County Building Permits
La Plata County, CO - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated La Plata County, Colorado. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Unincorporated properties only. The county page states building permits are required in unincorporated non-city, township, or Tribal properties.
- Department
- La Plata County Community Development Department, Building Division
- Address
- 211 Rock Point Drive, Durango, CO 81301
- Phone
- 970-382-6250
Online Permit Portal
Platform: CityView • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Application Process
- Start in the CityView portal and submit the building or planning permit request.
- Provide authority for driveway access, sewage disposal, and domestic water supply.
- County staff review the submission and inspect as construction progresses.
- Inspections occur through the construction process, including footings, stem wall, nailing, framing, plumbing, mechanical, and energy compliance.
- After a successful final inspection, the county issues a Certificate of Occupancy.
Source: La Plata County Community Development Department, Building Division
General Requirements
A building permit is required for all new structures, additions, remodels, and placement of manufactured or modular homes in unincorporated areas.
Required Documents
- Authorization for driveway access
- Authorization for sewage disposal
- Authorization for domestic water supply
- Building code
- La Plata County Code Chapter 18 adopts the International Codes. The code adoption table references a current effective date of 8/1/2023 and Code Section 18-31, Adoption of the International Codes.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the La Plata County Community Development Department, Building Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
Typical inspection sequence: County workflow references inspections for footings, stem wall, nailing, framing, plumbing, mechanical, and energy compliance, ending with final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy.
Additional Resources
- Building code: La Plata County Code Chapter 18 adopts the International Codes. The code adoption table references a current effective date of 8/1/2023 and Code Section 18-31, Adoption of the International Codes.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- La Plata County building permits and inspections page
- La Plata County Code, Chapter 18
- License lookup guide: Colorado Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Colorado Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Colorado hub: Colorado Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the La Plata County Community Development Department, Building Division before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
La Plata County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated La Plata County, CO?
- A building permit is required for all new structures, additions, remodels, and placement of manufactured or modular homes in unincorporated areas.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated La Plata County, CO?
- 1. Start in the CityView portal and submit the building or planning permit request. 2. Provide authority for driveway access, sewage disposal, and domestic water supply. 3. County staff review the submission and inspect as construction progresses. 4. Inspections occur through the construction process, including footings, stem wall, nailing, framing, plumbing, mechanical, and energy compliance. 5. After a successful final inspection, the county issues a Certificate of Occupancy.
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