On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Garfield County
Permit required for basically any new construction or alteration of an existing building or structure in the county.
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
- Exempt Buildings used solely for agricultural uses
- Exempt Recreational cabins
- Exempt One story detached storage, playhouses, or similar buildings under 200 sq ft residential and 120 sq ft commercial
- Exempt Fences not over 7 ft tall
- Exempt Oil derricks
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 ft
- Exempt Water tanks on grade not over 5,000 gallons
- Exempt Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade
- Exempt Painting, papering, and similar finish work
- Exempt Window awnings on Group R buildings projecting not more than 54 inches
- Exempt Prefab above-ground pools not more than 5,000 gallons
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
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Start with the permit application and required packet on the county building page.
- 02 Staff coordinates submittal for most permit types; online submittal is available for re-roofing, demolition, and sign only.
- 03 County reviews plans and fee estimate, then issues permit when complete.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Garfield County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
included in permit worksheet; exact formula varies by project and is not fully visible on the public page
02
Permit fee formula
county uses valuation-based fees according to a worksheet
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: county materials reference standard footing, foundation, framing, and final inspections as applicable; project-specific packets govern the sequence
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Garfield County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Garfield County, CO? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Garfield County, CO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Garfield County, CO? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Garfield County, CO, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Garfield County, CO? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Garfield County, CO? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Garfield County, CO 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..
last verified April 2026
source Garfield County Community Development ↗
entry id permits/colorado/garfield/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Garfield County Community Development before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.