What to Know Before Starting a Commercial Build in Utah
Whether you’re planning a warehouse in West Jordan or a retail center in Cedar City, starting a commercial build in Utah involves more than just picking a site and pouring concrete. From permitting and zoning to utilities and contractor selection, there are a few things every owner should be prepared for before construction begins.
Here’s a practical guide to what you need to know.
1. Know the Local Zoning and Permitting Process
In Utah, zoning and permitting vary city to city — and sometimes even by zone within a city. What’s allowed in Salt Lake may not be the same in Spanish Fork.
Before you purchase land or submit plans, check:
Zoning regulations for your parcel (e.g., industrial, commercial, mixed-use)
Setback and height restrictions
Required parking ratios
Conditional use approvals, if applicable
Most commercial builds require site plan approval, followed by full building permit submission. This process can take weeks or months depending on the jurisdiction.
🔎 Pro Tip: Get a pre-submittal meeting with the city early — it can save you time and surprises.
2. Understand Your Utility Access
Utah is growing fast, but that doesn’t mean every site is ready for a new commercial building. Some key questions:
Is there power to the site? If so, what voltage and capacity?
Are water and sewer connections available nearby?
Will the site need a septic system or stormwater detention?
Are fiber or gas utilities present, or will they need to be extended?
Lack of utility access can add tens of thousands to your project — or delay your build while new service is routed.
3. Budget for Site Work and Soils
Utah’s geography is diverse — so is its dirt. Flat land isn’t always buildable, and rocky or expansive soils can require extensive work before you even pour a footing.
Typical site costs include:
Clearing and grubbing
Over-excavation and recompaction (common in Utah’s clay-heavy areas)
Grading and drainage
Utility trenching and backfill
If you haven’t already, order a geotechnical report to understand what kind of soils you’re working with. It’s required for permitting anyway — and it could save your slab.
4. Choose the Right Delivery Method
There are two common approaches to commercial construction in Utah:
Plan-Bid-Build
Architect creates full plans
Plans are sent out to multiple GCs for bids
Owner selects contractor after design is done
This method gives more price visibility up front, but can lead to delays, change orders, and finger-pointing if the design doesn’t match the budget.
Design/Build
Contractor and design team work together from the start
Scope, cost, and timeline are developed in tandem
More collaboration, fewer surprises
🛠️ At A.D. Constructors, we recommend Design/Build for owners who want tighter control, faster timelines, and a more streamlined process.
5. Be Realistic About Timelines
Even a basic commercial metal building project involves:
Civil design
Utility coordination
Permitting
Foundation engineering
Building fabrication
Site prep
Construction and inspections
From land acquisition to occupancy, most projects take 6–12 months (or more), depending on size and complexity. Build this into your planning — and don’t forget lead times for steel, permits, and subcontractor availability.
6. Partner With a Contractor Who Knows Utah
From snow loads in Park City to sandy soil in St. George, Utah’s building conditions are unique. A good contractor will:
Know local codes and permitting requirements
Catch budget-killing site issues early
Coordinate design, engineering, and construction as one team
Bring in trusted local subcontractors
Final Thoughts
Breaking ground on a commercial project is exciting — but success starts before the first shovel hits dirt. With smart planning, the right delivery method, and a contractor who understands Utah’s landscape, you’ll save time, money, and headaches.
🛠️ Ready to talk about your next commercial build? Let’s connect!