On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Cañon City
Building permits are required for construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair, maintenance, and use of buildings and structures, subject to the adopted codes.
One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided floor area does not exceed 200 square feet
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge
Water tanks supported directly on grade up to 5,000 gallons with certain shape limits
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided floor area does not exceed 200 square feet
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade up to 5,000 gallons with certain shape limits
Required documents
- Permit packet
- Site plans
- Routing sheet
- Energy code requirements
- Residential or commercial packet
- Demolition packet
- Other permit-specific submittals
- Building code
- 2018 editions of IBC, IEBC, IECC, IFGC, IMC, IRC, ISPSC, and IPMC.
- Contractor requirements
- General and limited contractors are licensed through the building department. Electrical and plumbing are handled by the State of Colorado.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Identify whether the project is residential, commercial, mechanical, or another permit type.
- 02 Use the application forms page to download the needed packet and site plan materials.
- 03 Submit through the online services portal.
- 04 Commercial projects go through third-party plan review; applicants must send plans and pay review fees directly to the reviewer.
- 05 Permit is issued after code compliance review and any outside review is complete.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Cañon City building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Permit fee = valuation or actual construction contract x 1.0 percent, with separate mechanical and other applicable fees.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (719) 276-5292 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Building office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with public counter opening at 8:00 a.m.
Typical sequence: Inspections are completed as requested by contractors and owners for construction methods, materials, mechanical systems, and location.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Cañon City permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Cañon City, CO? ▸
Building permits are required for construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair, maintenance, and use of buildings and structures, subject to the adopted codes.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Cañon City, CO? ▸
Building permit fees in Cañon City, CO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Permit fee = valuation or actual construction contract x 1.0 percent, with separate mechanical and other applicable fees..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Cañon City, CO? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Cañon City, CO, follow these steps: 1. Identify whether the project is residential, commercial, mechanical, or another permit type. 2. Use the application forms page to download the needed packet and site plan materials. 3. Submit through the online services portal. 4. Commercial projects go through third-party plan review; applicants must send plans and pay review fees directly to the reviewer. 5. Permit is issued after code compliance review and any outside review is complete.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Cañon City, CO? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Cañon City, CO. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided floor area does not exceed 200 square feet; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge; Water tanks supported directly on grade up to 5,000 gallons with certain shape limits. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Cañon City, CO? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Cañon City, CO via: (719) 276-5292.
last verified April 2026
source City of Cañon City Building Department ↗
entry id permits/colorado/fremont/canon-city
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Cañon City Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.