Unincorporated Conejos County

A construction permit is required for all new construction, including installation of a mobile or manufactured home. A septic or OWTS permit is required before installing a septic system. Electrical, plumbing, and gas work require state permits.

Note: No county published exemption list for general building permits was found in the public sources reviewed. The county guide specifically distinguishes separate permitting for access, address, construction, OWTS, and state electrical or plumbing work.

Building code

2018 International Residential Code; 2018 International Building Code; 2018 International Energy Conservation Code

Permit validity

Construction permit is valid for one year from issuance. Permit lapses if there is no construction for a continuous 12 month period. Permit may be renewed or extended if requested and approved by the Land Use Administrator.

Owner-builder

The public guide does not publish a specific owner-builder exemption. It does say multiple owners must consent by signature or separate signed document.

Contractor requirements

OWTS systems contractors must become licensed as a competent technician as defined by Regulation 43 and pass a test to install in Conejos County. Plumbing and electrical work require state permits.

1. 01
   Complete access, address, soil, well, construction, and OWTS related prerequisites as applicable.
2. 02
   Submit construction application with two sets of construction drawings.
3. 03
   Review by the Building Inspector.
4. 04
   County works with applicant on drawings and inspection plan.
5. 05
   Permit issuance after review and approval.

Typical processing time: Plan review and approval can take up to 15 days.

Source: Conejos County Land Use Office ↗

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• 24 hour notice required (notice)

Typical sequence: Inspection through each phase of construction is required. For OWTS, inspection occurs during installation and engineered systems require engineer approval plus county inspector approval.

A second inspection fee of $50 applies if the inspector must make more than one visit to the site. No inspections from December 23 through January 3. No inspections during snow or when the ground is frozen.