Permits and process for a panel upgrade in Salt Lake City
A residential panel upgrade in Salt Lake City usually has two official tracks: a city electrical permit from Building Services, and utility coordination with Rocky Mountain Power whenever the meter has to come out.
1. The city permit
Salt Lake City Building Services states that installing or altering an electrical system requires a permit. All permit applications are submitted electronically through the Citizen Access Portal at slcpermits.com. The city’s “Apply for a Permit” instructions are: register or log in, choose the Building tab, apply for a permit, and select the correct type. Trade permits such as Electrical are separate from a general building permit. An incorrect type can delay or void an application.
After submission, some projects receive a ProjectDox invitation to upload plans. Building Services requires a plan-review process for all new generator and electric vehicle installations, with a site plan, construction plans, and installation specifications. A submitted application is not yet an approved permit. Plan review does not begin until prescreen is accepted and fees are paid.
The Building Permits office is at 451 South State Street, Room 215, in downtown Salt Lake City. The FAQ page says staff and computers are available Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to help with submissions. Questions may be emailed to [email protected] or the office can be reached at 801-535-7968. Confirm hours and contacts on the official site before you go.
2. Fees
The April 23, 2026 electrical fee page lists a $57 base fee, the applicable schedule fee, and a 1% Utah state fee. For a residential electrical service change, alteration, or minor remodel on a single- or two-family dwelling, the schedule fee is $39. The city says the schedule is not an application and that final fees may depend on scope, valuation, and review requirements. See the cost guide for how this compares with construction ranges.
3. Rocky Mountain Power coordination
Most Salt Lake City addresses are served by Rocky Mountain Power, a PacifiCorp division. Check the logo on your bill; a few nearby communities use municipal power and are a different process. Rocky Mountain Power’s Electric Service Requirements apply to upgraded and rewired services. Public summaries of those requirements, and utility correspondence in the public record, state that:
- Physical disconnects are done by Power Company personnel. Customers or their agents should not physically disconnect the service.
- Customers are not authorized to work on, remove, or interfere with the company’s meter.
- The customer (or the electrician acting for them) should consult the utility before work that involves relocating, rewiring, removing, or installing a meter.
- A city, county, or state electrical inspection is typically required before the utility reconnects service.
Rocky Mountain Power’s general contact number for electric service questions is 1-888-221-7070. The utility does not, in the documents reviewed for this page, publish a guaranteed residential outage length for a panel swap. Your electrician should explain the likely window after the disconnect is scheduled.
4. A practical sequence
- On-site evaluation and a written scope, including whether the meter base or mast is in the job.
- Electrical permit application through the Citizen Access Portal, with plan review if the city requires it (always confirm for EV work).
- Schedule the Rocky Mountain Power disconnect if the meter must come out. Do not pull the meter yourself.
- Complete the work, then schedule the Building Services inspection through the portal.
- After a passed inspection, the utility reconnects service.
This site is not affiliated with Building Services or Rocky Mountain Power. Always confirm current rules with those agencies. Related pages: what to expect on the day, EV charger panel upgrades, the Avenues, Sugar House, and the guides hub.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply for an electrical permit in Salt Lake City?
Through the Citizen Access Portal at slcpermits.com. Building Services’ “Apply for a Permit” page walks through account registration, choosing an electrical trade permit, entering the address, and later uploading plans to ProjectDox when plan review is required.
What if I am hiring a contractor?
For contracted work, the licensed electrician typically pulls the permit. Building Services’ materials also describe owner-builder situations for some owner-occupied work, with additional certification. Rentals and commercial property generally require a contractor. Confirm the current rule with Building Services rather than relying on a summary.
When does Rocky Mountain Power get involved?
When the work requires a temporary disconnect, a meter change, or a service upgrade. Rocky Mountain Power’s Electric Service Requirements state that physical disconnects are performed by Power Company personnel and that customers are not authorized to work on the company’s meter. A city inspection is typically required before service is restored.
How do I reach Building Services?
The Building Permits office is at 451 South State Street, Room 215, Salt Lake City, UT 84111. Staff are available Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help with submissions. Questions can go to [email protected] or 801-535-7968. Recheck these details on the official site before you visit or call.
Request a quote
A local licensed electrician can look at your panel, service, and planned loads and give you a written scope. There is no obligation to hire anyone.