How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Rico, CO?

1. Verify the work is development inside town limits and not exempt. 2. Confirm whether a building permit, excavation permit, or soil management permit is needed. 3. Submit the permit application to the town or enforcing official. 4. Receive permit approval before starting work.

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Rico, CO?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory buildings of 120 square feet or less; Decks; Fences 8 feet tall or less; Retaining walls 4 feet or less above grade; Platforms, walks, and driveways; Prefabricated swimming pools; Roofing and siding; Remodeling that does not change or diminish the outside footprint of the building. Note: Publicly visible town materials indicate these are not considered buildings and therefore do not require a building permit.

City Building Permits

Town of Rico, CO - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Town of Rico, Colorado. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Colorado Dolores County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Incorporated town limits of Rico

Department: Town of Rico enforcing official, as referenced in town land use code materials
Address: 2 Commercial Street, P.O. Box 9, Rico, CO 81332
Phone: 970-967-2861
Email: townmanager@ricocolorado.gov
Website: https://townofrico.colorado.gov/

Application Process

Verify the work is development inside town limits and not exempt.
Confirm whether a building permit, excavation permit, or soil management permit is needed.
Submit the permit application to the town or enforcing official.
Receive permit approval before starting work.

Source: Town of Rico enforcing official, as referenced in town land use code materials

General Requirements

Rico land use code materials state no building, structure, or land development may proceed without prior approval or authorization, and a building permit is required before building construction starts

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

One-story detached accessory buildings of 120 square feet or less
Decks
Fences 8 feet tall or less
Retaining walls 4 feet or less above grade
Platforms, walks, and driveways
Prefabricated swimming pools
Roofing and siding
Remodeling that does not change or diminish the outside footprint of the building

Important: Publicly visible town materials indicate these are not considered buildings and therefore do not require a building permit.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Additional Resources

Town home page
Rico lead soil and VCUP page
Rico projects page
License lookup guide: Colorado Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Colorado Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Colorado hub: Colorado Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Town of Rico enforcing official, as referenced in town land use code materials before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Rico Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Rico, CO?: Rico land use code materials state no building, structure, or land development may proceed without prior approval or authorization, and a building permit is required before building construction starts
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Rico, CO?: 1. Verify the work is development inside town limits and not exempt. 2. Confirm whether a building permit, excavation permit, or soil management permit is needed. 3. Submit the permit application to the town or enforcing official. 4. Receive permit approval before starting work.
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Rico, CO?: The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory buildings of 120 square feet or less; Decks; Fences 8 feet tall or less; Retaining walls 4 feet or less above grade; Platforms, walks, and driveways; Prefabricated swimming pools; Roofing and siding; Remodeling that does not change or diminish the outside footprint of the building. Note: Publicly visible town materials indicate these are not considered buildings and therefore do not require a building permit.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Rico can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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