On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Vail
A structure is erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished.
Emergency equipment repairs or replacement may be completed before obtaining a permit, if the Building Official is notified as soon as reasonable and the permit application is submitted the next business day.
Some expedited permits exist for re-roofs and water heater replacement for single-family/duplex units.
- Exempt Emergency equipment repairs or replacement may be completed before obtaining a permit, if the Building Official is notified as soon as reasonable and the permit application is submitted the next business day.
- Exempt Some expedited permits exist for re-roofs and water heater replacement for single-family/duplex units.
Required documents
- Permit application
- Plans
- Code-specific materials
- Special inspection materials for engineered projects where required
- Building code
- 2024 International Building Code, 2024 IRC, 2024 IFC, 2024 IPC, 2024 IMC, 2024 IFGC, 2024 IECC, 2024 IEBC, and 2023 NEC
- Contractor requirements
- All electrical and plumbing contractors working in town limits must maintain proper State of Colorado licensing; contractors generally must be registered with the Town of Vail before undertaking work or applying for permits.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Submit application through the online customer portal.
- 02 If electronic plans are used, the town sends an invitation to upload documents into ProjectDox after completeness review.
- 03 If paper plans are used, they may be dropped off at Community Development.
- 04 Construction permit review is required for regulated work, and exterior work often requires Design Review Board approval first.
- 05 Emergency repairs may begin before permit issuance, but permit application must be filed the next business day.
Source: Town of Vail Community Development, Building Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Vail building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Fire alarm plan review fee = $288.00; fire sprinkler plan review fee = $432.00.
02
Permit fee formula
2022 building permit fee calculator and 2022 schedule of permit fees are linked from the building permits page; fire permit fees are valuation-based.
03
Reinspection fee
$72.00 per hour
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- inspections@vail.gov (email)
- fireinspections@vailgov.com (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- Requests received by 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday are scheduled the next business day; requests after 4:00 p.m., on weekends, or holidays are scheduled the second business day.
Typical sequence: Building, electrical, planning, and fire permit inspections are handled separately where applicable.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Vail permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Vail, CO? ▸
A structure is erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Vail, CO? ▸
Building permit fees in Vail, CO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: 2022 building permit fee calculator and 2022 schedule of permit fees are linked from the building permits page; fire permit fees are valuation-based.. Plan check fee: Fire alarm plan review fee = $288.00; fire sprinkler plan review fee = $432.00..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Vail, CO? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Vail, CO, follow these steps: 1. Submit application through the online customer portal. 2. If electronic plans are used, the town sends an invitation to upload documents into ProjectDox after completeness review. 3. If paper plans are used, they may be dropped off at Community Development. 4. Construction permit review is required for regulated work, and exterior work often requires Design Review Board approval first. 5. Emergency repairs may begin before permit issuance, but permit application must be filed the next business day.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Vail, CO? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Vail, CO. The following work is generally exempt: Emergency equipment repairs or replacement may be completed before obtaining a permit, if the Building Official is notified as soon as reasonable and the permit application is submitted the next business day.; Some expedited permits exist for re-roofs and water heater replacement for single-family/duplex units.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Vail, CO? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Vail, CO via: inspections@vail.gov, fireinspections@vailgov.com. Requests received by 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday are scheduled the next business day; requests after 4:00 p.m., on weekends, or holidays are scheduled the second business day..
last verified April 2026
source Town of Vail Community Development, Building Department ↗
entry id permits/colorado/eagle/vail
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Vail Community Development, Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.