Costilla County, CO - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Costilla County, including county land use, development, building, and related permit types

Department

Costilla County Planning and Zoning / Land Use Office

Address

P.O. Box 130, 400 Gasper Street, San Luis, CO 81152

Phone

(719) 937-7668

Email

tara.medina@costillacounty-co.gov

Website

https://www.costillacounty.gov/planning-and-zoning/page/planning-zoning-resources

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Review the Land Use Code and relevant checklist or application form on the county planning page.
2. Prepare the correct application type, such as Construction Application, Manufactured Home Permit, OWTS Permit, Floodplain Permit, Road Access Permit, or others.
3. Attach required documents. For construction, the county requires a basic site plan. If the applicant is not the owner, the county requires either a contract for sale or lease or a notarized owner consent letter.
4. Submit through the online portal or by signed paper application, fax, or email attachment.
5. County staff review the application and supporting materials.
6. If applicable, pay the permit fee and schedule inspections.
7. Permit issuance occurs after review and approval. The application form states permits expire in one year, 365 days, from date of issue.

Source: Costilla County Planning and Zoning / Land Use Office

General Requirements

County notice states all new development in Costilla County, regardless of location or zoning, requires permits

Required Documents

• Application form
• Parcel number
• Project description
• Site plan for construction
• Contractor information where applicable
• Proof of owner authorization if applicant is not owner
• Separate state permits where applicable

Permit validity

One year, 365 days, from date of issue

Building code

County page states Costilla County has adopted the 2018 Building Code, IRC International Residential Code. County also publishes design criteria and footing/foundation requirements

Owner-builder

Public forms do not clearly define a formal owner-builder exemption; county requires owner authorization if the applicant is not the owner

Contractor requirements

Construction form asks for contractor name and license number; county fee schedule includes contractor fee and renewal contractor fee

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$20 physical address fee is the lowest publicly listed fee tied to permits and administrative items; the lowest permit fee is $100 for accessory structure 120 sq ft or smaller and demolition permit

Permit fee formula

Residential new construction fee is tiered by square footage, ranging from $300 up to $600

Reinspection fee

$100

Penalty (no permit)

$200 permit violation processing fee

Payment note

Contractor renewal fee is $20

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Costilla County Planning and Zoning / Land Use Office to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours

Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., no lunch closure

Typical inspection sequence: The construction form references site plan review, separate state permits for electrical, plumbing, OWTS, and wells, then county approval and inspection where applicable.

Additional Resources

• Building code: County page states Costilla County has adopted the 2018 Building Code, IRC International Residential Code. County also publishes design criteria and footing/foundation requirements
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Land Use Code
• County GIS property search
• Code enforcement complaint portal
• County building code reference
• Design criteria
• Building inspection worksheet
• Minimum footing / foundation requirements
• License lookup guide: Colorado Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Colorado Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Colorado hub: Colorado Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Costilla County Building Permit FAQ

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

County notice states all new development in Costilla County, regardless of location or zoning, requires permits

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

The minimum permit fee is $20 physical address fee is the lowest publicly listed fee tied to permits and administrative items; the lowest permit fee is $100 for accessory structure 120 sq ft or smaller and demolition permit. Fees are calculated as: Residential new construction fee is tiered by square footage, ranging from $300 up to $600.

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

1. Review the Land Use Code and relevant checklist or application form on the county planning page. 2. Prepare the correct application type, such as Construction Application, Manufactured Home Permit, OWTS Permit, Floodplain Permit, Road Access Permit, or others. 3. Attach required documents. For construction, the county requires a basic site plan. If the applicant is not the owner, the county requires either a contract for sale or lease or a notarized owner consent letter. 4. Submit through the online portal or by signed paper application, fax, or email attachment. 5. County staff review the application and supporting materials. 6. If applicable, pay the permit fee and schedule inspections. 7. Permit issuance occurs after review and approval. The application form states permits expire in one year, 365 days, from date of issue.