Garfield County, CO - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

unincorporated Garfield County only

Department

Garfield County Community Development

Address

108 8th Street, Suite 401, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

Phone

970-945-8212

Email

public staff email links are on the county page , building inspections: 970-945-1377 ext. 1621

Website

https://www.garfieldcountyco.gov/community-development/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Start with the permit application and required packet on the county building page.
2. Staff coordinates submittal for most permit types; online submittal is available for re-roofing, demolition, and sign only.
3. County reviews plans and fee estimate, then issues permit when complete.

Source: Garfield County Community Development

General Requirements

Permit required for basically any new construction or alteration of an existing building or structure in the county.

Required Documents

• application
• parcel number
• job address
• legal description
• owner contact info
• contractor contact info
• architect or engineer contact info
• site plan
• foundation plan
• grading plan if applicable

Building code

2015 International Building Code; 2018 International Energy Conservation Code; 2018 fire code by resolution; county is adopting Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code effective July 1, 2026 for permits submitted after that date

Owner-builder

no single public owner-builder policy page was found, so thin data

Contractor requirements

Colorado licensed electrician and plumber must perform installation/hook-ups where applicable; county materials also reference licensed architect requirements for some projects

Fees

Plan check fee

included in permit worksheet; exact formula varies by project and is not fully visible on the public page

Permit fee formula

county uses valuation-based fees according to a worksheet

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Buildings used solely for agricultural uses
• Recreational cabins
• One story detached storage, playhouses, or similar buildings under 200 sq ft residential and 120 sq ft commercial
• Fences not over 7 ft tall
• Oil derricks
• Retaining walls not over 4 ft
• Water tanks on grade not over 5,000 gallons
• Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade
• Painting, papering, and similar finish work
• Window awnings on Group R buildings projecting not more than 54 inches
• Prefab above-ground pools not more than 5,000 gallons

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 970-945-1377 ext. 1621 for building inspections (phone)
• 970-945-6614 ext. 8150 for septic inspections (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Inspection requests before 4:30 p.m. on business days are next business day.

Inspection hours

7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: county materials reference standard footing, foundation, framing, and final inspections as applicable; project-specific packets govern the sequence

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2015 International Building Code; 2018 International Energy Conservation Code; 2018 fire code by resolution; county is adopting Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code effective July 1, 2026 for permits submitted after that date
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Codes and Requirements
• FAQs
• Online Filing Cabinet
• License lookup guide: Colorado Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Colorado Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Colorado hub: Colorado Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Garfield County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Garfield County, CO?

Permit required for basically any new construction or alteration of an existing building or structure in the county.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Garfield County, CO?

Fees are calculated as: county uses valuation-based fees according to a worksheet. Plan check fee: included in permit worksheet; exact formula varies by project and is not fully visible on the public page.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Garfield County, CO?

1. Start with the permit application and required packet on the county building page. 2. Staff coordinates submittal for most permit types; online submittal is available for re-roofing, demolition, and sign only. 3. County reviews plans and fee estimate, then issues permit when complete.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Garfield County, CO?

The following work is generally exempt: Buildings used solely for agricultural uses; Recreational cabins; One story detached storage, playhouses, or similar buildings under 200 sq ft residential and 120 sq ft commercial; Fences not over 7 ft tall; Oil derricks; Retaining walls not over 4 ft; Water tanks on grade not over 5,000 gallons; Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade; Painting, papering, and similar finish work; Window awnings on Group R buildings projecting not more than 54 inches; Prefab above-ground pools not more than 5,000 gallons.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Garfield County, CO?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 970-945-1377 ext. 1621 for building inspections, 970-945-6614 ext. 8150 for septic inspections. Inspection requests before 4:30 p.m. on business days are next business day..