Costilla County, CO — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Costilla County Planning and Zoning / Land Use Office

Street address

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

Phone

(719) 937-7668

tara.medina@costillacounty-co.gov

Coverage

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

Online portal

iWorQ Permit Portal

iWorQ

Website

Department website

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Costilla County

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

Note: The county page does not publish a clear exempt-work list in plain text.

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

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
Permit validity: One year, 365 days, from date of issue
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

Source: Costilla County Planning and Zoning / Land Use Office ↗

§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

01

Review the Land Use Code and relevant checklist or application form on the county planning page.
02

Prepare the correct application type, such as Construction Application, Manufactured Home Permit, OWTS Permit, Floodplain Permit, Road Access Permit, or others.
03

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.
04

Submit through the online portal or by signed paper application, fax, or email attachment.
05

County staff review the application and supporting materials.
06

If applicable, pay the permit fee and schedule inspections.
07

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 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Costilla County building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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

Contractor renewal fee is $20

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

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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

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

Source: Costilla County Planning and Zoning / Land Use Office ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Costilla County permits

01 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

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

Building permit fees in unincorporated Costilla County, CO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.

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

To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Costilla County, CO, follow these steps: 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.

last verified April 2026 source Costilla County Planning and Zoning / Land Use Office ↗ entry id permits/colorado/costilla/unincorporated

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Costilla County Planning and Zoning / Land Use Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.