City Building Permits

Loveland, CO - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Loveland, Colorado. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Colorado Larimer County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Applies within Loveland city limits, including the Larimer County portion. Separate fire, planning, sales tax, and other city approvals may also apply.

Department
City of Loveland Development Services Department, Building Division
Address
410 E. 5th Street, Loveland, CO 80537
Phone
970-962-2505
Website
https://www.lovgov.org/services/development-services/building-division

Online Permit Portal

Open Loveland Development Services

Platform: Citizen Access for permit records and inspection scheduling; Accela migration announced but not yet live for full building permit intake as of March 25, 2026 • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Determine permit type and whether the work requires a permit using the Permitting FAQ page.
  2. Complete the required city forms for the project type.
  3. Email residential submittals to eplan-res@cityofloveland.org or commercial and multifamily submittals to eplan-building@cityofloveland.org.
  4. Respond to plan review comments and revisions by email or through the city process for the record.
  5. Pay the assessed fees when invoiced by the city.
  6. After issuance, keep approved drawings onsite and schedule inspections online or by phone.
  7. Complete final inspections and any certificate of occupancy requirements.

Typical processing time: Current plan review estimates are 20 to 30 working days per round of review.

Source: City of Loveland Development Services Department, Building Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for new construction, additions, and alterations. Examples include decks, basement finishes, interior remodels, HVAC, demos, carports, and storage sheds above threshold size.

Required Documents

  • Project-specific city forms
  • Permit application forms
  • Revised plan request forms
  • Homeowner affidavit where applicable
  • Electronic plans
Permit validity
Plan review applications expire if no permit is issued within 90 days after the last review action without applicant response. Residential permits are valid for 12 months and commercial permits are valid for 18 months. First extension is free; second extension is $150; no third extension.
Building code
The city public code page shows 2021 commercial and residential code materials. Proposed 2024 code changes were under council consideration for March and April 2026. Verify with the city whether the 2024 update has been formally adopted for your submission date.
Owner-builder
A homeowner may complete work in the home that is their primary residence with a homeowner affidavit.
Contractor requirements
A valid City of Loveland contractor license is required for structural, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing work in rental homes, multifamily buildings, and non-residential buildings.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Minimum charge of 1 hour for additional plan review at $150 in 2026; general building permit fee tied to ICC valuation tables
Permit fee formula
Building permit fees are based on current ICC valuation data. City also charges development review fee items and construction use tax.
Reinspection fee
Extension fee for a second extension is $150. Fee schedules also publish additional review charges and related building division fee items.
Payment note
2.85 percent service fee on credit and debit card transactions effective January 20, 2026. Online payments through new system in rollout preparation for mid-2026.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Storage sheds over 200 square feet residential and over 120 square feet non-residential require permits, implying smaller sheds are generally exempt

Important: Thin public-facing exemption list. Applicants should confirm the current exemption list directly with the Building Division because the city organizes public guidance by FAQ and permit type rather than one consolidated exemption handout.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • Citizen Access (online)
  • 970-962-2100 (phone)
  • LFRA fire inspections: 970-962-2537 (phone)
Inspection hours
Inspector hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; call 970-962-2181 before 8:00 a.m. on inspection day for general inspection time

Typical inspection sequence: Project dependent; city pages reference permit issuance, approved onsite drawings, trade and building inspections, and fire inspection where required.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Loveland Development Services Department, Building Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Loveland Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Loveland, CO?
A building permit is required for new construction, additions, and alterations. Examples include decks, basement finishes, interior remodels, HVAC, demos, carports, and storage sheds above threshold size.
How much does a building permit cost in Loveland, CO?
The minimum permit fee is Minimum charge of 1 hour for additional plan review at $150 in 2026; general building permit fee tied to ICC valuation tables. Fees are calculated as: Building permit fees are based on current ICC valuation data. City also charges development review fee items and construction use tax..
How do I apply for a building permit in Loveland, CO?
1. Determine permit type and whether the work requires a permit using the Permitting FAQ page. 2. Complete the required city forms for the project type. 3. Email residential submittals to eplan-res@cityofloveland.org or commercial and multifamily submittals to eplan-building@cityofloveland.org. 4. Respond to plan review comments and revisions by email or through the city process for the record. 5. Pay the assessed fees when invoiced by the city. 6. After issuance, keep approved drawings onsite and schedule inspections online or by phone. 7. Complete final inspections and any certificate of occupancy requirements.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Loveland, CO?
Typical processing time is Current plan review estimates are 20 to 30 working days per round of review..
What work is exempt from building permits in Loveland, CO?
The following work is generally exempt: Storage sheds over 200 square feet residential and over 120 square feet non-residential require permits, implying smaller sheds are generally exempt. Note: Thin public-facing exemption list. Applicants should confirm the current exemption list directly with the Building Division because the city organizes public guidance by FAQ and permit type rather than one consolidated exemption handout.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Loveland, CO?
Inspections can be scheduled via: Citizen Access, 970-962-2100, LFRA fire inspections: 970-962-2537.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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