Plan Review Requests for New Builds - Salt Lake City

Housing and Building Standards Utah 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah requires builders to submit construction plans for official review before permits are issued. This guide explains who manages plan review, what to submit, how to track reviews and common compliance issues under Salt Lake City municipal rules. Use the step checklist below to prepare complete submittals and learn where to pay fees, how to respond to corrections, and options for appeal or variance requests.

Overview of the plan review process

Plan review for new builds in Salt Lake City is managed through the city Development Services/Building Permits workflow. Submissions typically include construction drawings, structural calculations, energy compliance documents, and any required land-use approvals. The city reviews plans for code compliance, zoning conformance, and public-safety standards.

Prepare complete, coordinated sets to avoid review delays.
  • Prepare construction drawings (architectural, structural, MEP) and a cover sheet noting code edition and scope.
  • Include calculations and compliance reports (structural, energy, accessibility).
  • Confirm zoning and land-use approvals are completed before full plan approval.
  • Pay required plan review fees at time of submittal via the city portal or payment channel.

Many builders submit electronically through the city permit portal; see official permit and plan-review instructions for accepted file types and upload limits on the city permit page[1].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of plan-review and permit requirements is handled by Salt Lake City Development Services and the Building Division. Where work starts without an approved permit, the city may issue stop-work orders, require removal of noncompliant work, assess fines, or pursue civil or criminal remedies as allowed by municipal code.

Do not start construction before permit issuance to avoid stop-work orders.
  • Fines: specific monetary amounts for plan-review or unpermitted work are not specified on the cited municipal code page; see the code for exact penalty provisions and schedules.
  • Escalation: first notices, repeat offenses and continuing violations are referenced in enforcement sections, but exact escalation ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, orders to correct or remove work, permit suspension, and court actions can be imposed.
  • Enforcer & complaints: Development Services - Building Division enforces plan-review and permitting rules; report issues or request inspections via the official permit/contact pages.
  • Appeals & review: the municipal code provides appeal routes and administrative remedies; specific time limits for filing appeals are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with Development Services.

Applications & Forms

The primary submission is the Building Permit Application and associated plan sets submitted through the city permit portal. Exact form names, form numbers, and fee amounts may be listed on the Development Services permit page or in the fee schedule; if a form number or fee for a specific plan type is required it is shown on the official permit pages or current fee schedule in the municipal code and related resources[2].

If fees or form numbers are not listed, contact Development Services for the current schedule.

How-To

  1. Pre-check site zoning and lot constraints; confirm required land-use permits.
  2. Assemble application, drawings, calculations and compliance reports per the city checklist.
  3. Submit electronically through the city permit portal and pay plan review fees.
  4. Monitor review comments; respond to corrections with revised documents.
  5. Schedule inspections only after the permit is issued and keep project records on site.
  6. If denied, follow the stated appeal process or request an administrative review within the time limits shown by Development Services.

FAQ

How long does plan review take?
Processing times vary by project complexity and workload; target timelines and expected review times are posted by Development Services but specific durations are not guaranteed on the cited page.[1]
Can I submit plans electronically?
Yes. Salt Lake City accepts electronic submissions via the city permit portal and lists file requirements and submission instructions on its permit pages.[1]
What happens if my project is started without approval?
Starting work without an approved permit can lead to stop-work orders, required removal of work, fines or court action; exact fines are outlined in enforcement sections of the municipal code.[2]

Key Takeaways

  • Submit complete, coordinated plan sets to reduce review cycles.
  • Pay plan review fees at submittal and confirm fee amounts on the official fee schedule.
  • Contact Development Services early for pre-submittal guidance.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Salt Lake City - Development Services: Permits & Plan Review
  2. [2] Salt Lake City Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances

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