Building Services

We serve the metro townships of Magna, Kearns, White City, Emigration Canyon and Copperton, the Town of Brighton and unincorporated Salt Lake County by assisting residents and commercial businesses in obtaining building permits and inspections.

The MSD Building Department works to provide a process that is timely and efficient. We interpret and enforce the building code for new and existing construction sites and new or updated business locations. We recognize the building process is part of a strong and safe community. Our professional staff has years of experience and is committed to reviewing building, fire, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings to ensure buildings are constructed in accordance with existing building codes.

Schedule an Inspection Apply for a Permit

To schedule an inspection, please call the Building Inspection Hotline 385-468-6690 before 3:00 pm to schedule your inspection for the following business day or schedule online.

The building inspector will not call before arriving on site for the inspection. If you need to coordinate or find out when they will be coming, it is your responsibility to call our office at 385-468-6688 between 7:30 am and 8:00 am the morning of the inspection to make arrangements with the inspector. Failure to do so may result in a failed inspection and a re-inspection fee. Thank you for your cooperation in

The MSD online portal for building permits is called CityWorks. In order to use this system, you must first create an account - it's quick and easy. Click this link or on the logo below.

You can:

Apply for a building permit
Print the permit
Download MSD-stamped construction drawings
Schedule inspections
View inspection results and comments
Print Certificate of Occupancy

Follow these instructions on How to Create an Account using the Cityworks Online Portal.

Questions: 385-468-6700

Contact Us

Building Permits and Inspections

Physical Address
2001 S State St, N3-600
Salt Lake City, UT 84190

Phone: 385-468-6723

Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday

Directory
Michalina Fa'amausili

Permit Technician - Building

Email Michalina Fa'amausili

Phone: 385-468-6694

Additional Phone: 801-834-8067 (Mobile)
Lea Kingsley

Permit Technician

Email Lea Kingsley

Phone: 385-468-6688
Lori Jessop

Associate Building Official

Email Lori Jessop

Phone: 385-468-6705

Additional Phone: 385-377-3013
Ryan Barber

Plans Examiner II

Email

Phone: 385-468-6719
Jon Lange

Plan Examiner I

Email Jon Lange

Phone: 385-468-6727

Additional Phone: 801-707-7350 (Mobile)
Kirk Boyington

Chief Building Official

Email Kirk Boyington

Phone: 385-468-6693

Additional Phone: 801-657-9194 (Mobile)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a business permit?

MSD Planning & Development services has an online portal for Business Permits & Inspections called Cityworks. You can submit a new Business Permit application online.

When do I not require a building permit?

Replacing defective plumbing fixtures with equivalent fixtures.
Replace electrical lights and receptacles with equivalent devices.
Building a deck or platform that is less than 18 inches above the adjoining ground, under 200 square feet and is not attached to the dwelling. NOTE: Location of the structure still requires approval from the Planning/ Zoning Division at 385-468-6700.
Building a detached accessory structure that is less than 200 square feet in floor area (120 sq. foot commercial), only one story in height without any plumbing, mechanical or electrical. NOTE: Location of the structure still requires approval from the Planning/ Zoning Division at 385-468-6700.
Erecting a fence that is no more than seven feet in height, measured from adjoining grade; includes wood, concrete, masonry, and plastic fences.
Driveways and patios without roof coverings are exempt from permit requirements. NOTE: Altering the public sidewalk, curb and gutter, or the driveway approach requires a permit from the Public Works Department prior to construction or demolition at 385-468-6623.

When do I need building permit?

(A building permit must be purchased from the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District for the following construction projects: )

Expanding a building or a structure including adding habitable space, garages, carports, decks and roof projections.
Altering a building or structure by remodeling to include adding, altering or deleting interior walls, finishing rooms or areas previously unfinished (including basements), changing the use of a room or area, and altering the slope of the roof through a roof conversion.
Building any detached structures such as garages, barns, tool and storage sheds, playhouses, pool or hot tub enclosures, and similar uses where the structure exceeds 200 square feet (120 sq. foot commercial). Any structure, regardless of size, if adding or modifying the plumbing, mechanical or electrical requires a permit.
Constructing retaining walls that are taller than 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall.
Changing or lowering kitchen cabinets and countertops (creates plumbing and electrical concerns).
Adding, deleting, or altering any existing plumbing fixtures to accommodate more (or less) plumbing fixtures.
Adding, deleting, or altering any electrical circuits.
Altering the existing electrical service equipment (the meter) or any electrical panels.
Adding any electrical appliances that are considered a fixed installation, and are not replacing similar appliances.
Installing or replacing a furnace, water heater, boiler, air conditioner, evaporative cooler, heat pump, or baseboard heating equipment.
Installing or replacing any fireplace (wood or gas), or woodstove.
Adding, deleting, or altering any ductwork for a heating or cooling system.
Installing hot tubs, Jacuzzis, saunas, or spas.
Window Replacement.
Reroof or reshingle.

Why haven't I received a confirmation email?

If you register with Cityworks and you have not received a confirmation email within a few minutes after submission, please check your SPAM folder before contacting support.

How do I create a building permit application in Cityworks?