On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for El Paso County
PPRBD requires permits before starting most building, structural, electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work. County approvals also required for grading, floodplain, access, land use, or other site development in unincorporated areas.
One-story detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet
Fences not over 7 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet unless supporting surcharge
Flatwork, walks, driveways within regional exemption threshold
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
Swings and playground equipment
Portable heating, ventilation, cooking, or drying appliances
Minor plumbing fixture removal/reinstallation without piping rearrangement
Certain agricultural buildings and certain non-public non-residential buildings in A-35 district when approved
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet unless supporting surcharge
- Exempt Flatwork, walks, driveways within regional exemption threshold
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment
- Exempt Portable heating, ventilation, cooking, or drying appliances
- Exempt Minor plumbing fixture removal/reinstallation without piping rearrangement
- Exempt Certain agricultural buildings and certain non-public non-residential buildings in A-35 district when approved
Required documents
- PPRBD permit forms and project plans as required by scope
- County application materials for separate county permits or development approvals
- EDARP documents for development applications
- Building code
- El Paso County participates in 2023 Pikes Peak Regional Building Code. Appendix C contains county-specific modifications for unincorporated areas.
- Permit validity
- Under PPRBC RBC105.8, administratively closed if no inspection within 6 months; one extension to 180 days if requested before expiration; void if no inspection within 1 year or work abandoned for 1 year.
- Owner-builder
- PPRBD permits available only for applicant's primary residence owned and occupied by applicant.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must be licensed or registered with PPRBD. Plumbing, electrical, escalator, and elevator contractors licensed by Colorado but must register with PPRBD.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine whether project is in unincorporated El Paso County and whether county development approvals needed.
- 02 Use El Paso County Planning and EDARP for county development applications, early meetings, complaints, and land development review.
- 03 Submit building permit applications and plans to PPRBD; plan-reviewed projects move through electronic plan process.
- 04 Complete county permits for floodplain, land disturbance, right-of-way, access, onsite wastewater, or other county-controlled issues.
- 05 Pay PPRBD permit fees and county fees for county review or permits.
- 06 Once permit issued, keep legal permit and approved plans on site and schedule inspections through PPRBD.
- 07 Obtain final inspections and county-side signoff before occupancy.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Current
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50
02
Plan check fee
PPRBD plan examination 28% of building permit fee; $100/hour for additional review after second disapproval
03
Permit fee formula
PPRBD uses Table A valuation-based building permit fees plus flat fees for certain residential and trade permits. Separate county fees may apply for development and right-of-way.
04
Reinspection fee
$50 first, $100 second, $200 third plus 2-day delay; $100/hour outside normal hours (2-hour minimum)
05
Penalty (no permit)
Work without permit: 2 times the permit fee
PPRBD web accounts support online payments and stored payment methods. County-side payment procedures vary by permit type; not consolidated into one page.
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 requests made weekdays from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM
- Inspection hours
- Estimated arrival after 9:00 AM
Typical sequence: Project-specific sequences usually include footing, foundation, framing, insulation, rough plumbing, rough mechanical, rough electrical, lath, and final inspections. Outside agencies may add zoning, fire, engineering, health, or utilities inspections.
Automated notification available before inspector arrival
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated El Paso County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated El Paso County, CO? ▸
PPRBD requires permits before starting most building, structural, electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work. County approvals also required for grading, floodplain, access, land use, or other site development in unincorporated areas.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated El Paso County, CO? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated El Paso County, CO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: PPRBD uses Table A valuation-based building permit fees plus flat fees for certain residential and trade permits. Separate county fees may apply for development and right-of-way.. Plan check fee: PPRBD plan examination 28% of building permit fee; $100/hour for additional review after second disapproval.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated El Paso County, CO? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated El Paso County, CO, follow these steps: 1. Determine whether project is in unincorporated El Paso County and whether county development approvals needed. 2. Use El Paso County Planning and EDARP for county development applications, early meetings, complaints, and land development review. 3. Submit building permit applications and plans to PPRBD; plan-reviewed projects move through electronic plan process. 4. Complete county permits for floodplain, land disturbance, right-of-way, access, onsite wastewater, or other county-controlled issues. 5. Pay PPRBD permit fees and county fees for county review or permits. 6. Once permit issued, keep legal permit and approved plans on site and schedule inspections through PPRBD. 7. Obtain final inspections and county-side signoff before occupancy.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated El Paso County, CO? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated El Paso County, CO. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet; Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet unless supporting surcharge; Flatwork, walks, driveways within regional exemption threshold; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops; Swings and playground equipment; Portable heating, ventilation, cooking, or drying appliances; Minor plumbing fixture removal/reinstallation without piping rearrangement; Certain agricultural buildings and certain non-public non-residential buildings in A-35 district when approved. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated El Paso County, CO? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated El Paso County, CO via: PPRBD web account, 719-327-2880. Same-day requests made weekdays from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM.
last verified April 2026
source Pikes Peak Regional Building Department for building permits and inspections; El Paso County Planning and Community Development for county land use, code enforcement, and development applications ↗
entry id permits/colorado/el-paso/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Pikes Peak Regional Building Department for building permits and inspections; El Paso County Planning and Community Development for county land use, code enforcement, and development applications before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.