Radon in New Homes: Lehi, Saratoga Springs & Eagle Mountain

Can a brand-new home have high radon?

Yes. Utah DEQ reports that "1 in 3 Homes in Utah have elevated Radon Levels" (Utah DEQ), and testing is the only way to know. Test after you move in.

Does Utah code require radon-resistant construction?

No. The IRC’s Appendix F (Radon Control Methods) “is not adopted in Utah as standard” (Utah IBIS, Radon in Utah). Current Utah Code 15A-3-206(33) reads:

“(a) When passive radon controls or portions thereof are voluntarily installed, the voluntary installation shall comply with Appendix F of the IRC. (b) An additional inspection of a voluntary installation described in Subsection (28)(a) is not required.”

Source: Utah Code 15A-3-206, effective 7/1/2025 (quoted as published, including its cross-reference).

What a passive radon system is

Under Appendix F: a gas-permeable layer (such as at least 4 inches of clean aggregate) under the slab, a minimum 6-mil polyethylene soil-gas retarder on top, sealed cracks and openings, and a vent pipe connecting the area under the slab with outdoor air (IRC Appendix AF, Utah 2021 via UpCodes).

Passive vs. active

Appendix F’s gas-permeable layer is there “to facilitate future installation of a subslab depressurization system, if needed.” If a test shows 4 pCi/L or higher, a radon professional can assess adding a fan. See how mitigation works and typical costs.

Questions to ask your builder

• Did you install passive radon controls? Which parts (gas-permeable layer, membrane, sealing, vent pipe)?
• Where does the vent pipe run, and is there a place to add a fan later?
• Was the house tested for radon, and can I see the results?

Test after closing

Run a short-term test once you’re living in the home, and retest periodically. Testing options.

FAQ

Does Utah require radon-resistant construction in new homes?

No. Utah has not adopted IRC Appendix F (Radon Control Methods) as a statewide standard. If a builder voluntarily installs passive radon controls, Utah Code requires that installation to comply with Appendix F.

Can a new home in Lehi, Saratoga Springs or Eagle Mountain have high radon?

Yes. Utah DEQ reports that "1 in 3 Homes in Utah have elevated Radon Levels", and testing is the only way to know.

What is a passive radon system?

Under IRC Appendix F, a passive system uses a gas-permeable layer under the slab, a plastic soil-gas retarder on top of it, sealed openings, and a vent pipe from beneath the slab to the outdoors. The gas-permeable layer is meant to make a future active (fan) system easier to install if needed.

Local pages: Lehi · Saratoga Springs · Eagle Mountain

Utah Radon Quotes is a free referral service, not a contractor. We connect Utah County homeowners with independent radon contractors; we do not perform testing or mitigation work ourselves.