Alamosa County, CO - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Alamosa County; the department administers building codes adopted by the Board of County Commissioners for design, construction, and renovation of structures and onsite wastewater treatment systems in unincorporated county areas

Department

Alamosa County Land Use and Building Department

Address

8999 Independence Way, Suite 100, Alamosa, CO 81101

Phone

719-589-3812

Email

landuse@alamosacounty.org

Website

https://www.alamosacounty.org/179/Building-Department

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the permit type and review the county residential development guide and application packet.
2. Prepare the required documents, including proof of legal water, proof of legal sanitation, driveway or CDOT access documentation if needed, HOA approval if applicable, and a complete set of construction drawings.
3. Submit through the Alamosa County Citizen Portal.
4. County staff provide an approximate date for expected review feedback after the completed application is submitted.
5. County staff review the package in order received and may request corrections or resubmittals if the application is incomplete or unclear.
6. Once approved, proceed with construction and schedule required inspections with the county.

Source: Alamosa County Land Use and Building Department

General Requirements

County building permits are required for construction, renovation, reroofing, demolition, OWTS work, and other regulated work in unincorporated county areas. County FAQs also state building permits are needed for roofing/building work subject to the building code.

Required Documents

• Proof of legal water
• Proof of legal sanitation
• Driveway or CDOT access permit if required
• HOA approval if there is an active HOA
• A complete set of construction drawings
• Foundation drawings stamped by a Colorado licensed engineer where applicable

Permit validity

Residential permits may be renewed for a second year only; after one renewal or second year, the permit must be re-issued and is subject to current code and county policy. OWTS permits are valid for one year from issuance.

Building code

Effective July 1, 2023, the county adopted the 2018 IRC for residential construction, 2018 IBC for commercial construction, 2018 IECC for both residential and commercial, plus 2018 IPMC and 2018 IEBC for existing buildings. The county fee schedule also references 2018 IRC Appendix L as adopted.

Contractor requirements

County contractor licenses are not required for general construction, except for OWTS installers/cleaners and manufactured home installers. OWTS installers and cleaners must be licensed by the county.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

General building permits are subject to a $150 minimum for residential construction, commercial construction, and accessory structures; ag-exempt buildings have a $100 fee; roofing permits are $150 per building; photovoltaic permits are $100

Plan check fee

The fee schedule lists hourly charges for additional plan review and inspections not otherwise specified at $75 per hour, 1 hour minimum

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based using square foot construction costs from ICC BVD published in February of the prior calendar year, or PCE from a design professional if allowed by the director

Reinspection fee

Re-inspections are billed at $75 per hour, 1 hour minimum. Roofing/building without a permit is fined at 200 percent of the original permit fee. Occupancy without a certificate of occupancy is fined at 200 percent of the original permit fee

Penalty (no permit)

Roofing/building without a permit is fined at 200 percent of the original permit fee. Occupancy without a certificate of occupancy is fined at 200 percent of the original permit fee

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Storage container placement: $50 fee if permitted, with possible waiver for contractors
• Demolition permit: $0 if state permit documentation is provided
• Roofing permits are separately identified rather than exempt

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 719-589-3812 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

All inspection requests require a minimum 24-hour notice.

Typical inspection sequence: The county states permit applications are processed in the order received; residential and commercial plan review occurs before field inspections, and OWTS permits entitle the applicant to one inspection during construction.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Effective July 1, 2023, the county adopted the 2018 IRC for residential construction, 2018 IBC for commercial construction, 2018 IECC for both residential and commercial, plus 2018 IPMC and 2018 IEBC for existing buildings. The county fee schedule also references 2018 IRC Appendix L as adopted.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Alamosa County FAQ
• County Fee Schedule
• Alamosa County Citizen Portal
• Residential Development Guide
• License lookup guide: Colorado Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Colorado Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Colorado hub: Colorado Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Alamosa County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Alamosa County, CO?

County building permits are required for construction, renovation, reroofing, demolition, OWTS work, and other regulated work in unincorporated county areas. County FAQs also state building permits are needed for roofing/building work subject to the building code.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Alamosa County, CO?

The minimum permit fee is General building permits are subject to a $150 minimum for residential construction, commercial construction, and accessory structures; ag-exempt buildings have a $100 fee; roofing permits are $150 per building; photovoltaic permits are $100. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based using square foot construction costs from ICC BVD published in February of the prior calendar year, or PCE from a design professional if allowed by the director. Plan check fee: The fee schedule lists hourly charges for additional plan review and inspections not otherwise specified at $75 per hour, 1 hour minimum.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Alamosa County, CO?

1. Confirm the permit type and review the county residential development guide and application packet. 2. Prepare the required documents, including proof of legal water, proof of legal sanitation, driveway or CDOT access documentation if needed, HOA approval if applicable, and a complete set of construction drawings. 3. Submit through the Alamosa County Citizen Portal. 4. County staff provide an approximate date for expected review feedback after the completed application is submitted. 5. County staff review the package in order received and may request corrections or resubmittals if the application is incomplete or unclear. 6. Once approved, proceed with construction and schedule required inspections with the county.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Alamosa County, CO?

The following work is generally exempt: Storage container placement: $50 fee if permitted, with possible waiver for contractors; Demolition permit: $0 if state permit documentation is provided; Roofing permits are separately identified rather than exempt.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Alamosa County, CO?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 719-589-3812. All inspection requests require a minimum 24-hour notice..