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Permits
Why should I get a building permit?
When is a building permit required?
How do I apply for a permit?
What will happen if I do work without a permit?
How long will it take to process my application?
Why do I need a permit for a gas log installation, furnace or water heater replacement?
Inspections
What inspections do I need?
How do I schedule an inspection?
Can I request a specific time for my inspection?
Codes and Design Criteria
What code versions does SAFEbuilt use?
Why should I get a building permit?
There are several advantages to doing home improvement projects with a building permit. When you apply for a permit, you can be assured that your construction drawings will be thoroughly reviewed and that each phase of the project will be inspected to ensure the work is completed in compliance with locally adopted building codes. Additionally, the plans examiner and field inspector can be a resource to provide technical guidance on your project.
Furthermore, there are legal and financial liabilities that you may face when you don't get a building permit. Work without a permit is illegal and can pose serious complications for you when you try to sell your house. Any fire and homeowners insurance you have may be invalidated if you do work without a permit. If there is a fire in your home, the insurance company can use the illegal work as an excuse not to pay your claim.
For more information about applying for a permit, visit How to Apply for a Permit.
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When is a building permit required?
A person, firm or corporation cannot erect, construct, alter, repair, move, or demolish any building or structure without first obtaining a building permit.
Below is a list of projects that typically require a building permit:
- New buildings (including agricultural buildings)
- Additions
- Decks
- Patio covers and carports
- Storage sheds or accessory buildings over 120 square feet. Contact SAFEbuilt for the office that provides inspections in your town to verify.
- Re-roofing
- Fences over 6 feet in height
- Retaining wall over 4 feet in height
- Lawn sprinkler systems connected to water supply
- Swimming Pools, hot tubs and spas
- Siding, stucco, brick, etc.
- Room additions
- Patio enclosures and screened porches
- Attached and detached garages and carports
- Air conditioners
- Furnace, Water heater and Boiler installations or replacement
- Solar panels
- Gas piping over 8 feet in length
- Demolitions
- Gas log installations or replacements
- Any type of renovation:
- Basement finish
- Kitchen remodeling (includes the addition and relocation of plumbing and electrical)
- Electrical modifications
- Plumbing modifications
- Structural modifications
- Doors and Windows (if change in dimensions or type)
- Walls (new, replacement or removal)
NOTE: This list is not intended to be a complete list, nor is it intended to cover all types of projects or conditions. If you question whether a permit is required, Contact SAFEbuilt. Exemptions from permitting requirements shall not be deemed as granting authority to violate and provisions of the Town or any other laws.
For more information, visit Permit Submittal Requirements.
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How do I apply for a permit?
Permits should be applied for at Town Hall. SAFEbuilt staff picks up permit applications daily from the towns and return them to our office for review. We return them after the review is complete so you only have to drive as far as your town hall to get your permit.
SAFEbuilt staff is available to evaluate plan submittals prior to submitting for the permit. Contact SAFEbuilt today to have your plan submittals evaluated.
For more information about applying for a permit, visit How to Apply for a Permit.
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What will happen if I do work without a permit?
Construction started without a permit is subject to a special investigation fee and a municipal court fine.
For more information about applying for a permit, visit How to Apply for a Permit.
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How long will it take to process my application?
Processing times vary depending on the type of project, size of project, and the requirements of the municipality.
Most single-family residential projects, residential additions and remodels, applications can be processed within (10) days, allowing (5) days for the actual plan review and (5) days for other required reviews and processing. Most small and mid-sized commercial applications can be processed within (25) days, allowing (10) days for the actual plan review and (15) days for other required reviews and processing.
It is very important to submit the required documents and information to help facilitate this process. If a more accurate estimate of the turn-around time is needed, contact the municipality.
For more information, visit Permit Submittal Requirements.
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Why do I need a permit for a gas log installation, furnace or water heater replacement?
Gas burning appliances create carbon monoxide as a by-product of combustion. Old appliance venting systems may have a defect that is to be corrected now at the installation of the new appliance. Many new appliances require combustion air which may not have been present under the old installation. The mechanical code as adopted by the Town requires permits for replacement of appliances.
For more information about applying for a permit, visit How to Apply for a Permit.
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What inspections do I need?
Inspections are made at various stages of the building project to assure compliance with adopted building and fire codes. If discrepancies are found by the inspector(s), they are noted on an inspection correction form and left on the job site. Upon making the necessary corrections, a follow up inspection will be required to document compliance has been accomplished.
List of Inspection Requirements
- Setbacks
Property lines must be identified. Improvement location certificate may be required to verify placement of structure. Severance, Wellington and Windsor have specialized setback documentation and inspection requirements. For more information, please visit Colorado Guides & Forms.
- Footings
This inspection can be performed by the design engineer.
- Construction Meter
- Rebar
Forms must be set and steel must be in place. This inspection can be performed by the design engineer.
- Perimeter Drain
Installation of perimeter shall be verified by the design engineer.
- Electrical Groundwork
Call before covering conduit or cable in trench.
- Plumbing Groundwork
(call before pouring slab or backfill)
- Electrical Rough-In
Call for an inspection when all boxes, wires, staples and panels are in place.
- Plumbing Rough-In
Call for an inspection when all rough plumbing is complete including traps, etc.
- Mechanical Rough-In
Call for an inspection when all rough ductwork vents and flues are in place.
- Above-Ceiling Mechanical
Call for an inspection when ceiling grid is in place but before ceiling tiles are in.
- Above-Ceiling Electrical
Call for an inspection when ceiling grid is in place but before ceiling tiles are in.
- Gas Pressure Test
Call for an inspection when gas piping is complete and under a 10 PSI test for 15 minutes.
- Rough Frame
Call for an inspection when all framing is complete and building is dried in with shingles and windows installed. Rough-in inspections for all trades can be requested to be done at the same time.
- Permanent Meter
- Structural Floor
- Insulation
- Drywall
Call for inspection when drywall is installed but not taped. Centennial, call for firewall inspection when drywall is installed but not taped.
- Sewer Service
Not applicable for all towns.
- Water Service
Not applicable for all towns.
- Final Inspections
Call only when unit is ready for occupancy and every item is complete inside and out.
- Final Plumbing
- Final Electrical
- Final Mechanical
- Final Building
Note: Rough-in framing and final building will not be signed off until the plumbing, electrical, and heating work has been approved.
- Specialized Inspections:
- Re-Roof
- Air Conditioning
- Furnace
- Water Heater
For more information, visit Inspection Process.
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How do I schedule an inspection?
You may Schedule an Inspection Online or over the phone by calling the Inspection Request Hotline. Requests received after deadlines will be scheduled for the next working day.
Inspection Request Deadlines
- Ault, Bennett, Firestone, Gilcrest, Hudson, Kersey, Lyons, Nunn, Mead, Pierce, Platteville, Severance, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor
Request inspection by 7:30 am on the day you wish to have the inspection(s).
- Centennial
Request inspection by 4:30 pm for a next business day inspection.
- Elizabeth, Idaho Springs, Morrison, Nederland and Red Cliff
Request inspection by 4:00 pm for a next business day inspection.
Inspection Request Requirements
- To schedule an inspection, please leave the following information:
- Permit Number
- Job Site Address
- Type of Inspection Needed
- Phone Number/Please Include cell numbers if available
- Date of Inspection
For more information, visit Inspection Process.
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Can I request a specific time for my inspection?
Because we cannot accurately estimate the time required for each of our inspections, it is difficult for us to provide an exact time for your inspection. We can typically provide a 2 hour target window, and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.
In order to schedule an inspection, please Contact SAFEbuilt or complete the Schedule an Inspection form (except for Red Cliff, Morrison, and Idaho Springs) for the SAFEbuilt office that provides building department services in your town.
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What code versions does SAFEbuilt use?
For complete code information, please visit Codes & Design Criteria. If you would like a copy of our code amendments, please Contact SAFEbuilt.
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