Bolthole Index

Davis County, Utah

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Davis County, Utah

35Index Score / 100
#28 of 29 in Utah

Unincorporated Davis County, Utah requires a written building permit before you start new construction, an addition, a basement finish, or an accessory structure over 200 square feet12. Davis County handles permits, inspections and zoning outside city boundaries; each city has its own jurisdiction34. Septic is separate: the Davis County Health Department permits onsite wastewater systems for every address in the county, city or not5.

At a glance

Building permit
Required in unincorporated Davis County for new construction, additions, remodels, pools, carports and accessory structures over 200 sq ft12
Zoning
Varies by jurisdiction: Davis County zones unincorporated land, while each city maintains its own zoning3
Septic permits
Required before installing an onsite wastewater system and issued by Davis County Environmental Health67
Owner-builder
Allowed with an Owner-Builder Form, capped at 1 residential structure per year and 3 per five years89
Minimum lot size (R-1)
9,000 sq ft with 75 feet of lot width in the R-1 Residential Single-Family zone10
Setbacks (R-1)
25 feet front, 25 feet rear, 8 feet on each side11
RV or tiny home on your land
Not addressed in the county material we could confirm; check with Davis County Planning before living in one long-term12
Septic-suitable soil
Only 6.2% of Davis County's soil is rated free of severe limits for a conventional drain field13

Who to call

Building permits

Davis County Community & Economic Development — Building Permits

Building permits, inspections scheduling and certificates of occupancy for unincorporated Davis County

(801) 451-3279

Davis County Admin Building, Suite 304, 61 South Main Street, Farmington, Utah 84025

Online permits →

Planning & zoning

Davis County Planning Department

Zoning maps and land-use applications (rezoning, conditional use, subdivision, variance) for unincorporated Davis County

(801) 451-3278

Davis County Admin Building, 61 South Main Street, Farmington, Utah 84025

Septic permits

Davis County Health Department — Environmental Health Division

Onsite wastewater (septic) feasibility determinations, permits, plan review and inspections countywide, including unincorporated Davis County

(801) 525-5000

Clearfield Main Campus, 22 South State Street, Clearfield, Utah 84015

Also useful

Shums Coda Associates (Davis County's contracted building inspector)

Schedules and performs building inspections for Davis County building permits, and is the county's authorized third-party inspection option when the county cannot inspect within three business days

800-286-0374

ut@shumscoda.com

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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

Yes, if your parcel is unincorporated: Davis County requires a written building permit before you start new construction, a home addition or remodel, a basement finish, an accessory structure over 200 square feet, a pool, a carport, or gas, electrical, mechanical or plumbing work, and the permit must be signed by the county's Enforcement Officer or a designee before work begins114. Check the county's jurisdiction map first — if your property sits inside one of the shaded municipal areas, the city, not the county, issues the permit2. The permit itself is reviewed against Utah's statewide State Construction Code, currently the 2024 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code and related 2023-2024 editions, so Davis County isn't writing its own construction standards from scratch1516. One exception: a structure used solely for agricultural purposes and not for human occupancy is exempt from the State Construction Code's permit requirement, though a plumbing, electrical or mechanical permit can still apply to work inside it17.

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

Davis County's Community & Economic Development office handles building permits for unincorporated land, at the Davis County Admin Building, Suite 304, 61 South Main Street, Farmington, Utah 84025, at (801) 451-327914. Applications and plans go in online through the county's building permit portal, using the single-family or non-single-family checklist depending on the project18. Fees scale with square footage or the project's valuation, and the simplest permits — those needing no plan review, no bond and a single inspection — have a $202 minimum, plus a 2.5% surcharge if you pay by card19. Shums Coda Associates performs inspections for construction under Davis County jurisdiction; schedule at 800-286-0374 or UT@shumscoda.com with at least 24 hours' notice420. A Certificate of Occupancy — issued only after the final building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical inspections all pass — is what actually lets you move in; a power-to-panel permit alone only authorizes construction power and testing, not occupancy21.

Does Davis County have zoning?

Davis County zones all unincorporated land, while each city maintains zoning for its own jurisdiction3. In the county's R-1 Residential Single-Family zone, a lot needs at least 9,000 square feet with 75 feet of width, and a house must sit at least 25 feet from the front and rear property lines and 8 feet from each side, with a maximum height of two stories or 30 feet101122. Those dimensions are specific to R-1, so verify the parcel's district before drawing a site plan1011. In the agricultural zones, minimum lot area is 1 acre in A-1, 5 acres in A-5 and 10 acres in A-10, with 25-foot front and rear yards and 10-foot side yards in each.232425262728 A home can be up to 35 feet tall in A-1 and A-10, while barns and farm accessory buildings in A-10 can reach 100 feet.2930 Agricultural parceling has a separate path: each parcel must contain at least 5 acres, have qualifying access and sufficient water, and carry a recorded agricultural-use restriction; residential use still requires subdivision compliance3132. Utah law makes one internal accessory dwelling unit inside a primary dwelling a permitted use in county areas zoned primarily residential33. We could not confirm county rules for detached accessory dwellings, RV or tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home placement, minimum dwelling size, or lot coverage, so ask Davis County Planning at (801) 451-3278 about the parcel's district12.

How do septic permits work in Davis County?

Davis County requires a Health Department permit before installing an onsite wastewater system; the application, fees, location approval, and intermediate and final inspections all come before completion7. Reach the Environmental Health Division at (801) 525-5000 or at the Clearfield Main Campus, 22 South State Street, Clearfield, Utah 8401534. Raw land also needs a Statement of Feasibility based on the county's records and GIS review, site and soil evaluations, any percolation testing, and groundwater monitoring needed for the site7. Only 6.2% of Davis County's soil is rated free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, so settle feasibility before fixing the house location or budget13. The health inspector must approve the excavation and installation, and the excavation cannot be backfilled before final approval35. Alternative systems, holding tanks, temporary systems, and vault privies remain regulated36. An occupied building within 300 feet of public sewer may be required by the city or county to connect instead37.

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

We couldn't confirm a Davis County rule that answers this directly. The county's zoning and building-permit pages establish that zoning and permits apply in unincorporated areas, but neither states whether long-term RV or tiny-home occupancy is allowed, limited or barred on a residential lot38. Utah's recreational-vehicle-park sanitation rule sets conditions for RVs and tiny houses inside licensed RV parks — data-plate or certification requirements, and compliance with local codes — but that rule governs RV parks, not living in an RV on your own unincorporated parcel, so it doesn't settle this question either39. Call Davis County Planning at (801) 451-3278 before you buy with this plan in mind, and ask specifically about your parcel's zone12.

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

  1. Confirm jurisdiction first: check whether your parcel is unincorporated (Davis County permits and zones it) or inside a shaded city area (the city has jurisdiction)23.
  2. If you'll do the work yourself rather than hire a licensed contractor, file the county's Owner-Builder Form; you're capped at one residential structure a year and three in five years for your own noncommercial use98.
  3. For raw land that will use onsite wastewater, obtain the Health Department's Statement of Feasibility and then the required installation permit before construction7.
  4. Submit your building permit application and plans online through Davis County's building permit portal, using the correct checklist for a single-family home18.
  5. Pay the permit fee — based on square footage or project valuation, minimum $202 for the simplest permits — and add 2.5% if paying by card19.
  6. Schedule required inspections with Shums Coda Associates at least 24 hours ahead as work proceeds420.
  7. Pass final building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical inspections to get your Certificate of Occupancy before moving in21.

What to check before you buy land in Davis County, Utah

Soil is the biggest constraint: with only 6.2% of the county's soil rated free of severe limits for a standard septic drain field, get the Health Department's feasibility review before committing to a house site137. If the land fronts a state highway, a driveway or new access point needs a UDOT conditional access permit40. Confirm local access rules separately because unincorporated-county driveway requirements remain unconfirmed. Federal land covers 23.5% of Davis County, and the county averages about 1,248 people per square mile; the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 17 miles from the county center414243. Typical property tax runs about 0.5% of assessed value, with a median bill near $2,546 a year4445. Annual precipitation averages 25.6 inches, while severe drought occurs in roughly 28.4% of years4647.

Watch-outs

  • We could not confirm whether long-term RV or tiny-home occupancy is allowed on unincorporated residential land; confirm the parcel's district and proposed use with Davis County Planning at (801) 451-327812.
  • Davis County building and zoning rules cover unincorporated land, while a parcel inside a city follows that city's jurisdiction32.
  • Off-grid sanitation still needs county approval; vault privies, holding tanks, and temporary or alternative onsite systems are regulated rather than automatic substitutes for septic36.

Sources

  1. Building Permits (2026 county census)
  2. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  3. Planning, quoted and re-checked
  4. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  5. Onsite Wastewater Systems, quoted and re-checked
  6. Onsite Wastewater Systems (2026 county census)
  7. Onsite Wastewater Systems, quoted and re-checked
  8. Building Permits (2026 county census)
  9. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  10. Zone Changes for Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  11. Zone Changes for Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  12. Davis County Planning Department (daviscountyutah.gov)
  13. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  14. Davis County Community & Economic Development — Building Permits (daviscountyutah.gov)
  15. 15A-2-103 Specific editions adopted of construction code of a nationally recognized code authority, quoted and re-checked
  16. Utah Code Title 15A, State Construction and Fire Codes Act (Utah statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Utah Code § 15A-1-204 (Utah statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  19. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  20. Shums Coda Associates (Davis County's contracted building inspector) (daviscountyutah.gov)
  21. Power to Panel, quoted and re-checked
  22. Zone Changes for Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  23. Davis County zoning provisions and zone changes, quoted and re-checked
  24. Davis County zoning provisions and zone changes, quoted and re-checked
  25. Davis County zoning provisions and zone changes, quoted and re-checked
  26. Davis County zoning provisions and zone changes, quoted and re-checked
  27. Davis County zoning provisions and zone changes, quoted and re-checked
  28. Davis County zoning provisions and zone changes, quoted and re-checked
  29. Davis County zoning provisions and zone changes, quoted and re-checked
  30. Davis County zoning provisions and zone changes, quoted and re-checked
  31. Davis County Subdivision Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  32. Davis County Subdivision Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  33. Utah Code § 17-80-303, Internal accessory dwelling units (Utah statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  34. Davis County Health Department — Environmental Health Division (daviscountyutah.gov)
  35. Onsite Wastewater Systems, quoted and re-checked
  36. Onsite Wastewater Systems, quoted and re-checked
  37. Onsite Wastewater Systems, quoted and re-checked
  38. Planning (2026 county census)
  39. Utah Administrative Code Rule R392-301, Recreational Vehicle Parks (Utah statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  40. Conditional Access Permit (Utah statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  41. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data
  42. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  43. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data
  44. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  45. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  46. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  47. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 10, 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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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Davis County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleDavis CountySalt Lake CountyWeber CountyMorgan CountyCache CountyUtah CountyBox Elder County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.Weber-Morgan Health Dept.Weber-Morgan Health Dept.Bear River Health Dept.UT County Health Dept.Bear River Health Dept.

County locator

Davis County in Utah

35
County map
Davis County highlighted among the Utah counties · colored by Index score

How Davis County scores

Seclusion13100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency4599% ev.
Admin Boringness40100% ev.
Durability55100% ev.
Property Autonomy60100% ev.
Carry Cost44100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$564kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$14,480Land / acre
25.6"Annual rain
28.4% of yrsSevere drought
11.2 / yr (+10.1)Mid-century 100°F days
29.7 daysMid-century dry spell
0.98" (+7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.16×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,224Home insurance / yr
4.9% / yrInsurance growth
0.67%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
806,019People within 30 min
3,195,355People within 2 hr
514,255Radius comparison (15 mi)
1,247.9People / sq mi
23.5%Federal land
87.9%Land at 15% slope or less
6.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
8,407 acWorkable land screen
19%Wooded land
32 tonsBiomass / forest ac
49.7°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Davis County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet researched: Bountiful · Centerville · Farmington · Fruit Heights · Layton · Woods Cross

Answers from the rulebook for Davis County

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

Davis County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Building construction and related work on property in unincorporated Davis County under Davis County jurisdiction.

    • A written permit must be issued before covered work is commenced or proceeded with.
    • The permit must be approved and signed by the Davis County Enforcement Officer or the Enforcement Officer’s designee.
    • The county FAQ states permits are required for new construction, home additions/remodels, basement finishes, accessory structures exceeding 200 square feet, pools, carports, gas, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work, including furnace and air-conditioning installations, and any other item at the discretion of the Community & Economic Development Office.
    • If property is within a colored shaded municipal area on the county jurisdiction map, permitting is handled by that municipality instead of Davis County.
    • A 2.5% processing fee is added to credit-card transactions.
    “Yes. A building permit is required for any new construction [...] If your property is not shaded, the jurisdiction is with Davis County”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    A property owner conducting permitted construction in unincorporated Davis County instead of using a contractor.

    • The county states that when a property owner conducts the work themselves in place of a contractor, an Owner-Builder Form is required.
    • The owner must be the sole owner of the property and construction project.
    • The project must be the only residential structure the owner has built that year, and the owner must not have built more than three residential structures in the previous five years.
    • The improvements must be for the owner's personal, non-commercial, non-public use.
    • Work may be performed by the sole property owner, a licensed contractor, covered employees, or persons under the owner's supervision receiving no compensation or only token compensation.
    • Using an unlicensed contractor or compensating an unlicensed person beyond token compensation may result in a Class A misdemeanor and an administrative fine of up to $2,000 for each day of violation.
    • The owner-builder form does not eliminate the separate building-permit requirement.

    residential structures built by owner in current year: <= 1 structure per year · residential structures built by owner in prior five years: <= 3 structures per five years · administrative fine for violation: <= 2000 USD per day

    “work performed on the project must be performed by the following: a. myself as the sole property owner; or b. a licensed contractor”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Building inspections for construction under Davis County jurisdiction.

    • Inspections must be scheduled with Shums Coda Associates with a minimum 24-hour notice.
    • The county lists typical inspections including plan check, setback, excavation and forms, footings, foundation, rough framing, rough mechanical, rough electrical, rough plumbing and test, insulation, final electrical, final plumbing, final mechanical, and final construction.
    • Third-party inspections may be used only when the County confirms it cannot complete a requested inspection within three business days, and after the applicant notifies the County of the intent to use the third-party service.

    inspection notice: >= 24 hours · county inspection completion period for third-party option: > 3 business days (The county must be unable to complete the requested inspection within this period.)

    “Final Electrical Final Plumbing Final Mechanical Final Final Construction”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Occupancy of a building, home, condominium, or portion thereof under Davis County building jurisdiction.

    • A power-to-panel permit is for construction and testing only and does not authorize occupancy.
    • Occupancy is allowed only after all final building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections are completed and a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
    • The source also states that unresolved building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler or fire, street, curb and gutter, zoning, or engineering requirements may result in electrical service disconnection.
    “Occupancy of a building is allowed only after all final [...] inspections are made and completed and a Certificate of Occupancy issued.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning in the unincorporated areas of Davis County.

    • The Davis County zoning map applies only to unincorporated areas.
    • Each city within Davis County maintains zoning information for its own jurisdiction.
    “Davis County provides mapping information on a county-wide basis. The Davis County zoning map shows only those areas in the unincorporated county. Each city within Davis County maintains zoning information for their jurisdiction.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across Davis County, including county zoning in unincorporated areas and separate municipal zoning within city jurisdictions.

    • Davis County provides the zoning map for unincorporated areas only.
    • Each city within Davis County maintains zoning information for its own jurisdiction.
    • The county aggregate therefore varies by whether property is unincorporated or within a municipality.
    “Davis County provides mapping information on a county-wide basis. The Davis County zoning map shows only those areas in the unincorporated county. Each city within Davis County maintains zoning information for their jurisdiction.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts and zoning maps in unincorporated Davis County; incorporated cities maintain their own zoning information.

    • The Davis County zoning map shows only unincorporated areas.
    • Each city within Davis County maintains zoning information for its own jurisdiction.
    • The Davis County Planning Commission makes recommendations concerning land-use ordinances and zoning maps and decides applications under the County Land Use Development Management Ordinance, Title 15.
    “The Davis County zoning map shows only those areas in the unincorporated county.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Davis County agricultural parceling under Title 15.24.1110.

    • Applies to divisions for agricultural uses, farm industry, or animal keeping.
    • Agricultural parcels may be used for residential purposes only if subdivision and all other applicable regulations are met.
    • Each parcel or lot must have access from a public street or recorded private right-of-way or easement at least 20 feet wide.
    • Sufficient water must be provided for the proposed use.
    • The parcel must be recorded with a restriction limiting use to agriculture, farm industry, or animal keeping unless the entire parent parcel is subdivided under the chapter.

    minimum parcel or lot size: >= 5 acres

    “All parcels or lots must be a minimum of five (5) acres in size.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — R-1 Residential Single-Family zoning in unincorporated Davis County.
      “Section 15.20.1540 - Minimum lot standards. All lots shall be developed and all structures and uses shall be placed on lots in accordance with the following standards: A. Lot area: nine thousand (9,000) square feet. B. Lot width: seventy-five (75) feet.”
    • Specified — Lots in the Davis County A-1 Limited Agriculture zone under Section 15.20.850.
      “Section 15.20.850 - Lot and building standards. A. Minimum lot area:. 1 acre”
    • Specified — Lots in the Davis County A-5 Agriculture and Farm Industry zone under Section 15.20.940.
      “Section 15.20.940 - Minimum lot standards. All lots shall be developed and all structures and uses shall be placed on lots in accordance with the following lot and development density standards: B. Minimum lot area: 5 acres”
    • Specified — Lots in the Davis County A-10 Agriculture and Farm Production zone under Section 15.20.987.
      “Section 15.20.987 - Lot and building standards. A. Minimum lot area is ten (10) acres.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Front, side, and rear setbacks in the Davis County A-1 Limited Agriculture zone under Section 15.20.850.

    • The source identifies this as the A-1 Limited Agriculture zone.
    • The cited standards are attributed to Ordinance 13-2007B, added September 25, 2007.

    minimum front yard: 25 feet · minimum side yard each side: 10 feet · minimum rear yard: 25 feet

    “C. Minimum front yard: twenty-five (25) feet. D. Minimum side yards: ten (10) feet (each side.) E. Minimum rear yard: twenty-five (25) feet.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — R-1 Residential Single-Family zoning in unincorporated Davis County.
      “C. Front yard: twenty-five (25) feet. D. Side yards: eight feet (each side.) E. Rear yard: twenty-five (25) feet.”
    • Specified — Front, side, and rear setbacks in the Davis County A-5 Agriculture and Farm Industry zone under Section 15.20.940.
      “D. Minimum front yard: twenty-five (25) feet. E. Minimum side yards: ten (10) feet (each side). F. Minimum rear yard: twenty-five (25) feet.”
    • Specified — Front, side, and rear setbacks in the Davis County A-10 Agriculture and Farm Production zone under Section 15.20.987.
      “C. Minimum front yard is twenty-five (25) feet. D. Minimum side yards is ten (10) feet (each side.) E. Minimum rear yard is twenty-five (25) feet.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Buildings in the Davis County A-1 Limited Agriculture zone under Section 15.20.850.

    • The source identifies this as the A-1 Limited Agriculture zone.
    • The cited standards are attributed to Ordinance 13-2007B, added September 25, 2007.

    maximum accessory building height: 100 feet · maximum dwelling height: 35 feet

    “F. Maximum accessory building height: one hundred (100) feet. g. Maximum dwelling height: 35 (35) feet.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — R-1 Residential Single-Family zoning in unincorporated Davis County.
      “F. Building height: Two stories not to exceed thirty (30) feet.”
    • Specified — Buildings in the Davis County A-10 Agriculture and Farm Production zone under Section 15.20.987.
      “F. Maximum home building height is thirty-five (35) feet. G. Maximum building height for barns and other farm accessory structures is one hundred (100) feet.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Onsite wastewater disposal system permitting in Davis County, Utah.

    • The county permit operates under applicable state-law requirements for onsite wastewater systems.
    • Fees must be paid for location approval and intermediate and final inspections.
    “Permits must be obtained from the Davis County Public Health Department to install an onsite wastewater disposal system.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of onsite wastewater systems in incorporated and unincorporated areas of Davis County.

    • Davis County states that permits must be obtained from the Davis County Health Department office to install an onsite wastewater system.
    • An application and applicable fees are required, including fees corresponding to location approval and intermediate and final inspections.
    • For raw undeveloped property, a Statement of Feasibility is required before development; the Department conducts GIS, records, site, soil, percolation, and groundwater assessments, and issues the statement only if legal requirements are met.
    • Under the Davis County Board of Health regulation, a feasibility assessment must occur before design and installation, and systems must comply with the Statement of Feasibility.
    • A Construction Permit is required before installation, repair of a malfunctioning or failing system, or alteration of an existing system; plans must be submitted to and approved by the Department before obtaining the permit.
    • Operation requires Department approval. Alternative systems, wastewater holding tanks, and temporary onsite wastewater systems also require an Operating Permit until abandonment.
    • The county webpage states that municipal and state laws may require connection to a public sewer when property is within 300 feet of one.
    • The Northwestern Davis County groundwater-study webpage describes about 10 acres per septic system as a study conclusion that should be maintained; the cited operative regulation does not identify that study recommendation as a permit-density standard.

    construction permit fee: septic tank only or vault privy: 550 USD · construction permit fee: wastewater holding tank: 750 USD · construction permit fee: absorption trench or absorption bed: 180 USD · construction permit fee: deep wall trench or seepage pit: 240 USD · construction permit fee: at-grade: 300 USD · construction permit fee: all other alternative or experimental: 360 USD · state new system fee: 40 USD (The county regulation states the state new system fee is set by the State.) · construction permit validity: 2 years · statement of feasibility validity: 5 years · operating permit validity: 1 year

    “Permits must be obtained from this office to install an OWS. In order to obtain a permit, an application must be submitted and fees must be paid corresponding to the approval of the location along with intermediate and final inspections of the system.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Installation of an onsite wastewater system, including a septic tank and drain field, in Davis County, Utah.
      “Permits must be obtained from this office to install an OWS. In order to obtain a permit, an application must be submitted and fees must be paid corresponding to the approval of the location along with intermediate and final inspections of the system.”
    • Required — Installing an onsite wastewater system in Davis County, Utah.
      “Permits must be obtained from this office to install an OWS. In order to obtain a permit, an application must be submitted and fees must be paid corresponding to the approval of the location along with intermediate and final inspections of the system.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Construction and operation of onsite wastewater systems in Davis County.

    • The inspector assesses excavation and installation for compliance with the approved plan and Rule R317-4.
    • The excavation cannot be back-filled until the health inspector gives final approval.
    • Owners must oversee inspections, maintenance, and servicing in compliance with UAC R317-4.
    • Alternative systems, wastewater holding tanks, and temporary onsite wastewater systems require operating permits and required inspection results until abandonment.
    • For a change of ownership, the new owner must submit proof of inspection, a completed application, and applicable fees.

    additional inspections fee: 30 USD · septic refinance inspection fee: 100 USD

    “The excavation cannot be back-filled until the health inspector has given final approval.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Non-public-sewer onsite sanitation systems, including septic systems, vault privies, wastewater holding tanks, and temporary onsite wastewater systems in Davis County.

    • A residence or other building must have a way to address wastewater generated on the premises.
    • Vault privies and wastewater holding tanks are listed as regulated permit categories, not unrestricted sanitation options.
    • Alternative onsite wastewater systems, wastewater holding tanks, and temporary onsite wastewater systems require Operating Permits until abandonment.
    • All systems require Department approval for operation and must comply with applicable state rules and county conditions.
    • If a property is within 300 feet of a public sewer, the city or county may require sewer connection of occupied buildings.

    operating permit validity: 1 year (Alternative systems, wastewater holding tanks, and temporary onsite wastewater systems until abandonment) · plan review fee for wastewater holding tank or vault privy: 90 USD · construction permit fee for septic tank only or vault privy: 550 USD · construction permit fee for wastewater holding tank: 750 USD

    “Alternative onsite wastewater systems, wastewater holding tanks, and temporary onsite wastewater systems are required to obtain an Operating Permit”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Occupied buildings on property in Davis County located within 300 feet of a public sewer.

    • Municipal and state laws apply.
    • The city or county may require sewer connection; the source does not state that connection is mandatory in every such case.
    • When connecting to sanitary sewer, the building sewer must bypass the septic tank and slope at 1/4 inch per foot to the municipal or district sewer main.
    • A cleanout within two feet of the foundation is generally required by the building code.

    distance to public sewer: <= 300 feet (The city or county may require sewer connection of occupied buildings.) · building sewer slope: 1/4 inch per foot (When connecting to the sanitary sewer.)

    “Municipal and state laws require that if a property is within 300 feet of a public sewer, the city or county may require sewer connection”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    A lot or parcel resulting from a division of agricultural land in unincorporated Davis County seeking exemption from the plat requirements of Davis County Code Title 15, Chapter 15.24.

    • The exemption is expressly subject to Subsection A of Section 15.24.810.
    • The Planning Commission must certify in writing the Subsection A requirements for a subdivision of unincorporated land into ten lots or less: notice as required by Chapter 15.04; the subdivision consists of ten lots including parcels previously divided from the same parcel; no dedication of land for a street, utility easement, or other public purpose; the subdivision is not traversed by mapped lines of a proposed street shown in the general plan; approval by the culinary water authority and sanitary sewer authority; location in a zoned area; conformity with applicable Title 14 and Title 15 provisions or a properly received variance; and the subdivider's acknowledgment and agreement to provide required improvements.
    • The parcel must qualify as land in agricultural use under Utah Code Section 59-2-502.
    • The parcel must contain at least 5 contiguous acres.
    • The parcel must not be used and must not be intended for any nonagricultural purpose, and that restriction must be recorded.
    • The parcel must have access from a public street or recorded private right-of-way or easement at least 20 feet wide.
    • The parcel must have adequate water access.
    • The boundaries must be graphically illustrated on a record of survey map that receives the same approvals required for a plat and is recorded in the County Recorder's Office.
    • If the exempted lot or parcel is used for a nonagricultural purpose, the County may require compliance with all requirements of Title 15, Chapter 15.24.
    • The ordinance states it was passed, adopted, and/or approved by the Davis County Legislative Body on January 30, 2024, and takes effect on the earliest date possible after Davis County fulfills Utah Code Section 17-53-208 (2020).

    minimum contiguous parcel area: >= 5 acres · minimum access width: >= 20 feet · maximum subdivision size under Subsection A: <= 10 lots (The agricultural exemption is subject to all Subsection A requirements.)

    “Subject to Subsection A, a lot or parcel resulting from a division of agricultural land is exempt from the plat requirements of this chapter if the lot or parcel: a. qualifies as land in agricultural use under Section 59-2-502 of the Farmland Assessment Act, Utah Code; b. is comprised of at least 5 contiguous acres; c. is not used and will not be used for any nonagricultural purpose and this restriction is recorded: d. has access from a public street or recorded private right-of-way or easement of at least twenty (20) feet in width; and e. has adequate water access.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and agricultural parcel divisions in unincorporated Davis County.

    • Agricultural parcels are not subject to subdivision regulations unless residential development is requested.
    • Residential use requires subdivision compliance and all other applicable regulations.
    • Agricultural divisions must satisfy the stated acreage, access, water, and recorded-use-restriction requirements.
    • A survey map must be recorded after receiving the same approvals required for a plat.
    • If an exempt parcel is later used for a nonagricultural purpose, the county may require compliance with all requirements of the subdivision chapter.
    “Each person who proposes to subdivide land in the unincorporated area of Davis County shall complete, sign, and submit [...] an application”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Work requiring a Davis County Flood Control permit, including work for which City (FEMA) Floodplain approval and other agency approvals may be applicable.

    • The Davis County permit only certifies that submitted plans and specifications meet the Davis County Flood Control Master Plan requirements.
    • Issuance does not supersede city FEMA ordinances or permits, State Engineer approval, Army Corps of Engineers approval, irrigation-company requirements, water rights, or rights of local property owners.
    • The applicant is responsible for obtaining all necessary approvals from other entities.
    • The applicant must notify the Davis County Flood Control Office one full working day before each phase of work for inspection purposes.
    • The application includes an applicant hold-harmless condition for damage, loss, or injury resulting from issuance of the permit.
    “This permit is issued for the limited purpose of certifying that plans and specifications filed by applicant meet the Davis County Flood Control Master Plan requirements. Issuance of the permit does not create any agency relationship between Davis County and the applicant.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Davis County building permits for property in unincorporated Davis County.

    • Permit fees vary based on project square footage and/or project valuation.
    • Permits requiring no plan check review, construction bond, and only one inspection have a minimum fee of $202.
    • A 2.5% processing fee is added to all credit card transactions.
    • The page references a current fee schedule and February 2020 International Code Council building valuation data.

    minimum permit fee: 202 USD (Applies to permits requiring no plan check review, construction bond, and just one inspection.) · credit-card processing fee: 2.5 percent

    “Permit fees are based on the project square footage and/or the project valuation provided on the permit application.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Davis County building permit applications and inspections for property in unincorporated Davis County.

    • All building permit applications and plans must be submitted through the building permit application link.
    • A written permit must be issued before covered construction or site preparation begins or proceeds.
    • The permit must be approved and signed by the Davis County Enforcement Officer or designee.
    • A complete application uses the applicable single-family or non-single-family checklist.
    • Inspections require a minimum 24-hour notice.
    • Third-party inspections are authorized only after the County confirms it cannot complete the inspection within three business days and the applicant notifies the County of the intent to use the third-party service.
    • Properties in colored municipal areas use the respective municipality; unshaded properties are subject to Davis County's application.

    inspection notice: >= 24 hours · third-party inspection county response period: > 3 business days (The County must first confirm it cannot conduct its own timely inspection and the applicant must notify the County.)

    “All building permit applications and plans must be submitted using the building permit application link below.”

Utah rules that apply here

  • 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) — Building construction, alteration, remodeling, and repair in Davis County under Utah's statewide construction code, subject to statewide and local amendments.
      “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:”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    One internal accessory dwelling unit within a primary dwelling in county areas of Utah zoned primarily for residential use.

    • The unit must be an internal accessory dwelling unit within a primary dwelling and the area must be zoned primarily for residential use.
    • The unit must comply with all applicable building, health, and fire codes.
    • A county may prohibit a separate utility meter; require the unit not to change the appearance of the primary dwelling as a single-family dwelling; and require one additional on-site parking space, except when the county land use ordinance requires four off-street parking spaces. Garage or carport parking spaces converted to habitable space must be replaced.
    • A county may prohibit an internal accessory dwelling unit within a mobile home; require a permit or license for renting it; prohibit units in a zoning district covering an area equivalent to 25% or less of the total unincorporated area zoned primarily for residential use, except that newly constructed units with final plat approval dated on or after October 1, 2021, and complying with applicable land use regulations may not be prohibited; prohibit units served by a failing septic tank; prohibit units on lots of 6,000 square feet or less; prohibit rental for fewer than 30 consecutive days; and prohibit rental when the dwelling is not occupied as the owner's primary residence.
    • A county may hold a lien and record an accessory-dwelling-unit notice under the procedures in § 17-80-303(4)-(5).
    • This claim does not determine additional municipality-specific ordinances under Utah's municipal land-use statute.

    minimum rental period: >= 30 consecutive days · small-lot threshold: <= 6000 square feet (A county may prohibit creation at or below this lot size) · restricted county residential zoning area: <= 25 percent of total unincorporated residentially zoned area (Newly constructed units with final plat approval dated on or after October 1, 2021 and compliance with applicable land use regulations may not be prohibited) · additional parking: 1 on-site space (Not permitted if the county land use ordinance requires four off-street parking spaces)

    “In any area zoned primarily for residential use: (a) the use of an internal accessory dwelling unit is a permitted use;”
  • Well permitRequired

    Water-well construction and regulated well activity in Davis County under Utah statewide requirements.

    • A valid water right must be in place before constructing a shallow well and beneficially using groundwater.
    • A Start Card issued upon approval of the water right is essentially the permit to construct the well.
    • All water wells are regulated by the State Engineer regardless of depth under the cited 2022 statutory and rule changes.
    • Shallow water wells must be completed by a licensed well driller or licensed shallow-water-well constructor; a well owner may drill their own shallow well only with a valid water right and shallow-water-well-constructor license.
    • The Start Card must be filed with the Division before construction or work begins.
    • The cited page states the changes took effect May 10, 2022, and revised rules became effective July 22, 2022.
    • Non-production wells greater than 30 feet are regulated, and regulated work requires applicable logs and compliance with R655-4, including R655-4-17 for shallow wells.

    well depth for State Engineer regulation: all depths (The page states the prior exemption for wells 30 feet deep or less was removed effective July 22, 2022.) · non-production well depth: > 30 feet

    “A Start Card is issued upon approval of the water right, which is essentially the permit to construct the well.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction of shallow water wells in Utah.
      “A Start Card is issued upon approval of the water right, which is essentially the permit to construct the well.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveway or local-street connections to Utah state highways and changes in land use or access intensity along state highways.

    • The rule applies along a state highway.
    • A conditional access permit is required whenever a driveway or local street connection is requested.
    • A conditional access permit is also required for a change in land use or a change in the intensity of existing access.
    • The application process includes a pre-application meeting, a complete application packet, a non-refundable review fee, and UDOT technical review.
    “A conditional access permit is required when any of the following is true along a state highway: Whenever a driveway or local street connection is requested. When there is a change in land use (e.g. change in zoning, site plan, or conditional use). When there is a change in intensity of an existing access.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals operated within Utah municipalities.

    • A municipality may require the owner or lessee to obtain a business license or other permit before operation.
    • A municipality may regulate short-term rentals through municipal ordinances and zoning requirements.
    • A municipality may not enact or enforce an ordinance prohibiting an individual from listing or offering a short-term rental on a short-term-rental website.
    • A municipality may not use an ordinance prohibiting the act of renting a short-term rental to punish an individual solely for listing or offering it on a short-term-rental website.
    • The statute does not establish that short-term rentals are allowed in every zone or municipality.
    “A municipality may adopt an ordinance requiring the owner or lessee of a short-term rental to obtain a business license or other permit from the municipality before operating a short-term rental within the municipality.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    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.

    • The tiny house may be allowed in an RV park only with the required data plate or permanent label and either Recreational Vehicle Industry Association certification or qualified third-party inspection certification.
    • The RV park must comply with applicable building, zoning, electrical, health, fire codes and local ordinances.
    • Outside RV parks, whether a tiny home is permitted depends on local land-use regulations and whether the structure is treated as a primary dwelling, accessory dwelling, modular unit, or manufactured home.

    maximum floor area for tiny house under Rule R392-301: <= 400 square feet (The rule defines tiny house for purposes of the rule; this does not establish statewide land-use permission outside RV parks.)

    “A recreational vehicle or a tiny house may be allowed in a recreational vehicle park only if:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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 floor area in unincorporated Davis County zoning districts.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Davis County zoning districts.
  • Living in an RV — Occupancy of recreational vehicles, trailers, campers, or motor homes on private property in unincorporated Davis County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Davis County.
  • Tiny homes — Occupancy of a tiny home as a dwelling in unincorporated Davis County.
1 more unanswered
  • Manufactured homes

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 Davis 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 Davis County, Utah

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

Davis County scores 35/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: about 806,019 people within a 30-minute drive and more administrative friction around building and land use.

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

Davis County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Davis County Health Department – Environmental Health Division. 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 Davis County, Utah?

Land in Davis County runs about $14,480 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Davis County?

Davis County gets about 25.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 28.4% of years. On water rights, Davis 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 Davis County?

A representative private-land location has about 806,019 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,195,355 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Davis compares in Utah

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