Like with most states, Utah requires contractors to obtain a state license before being allowed to operate within its borders. The Beehive State is known for many things: its robust Mormon community, its majestic rock formations, and the Great Salt Lake. But unknown to most, it’s also a haven for professionals looking to earn a promising career as a contractor.
However, figuring out the steps on how to obtain a state license (not just in Utah) can be confusing and overwhelming. There’s a ton of information on the subject out there on the web but most are outdated and aren’t exactly reader-friendly.
Besides just figuring out the licensing requirements in Utah, you should also make sure that you’re getting competing quotes from contractors. The easiest way to do that is by filling out the form below, and we’ll make sure to connect you with the 4 most relevant contractors in your area. Just fill out the form, and you’ll be well on your way to that home improvement project!
To make the process easier and less overwhelming for you, we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide that lays out every step for you in the clearest manner. We also took all the necessary steps to ensure that all information is up-to-date and complete.
It bears noting, however, that the official source for all licensing information is the Utah Construction Trades Licensing Act and Rules. If there’s any other data or information that is not included in this guide, please refer to the official source material.
The State of Utah has a diverse range of contractor classifications, with each classification having its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Below are the three main types of contractors licenses you can apply for:
- General Building (B100): A General Building Contractor’s license allows you to supervise, repair, remodel, or work on any type of structure. General building contractors are not allowed to perform any plumbing, mechanical, or electrical work.
- Residential and Small Commercial (R100): This license allows you to perform work on residential properties that are considered a single or multi-family residences up to four units, or commercial buildings not exceeding three stories above ground and beyond 20,000 sq. ft.
- General Engineering (E100): If you prefer to work on industrial-type settings, including drainage systems, water supply, sewers, power, highways, bridges, bridges, tunnels, and airports, then obtaining a General Engineering contractors license is ideal for you.
Below is Utah’s complete list of contractor trade classifications
- General Engineering Contractor
- General Building Contractor
- Residential and Small Commercial Contractor
- Elevator Contractor
- General Plumbing Contractor
- Residential Plumbing Contractor
- General Electrical Contractor
- Residential Electrical Contractor
- Specialty Contractor
- Master Plumber
- Residential Master Plumber
- Journeyman Plumber
- Apprentice Plumber
- Residential Journeyman Plumber
- Master Electrician
- Residential Master Electrician
- Journeyman Electrician
- Residential Journeyman Electrician
- Apprentice Electrician
- Construction Trades Instructor
- General Engineering Classification
- General Building Classification
- Electrical Classification
- Plumbing Classification
- Mechanical Classification
- Alarm Company
- Alarm Company Agent
- Elevator Mechanic
For Homeowners: Why Hiring a Licensed Contractor is the Only Option
Heads up, homeowners. Here’s a piece of advice you’d you’d do well to follow:
Don’t ever, under any circumstance, hire an unlicensed contractor.
I know the idea is rather tempting. After all, unlicensed contractors are more likely to charge cheaper rates. But in the end? Going the cheaper route will lose you more money, not to mention compromise your safety.
Here are the reasons why you’re better off hiring a licensed contractor instead.
You get quality service
This is the most obvious advantage in hiring a licensed contractor. For one, earning a contractor’s license takes long years of dedication and hard work. Licensed contractors had to undergo extensive training, earn countless hours of apprentice and/or journeyman experience, and take standardized tests to obtain a license. As such, licensed contractors naturally have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform exemplary work.
Licensed contractors are bonded and insured
Contractors are required to pay for insurance and bonding coverage before earning their license This guarantees that your financial assets are secure in the off-chance that the contractor makes a costly mistake or becomes injured while working on the project.
Compliance with state laws
As per state laws, Utah only allows licensed contractors to render their citizens within the state’s borders. This of course, ensures that the consumer rights of their citizens are always upheld and protected. As such, hiring a licensed contractor is a must not only because it’s more beneficial in the long run but also because it’s the responsible thing to do as a Utah citizen yourself. Doing otherwise will make you liable for violation of State laws, not to mention that it would require you to pay hefty fines.
Choosing a Contractor
As a wise and responsible homeowner, you already know that choosing a contractor to work on your property is a big decision that requires all the consideration you can muster. The consideration part, however, can be a struggle if you don’t know what to look for.
Not sure how to go about choosing a licensed contractor? Allow me to provide you a list of essential questions you should ask first before making a final decision.
- Is the candidate registered?
- Does the contractor have any pending cases with the state or city board?
- Is the contractor’s insurance up to date?
- Do his employees have compensation insurance?
Contractor License Search and Lookup
Before hiring a contractor, you need to check first if he has the proper credentials or, more to the point, if he is the person he claims to be. By checking a contractor’s license status and history, you can determine if he is the right contractor for the project or if he deserves your consideration.
Thankfully, the DOPL website has a dedicated page that can help you verify a provider’s license status. To check, just visit utah.gov’s Licensee Lookup & Verification System and enter the name of the provider in the Name Search field. You can even narrow down your search by specifying the type of profession in the drop-down list.
Why You Should Get a Contractor’s License
Is it worth your while to work towards earning that contractor’s license? Make no mistake — earning that license requires dedication and hard work, not to mention an aptitude for systematic work. That said, every effort is worth it, considering the many benefits and advantages a contractor’s license can offer to hardworking professionals.
So without further ado, below are the most notable advantages of having a contractor’s license:
- The right to manage your own successful construction business
- Have other contractors and workmen work for you
- More opportunities to bid on better-paying projects
- Earn more money
- Give your credibility a big boost
- Be exempted from paying taxes involving trucks, tools, gas, home, and many others.
- Be offered discounts when buying raw materials and supplies for projects
- More job security (licensed contractors are more likely to get hired)
- More flexible hours (a licensed contractor can work part-time or full-time)
How to Get a Contractor’s License in Utah
So, have you finally decided to earn that license? Not so fast. Here’s a list of requirements you need to meet before proceeding.
- You need to complete a 25-hour pre-license course from Utah Home Builders Association (UHB) or Associated General Contractors of Utah (AGC). To get more information on the courses, go here.
- Obtain a General Liability Insurance Certificate with a minimum coverage of $100,000 for each incident and a total of $300,000 coverage where DOPL is listed as a certificate holder.
- Register your business with the Utah Division of Corporations.
- Acquire an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service. You can apply for EIN here.
- Planning on having employees? You must do the following:
- Obtain a certificate of workers compensation insurance with DOPL as the certificate holder.
- Acquire a state withholding tax registration from the Utah State Tax Commission.
- Acquire an unemployment registration from the Utah Department of Workforce Services
Taking the Exams
To obtain your contractor’s license, you have to take and pass two exams, which are:
- Utah Business & Law Exam
- Trade Exam
The Utah Business & Law Exam covers the licensing laws in Utah, as well as questions concerning business and financial management, team leadership, tax laws, and more.
To discover the most recommended study sources and materials for the Utah Business & Law test, you can access the Candidate Information Bulletin and preferably have it printed.
You need to pay an exam fee of $72 to take the Business and Law exam, while the trade exam costs $75. You need to have a score of at least 70% to pass each exam.
After passing the exams and obtaining the certificates, you need to submit the completed Contractor Application Form as well as supporting documents and pay the exam fees to the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).
Supporting Documents to Send With Your Application
- Exam scores
- Certificate of General Liability Insurance
- Completed Contractor Application form, along with $210 application fee
- Appendix Form B or 4 references
- Certificate for proof of workers compensation insurance
- $195.00 to cover Lien Recovery Fund fee
If you have any questions or concerns about your application, you can contact DOPL through:
Mailing Address:
PO Box 146741
Salt Lake City, UT 84111-6741
Physical Address:
160 East 300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone:
(801) 530-662
Toll-Free in UT:
(866) 275-3675
Email:
doplweb@utah.gov
Fax:
(801) 530-6511
General Building Contractors License (B-100)
It’s not an exaggeration to describe the general building contractor as the go-to guy in most construction projects. For one thing, a licensed B-100 contractor has the extensive knowledge required to oversee an entire project.
As defined in the Utah code Subsection 58-55-102(25), a General Building Contractor has the experience, education, training, and knowledge to perform or supervise the construction of structures, any movable property, and any related components with the exception of specialty projects such as electrical work, plumbing, mechanical work, elevator work, and manufactured housing installations.
These exceptions, of course, are best handled by contractors specifically licensed for the relevant trade. General building contractors working on the construction of single-family and multi-family dwellings up to four units are also allowed to perform mechanical work. They can also hire licensed plumbers or electricians if necessary.
B-100 General Building Contractor License Requirements
- Completed and notarized Contractor Application
- Pass the B100 trade exam
- Pass the Utah Laws & Rules Exam (you can apply directly at www.psiexams.com or call 1-800-733-9267 to register for the exams. PSI will forward the results to DOPL.
- At least 2 years of experience within the last 10 years and a minimum of 1-year supervisory experience (you must provide documentation including “Affidavit of Experience” and W-2 forms or tax returns)
You can submit all documents in person or via express delivery through:
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Heber M Wells Building, 1st Floor Lobby
160 E 300 S Salt Lake City, UT 84111
US Postal Service:
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
PO BOX 146741 Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741
Taking the Exams
You need to take the Business & Law exam and the General Building Contractor exam to earn a B100 license. The General Building Contractor exam is an open book exam comprising 80 questions which you can answer within a 3-hour limit. The minimum passing score is 70%.
Exam Content Outline for General Building Contractor Exam
Subject Area # of Items
Sitework 6
Concrete 10
Masonry 6
Metals 7
Carpentry 8
Thermal and Moisture Protection 4
Doors and Windows 4
Drywall and Finishes 3
Safety 5
Plan Reading, and Estimating 10
Blue Stakes 3
Roofing 4
General Building Codes 7
Sewer and Septic 3
You can visit the Candidate Information Bulletin to get more information about the General Building Contractor exam.
Exam Fees (Non-refundable and non-transferable)
Examination Fee (One Portion): $72
Examination Fee (Two Portions: $144
Retake Fee (One Portion): $72
Retake Fee (Two Portions): $144
Residential and Small Commercial Contractors License (R100)
Residential and Small Commercial contractors are typically custom home and business establishment builders. Without them, communities will be non-existent. As such, good contractors who fall under this classification are an important part of the community, and there’s no shortage of project opportunities for those who are dedicated enough in their craft.
As described in the Utah Code Subsection 58-55-102(35), residential and small commercial contractors are responsible for performing or supervising the construction of both single-family and multi-family residences up to four units. They are also authorized to work on commercial structures that have less than three stories above ground and don’t extend more than 20,000 square feet. For other aspects of the construction such as plumbing, electrical work, mechanical work, and manufactured housing installations, the residential and small commercial contractor has to employ the services of a specialist contractor. Residential and small commercial contractors are allowed to perform mechanical work for single-family and multi-family residences up to four units.
Residential and Small Commercial Contractor Licensing Requirements
- Completed and notarized Contractor Application
- Take and pass the R-100 trade exam
- Pass the Utah Laws & Rules Exam (Apply directly at www.psiexams.com or call 1-800-733-9267 to register. PSI will forward the results to DOPL.)
- 2 years of experience within the last 10 years and a minimum of 1-year supervisory experience (include an “Affidavit of Experience” and W-2 forms or tax returns)
You can submit all documents to the Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing through:
Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing
PO Box 146741
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
(801)530-6628
Taking the Exam
The R100 exam is an open book exam composed of 80 questions which can be answered within a 3-hour limit. You need to score at least 70% to pass. The exam is administered by PSI. Topics included are sitework, concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, thermal and moisture protection, doors and windows, drywall and finishes, safety, general code, plan reading, estimating, and blue stake.
General Engineering Contractors License (E100)
Obviously, general engineering contractors are contractors who specialize in contracting work requiring engineering skills and expertise. As per the Utah code Subsection 58-55-102(24), a contractor is responsible for working on fixed works involving drainage systems, irrigation systems, water, power, water supply, flood control, and other construction activities with a more industrial bent.
General Engineering Contractors Licensing Requirements
- Take and pass the E100 trade exam
- Pass the Utah Laws & Rules Exam (Applicants can go to www.psiexams.com or call 1-800-733-9267 to register. PSI will forward the results to DOPL.
- 2 years of experience within the last 10 years and a minimum of 1-year supervisory experience (include an “Affidavit of Experience” and W-2 forms or tax returns)
You can submit all requirements to the Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing through:
Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing
PO Box 146741
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
(801)530-6628
Taking the Exam
The E100 exam is an open book, 3-hour exam comprising 100 questions. The passing score is 70%. For more information, please visit the Candidate Information Bulletin published by PSI.
Content Outline for the E100 Exam
Subject Area # of Items
Planning, Estimating and Project Management 15
Structural Principles 10
Earthwork and Surveying 18
Subsurface Work 20
Foundation and Concrete Construction 12
Buildings/Structures and Related Work 10
Roadwork and Paving 5
Safety 10
Exam Fees (Non-refundable and non-transferable)
Examination Fee (One Portion): $72
Examination Fee (Two Portions: $144
Retake Fee (One Portion): $72
Retake Fee (Two Portions): $144
Electrical Contractors License
As you may have already guessed, electrical contractors are responsible for the maintenance, installation, and repair of electrical systems. Those who wish to operate as an electrical contractor in the State of Utah will need to obtain the proper licenses. Utah issues four types of electrical contractor licenses in the state, including Master Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, Residential Master Electrician, and Residential Journeyman Electrician.
Here are the general requirements you need to meet to acquire an electrical contractors license:
- Must pass the Utah Electrical Licensing Theory, Code, and Practical Examinations for the level of licensure you’re applying. PSI Exams will send the results of the exams to DOPL.
- $110 processing fee made payable to “DOPL”
- Supporting documents for all “yes” answers written on the “Qualifying Questionnaire” on the electrical application form.
Master Electrician Licensure Requirements
- At least 4 years experience as a licensed Journeyman Electrician
- Graduate from an accredited electrical trade school with a 2 year AAS degree and 2 years experience as a licensed Journeyman Electrician.
- Earn a B.S. degree in electrical engineering from an EAC/ABET accredited school and one year of experience as a licensed contractor
- Must submit official transcripts showing the degree earned from an accredited school
- “Verification of Electrical Experience” form documenting work experience
Journeyman Electrician Licensure Requirements
- Official transcripts showing that you’ve completed an approved apprenticeship program and “Verification of Electrical Experience” form proving you’ve completed at least 8,000 hours of training as an apprentice in at least 4 years.
- “Verification of Electrical Experience” form reporting at least 8,000 hours of supervised training as an apprentice in at least 4 years.
Residential Master Electrician Licensure Requirements
To apply for an RME contractors license, you need to submit a completed Verification of Electrical Experience” form detailing at least 4,000 hours of work experience as a licensed Residential Journeyman Electrician in not less than 2 years.
Residential Journeyman Electrician Licensure Requirements
- Official transcripts showing you’ve completed 2 years of an accredited apprenticeship program and “Verification of Electrical Experience” form showing documentation of at least 4,000 hours of supervised training as an apprentice in at least 2 years.
- “Verification of Electrical Experience” form documenting a minimum of 8,000 hours of supervised training as an apprentice in at least 4 years.
You must submit all documents in person or via express delivery to the following addresses:
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Heber M Wells Building, 1st Floor Lobby
160 E 300 S Salt Lake City, UT 84111
US Postal Service:
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
PO BOX 146741 Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741
Taking the Exam
Do you have what it takes to become a licensed Journeyman or Master Electrician in Utah? There’s only one way to find out: Taking the trade exam. The Candidate Information Bulletin should give you a comprehensive guide on the exam, including exam registration procedures, exam site locations, test content outlines, and more. All exams have a minimum passing score of 75%.
‘
Journeyman Electrician
JE Code Exam (content outline)
JE Theory Exam (content outline)
JE Practical Exam (content outline)
Master Electrician
ME Code Exam (content outline)
ME Theory Exam (content outline)
ME Practical Exam (content outline)
*Those who have previously passed the JE Practical Exam aren’t required to take the ME Practical Exam.
Residential Journeyman Electrician
RJE Code Exam (content outline)
RJE Theory Exam (content outline)
RJE Practical Exam (content outline)
Residential Master Electrician
RME Code Exam (content outline)
RME Theory Exam (content outline)
RME Practical Exam (content outline)
Exam Fees (Non-refundable and non-transferable)
THEORY EXAMINATION:
First take $86 R
Retake $72
CODE EXAMINATION (First take & Retake) $72
PRACTICAL EXAMINATION (First take & Retake) $72
Plumbing Contractors License
Plumbing is serious business, and it takes a skilled and experienced plumber to install, maintain, and repair pipe systems. Dealing with sewer lines, bathtubs, and water lines, however, can be a tad complicated, and there will be instances when a licensed plumbing contractor is the man (or woman) for the job. Plumbing contractors, after all, are more than just plumbers.
Like most states, Utah requires every contractor to obtain a state license before being allowed to render their services within its borders.
The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing issues four types of plumbing contractors licenses, with each one having its own set of requirements. Applicants will be required to take and pass the Business & Law exam and the trade exam before obtaining a contractors license.
Master Plumber Licensing Requirements
- “Verification of Supervisory Plumbing Experience for Master Level Applicants” form
- The form verifying that you’ve met the required 4,000 hours of supervisory experience
- If not a licensed Utah Journeyman Plumber, you are required to submit:
- Official verification that you’re a licensed Journeyman Plumber in another state.
- “Verification of Plumbing Experience” form showing you’ve met Utah’s work experience requirements.
Journeyman Plumber Licensing Requirements
- Official transcripts proving you’ve completed an accredited apprenticeship program and “Verification of Plumbing Experience” form showing documentation of at least 8,000 hours of training as an apprentice plumber in at least 4 years.
- “Verification of Plumbing Experience” form documenting a minimum of 16,000 hours of training as an apprentice plumber in at least 8 years.
Residential Journeyman Plumber Licensing Requirements
- Official documentation showing you’ve completed an approved apprenticeship program and “Verification of Plumbing Experience” form documenting a minimum of 6,000 hours of training as an apprentice in at least 3 years.
-OR-
- “Verification of Plumbing Experience” form showing documentation of at least 12,000 hours of training as an apprentice in at least 6 years.
Residential Master Plumber Licensing Requirements
- Completed “Verification of Supervisory Plumbing Experience for Master Level Applicants” form
- Documentation proving you’ve met the required 4,000 hours of supervisory experience in the plumbing trade (you can submit W2 or Schedule K1 tax forms to verify your experience)
- Not a licensed RJ plumber in Utah? You need to provide the following:
- Official verification of your licensure as a JRP in another state
- Completed “Verification of Plumbing Experience” form detailing that you’ve met the minimum amount of work experience
You can submit all documents in person or via express delivery through:
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Heber M Wells Building, 1st Floor Lobby
160 E 300 S Salt Lake City, UT 84111
US Postal Service:
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
PO BOX 146741 Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741
Taking the Exam
You must take and pass the trade exam and the Business & Law exam to obtain a license as a Journeyman or Master Plumber in the State of Utah. All exams are administered by PSI Exams. You can view or download the Candidate Information Bulletin to get a comprehensive guide on the exam, including registration procedures, content outlines, reference materials, and more. PSI Exams will send your exam results to DOPL. Those who hold a license from another state will be required to contact DOPL before applying for the exams.
Journeyman Plumber
JP Theory Exam (content outline)
Plumber Practical Exam (content outline)
Master Plumber
MP Theory Exam (content outline)
Plumber Practical Exam (content outline)
*Those who have previously passed the JP License exam will not be required to take the Plumber Practical Exam.
Residential Journeyman Plumber
RJP Theory Exam (content outline)
Residential Plumber Practical Exam (content outline)
Residential Master Plumber (RMP)
RMP Theory Exam (content outline)
Residential Plumber Practical Exam (content outline)
Note: RMP License applicants who have previously passed the RJP License exam are not required to take the Residential Plumber Practical Exam.
Exam Fees (Non-refundable and non-transferable)
EXAM FEES THEORY EXAMINATION:
First take: $86
Retake: $72
PRACTICAL EXAMINATION (First take & Retake) $100
Salt Lake City
State license holders may be required to obtain the proper permit from the Building Services & Code Enforcement Office before rendering their services in Salt Lake City. Not sure if you need to acquire a permit before starting a project?
You can contact the department through:
Building Services & Code Enforcement
451 South State Street, Room 215
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
Phone: 801-535-6000
Fax: 801-535-7750
Permit Application Forms
You can go to this link to access the complete list.
West Valley City
The need to obtain the required building permit has always been a point of contention among licensed contractors who want to make sure they are not breaking any municipality laws when proceeding with a construction project. While it’s true that the State of Utah and the West Valley City municipality are adopting the same model building codes, state licensees who are planning to alter or modify a residential structure are still required (with some exceptions) to obtain the proper building permit.
You can purchase a building permit from the West Valley City Building Inspection Division, who, in return, will carry out inspections for installation approval.
Below are the construction activities that will require you to obtain a building permit.
- Home expansions that involve the adding of habitable space, carports, garages, and roof projections
- Addition, removal, or remodeling of any duct work for a heating or cooling system
- Fixed installation of any electrical appliance
- Addition, removal, or remodeling of electrical circuits
- Installations of hot tubs, saunas, spas, jacuzzis, or any water system
- Addition or removal of natural gas lines
- Addition, removal, or remodeling of plumbing or plumbing-related fixtures
- Alteration of electrical panels or any existing electrical equipment
- Addition, remodeling, or removal of interior walls, completion of work involving rooms or unfinished areas, and roof conversions
- Building separate structures including barns, garages, playhouses, storage sheds, pool or hot tub enclosures, and similar structures not exceeding 200 square feet in floor area
- Construction of decks or platforms measuring over 30 inches above ground
- Alteration or lowering of kitchen cabinets and countertops
- Building of retaining walls that retain more than 4 feet of earth if measured on the property line’s low elevation side
- Installation of window awnings that extend more than 54 inches from the exterior walls
- Installation of an in-ground swimming pool
- Installation or replacement of a fireplace or woodstove
- Installation, replacement, or repair of a furnace, boiler, water heater, air conditioner, evaporative cooler, heat pump, or baseboard heating equipment
- Replacement or addition of exterior windows
Where to get a permit
You can obtain a permit at the West Valley City Offices from the following address:
3600 S. Constitution Blvd. (2700 W.)
Room #220, Building Inspections
West Valley City, UT 84119
Phone: 801-963-3283
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday
Requirements for Getting a Permit
- Owner’s address
- Owner’s name
- Exact address of the property
- Name of the state-licensed contractor, state license number, address, and phone number
City of Provo
Contractors who wish to perform work involving any excavation, trenching, and utility installation in the City of Provo are required to obtain a permit from the Engineering Division. Applicants have to submit pre-qualification requirements and the proper forms for the project to be considered. All activities in the project must comply with Provo City Standards and Specifications.
Do you have any questions or concerns about the application process? You can contact the Engineering Division Main Office through the following information:
Public Works Office
1377 S 350 E
Provo, UT 84606
Phone: (801) 852-6740
Office Hours: Monday to Thursday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
Requirements for obtaining a permit
- Completed and notarized “Contractor’s Proof of Responsibility and Statement of Qualifications” form
- Copy of current Contractor’s License
- Two-year coverage or continuous $10,000 License and Permit Bond
- Combined single limit per occurrence Liability Insurance covering at least $1,000,000 in the aggregate per Provo City Code Book
City of West Jordan
If you’re a licensed contractor looking to perform work involving new construction or the addition, remodeling, alteration, and demolition of structures in the City of West Jordan, you may be required to obtain a building permit from the Building & Safety Division’s Permit Center.
You can contact the Permit Center through:
City Hall
8000 S. Redwood Road
2nd floor
West Jordan, UT 84088
801-569-5050
Fax 801-569-5099
Email: laynew@wjordan.com
Inspection Request Line
801-569-5055
The Permit Center is available from Monday to Friday, between 8 am to 5 pm, except on all state and federal holidays.
Permit Forms
- Building Permit Application
- Certificate of Occupancy Worksheet
- Special Inspection
- Residential Construction Notes
City of Sandy
Want to ply your trade in the City of Sandy as a state-licensed contractor? You might want to check first if the project you’re about to work on will require a permit from the municipality.
To apply for a permit, you can submit a completed Building Permit Application along with any supporting documents to the Building Department.
- Building Permit Application
- Information Sheet – permit submittal requirements (Residential)
- Information Sheet – permit submittal requirements (Commercial)
All types of construction work will require a building permit within Sandy City except for the following activities:
- Work involving fences not more than 7 feet high
- One-story detached accessory structures serving as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses (applicable only for floor areas not exceeding 200 square feet)
- Retaining walls 4 feet high and below
- Driveways and sidewalks (though you need a permit from the Public Works Department)
- Work involving painting, tiling, papering, cabinets, countertops, and other similar work
- Prefabricated swimming pools that are under 24 inches deep and don’t go beyond 5,000 gallons and are completely above ground
You can schedule a building inspection by contacting the Building Department through:
Building Department
Sandy City Hall
10000 S. Centennial Pkwy, Ste. 210
Sandy, Utah 84070
Phone: 801-568-7251
Fax: 801-568-7278
Email: permits@sandy.utah.gov
Note: Business inspections are normally conducted during business hours (Monday to Friday). It’s advised that you call the department at least 24 hours prior to your preferred inspection date.
For more information, please check the Permits & inspections page from the official Sandy government website.
Out of State Contractors
Are you an out-of-state contractor who just moved to a permanent resident in Utah? Then you can earn a state license in your new home state by applying for licensure by endorsement.
It bears noting that licensure by endorsement is different from contractor license reciprocity. As stated in the Utah Code Ann § 58-1-302, all applicants for licensure by endorsement must be a permanent resident in the State of Utah. Once endorsement is approved, certain classification tests may be waived and previous work experience may be recognized during the application process.
There are two ways for you to qualify for a license by endorsement.
- Demonstrate that your previous licensure in another state or foreign country, specifically the education, experience, and exam requirements gained around the time the license was issued, is largely equivalent to Utah’s licensure requirements.
- Have at least one year of experience in the territory where the license was issued and be able to demonstrate competency in the trade for which a license is being applied for.
Utah has also decided that the state’s classification requirements are equal to those of particular states, including Arizona, California, Louisiana, Nevada, and South Carolina. This is by no means an exclusive list. The DOPL website has provided an endorsement cross reference chart to serve as a comprehensive guide.
Unfortunately, Utah offers licensure by endorsement only to general contractor classifications that require experience and exams, namely the B100 General Building Contractor, E100 General Engineering Contractor, and R100 Residential/Small Commercial Contractor.
For more information on Utah’s rules and policies regarding the licensure by endorsement process, go to the Application for Licensure by Endorsement form.
Do you have any questions about Utah’s endorsement process? You can call the Division at 530-6628 or their toll-free number at (866) 275-3675.