Bolthole Index

Washington County, Utah

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

42Index Score / 100
#19 of 29 in Utah

Unincorporated Washington County, Utah requires a building permit under County Code 10-1-6, enforced by the county's Community Development Department under Utah's statewide State Construction Code1. The county zones unincorporated land directly, separate from cities like St. George, Hurricane and Washington City2. Septic systems go through the Southwest Utah Public Health Department, and only about 11% of the county's soils rate suitable for a conventional drain field, so many parcels need engineered systems34.

At a glance

Building permit
Required under County Code 10-1-6, issued by Community Development15
Zoning
Yes; county zoning applies outside incorporated cities and towns2
Septic
Southwest Utah Public Health Dept. permits it; only 10.9% of soils suit a conventional drain field34
Owner-builder
Allowed statewide: up to 1 home a year, 3 in any five years, for noncommercial use67
Wells
Statewide permit (Start Card) via the Division of Water Rights; licensed driller required8
Driveway / access
Adjacent developments may be required to share access; direct backing access onto major roads isn't allowed9
Short-term rental
County license required in unincorporated areas for stays of 29 days or less10
Building code
2024 IBC / 2021 IRC and matching codes, effective July 1, 202611

Who to call

Building permits

Washington County Community Development

Building permits, plan review, inspections, zoning and subdivision regulation for unincorporated Washington County; Planning & Zoning and Building have merged into this single department

(435) 301-7250

111 East Tabernacle St., St. George, UT 84770

Roads & driveways

Washington County Public Works

Road, engineering and driveway/access standards for unincorporated Washington County

(435) 301-7670

Septic permits

Southwest Utah Public Health Department — Washington County

Septic (onsite wastewater) permits, plan review and inspections for Washington County

(435) 673-3528

620 South 400 East, St. George, UT 84770

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 24, 2026.

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

Yes. Washington County Code 10-1-6 requires a building permit, enforced by the county's Community Development Department under Utah's statewide State Construction Code1. As of July 1, 2026, that code means the 2024 International Building Code, the 2021 International Residential Code, and matching plumbing, mechanical, fuel-gas, electrical and energy codes, layered with the county's own local amendments11. Fees are based on the project's total valuation plus a 1% state surcharge; a manufactured-home permit runs a flat $400, and special inspections cost $10012. Applications go in electronically through the county's online permitting system, and once work is done and ready, you must give 24-hour notice before an inspector comes out13. A narrow exemption exists for agricultural buildings not used for human occupancy, though a plumbing, electrical or mechanical permit can still apply, and the exemption doesn't hold on less than 5 acres inside a city or less than 2 acres in a county-approved subdivision14.

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

Washington County Community Development issues building permits, reviews plans, and inspects construction through every phase for unincorporated Washington County5. Planning & Zoning and Building used to be separate county departments; the county has since merged them into this single Community Development Department, so the same office handles both your permit and your zoning question5. Floodplain development review and subdivision review also route through Community Development before you can build, and driveway or road-access questions go to Public Works51516.

Does Washington County have zoning?

Yes. Washington County administers zoning for areas that remain under county jurisdiction outside incorporated cities and towns, with its own zoning map, overlay zones, and district-by-district standards for minimum area, setbacks, width and height2. Incorporated cities and towns — St. George, Hurricane, Washington City and others — run their own separate planning departments, so a parcel just outside city limits can face very different rules than one just inside17. If a manufactured home is part of your plan, the county's MH zoning classification allows up to 6 units per acre with a 25-foot front setback, 10-foot side and rear setbacks, a 45-foot minimum width and a 35-foot height limit18. The county's zoning reference doesn't publish a minimum dwelling floor area or a maximum lot-coverage percentage for its districts, so confirm both directly with Community Development before you finalize a house size5.

How do septic permits work in Washington County?

The Southwest Utah Public Health Department, not the county, reviews plans, issues permits, conducts inspections and keeps septic-system records for its district, which includes Washington County3. You need a permit and an approved design before installing, replacing or modifying a system, and soil and percolation testing by a Utah-certified onsite professional has to happen first19. Washington County adds its own layer on top of the state permit: septic approval also requires sign-off from the Washington County Water Conservancy District or the Ash Creek Special Service District20. Only about 11% of the county's soils rate suitable for a conventional drain field under USDA's soil survey, so plan for a site evaluation and, on much of the county's ground, a non-standard system4. Before you backfill, the health department has to inspect the system, and project information has to stay on-site for that inspection21.

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

Utah ties RV living to licensed recreational vehicle parks, not private land: a park needs two or more RVs, has to meet building, zoning, electrical, health and fire codes, and each RV needs its own data plate and certification22. A tiny house is treated the same way inside an RV park, allowed only with a data plate and RVIA or qualified third-party certification, and the county's own pages don't establish a separate rule for tiny-home occupancy outside a park — treat that as unconfirmed and call Community Development before you buy a tiny home for the land235. Washington County's own webpages describe a temporary RV-housing application process but don't establish a general rule for casual camping on private land, so don't assume you can camp indefinitely while you plan a build5.

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

  1. Confirm your parcel's zone, setbacks and any MH or overlay standards with Community Development before you design anything52.
  2. If your driveway is new or shared with an adjacent development, plan it around the county's access standards — direct backing access onto a major collector or higher-order road isn't allowed915.
  3. Get a septic site evaluation, permit and design approval from the Southwest Utah Public Health Department if you won't be on public sewer, plus sign-off from the Water Conservancy District or Ash Creek SSD20.
  4. If a well is part of your plan, secure your water right and Start Card from the state before construction, and use a licensed well driller8.
  5. Submit your building permit application electronically through the county's online permitting system13.
  6. Keep a serviced dumpster and a sanitary facility on-site throughout construction13.
  7. Give the county 24 hours' notice once work is complete and ready for each inspection24.

What to check before you buy land in Washington County

Confirm the parcel's zoning, minimum area and setbacks with Community Development, and ask whether it sits inside a city's planning boundary instead of the county's517. Check the floodplain map: building in or near a mapped flood plain generally means floor levels have to sit at least 2 feet above the 100-year flood level, and any remodel valued at 50% or more of the structure's pre-work value counts as substantial improvement, triggering the same review as new construction16. About 77% of Washington County is federal land, so verify your parcel's boundaries against public land before you assume adjacent ground is buildable25. Run the septic numbers early: with only 11% of the county's soils rating suitable for a conventional drain field, budget for engineering and a longer permitting timeline4. If you're weighing it as a short-term rental, the county requires its own Short-Term Rental License, capped at stays of 29 consecutive days or less, with a 10-14 business day approval time after a complete application10. Expect a property tax bill built on a roughly 0.4% effective rate, about $2,076 a year on a typical county home2627.

Watch-outs

  • Washington County's septic rules layer county approval on top of the state permit: you need sign-off from the Washington County Water Conservancy District or Ash Creek Special Service District in addition to the Southwest Utah Public Health Department permit20.
  • A remodel or addition valued at 50% or more of your structure's pre-work value counts as 'substantially improved' under Washington County's floodplain rules and triggers full new-construction review16.
  • Utah's owner-builder exemption caps you at one residential structure per year and three per five years on your own property for noncommercial use — it doesn't waive the building permit itself7.
  • Washington County's zoning reference doesn't publish a minimum dwelling floor area or a maximum lot-coverage limit for its districts; confirm both with Community Development before you finalize house plans5.

Sources

  1. Washington County Code 10-1-6 - Building Permit Required (2026 county census)
  2. Zoning Info (2026 county census)
  3. Southwest Utah Public Health Department - Septic Systems (2026 county census)
  4. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  5. Washington County Community Development (washco.utah.gov)
  6. Utah Code Title 58, Chapter 55, Construction Trades Licensing Act exemptions (2026 county census)
  7. Utah Code Title 58, Chapter 55, Construction Trades Licensing Act exemptions (Utah statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Water Well Drilling Information - Utah Division of Water Rights, quoted and re-checked
  9. Washington County Construction Design Standards, quoted and re-checked
  10. Short-Term Rental License, quoted and re-checked
  11. Utah Code § 15A-2-103, Specific editions adopted of construction code, quoted and re-checked
  12. Community Development Fees, quoted and re-checked
  13. Apply for a Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  14. Utah Code Title 15A, Chapter 1, Section 204, quoted and re-checked
  15. Washington County Public Works (washco.utah.gov)
  16. Washington County Construction Design Standards, quoted and re-checked
  17. Washington County General Plan, quoted and re-checked
  18. Zoning Info, quoted and re-checked
  19. Septic Systems - Southwest Utah Public Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  20. Septic Systems - Southwest Utah Public Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  21. Septic Systems - Southwest Utah Public Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  22. Utah Administrative Code Rule R392-301, Recreational Vehicle Parks (Utah statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. OPRO Accessory Dwellings (ADU's) and other dwelling types (Utah statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Departments, quoted and re-checked
  25. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 24, 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

Washington County in Utah

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

How Washington County scores

Seclusion82100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency2496% ev.
Admin Boringness40100% ev.
Durability25100% ev.
Property Autonomy60100% ev.
Carry Cost61100% 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 →

$531kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$8,684Land / acre
15.2"Annual rain
26.3% of yrsSevere drought
27.7 / yr (+16.7)Mid-century 100°F days
41.7 daysMid-century dry spell
1.04" (+6.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.12×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,061Home insurance / yr
4.1% / yrInsurance growth
1.11%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
35,051People within 2 hr
3,523Radius comparison (15 mi)
83.4People / sq mi
76.5%Federal land
42.8%Land at 15% slope or less
10.9%Septic soil without severe limits
84,085 acWorkable land screen
34.5%Wooded land
11 tonsBiomass / forest ac
56.5°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Washington County

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

Washington County rules

  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction inspections administered by Washington County for structures under the county's building jurisdiction.

    • The county states that structures are inspected through all phases of construction to ensure compliance with current codes.
    • The county's permit page requires 24-hour notice after work is completed and ready for inspection.
    • A permit number is required when an inspection is scheduled.

    inspection notice: 24 hours

    “This department administers ordinances and assists the public with zoning and subdivision regulations and compliance, and conducts plan reviews for all new construction, issues building permits, and inspects structures through all phases of construction to ensure they comply with current codes.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning administered by Washington County in areas remaining under county jurisdiction outside incorporated cities and towns.

    • The county zoning page provides a county zoning map, area maps, overlay zones, zoning districts, minimum areas, setbacks, widths, and height limits.
    • Incorporated cities and towns have separate planning and development authority.
    “Zoning Maps | Zoning Reference [...] Zoning Maps: Washington County Zoning Map [...] Zoning Reference OST: Open Space Transitional”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across Washington County, including county zoning for unincorporated areas and separate municipal or town zoning within incorporated places.

    • The county aggregate does not mean Washington County administers municipal ordinances.
    • Each incorporated city or town is responsible for its own planning and development.
    • County zoning applies to areas that remain unincorporated and under county jurisdiction.
    “Each incorporated city or town is responsible for its own planning and development. The county has no planning authority over these cities and towns. The areas that are included in the General Plan of Washington County are those areas of the county that are not close enough to a city to have been incorporated and are still under the jurisdiction of the county.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured-home development in Washington County zoning areas administered by the County, including the MH manufactured-home zoning classification.

    • The county zoning reference identifies an MH Manufactured Home classification with a density of six units per acre.
    • The MH reference lists a 4,000-square-foot dimensional entry, 25-foot front setback, 10-foot side setback, 10-foot rear setback, 45-foot minimum width, and 35-foot maximum height.
    • Parcel-specific zoning, building-code, utility, septic, and other approvals may also apply.

    density: 6 units/acre · lot or district dimensional entry: 4000 sq ft · front setback: 25 ft · side setback: 10 ft · rear setback: 10 ft · minimum width: 45 ft · maximum height: 35 ft

    “MH: Manufactured Home [...] MH | 6 Units/Acre 4,000Sq Ft | N/A | N/A | 25′ | 10′ | 10′ | 45′ | 35′”
  • Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

    Septic systems in Washington County within the Southwest Utah Public Health Department district.

    • The Southwest Utah Public Health Department reviews plans, issues permits, conducts inspections, and maintains septic-system records within its district.
    • Washington County septic permits require approval from the Washington County Water Conservancy District or Ash Creek Special Service District.
    “Our department reviews plans, issues permits, conducts inspections, and maintains septic system records within our district.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installing, replacing, or modifying an onsite wastewater system in Washington County within the Southwest Utah Public Health Department district.

    • A permit and approved design are required before installing, replacing, or modifying a septic system.
    • A complete application package is required.
    • Soil and percolation testing must be completed by a Utah-certified onsite professional before design or installation.
    • Washington County requires WCWCD or Ash Creek SSD approval.
    “A permit and approved design are required before installing, replacing, or modifying a system.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Septic-system construction in Washington County within the Southwest Utah Public Health Department district.

    • Inspection is required before backfilling.
    • Project information must be kept on-site.
    • The department conducts inspections within its district.
    “Inspection required before backfilling; keep project info on-site. Refer to Utah Code R317-4.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Onsite wastewater sanitation systems serving property in Washington County within the Southwest Utah Public Health Department district.

    • Onsite wastewater systems are an allowed wastewater-handling option, but a permit and approved design are required before installation, replacement, or modification.
    • Soil and percolation testing must be completed by a Utah-certified onsite professional before design or installation.
    • Inspection is required before backfilling.
    • Washington County requires WCWCD or Ash Creek SSD approval.
    “A permit and approved design are required before installing, replacing, or modifying a system.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Wastewater disposal for property in Washington County within the Southwest Utah Public Health Department district.

    • Utah law requires wastewater to be handled through either a public sewer connection or an onsite wastewater system.
    • An onsite wastewater system requires a permit and approved design before installation, replacement, or modification.
    • Public water connections require utility documentation confirming service; non-public connections require water rights, water quality, septic setback location, and pressure/flow verification.
    “To help protect public health and the environment, Utah law requires wastewater to be handled through a public sewer connection or an onsite wastewater system (septic system).”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Preliminary subdivision plats in unincorporated Washington County.

    • Applications must comply with Washington County Code Title 11, Chapters 3 and 4 and applicable local, state, and federal law.
    • The application deadline is the last Tuesday of each month and payment must be received.
    • Applications must be reviewed at the Joint Utility Department Staff Meeting and cannot move forward until approved at staff level.
    • Incomplete applications are rejected.
    • Required materials include completed forms, plans and exhibits, applicable fees, proof of ownership, zoning compliance verification, a legal description, and a preliminary plat wet-stamped by a licensed land surveyor or engineer.
    • After completeness review, the application proceeds to the Joint Utility Development Staff monthly meeting; if approved, it is placed on the following month's Planning Commission agenda. The Planning Commission is the Land Use Authority for the application.

    application deadline: last Tuesday of each month (Completed application and payment must be received.) · preliminary plat fee: required; amount not stated on the checklist (Amount appears on the application receipt section.)

    “All Preliminary Plat Applications must meet the applicable requirements of local, state and federal law.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Residential and commercial developments subject to Washington County Construction Design Standards.

    • The number of improved accesses depends on forecasted traffic volumes.
    • Adjacent developments may be required to combine or share driveway access to public roads.
    • Access must have proper width for calculated traffic volumes and expected vehicle types at full development.
    • Access must comply with the Zoning Ordinance and applicable traffic-impact-study criteria.
    • Direct access for parking, loading, or driveway areas requiring backing maneuvers onto major collector or higher-order streets is not allowed.
    • Covered driveways are not allowed unless approved by the County representative.

    improved accesses: >= 2 accesses (generally required, depending upon forecasted traffic volumes)

    “Adjacent developments may be required to combine or share driveway access to public roadways.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in or adjacent to FEMA-designated, mapped, or other flood plains and natural watercourses subject to Washington County standards.

    • Work in and around FEMA-designated and mapped flood plains must refer to the local ordinance governing use.
    • Building floor levels should generally be two feet above the 100-year flood water level.
    • Encroachments into the 100-year flood plain for natural watercourses require County approval.
    • Floodplain alteration requires showing no significant negative influence on flood conveyance, floodplain water level, or the alteration itself.
    • Developments adjacent to flood plains may require hydrologic, hydraulic, erosion, and geomorphologic studies.
    • The floodplain permit checklist may require maps/plans, elevation or floodproofing certificates, grading plans, no-rise certification, Zone A hydraulic/hydrology modeling, CLOMR, wetland permit, and copies of federal, state, and local permits.
    • A project involving an addition, remodel, or alteration valued at 50% or more of the structure's pre-work value is treated as substantially improved and must comply with the relevant Floodplain Damage Prevention Ordinance.
    • A relocated structure, including mobile, manufactured, or cabin structures, is treated as new construction.

    recommended floor elevation: >= 2 feet above 100-year flood water level (general standard; subject to applicable ordinance) · substantial improvement threshold: >= 50 percent of pre-work structure value (addition, remodel, or alteration)

    “No work may start until a permit has been issued.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals in unincorporated Washington County; incorporated municipalities may have separate rules.

    • A valid Washington County Short-Term Rental License is required.
    • A short-term rental is transient lodging offered for 29 consecutive calendar days or less for compensation or other consideration.
    • The ordinance was adopted in October 2021.
    • Licenses must be renewed annually.
    • Processing after a completed application takes 10-14 business days.
    • The procedures require an owner-occupied primary residential exemption application, completed business-license application, current building-code compliance, and possibly a County health and safety check.
    • The existing-dwelling application fee is $160 and includes a health and safety check, which may be waived if the dwelling is under construction and following building-permit processes and inspections.
    • The applicant must provide a site plan, septic permit, applicable dwelling photos, proof of insurance with a landlord endorsement, and display the required good-neighbor materials and licenses.

    maximum occupancy term: <= 29 consecutive calendar days (offered for compensation or other consideration) · license processing time: 10-14 business days (after completed application) · existing dwelling application fee: 160 USD (includes health and safety check)

    “A valid Washington County Short-Term Rental License is required for all Short-Term Rentals in the unincorporated areas of the County.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Washington County Community Development land-use applications and building-related permits in unincorporated Washington County.

    • Building permit fees are based on total valuation.
    • A 1% state surcharge is added to the building permit fee.
    • Manufactured home valuation is $40.00 per square foot and the manufactured home permit fee is $400.00.
    • Special inspections are $100.00 and pool permits are $300.00.
    • Inspection, re-inspection, additional plan-review, and outside-consultant charges may apply; hourly charges are $100.00 per hour or the total hourly cost to the jurisdiction, whichever is greatest.
    • Non-refundable deposits may be exceeded and the Land Use Department bills monthly once exceeded.
    • Amendments require the same non-refundable fee as the original process.

    conditional use permit, staff review: 150 USD (non-refundable) · conditional use permit, commission review: 300 USD (non-refundable) · variance: 250 USD (non-refundable) · zone change: 400 USD (non-refundable) · subdivision / PD combined process: 900 USD (non-refundable) · state surcharge: 1 percent of building permit · building permit fee for valuation $1 to $500: 23.5 USD · manufactured home permit fee: 400 USD

    “Building Permit | Square feet x average cost = valuation (see below) State Surcharge | 1% of Building Permit”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Residential and commercial building permit applications and inspections administered by Washington County Community Development in unincorporated Washington County.

    • Applications are accepted electronically through the county's online permitting software.
    • After receipt, the system sends a link to check application status.
    • Twenty-four-hour notice is required after work is completed and ready for inspection.
    • A permit number is required when scheduling an inspection.
    • A four-yard capacity dumpster with lid or cover must be located at the building site during all phases of construction and serviced regularly.
    • A sanitary facility must be maintained at each construction site until completion or alternative facilities are available.

    inspection notice: >= 24 hours (after work is completed and ready for inspection)

    “The Community Development Department only accepts building permit applications electronically through our online permitting software system.”

Utah rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    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.

    • A local compliance agency issues the construction permit on the standardized form approved by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
    • The State Construction Code may contain exemptions and may include provisions applicable statewide or only within a county, city, or town.
    • The state division administers the codes but does not itself issue permits or conduct compliance inspections.

    building permit surcharge: 1 percent (A compliance agency must transmit 85% of the amount collected to the division.)

    “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.”
  • 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”
  • 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) — Construction, alteration, remodeling, repair, and regulation of building construction in Washington County under Utah's State Construction Code.
      “Effective 7/1/2026 Superseded 1/1/2027 15A-2-103 Specific editions adopted of construction code of a nationally recognized code authority. (1) 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 wells in Washington County, including shallow water wells regulated under Utah's statewide water-well requirements.

    • A shallow water well owner must have a valid water right before well construction and beneficial use of groundwater.
    • A Start Card is issued upon approval of the water right and serves as the permit to construct the well.
    • Water wells are regulated by the State Engineer regardless of depth.
    • Shallow water wells must be constructed by a licensed well driller or licensed shallow water well constructor.
    “A shallow water well owner must have a valid water right to beneficially use groundwater from a shallow water well prior to well construction.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural structures in Washington County, Utah, under Utah's State Construction Code Administration Act.

    • The structure must be used solely in conjunction with agriculture use and not for human occupancy, or must be no more than 1,500 square feet and used solely for the sales described in Utah Code Section 59-12-104(20).
    • A plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permit may still be required.
    • Unless located in whole or in part in an agricultural protection area created under Title 17, Chapter 81, the structure is not exempt from a permit requirement if it is within a city or town and less than five contiguous acres, or within a county-approved subdivision and less than two contiguous acres.
    • This is a statewide rule; county or municipal permitting authority remains relevant to permit administration.

    maximum floor area for specified sales structure: <= 1500 square feet (Must be used solely for the type of sales described in Utah Code Section 59-12-104(20).) · minimum acreage in city or town: < 5 contiguous acres (The permit exemption does not apply unless the land is in an agricultural protection area.) · minimum acreage in county-approved subdivision: < 2 contiguous acres (The permit exemption does not apply unless the land is in an agricultural protection area.)

    “used solely in conjunction with agriculture use, and not for human occupancy [...] a plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permit may be required”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Structures used solely in conjunction with agricultural use and not for human occupancy, under Utah's State Construction Code.
      “a structure used solely in conjunction with agriculture use, and not for human occupancy, [...] is exempt from the requirements of the State Construction Code.”
  • 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 for residential dwellings in unincorporated Washington County.
  • Lot coverage — Maximum lot coverage in unincorporated Washington County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Washington County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Washington 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 Washington 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 ↗
  • Groundwater Management Plan valleys (Cache, Tooele, Salt Lake, Utah, Juab, Pahvant, Snyderville, Sand Hollow, Weber Delta)majority of county

    Populated valleys managed under groundwater management plans that protect existing rights and cap withdrawals; new groundwater use requires acquiring and changing existing water rights rather than new appropriation.

    Utah Division of Water Rights — Groundwater Management Plans ↗

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 Washington County, Utah

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

Washington County scores 42/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 3,523 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (15.2″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

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

Washington 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.

How much does land cost in Washington County, Utah?

Land in Washington County runs about $8,684 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Washington County?

Washington County gets about 15.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 26.3% of years. On water rights, Washington County lies in the Groundwater Management Plan valleys (Cache, Tooele, Salt Lake, Utah, Juab, Pahvant, Snyderville, Sand Hollow, Weber Delta) — Populated valleys managed under groundwater management plans that protect existing rights and cap withdrawals; new groundwater use requires acquiring and changing existing water rights rather than new appropriation..

How remote is Washington County?

A typical private-land location has about 3,523 people within 15 miles and 207,544 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Washington compares in Utah

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