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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Lafayette
Lafayette Building Division reviews and issues permits for regulated building work and related inspections.
One-story detached non-habitable accessory structures under 120 square feet
Fences not over 4 feet high, plus posthole-dug fences up to 8 feet in listed materials
Retaining walls under 3 feet unless supporting surcharge or impounding listed liquids
Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within code ratio limits
Sidewalks and driveways not over 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a story below or part of an accessible route
Painting, papering, flooring, tiling, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt One-story detached non-habitable accessory structures under 120 square feet
- Exempt Fences not over 4 feet high, plus posthole-dug fences up to 8 feet in listed materials
- Exempt Retaining walls under 3 feet unless supporting surcharge or impounding listed liquids
- Exempt Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within code ratio limits
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not over 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a story below or part of an accessible route
- Exempt Painting, papering, flooring, tiling, countertops, and similar finish work
Required documents
- Application
- Plans
- Valuation
- Contractor information
- Permit-type supporting forms
- Right-of-way permit is separately required for construction dumpsters on streets
- Building code
- 2021 I-Code package and 2023 NEC effective August 1, 2023.
- Permit validity
- Not clearly summarized on the public landing pages reviewed.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowner permit applicants must sign the city Homeowner Agreement; homeowners may act as their own general contractor if doing the general and or mechanical work themselves.
- Contractor requirements
- City contractor license required; application and renewal are handled by the Building Division and MyGov; state plumbing and electrical licensure still applies.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Review the Building Division page, code information, and MyGov instructions.
- 02 Create or access a MyGov account and apply for the correct permit type.
- 03 Upload the application, plans, and supporting documents, or submit a revision through the same workflow.
- 04 Respond to plan review comments and pay permit invoice and use tax when billed.
- 05 Print issued permit documents and keep them available on site.
- 06 Request inspections through the city process until final approval.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective January 1, 2026
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Included within building permit review fee schedules
02
Permit fee formula
Building permit review fees are valuation-based; Lafayette also collects city use tax and Boulder County use tax on permit invoices.
Permit invoice and construction use tax are paid through city billing and permit workflows; use tax deposit information is published separately.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective January 1, 2026) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
Typical sequence: Permit issuance, staged building and trade inspections, then final inspection
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Lafayette permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Lafayette, CO? ▸
Lafayette Building Division reviews and issues permits for regulated building work and related inspections.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Lafayette, CO? ▸
Building permit fees in Lafayette, CO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Building permit review fees are valuation-based; Lafayette also collects city use tax and Boulder County use tax on permit invoices.. Plan check fee: Included within building permit review fee schedules.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Lafayette, CO? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Lafayette, CO, follow these steps: 1. Review the Building Division page, code information, and MyGov instructions. 2. Create or access a MyGov account and apply for the correct permit type. 3. Upload the application, plans, and supporting documents, or submit a revision through the same workflow. 4. Respond to plan review comments and pay permit invoice and use tax when billed. 5. Print issued permit documents and keep them available on site. 6. Request inspections through the city process until final approval.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Lafayette, CO? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Lafayette, CO. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached non-habitable accessory structures under 120 square feet; Fences not over 4 feet high, plus posthole-dug fences up to 8 feet in listed materials; Retaining walls under 3 feet unless supporting surcharge or impounding listed liquids; Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within code ratio limits; Sidewalks and driveways not over 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a story below or part of an accessible route; Painting, papering, flooring, tiling, countertops, and similar finish work. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Lafayette, CO? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Lafayette, CO via: Request a Building Inspection through the city portal.
last verified April 2026
source City of Lafayette Building Division ↗
entry id permits/colorado/boulder/lafayette
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Lafayette Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.