Finishing a Basement in Clinton

Clinton homes and households

Census estimates put the median Clinton home at about 2000, with roughly half built since then. Clinton is one of the most owner-occupied cities in the area, at about nine in ten homes, and households are large, averaging about 3.5 people.

Median year built

2000

Built 2000 or later

About 50%

Owner-occupied

About 91%

Households with children

About 47%

Long-term owners with big households usually want bedrooms, a bathroom and family space downstairs. See basement finishing and egress windows and bedrooms.

Figures: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024 estimates via Census Reporter.

High water tables: start here

Clinton's code is direct: "Throughout the City there are high water tables." It requires footing and foundation subdrains for any structure built below natural grade, which includes basements, unless groundwater has stayed at least 5 feet away over a three-year period. Sump pumps may not discharge into the sanitary sewer.

For a finish, that means:

• confirming how your home's foundation drains and where any sump discharges;
• keeping the sump and any cleanouts accessible in the layout;
• checking for signs of past water before framing;
• choosing flooring and wall assemblies suited to a basement. See flooring options and insulation.

Clinton's basement permit

Clinton requires a permit before a building is altered, improved or converted, and the Community Development Department issues them through the city's online portal. Its plan list for basement finishes, additions and remodels asks for plans drawn to scale showing:

• RoomsTotal square footage, each room's use, and areas labeled "unfinished."
• Electrical and alarmsOutlets, the panel location, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Egress and accessEgress window sizes, stairs and doors, and any fireplace.

The list includes four inspections: under-floor plumbing if applicable, a four-way rough, insulation and final, each with 24 hours' notice. It was last revised in 2019, so confirm current code editions with the city.

Fees

Clinton's FY 2026-27 fee schedule, adopted June 16, 2026, values a finished basement at 1.5 times the ICC's unfinished basement value and applies the city's fee table with a 0.85 multiplier. Plan review adds 30%, plus a 1% state fee and a $30 technology fee. The schedule also lists a flat residential remodel fee, so ask the city which applies to your project.

Basement apartments and ADUs in Clinton

Clinton updated its accessory dwelling unit rules in August 2026. As drafted, the update:

• allows ADUs in the R-1 and A zones and for existing single-family homes in the PZ zone, and drops the old 6,000 sq ft lot minimum;
• requires the owner to live in either unit, with a notarized affidavit and a recorded notice;
• requires one extra off-street space, with at least three stalls in total;
• keeps an internal ADU's entrance on the side or rear, with no size limit, no separate meters and "Unit B" addressing;
• prohibits rentals under 30 consecutive days.

A $40 ADU recording fee and a $152 annual residential rental license appear on the 2026 fee schedule. City documents differ on the ordinance number, so confirm the adopted text with the city. See basement apartments and ADUs.

How it works in Clinton

A screened local basement contractor whose Utah license and insurance we've checked contacts you within 24 to 48 hours for a free in-home walkthrough, then provides a layout sketch, written scope and itemized estimate. Syracuse Basement Co. doesn't have an office in Clinton.

Common questions