Obtaining a Permit

Submit the following items:

1. Building Permit Application
2. Detailed Plan
3. Each room labeled with dimensions and use
4. Placement of all electrical outlets and breaker panel location, if in the basement
5. Smoke detector locations
6. Label all unfinished areas as "unfinished"
7. Egress window locations
8. Gas fireplace/wood stove location, if applicable
9. Location of stairways and doorways

 

Current Codes Adopted

Required Inspections

A minimum 24-hour notice is required on all inspections.  Please schedule sub-contractors with this in mind in order to keep your project running smoothly and avoid unnecessary delays.  Inspections for basement improvements generally consist of three types:

1. Four-Way Rough:  All rough framing, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work in place and visible
2. Insulation:  All insulation in place with vapor barrier where required and insulation for any drops containing heat ducts or supply ducts complete and ready for inspection 
3. Final Inspection:  All work, including paint, floor coverings, finish hardware, and equipment, complete and owner/builder awaiting inspector's approval to occupy the space

General Requirements for Basement Improvements

1.   Follow the plans.  If you decide to make a change, check with a building inspector to ensure the change complies with code. 

2.   Smoke detectors are a requirement found in the building code.  Install smoke detectors in series with a minimum 14-3 w.g. conductor using a listed 110 detector with battery backup.

3.   Must install a Carbon Monoxide Detector on the basement level if it contains a gas-fired appliance (i.e. furnace, water heater, fireplace, gas dryer).

4.   Bedroom windows must comply with these requirements for egress with a minimum 5.7 square feet and dimensions of 20 inches wide by 24 inches high.  The maximum finished sill height is 44 inches.  Windows in the basement must meet this requirement even if bedroom is not reflected on the plan. 

5.   Must properly size beams for the load when replacing any portion of a bearing wall.  Engineering beam schedules shall be a part of the drawings submitted prior to issuance of the permit. 

6.   Must have full depth solid blocking at bearing points between joists. 

7.   Install framing anchors and hangers where required. 

8.   Holes in floor joist cannot exceed 1/3 the depth with a minimum 2 inches to the edges.  Notches in the ends (vertical edge) of a joist cannot exceed 1/4 the depth.  Notches in the end 1/3 of joists cannot exceed 1/6 the depth. The center 1/3 of a joist span must not have notches (not applicable on I-Joists). 

9.   Maintain adequate bearing continuity to footing or foundation for posts supporting beams or girders.

10. When any plumbing or electrical necessitate cutting of soles or plates, install a metal tie (not less than .058 inch 16-galvanized gauge) 1 1/2 inches wide, fastened to each plate across and to each side of opening with not less than six 16d nails. 

11. Install positive post beam connections to resist lateral displacement and uplift. 

12. Minimum headroom for a stairway is 6 feet 8 inches and must have 7 feet for at least 2/3 of room ceiling and no less than 7 feet for kitchens, halls, and bathrooms (drops or beams 6'6"). 

13. Must have handrails on all stairs with four or more risers.  Place top of handrail between 34 inches and 38 inches measured vertically from nose of tread. 

14. Must have guardrails next to walking surfaces more than 30 inches above grade of floor below.  Guardrails shall be at least 36 inches in height with balusters spaced less than 4 inches apart. 

15. Plates, sills, and sleepers that rest on concrete or masonry shall be of treated wood or foundation redwood. 

16. Must have 5/8 inch type "X" gypsum on the underside of enclosed stairways.

17. The maximum window sill height shall not exceed 44" from floor level.  Same applies to maximum depth of window wells.  

Insulation

Exterior basement walls must have a minimum R-value of 13.  Paper or foil-backed insulation shall be recognized as meeting the vapor barrier requirement when properly installed.  Cover all other types of insulation with an approved vapor barrier unless otherwise approved by the Building Official (Utah State Energy Code).

Appliance Connections

The installation and location of any television, telephone, security, central vacuum, or audio systems are the sole responsibility of the owner.  Any notches or holes created in framing members for the installation of these systems must comply with the International Building Code.

Electrical

1. Must have G.F.C.I.-type outlets in all bathrooms 

2. Install A.F.C.I breakers for all bedroom circuits 

3. Protect jet-tub motors with a G.F.C.I. circuit accessible for repair or replacement

4. Install outlets every 12 feet maximum in walls and in any wall space exceeding 2 feet in width 

5. Recessed light fixtures installed between floor joists subject to direct contact with insulation, rated or approved for such an application or barrier, must be installed with a minimum clearance of 3 inches from the fixture to any insulation (must also maintain a clearance of 1/2 inch from the fixture to any combustible material) 

6. Any bathroom without an openable window must have an electrical exhaust fan vented directly to the outside (with metal duct) 

    

Plumbing

1.  All fixtures in basement must have a dry venting roof (no wet venting permitted between floors)

2.  Access door required for jet tub motors

3.  Shower doors must have a 22" minimum net opening

4.  Must have a minimum 30 inches across and 21 inches in front of any water closet (toilet)

Mechanical

1.  Vent bathroom exhaust fans directly to the outside with metal duct

2.  Do not permit copper water lines or wires to make direct contact with galvanized duct work (protect or move contact areas)

3.  Ensure all joints in mechanical ducts are airtight (duct or furnace tape is not acceptable)

4.  Maintain clearances from type "B" furnace flues to combustibles (Note: Provide cold air return as required) 

5.  All exterior duct openings must be properly covered with grills, screen, back-draft devices, etc.

The Contractor of Record listed on the building permit, whether a General Contractor or Owner/Builder, shall be held responsible for all phases of construction.  It is their responsibility to ensure any subcontractor involved in the construction project is currently licensed by the State of Utah in their profession.  It will also be the responsibility of the Contractor of Record to ensure all work is completed and in compliance with the current editions on the model codes and ordinances adopted by the State of Utah and Syracuse City respectively.