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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Fountain
Fountain requires plot approval from Planning before placement or building of structures. PPRBD requires permits for most construction, structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roofing, retaining wall, and similar work.
PPRBD exemptions apply to regional building permit component, including small detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet
Fences not over 7 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
Portable appliances and minor plumbing repairs
- Exempt PPRBD exemptions apply to regional building permit component, including small detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
- Exempt Portable appliances and minor plumbing repairs
Note: Fountain requires plot approval from Planning before placement or building even where regional permit is exempt.
Required documents
- Plot plan or site plan for city zoning review
- PPRBD permit forms and project-specific plans in PDF
- Building code
- City of Fountain participates in 2023 Pikes Peak Regional Building Code. PPRBD adopted package includes 2021 codes and 2023 NEC; Appendix E contains Fountain's adoption ordinance.
- Permit validity
- PPRBD rules apply: administratively closed if no inspection within 6 months; one extension up to 180 days; void if no inspection within 1 year or work abandoned for 1 year.
- Owner-builder
- PPRBD homeowner rules allow permit only for primary residence owned and occupied by applicant.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must be licensed or registered with PPRBD. Local business licensing may apply.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm project zoning and plot-plan requirements with City of Fountain Planning.
- 02 If project triggers city development review, submit through Fountain's online application system.
- 03 For construction permits, submit building permit plans and application through PPRBD.
- 04 Fountain Engineering reviews construction plans for storm drainage and water quality compliance.
- 05 Pay PPRBD permit fees and any Fountain local charges such as use tax.
- 06 After approval and payment, PPRBD issues the permit; complete required inspections.
- 07 Obtain final inspection approval; Fountain requires final inspection for certificate of occupancy.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Current
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50.00 under PPRBD valuation table
02
Plan check fee
PPRBD plan examination is 28% of building permit fee; $100/hour for additional review after second disapproval
03
Permit fee formula
PPRBD uses valuation-based fees plus flat fees for certain residential and trade permits. Fountain also charges city use tax of 2% on construction materials bought and used within the city.
04
Reinspection fee
$50 first, $100 second, $200 third plus 2-day delay
05
Penalty (no permit)
Work without permit: 2 times the permit fee
PPRBD allows online payments through web accounts; homeowners can purchase permits online, by phone, or in person.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Current) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- PPRBD web account (online)
- 719-327-2880 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Same-day inspection requests weekdays from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM
- Inspection hours
- Estimated arrival after 9:00 AM
Typical sequence: PPRBD sequencing depends on project type and commonly includes footing, foundation, framing, insulation, trade rough, and final inspections; Fountain requires final inspection for certificate of occupancy.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Fountain permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Fountain, CO? ▸
Fountain requires plot approval from Planning before placement or building of structures. PPRBD requires permits for most construction, structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roofing, retaining wall, and similar work.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Fountain, CO? ▸
Building permit fees in Fountain, CO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $50.00 under PPRBD valuation table. Fees are calculated as: PPRBD uses valuation-based fees plus flat fees for certain residential and trade permits. Fountain also charges city use tax of 2% on construction materials bought and used within the city.. Plan check fee: PPRBD plan examination is 28% of building permit fee; $100/hour for additional review after second disapproval.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Fountain, CO? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Fountain, CO, follow these steps: 1. Confirm project zoning and plot-plan requirements with City of Fountain Planning. 2. If project triggers city development review, submit through Fountain's online application system. 3. For construction permits, submit building permit plans and application through PPRBD. 4. Fountain Engineering reviews construction plans for storm drainage and water quality compliance. 5. Pay PPRBD permit fees and any Fountain local charges such as use tax. 6. After approval and payment, PPRBD issues the permit; complete required inspections. 7. Obtain final inspection approval; Fountain requires final inspection for certificate of occupancy.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Fountain, CO? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Fountain, CO. The following work is generally exempt: PPRBD exemptions apply to regional building permit component, including small detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet; Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops; Portable appliances and minor plumbing repairs. Note: Fountain requires plot approval from Planning before placement or building even where regional permit is exempt. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Fountain, CO? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Fountain, CO via: PPRBD web account, 719-327-2880. Same-day inspection requests weekdays from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM.
last verified April 2026
source City of Fountain Engineering Services and Planning Department, with building permit and inspection services through Pikes Peak Regional Building Department ↗
entry id permits/colorado/el-paso/fountain
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Fountain Engineering Services and Planning Department, with building permit and inspection services through Pikes Peak Regional Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.