FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Requiring permits allows the City to make sure that building codes and zoning regulations are properly followed in all neighborhoods. These regulations have been adopted to protect your property's value, as well as the community's health and welfare. Not having a permit may jeopardize your chances of obtaining financing, invalidate your fire and liability insurance, and create problems when you sell your property.
Yes, there are several fees that may be required, depending on the scope of the project.
Yes, separate permits are required for this type of work. Both Permits applied for through the State.
Some projects may require the review and/or approval from other agencies. These agencies are listed below:
Colorado State Electrical and Plumbing
Las Animas-Huerfano Couty Health Dept
State law requires that either a licensed contractor or the owner of the property obtain the building permit. A friend or relative can apply for your permit if they provide a letter of authorization from you. Please provide the following when applying for a building permit.
Owner/Builder
A. Proof of ownership (Deed, etc.)
B. Letter of authorization if a friend or relative is obtaining your building permit.
(This is not all inclusive)
Building permits are required for the construction/renovation of most buildings and structures. Almost anything constructed on or attached to the ground or attached to something located on the ground is considered a structure, including fences, walls greater than 18 inches tall, antennas and pools more than 18 inches deep. Accessory buildings (i.e., storage sheds, playhouses, etc.) smaller than 120 square feet in size generally do not require a building permit.
Note: Not all inclusive
- New Construction – Residential or Commercial
- Remodeling Work – Residential or Commercial
- Additions to a Structure – Residential or Commercial
- Renovations or Repairs to a Structure – Residential or Commercial
- Fences Greater than Four 4 Feet in Height
- New Sidewalks and Access Cuts
- Demolition Work
- Excavation Work
- Asphalt / Overlay
- Roof Overlay, Re-Roof and or Structural Roof Renovations
Some types of improvements do not require a permit. These projects include: (Not all inclusive)
- One story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, providing the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet and the highest point of the roof does not exceed 8 feet, 6 inches above adjacent grade. Please note that accessory buildings must comply with the City’s Zoning Code regardless of whether a permit is required. Please email Planning at: zoningchair [at] walsenburg.org (zoningchair[at]walsenburg[dot]org) for specific requirements prior to construction.
- Wood and wrought iron fencing not over 6 feet in height. All fencing must comply with the City’s Zoning code regardless of whether a permit is required. Please email Planning at: zoningchair [at] walsenburg.org (zoningchair[at]walsenburg[dot]org) for specific requirements prior to installation of any fencing.
- Walks and driveways on private property. The City’s zoning code places restrictions on the amount of area that can be paved within the front yard area. Please email Planning at: zoningchair [at] walsenburg.org (zoningchair[at]walsenburg[dot]org) for specific requirements.
- Prefabricated swimming pools and ponds less than 18 inches deep.
- Painting, papering and similar decorating work.
- Replacement of existing light fixtures, switches and receptacles.
- Electrical wiring operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy.
- The repairing of leaks in plumbing pipes, valves or fixtures and the stopping of leaks in drains, sewers and vents.
- Replacement of any component part or repair of a built-in or permanently installed appliances, compressors and motors.
- Portable heating, ventilation and cooling equipment.
Please call Building Inspector at (719) 890-0174 for specific requirements or if you have questions.
Work may be started when you have complied with all plan specifications, have complied with licensing requirements when necessary, have paid your fees, and have secured a building permit through the City of Walsenburg.
You must call for an inspection at the following stages:
- Footing/Foundation Inspection. Prior to pouring concrete (reinforcement must be in place).
- Concrete Slab / Under Floor Inspection. Prior to pouring concrete. Be sure to call for plumbing and/or electrical inspection(s) prior to your footing and foundation inspection.
- Framing Inspection. After framing is completed and prior to sheetrock installation. Plumbing top out, mechanical and electrical rough-in inspections must be completed prior to framing inspection.
- Inspection required after lath or gypsum board is installed. This must be done prior to stucco installation.
- Final Inspection. Please call for plumbing, mechanical and electrical final inspections prior to your general construction final inspection.
NOTE: The City inspector will not conduct any general construction inspections until the plumbing, electrical and mechanical inspections have been passed.
Failure to obtain all required inspections will result in the permit becoming null and void.
- Using unlicensed contractors for work. There are numerous liability issues for the owner should something go wrong in this situation. Using a licensed contractor ensures the use of licensed journeymen as required by law.
- Failure to conform to all applicable codes. The State International Construction codes, in addition to local codes and ordinances, shall be utilized for all building permits issued.
- Failure to pay all applicable permit costs. City ordinances determine the fees due for your project. Payment is required for all permits. There is an additional charge for Plan Checking and a Zone Check Fee included with the Permit Fee.
- Red Tagging. The Building Inspector will stop work when the project is not in compliance or if the required permit(s) are missing on a job. You'll avoid a work stoppage by complying with the appropriate codes. Any project that has been red tagged shall be assessed a "double fee" when a permit is acquired.
- Non-compliance with zoning ordinances. All permits must comply with the city zoning ordinances. Email Planning & Zoning at: zoningchair [at] walsenburg.org (zoningchair[at]walsenburg[dot]org) to learn about specific requirements and avoid disappointment.