Welcome, This page is to help you with info needed to build a cabin legally.  Please note it is for informational use only and should not be referenced as legal advice.  We try hard to help you get your cabin done right.  If you have questions reach out to a board member via the Contact Us page or email environmental@ahoa.org.

Shed Requirements 

Please Note: According to Sanpete County Land Use Ordinance section 14.76.126 Number 2. A single structure up to 120 sq. ft. storage shed is allowed in all zones without a building permit.

Cabin Requirements 

If you intend to build a cabin there are several steps that need to be completed before you can even apply for a building permit.

1. SURVEY YOUR LOT – We cannot stress this one enough.  Don’t take the word of the owner that you purchased from unless they have written proof that a survey was done.
2. Plan your lot, before you cut into it –  Rushing to get the lot cut out can cause you a lot of pain when it comes time to build.  I know planning can be pretty hard to do when you walk your lot and all you see are trees and thick brush – however a few tips:
   1. Find out where the natural runoff flows, look for any natural ditches or signs of water flow.  Check the road to see where the culverts are.  You may even want to visit your lot at different times of the year to see how the land handles the seasons.
   2. Look for natural flat parts, you will want to enhance these as much as possible.  Look for hills that can be pushed into low spots to make flat ground.
   3. Use Google earth to look at your lot from an areal view – there are ways to overlay your plot map and get a really good picture of what you could do before you scar your property.
   4. Try to visualize where you will put your septic tank
3. Create your Site Plan – Once you have a good plan in your head do your best to put your idea on paper, this is your “Site Plan” it does not need to be fancy.  You just need to show your lot shape and where you intend to cut in the driveway, place your septic and where you intend to build your cabin.
4. Review Important Information
   
   • Read the following information on cutting in Driveways
   • Print the following lot checklist – read it carefully and then contact the board member over Environmental (see Contact Us) – they need to approve it before you move on.
     • Lot Check List (updated 2016)
     • Stream Alteration Permit 2016
   • Read the following Health Department Letter on Septic tanks Health Dept Letter
   • Read the following ordinance on dry subdivisions – This letter revels important information on county requirements if you intend to build cabin County Ordinance
5. Cut your lot out – There are several people that are used in the subdivision – ask around, check price, review the work they have done for others – talk to other land owners about their experiences.
6. Remove the pushed out debris – if you remove this right away you won’t have the hassle of trying to remove it when you have construction material around, this will be part of your fire mitigation plan, so it is best to just get it done.  This debris can be taken to the landing strip where it will be pushed into piles and burned when the fire hazards are at their lowest.
7. Find a cabin plan that suits your needs.  Beware of “cabin kits” they are sometimes more work than building from scratch.  This may be another good time to talk to other cabin owners and see if they will permit you to look at their cabins for some idea.  You may want to even hire a good designer.
8. Complete your Wildland Fire Mitigation Plan – You must contact the Sanpete County Fire Chief who will conduct an assessment of your plan and prepare a fire mitigation plan for you (Meaning what trees will need to be removed before he will approve your plan)
   • http://sanpete.com/pages/wildland
9. Obtain needed permits –
   • Septic Tank Permits – You can get this through the person you choose to install your septic tank – or if you are installing your own, they are issued through the Central Utah Public Health Department located at 20 South 100 West; Mt. Pleasant. Telephone – (435) 462-2449.
   • Well Permits (not a requirement) are issued through the Utah Division of Water Rights located at 130 N. Main, Richfield. Telephone – (435) 896-4429.
   • Plat Maps and Legal Descriptions can be obtained from the Recorders office located at 160 N. Main, Manti. Telephone – (435) 835-2181.
   • Conditional use permit – this permit allows you to use your generator
   • Building permit How to obtain a building Permit and Conditional use permit – Sanpete County
10. Install Water Tank – The size of water tank(s) will be determined by the fire mitigation process
11. Install Septic System – You may want to plan in for future needs – Example, if you will have trailers visit your property you may want to have lines installed for additional trailer stalls.

LET THE BUILDING BEGIN

Comments concerns please Contact Us.