The building department enforces minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, material quality, use, and occupancy of all buildings and structures. The building department enforces city ordinance by performing a competent review, permit process and inspection of all building construction, demolition, renovation or remodeling in Cottonwood Heights.
Building Codes
The following is a list of the building codes (with state amendments) that are currently enforced:
-
2009 International Building Code
-
2009 International Residential Code
-
2009 International Plumbing Code
-
2009 International Mechanical Code
-
2009 International Fuel Gas Code
-
2009 International Energy Conservation Code
-
2008 National Electric Code
-
1997 Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings
-
2003 ANSI A117.1 Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities
-
2009 International Fire Code
-
City of Cottonwood Heights Municipal and Development Codes
Cottonwood Heights Specific Information
Seismic Category – D-2
Snow Load 30 psf to 40 psf
Wind Speed – 70 mph sustained/90 mph 3-second gusts, Exposure B or C
Frost Depth – 30”
Ground Snow Load – 43 to 57 psf for drifting
Elevation – 4500 to 5100 ft
Building Permits
A building permit is required for all construction within the city, excluding the following:
-
One-story detached accessory buildings less than 200 square feet.
-
Floor coverings (carpet, hardwood, etc.) for residential development.
-
Interior wall coverings (wallpaper, paint, paneling, etc.) for residential development.
-
Private fencing that meets the requirements of the Cottonwood Heights Municipal Code
Plan Submittal Requirements
-
2 complete sets of plans and engineering calculations. All applications for new homes and large additions must have a labeled analysis and structural drawings stamped by a licensed Utah engineer.
-
4 total site plans (two for building department and two for fire department)
-
RES Check / Com Check
-
Electrical Detail
-
Gas Line Schematic
-
Stucco and Cultured Stone ICC evaluation reports
-
Manual J & D calculations and worksheets
-
Fireplace Installation details
Building Permit Application
For viewing purposes only. The application is in triplicate and you will need to come to the office to fill out the actual form.
Inspections
To verify that work is being done in accordance with the approved plans and codes, inspections are required at specific points during construction. An inspection request must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Once an inspection is complete, the city’s inspector will leave a yellow inspection report on the job site, and the inspection will be logged in the project’s permanent record. Each inspection report will indicate any violations or concerns the inspector has with the project, and indicate if a re-inspection is required.
Required Inspections (subject to change)
-
Footing (before concrete is poured) and setback verification
-
Foundation (before concrete is poured)
-
Bond beams (prior to ground rod placement)
-
Sub-rough plumbing (with test that meets requirements of the plumbing code)
-
4-Way – framing, rough electrical, rough plumbing, and rough mechanical (before insulation)
-
Insulation (to meet energy code requirements)
-
Shower Pan (liquid-applied shower pan liners are not allowed)
-
Gas Meter (once approved, the city will notify the gas company)
-
Power to Panel (once approved, the city will notify the power company)
-
Flashing and weather barrier (prior to any external materials/coverings)
-
Fire wall (nailing and taping)
-
Final (all work done on site)
-
Special inspections (as required per the International Building Code)
Other inspections not mentioned above will be done as needed, such as roofing, stucco, brick, venting, backwater sewer valves (to protect basement plumbing features), etc.
The Building Department is located at 1265 E Fort Union Boulevard, Suite 250, and can be reached at 801-944-7060 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.
