On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Alamosa County
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.
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
- Exempt Storage container placement: $50 fee if permitted, with possible waiver for contractors
- Exempt Demolition permit: $0 if state permit documentation is provided
- Exempt Roofing permits are separately identified rather than exempt
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm the permit type and review the county residential development guide and application packet.
- 02 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.
- 03 Submit through the Alamosa County Citizen Portal.
- 04 County staff provide an approximate date for expected review feedback after the completed application is submitted.
- 05 County staff review the package in order received and may request corrections or resubmittals if the application is incomplete or unclear.
- 06 Once approved, proceed with construction and schedule required inspections with the county.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Alamosa County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
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
02
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
03
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
04
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
05
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 719-589-3812 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- All inspection requests require a minimum 24-hour notice.
Typical 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Alamosa County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Alamosa County, CO? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Alamosa County, CO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Alamosa County, CO? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Alamosa County, CO, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Alamosa County, CO? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Alamosa County, CO? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Alamosa County, CO via: 719-589-3812. All inspection requests require a minimum 24-hour notice..
last verified April 2026
source Alamosa County Land Use and Building Department ↗
entry id permits/colorado/alamosa/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Alamosa County Land Use and Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.