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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Gunnison County
A permit is required when work constructs, enlarges, alters, repairs, moves, or changes occupancy of a building or structure.
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
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures without utilities under 200 sq ft, accessory and incidental to a dwelling on the same parcel
- Exempt Possible agricultural structures exemption by request if tied to an agricultural operation and agricultural classification
- Exempt State-licensed plumbing and electrical work still require state permits even if county building permit is not required
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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Assemble the county packet, plans, owner consent form if a representative is applying, and the solid-fuel/gas appliance identification form.
- 02 Submit the completed packet by email to permit@gunnisoncounty.org.
- 03 Secure prerequisite Public Works approvals before permit issuance: driveway access permit or written waiver, and reclamation permit.
- 04 Secure OWTS approval or proof of central sewer service and paid tap fees.
- 05 County reviews land use, wildfire, sage-grouse, floodplain, geotechnical, access, and code compliance items.
- 06 Permit is issued after all submittal items and preconditions are satisfied.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Gunnison County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$300
02
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
03
Permit fee formula
0.9 percent flat fee based on valuation, includes plan review
04
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
Typical 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Gunnison County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Gunnison County, CO? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Gunnison County, CO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Gunnison County, CO? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Gunnison County, CO, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Gunnison County, CO? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
last verified April 2026
source Gunnison County Community Development Department ↗
entry id permits/colorado/gunnison/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Gunnison County Community Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.