Lake County, CO - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Lake County; the county department also administers building, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, and solar permits for the City of Leadville

Department

Lake County Community Planning and Development, Building Department

Address

505 Harrison Avenue, PO Box 513, Leadville, CO 80461

Phone

719-486-2875

Email

BuildingPermits@co.lake.co.us

Website

https://www.lakecountyco.gov/189/Building

Application Process

1. Schedule a pre-application meeting if needed to confirm which forms and approvals apply.
2. Prepare the building permit packet, including deed, completed application, plans, site plan, affidavit, and required approvals.
3. Submit the permit packet electronically to BuildingPermits@co.lake.co.us.
4. County staff calculates the permit fee at submittal.
5. County staff reviews the documents, and approved plans are returned as PDF.
6. The applicant prints one 24x36 set for the site and keeps approved plans available for inspections.

Source: Lake County Community Planning and Development, Building Department

General Requirements

New buildings; additions and alterations; structural repairs; relocation of existing buildings; abatement of unsafe buildings or structures; change in use or occupancy; manufactured housing placed in a mobile home park.

Required Documents

• Copy of deed
• Completed building permit application
• Complete plan set
• Fully dimensioned site plan
• Lake County Building Department affidavit
• Building permit approval form with all agency signatures
• Septic permit or municipal tap proof
• Well permit or approved water supply plan where applicable

Building code

2018 ICC reference codes adopted by Resolution 22-13, including the 2018 IRC, IBC, IMC, IFGC, IFC, IEBC, and IECC. The county also notes the plumbing and electrical codes are governed by the State of Colorado boards.

Contractor requirements

All contractors who perform work within the county must register with the Lake County Building Department. Registrations expire at the end of each calendar year and must be renewed by January 31 or before work is performed. Contractors must carry at least $1,000,000 liability insurance and keep proof on file.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50 base permit fee

Plan check fee

Additional plan review required by changes, additions, or revisions is $50 base fee plus $50 per half hour of review

Permit fee formula

For mechanical, plumbing, fuel gas, and roofing work, $50 base fee, then for valuation over $2,000 and under $50,000, add $16 per $1,000 valuation or fraction thereof; for valuation over $50,000 and under $500,000, add $250 plus $13 per $1,000 valuation or fraction thereof

Reinspection fee

$50 per hour; inspections out of normal business hours are $75 per hour

Penalty (no permit)

Work done without authorization may be penalized up to twice the normal permit fee

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Lake County Community Planning and Development, Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 719-486-2875 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Weekdays Monday through Friday; minimum 24 hours notice; if called in after 4 pm, do not expect next-day inspection

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday

Time windows

Minimum 24 hours notice

Typical inspection sequence: Provide permit number, address and access information, owner name, contractor name, phone number, and inspection type.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 ICC reference codes adopted by Resolution 22-13, including the 2018 IRC, IBC, IMC, IFGC, IFC, IEBC, and IECC. The county also notes the plumbing and electrical codes are governed by the State of Colorado boards.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building Codes
• Building Code Adoption Resolution
• Contractors
• Inspection Scheduling
• Land Development Code
• License lookup guide: Colorado Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Colorado Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Colorado hub: Colorado Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Lake County Building Permit FAQ

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

New buildings; additions and alterations; structural repairs; relocation of existing buildings; abatement of unsafe buildings or structures; change in use or occupancy; manufactured housing placed in a mobile home park.

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

The minimum permit fee is $50 base permit fee. Fees are calculated as: For mechanical, plumbing, fuel gas, and roofing work, $50 base fee, then for valuation over $2,000 and under $50,000, add $16 per $1,000 valuation or fraction thereof; for valuation over $50,000 and under $500,000, add $250 plus $13 per $1,000 valuation or fraction thereof. Plan check fee: Additional plan review required by changes, additions, or revisions is $50 base fee plus $50 per half hour of review.

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

1. Schedule a pre-application meeting if needed to confirm which forms and approvals apply. 2. Prepare the building permit packet, including deed, completed application, plans, site plan, affidavit, and required approvals. 3. Submit the permit packet electronically to BuildingPermits@co.lake.co.us. 4. County staff calculates the permit fee at submittal. 5. County staff reviews the documents, and approved plans are returned as PDF. 6. The applicant prints one 24x36 set for the site and keeps approved plans available for inspections.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 719-486-2875. Weekdays Monday through Friday; minimum 24 hours notice; if called in after 4 pm, do not expect next-day inspection.