Gunnison County, CO - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Gunnison County only

Department

Gunnison County Community Development Department

Address

221 N. Wisconsin St. Ste. D, Gunnison, CO 81230

Phone

(970) 641-0360

Email

permit@gunnisoncounty.org

Website

https://www.gunnisoncounty.org/179/Community-Development

Application Process

1. Assemble the county packet, plans, owner consent form if a representative is applying, and the solid-fuel/gas appliance identification form.
2. Submit the completed packet by email to permit@gunnisoncounty.org.
3. Secure prerequisite Public Works approvals before permit issuance: driveway access permit or written waiver, and reclamation permit.
4. Secure OWTS approval or proof of central sewer service and paid tap fees.
5. County reviews land use, wildfire, sage-grouse, floodplain, geotechnical, access, and code compliance items.
6. Permit is issued after all submittal items and preconditions are satisfied.

Source: Gunnison County Community Development Department

General Requirements

A permit is required when work constructs, enlarges, alters, repairs, moves, or changes occupancy of a building or structure.

Required Documents

• Completed application
• Stamped and signed plans by a Colorado licensed architect or engineer
• Exterior lighting plan
• Owner consent form if applicable
• Solid-fuel burning device or gas appliance identification form
• OWTS approval or sewer proof
• Driveway access and reclamation approvals
• Floodplain permit if applicable
• Geotechnical study if required

Building code

2021 International Codes as adopted and amended by Gunnison County; packet also states county adopted Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code and the International Wildland Urban Interface Code

Owner-builder

Homeowner may do their own plumbing only if state homeowner rules are satisfied; the county packet says contractors cannot work on a homeowner-issued plumbing permit.

Contractor requirements

Plumbing and electrical are licensed and inspected by the state; plumbing contractor signature required on plumbing permits.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$300

Plan check fee

Included in base fee; additional review is $150 for changes or revisions; review time beyond two hours is $100 per hour; independent plan review and administrative costs are $75 per hour

Permit fee formula

0.9 percent flat fee based on valuation, includes plan review

Reinspection fee

Work started before permit issuance is charged at 100 percent of the usual permit fee in addition to required permit fees.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures without utilities under 200 sq ft, accessory and incidental to a dwelling on the same parcel
• Possible agricultural structures exemption by request if tied to an agricultural operation and agricultural classification
• State-licensed plumbing and electrical work still require state permits even if county building permit is not required

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: County packet requires prerequisite access, reclamation, OWTS, and other land use approvals before building permit issuance; inspections then follow county code requirements during construction.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Codes as adopted and amended by Gunnison County; packet also states county adopted Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code and the International Wildland Urban Interface Code
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Application Forms
• Interactive Map / Flood and District Context
• Fire District Reference
• License lookup guide: Colorado Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Colorado Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Colorado hub: Colorado Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Gunnison County Building Permit FAQ

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

A permit is required when work constructs, enlarges, alters, repairs, moves, or changes occupancy of a building or structure.

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

The minimum permit fee is $300. Fees are calculated as: 0.9 percent flat fee based on valuation, includes plan review. Plan check fee: Included in base fee; additional review is $150 for changes or revisions; review time beyond two hours is $100 per hour; independent plan review and administrative costs are $75 per hour.

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

1. Assemble the county packet, plans, owner consent form if a representative is applying, and the solid-fuel/gas appliance identification form. 2. Submit the completed packet by email to permit@gunnisoncounty.org. 3. Secure prerequisite Public Works approvals before permit issuance: driveway access permit or written waiver, and reclamation permit. 4. Secure OWTS approval or proof of central sewer service and paid tap fees. 5. County reviews land use, wildfire, sage-grouse, floodplain, geotechnical, access, and code compliance items. 6. Permit is issued after all submittal items and preconditions are satisfied.

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

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures without utilities under 200 sq ft, accessory and incidental to a dwelling on the same parcel; Possible agricultural structures exemption by request if tied to an agricultural operation and agricultural classification; State-licensed plumbing and electrical work still require state permits even if county building permit is not required.