Lake County, CO — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Lake County Community Planning and Development, Building Department

Street address

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

Phone

719-486-2875

BuildingPermits@co.lake.co.us

Coverage

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

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Lake County

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.

Note: Roofing permits are specifically listed as required. Electrical work is state-managed rather than county-managed.

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.

Source: Lake County Community Planning and Development, Building Department ↗

§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

01

Schedule a pre-application meeting if needed to confirm which forms and approvals apply.
02

Prepare the building permit packet, including deed, completed application, plans, site plan, affidavit, and required approvals.
03

Submit the permit packet electronically to BuildingPermits@co.lake.co.us.
04

County staff calculates the permit fee at submittal.
05

County staff reviews the documents, and approved plans are returned as PDF.
06

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 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Lake County building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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

Source: Lake County Community Planning and Development, Building Department ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Lake County permits

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

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

Building permit fees in unincorporated Lake County, CO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.

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

To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Lake County, CO, follow these steps: 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.

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

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Lake County, CO via: 719-486-2875. Weekdays Monday through Friday; minimum 24 hours notice; if called in after 4 pm, do not expect next-day inspection.

last verified April 2026 source Lake County Community Planning and Development, Building Department ↗ entry id permits/colorado/lake/unincorporated

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Lake County Community Planning and Development, Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.