Bolthole Index

Sanpete County, Utah

Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Mayfield, Utah

The Town of Mayfield, Utah, in Sanpete County, requires a building permit for construction or alteration inside town limits, except fences1. Mayfield adopts and enforces its own zoning2. Septic permits are not issued by the town: the Central Utah Public Health Department handles them3. Land outside town limits falls under Sanpete County's separate rules4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required inside town limits, except for fences1
Zoning
Town zoning and subdivision ordinances, enforced by the Town Council2
Septic
Only where sewer connection is not reasonably possible; needs Town Council and health-agency approval35
Manufactured homes
Allowed in the RR-1-20,000 zone, subject to town standards6
Minimum lot (RR-1-20,000)
20,000 sq ft and 100 ft wide for a one-family dwelling7
RV living and tiny homes
We could not confirm a town rule; ask the town office8
Wells
Utah Division of Water Rights issues the approval9
Owner-builder
State licensure exemption for a sole owner; permits still apply10

Who to call

Building permits

Mayfield Town Building Permits and Inspections Department

Building plan review, zoning permits, inspections and certificate of occupancy permits inside Mayfield town limits

(435) 528-5061

mayfieldtownutah@gmail.com

52 North Main Street Mayfield, UT 84643

Septic permits

Central Utah Public Health Department — Manti Office

Onsite wastewater (septic) permits for Sanpete County, including addresses inside Mayfield

(435) 835-2231

125 North 100 East Manti, Utah

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 24, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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Does Mayfield, Utah have zoning?

Yes. The Town of Mayfield enforces its own zoning, subdivision and official-map ordinances through the Town Council2. Zone boundaries are set on the official Zone Map of Mayfield, Utah, 1997, Revised, so check a parcel against that map before you buy11.

In the RR-1-20,000 Rural Residential Zone, a one-family dwelling needs a lot of at least 20,000 square feet and 100 feet of width7. Main buildings must sit at least 25 feet from the front lot line, with side and rear setbacks of at least 15 and 30 feet12. Building height tops out at 30 feet or two and one-half stories, whichever is higher13. One-family manufactured housing is allowed in that zone, subject to MMC 18.48.2306.

Other zones have their own standards; ask the town office which zone a parcel sits in.

Do you need a building permit in Mayfield, and who issues it?

Yes. Anyone who builds or alters a building or structure inside Mayfield town limits, except a fence, needs a permit first1. A lower-cost exception applies only when materials cost less than $5,000 and the work does not enlarge the structure or affect its walls1.

The town clerk takes the written application, which must include duplicate plans, and the building inspector reviews them for conformity with town codes14. The inspector returns plans within 10 days marked approved or disapproved14. The application fee is set in the town's fee appendix15.

The Town's Building Permits and Inspections Department also handles zoning permits, plan review and inspections8. The town has adopted the Uniform Building Code, 1985 Edition, while Utah's State Construction Code also applies statewide1617.

How do septic permits work in Mayfield?

Mayfield expects homes to connect to the town sewer. A septic tank or similar individual system is allowed only where connection to the sewer is not reasonably possible because of topography or another physical condition, and it needs Town Council approval5. The applicant must also bring written approval from the applicable health agency3.

Septic permits themselves come from the Central Utah Public Health Department, whose Manti office is at 125 North 100 East318. In Sanpete County that department will not allow construction to begin until it issues a construction permit19. Its conventional permit fee is $600 and an alternative system is $90019.

County soils matter: about 6% of Sanpete County soils rate as not limited for a conventional drain field, so expect a site evaluation20. We could not confirm a septic inspection requirement inside town limits; ask the health department.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Mayfield?

We could not confirm. Mayfield's development code does not contain an operative RV-occupancy, temporary-camping or tiny-home rule that we could locate, so call the town office at (435) 528-5061 before you park an RV or place a tiny home on a lot8.

Do not assume the county's answer applies. Sanpete County prohibits full-time living in a recreational vehicle, but that rule covers unincorporated land only21. A dwelling placed inside town limits also needs a building permit1. Manufactured housing is a separate, confirmed case: it is allowed in the RR-1-20,000 zone6.

Building a home in Mayfield: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm the parcel's zone on the town's zone map and check lot size, setbacks and height11.
  2. Ask the town whether sewer connection is possible; if not, seek Town Council approval and health-agency approval for a septic system5.
  3. Apply to the Central Utah Public Health Department for a septic permit if a septic system is approved18.
  4. If you need a well, the Utah Division of Water Rights issues the approval, called a Start Card9.
  5. Have the property approach and culvert reviewed and approved by the town before placing a culvert; the general minimum diameter is 12 inches22.
  6. Submit your building permit application with duplicate plans to the town clerk14.
  7. Schedule inspections with the Building Permits and Inspections Department8.

What stays with Sanpete County, and what to check before you buy

Sanpete County's building, zoning and RV rules apply to unincorporated land, not to parcels inside Mayfield4. For land outside town limits, see the Sanpete County page.

Utah's owner-builder exemption is from contractor licensure only; it lets a sole owner build one residential structure per year for noncommercial use, and does not remove permit requirements23.

Before you buy, ask the town for current impact fees and connection costs, which the building inspector page says have changed8. Sanpete County's typical home value is about $403,52924 and the effective property tax rate is 0.5%25; both are county-level figures.

Watch-outs

  • We could not confirm Mayfield's rules for RVs, tiny homes, accessory dwelling units, floodplain development or short-term rentals; call the town office at (435) 528-5061 before you rely on any of them8.
  • Mayfield's code page names the Uniform Building Code, 1985 Edition, while Utah's State Construction Code lists newer editions, so ask the building inspector which standards apply to your plans1617.
  • Sanpete County is not accepting building permit applications for projects accessing Pine Creek Road during a temporary moratorium, which matters if your land is outside town limits26.

Sources

  1. Chapter 15.08, Building Codes and Permits (Town of Mayfield), quoted and re-checked
  2. Mayfield Municipal Code Title 18 Development Code (Town of Mayfield), quoted and re-checked
  3. sanpetecountyutah.gov (Town of Mayfield), quoted and re-checked
  4. Sanpete County Land Use Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  5. ecode360.com (Town of Mayfield), quoted and re-checked
  6. Mayfield Municipal Code Title 18 Development Code (Town of Mayfield), quoted and re-checked
  7. Mayfield Municipal Code Title 18 Development Code (Town of Mayfield), quoted and re-checked
  8. Mayfield Town Building Permits and Inspections Department (mayfieldtownut.gov)
  9. Building Department | Sanpete County, UT (Town of Mayfield), quoted and re-checked
  10. Utah Code Title 58, Chapter 55, Construction Trades Licensing Act exemptions (Utah statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Mayfield Municipal Code Title 18 Development Code (Town of Mayfield), quoted and re-checked
  12. Mayfield Municipal Code Title 18 Development Code (Town of Mayfield), quoted and re-checked
  13. Mayfield Municipal Code Title 18 Development Code (Town of Mayfield), quoted and re-checked
  14. Chapter 15.08, Building Codes and Permits (Town of Mayfield), quoted and re-checked
  15. Chapter 15.08, Building Codes and Permits (Town of Mayfield), quoted and re-checked
  16. Chapter 15.08, Building Codes and Permits (Town of Mayfield), quoted and re-checked
  17. Utah Code § 15A-1-204, Adoption of State Construction Code (Utah statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Central Utah Public Health Department — Manti Office (centralutahhealth.gov)
  19. Onsite Wastewater Permit Instructions, quoted and re-checked
  20. 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
  21. Sanpete County Land Use Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  22. ecode360.com (Town of Mayfield), quoted and re-checked
  23. Utah Code Section 58-55-305, Exemptions from licensure, quoted and re-checked
  24. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data
  25. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Sanpete County Land Use Ordinance, quoted and re-checked

Written October 24, 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.

Answers from the rulebook for Town of Mayfield

Town of Mayfield’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction or alteration of a building or structure inside Mayfield town limits, except a fence.

    • The retail-material-cost exception applies when cost is less than $5,000, unless the work enlarges a structure or affects building or structure walls.

    retail cost of materials exception threshold: < 5000 USD (Exception does not apply where construction or alteration enlarges the structure or affects walls.)

    “It shall be a class C misdemeanor for any homeowner and a class B misdemeanor for any person who receives payment or anything of value to construct or alter any building or structure, except a fence, without first securing the permit required by this chapter.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Plumbing or drainage work in an owner-occupied or owner-designed single-family dwelling and its usual accessory buildings inside Mayfield town limits.

    • The applicant must be a bona fide owner; furnish a complete layout drawing; satisfy the plumbing inspector of working knowledge; pay necessary fees; and call for required inspections.
    “Any permit required by this chapter may be issued to any person to do any plumbing or drainage work regulated by this chapter in a single-family dwelling used exclusively for living purposes, including the usual accessory buildings and quarters in connection with such buildings in the event that any such person is a bona fide owner of any such dwelling and accessory buildings and quarters and that the same are occupied by or designed to be occupied by the owner; and further provided, that the owner shall furnish the plumbing inspector with a complete layout drawing of the proposed work, satisfies the plumbing inspector that he has working knowledge of the requirements contained in this chapter, pays the necessary fees, and calls for all inspections required by this chapter.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Buildings within Mayfield town limits.

    • The code page identifies the adopted edition as the Uniform Building Code, 1985 Edition.
    “The Uniform Building Code, 1985 Edition, published by the International Conference of Building Officials and printed as a code in book form, one copy of which has previously been filed with the clerk for use and examination by the public, hereby is approved and adopted as the building code of this town.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Building construction inside Mayfield town limits.

    • The official town page identifies inspections as a responsibility of the Building Permits and Inspections Department; it does not state a universal inspection-stage schedule.
    “The Building Permits and Inspections Department is responsible for: Conducting building construction inspections”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land inside Mayfield town limits.

    • Construction or change in use must conform with the applicable adopted ordinance.
    “The Town council shall have the authority and responsibility for ensuring compliance with the adopted zoning, subdivision and official map ordinances”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts inside Mayfield town limits.

    • Zone locations and boundaries are set on the official Zone Map of Mayfield, Utah, 1997, Revised, which is incorporated into the code.
    “The location and boundaries of each zone shall be as set forth on the official Zone Map of Mayfield, Utah, 1997, Revised, which map is appended hereto and by this reference included as a part of this code.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    One-family dwellings in the RR-1-20,000 Rural Residential Zone inside Mayfield town limits.

    minimum lot area: >= 20000 square feet · minimum lot width: >= 100 feet

    “The minimum area and width requirements of a zoning lot shall be as follows: Use Minimum Area Minimum Width A. One- family dwellings 20,000 sq.ft. 100 feet”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Main dwellings and other main buildings in the RR-1-20,000 Rural Residential Zone inside Mayfield town limits.

    • For approved cul-de-sac or curved-street lots, the front setback is the distance from the front lot line at which minimum width is met, but not less than 25 feet.
    • Corner-lot side setback adjoining a street is 25 feet.

    front setback: >= 25 feet (Approved cul-de-sac or curved-street lot rule applies.) · interior side setback: >= 15 feet · rear setback: >= 30 feet

    “All dwellings and other main buildings shall be set back not less than 25 feet from the front lot line; provided, that on lots approved in conformance with the provisions of MMC 18.28.050, the front setback shall be the distance from the front lot line at which the minimum width requirements are met, but not less than 25 feet.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Buildings in the RR-1-20,000 Rural Residential Zone inside Mayfield town limits.

    • Listed ancillary structures not used for human occupancy are excluded from height measurement, but may not extend more than 15 feet above a building unless Planning Commission approval is obtained under MMC 18.48.200.

    maximum building height: 30 feet (Or two and one-half stories, whichever is higher.)

    “The maximum height of any building shall be 30 feet or two and one-half stories, whichever is higher. Where the ground is uneven in height, the average elevation thereof shall apply.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    One-family manufactured housing in the RR-1-20,000 Rural Residential Zone inside Mayfield town limits.

    • Subject to MMC 18.48.230 and to applicable RR-1 standards.
    “One-family dwellings, manufactured housing, subject to the provisions of MMC 18.48.230.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Individual sewage systems proposed inside Mayfield town limits where municipal sewer connection is not reasonably possible.

    • Requires Town Council approval and written evidence of health-agency approval before approval of the individual system.
    “Septic Tank Permits are issued through the Central Utah Public Health Department located at 125 N 100 E, Manti.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Use of a septic tank or similar individual sewage system for a dwelling or habitable structure inside Mayfield town limits.

    • Permitted only where sewer connection is not reasonably possible because of topographic or other physical condition.
    • Requires Town Council approval and written evidence of applicable-health-agency approval.
    “Where, because of topographic or other physical condition, connection to the sewer system is not reasonably possible, the town council may approve the use of a septic tank or similar individual system. Before granting approval for use of an individual system the applicant shall provide written evidence of approval of such system from the applicable health agency.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Private wells serving land inside Mayfield town limits.

    • Sanpete County's building department identifies the Utah Division of Water Rights as the issuing authority.
    “A Start Card is issued upon approval of the water right, which is essentially the permit to construct the well.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision plats for land inside Mayfield town limits.

    • A plat must be submitted to and approved by Town Council and the approval entered in writing on the plat.
    • Planning Commission approval is also required.
    • An unapproved filed or recorded plat is null and void and sale of lots is a violation for each lot sold.
    “Thereafter, no plat of a subdivision of land within the Town shall be filed or recorded until it shall have been submitted to and approved by the Town council, in accordance with the terms of said subdivision regulations, and such approval entered in writing on the plat.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Property approaches and culvert placement inside Mayfield town limits.

    • Property approaches must be reviewed and approved before culvert placement.
    • The general minimum culvert diameter is 12 inches unless a listed drainage corridor requires a larger diameter.
    • Detailed plans must be submitted for Town review and approval.

    general minimum culvert diameter: >= 12 inches (Unless a specified drainage corridor requires a larger diameter.)

    “Property Approaches – Must be reviewed and approved by Mayfield Town prior to culvert placement to determine size. Minimum 12″ diameter unless noted above.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Building and plumbing permit applications inside Mayfield town limits.

    • The building-permit application fee is set in Appendix III.
    • Plumbing permit fees are set in Appendix I and must be paid before issuance.
    “The clerk shall collect a fee for the application of a permit in the amount set forth in Appendix III of this code.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Building permit applications inside Mayfield town limits.

    • Written application must be accompanied by duplicate plans and specifications that state the specific nature of construction or alterations.
    • The building inspector reviews the plan for conformity with municipal codes and ordinances.

    building inspector plan-review period: <= 10 days (Return plans to clerk with approved or disapproved statement.)

    “The application and plans shall be forwarded from the clerk to the building inspector, who shall review the plan to determine whether the proposed construction or alteration conforms to the building codes and ordinances of this municipality. The building inspector shall return the plans to the clerk within 10 days with the statement "approved" if the plans do conform or "disapproved" if the plans do not conform.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Town of Mayfield or Sanpete County directly.

  • Certificate of occupancy — Occupancy of buildings inside Mayfield town limits.
  • Lot coverage — Lots inside Mayfield town limits.
  • Living in an RV — RV occupancy on private land inside Mayfield town limits.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land inside Mayfield town limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Mayfield town limits.
5 more unanswered
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Septic inspection
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Building in a floodplain
  • Short-term rentals

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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Town of Mayfield publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Sanpete County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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