review deposit: 100 USD · reinspection fee: 50 USD (first reinspection free) · temporary power permit fee: 50.51 USD

    “Plan review deposits for new homes are $1050.25”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Midway City building permit and inspection submissions.

    • All permits and inspection requests are submitted electronically.
    • Applications must be complete; incomplete applications are returned for correction.
    • PDF uploads are required for documents and plans.
    • A plan-review deposit receipt must be uploaded before submittal.
    “All permits and inspection requests must now be submitted electronically. To make the process as smooth as possible, we’ve provided checklists and required forms below. Please be sure to complete all forms in full before submitting; incomplete applications will be returned for correction before they can be accepted.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builders seeking to perform construction inside Midway city limits.
  • Lot coverage — Residential development inside Midway city limits.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land inside Midway city limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Midway city limits.
  • Who permits septic — On-site wastewater facilities inside Midway city limits.
4 more unanswered
  • Septic permit
  • Septic inspection
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption

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 Midway publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Wasatch County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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