Loveland, CO — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

City of Loveland Development Services Department, Building Division

Street address

410 E. 5th Street, Loveland, CO 80537

Phone

970-962-2505

Residential permits: eplan-res@cityofloveland.org

Coverage

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

Online portal

Loveland Development Services

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

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Loveland

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.

Scope of work

Permit?

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

Exempt

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.

Required documents

Project-specific city forms
Permit application forms
Revised plan request forms
Homeowner affidavit where applicable
Electronic plans

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.
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.
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.

Source: City of Loveland Development Services Department, Building Division ↗

§ 03

Application process

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

01

Determine permit type and whether the work requires a permit using the Permitting FAQ page.
02

Complete the required city forms for the project type.
03

Email residential submittals to eplan-res@cityofloveland.org or commercial and multifamily submittals to eplan-building@cityofloveland.org.
04

Respond to plan review comments and revisions by email or through the city process for the record.
05

Pay the assessed fees when invoiced by the city.
06

After issuance, keep approved drawings onsite and schedule inspections online or by phone.
07

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 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Effective 2026

Fee type

Amount

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.

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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2026) before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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

Source: City of Loveland Development Services Department, Building Division ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Loveland permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Loveland, CO? ▸

02 How much does a building permit cost in Loveland, CO? ▸

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

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Loveland, CO? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Loveland, CO, follow these steps: 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.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Loveland, CO? ▸

Building permit processing times in Loveland, CO typically run Current plan review estimates are 20 to 30 working days per round of review.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in Loveland, CO? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Loveland, CO? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Loveland, CO via: Citizen Access, 970-962-2100, LFRA fire inspections: 970-962-2537.

last verified April 2026 source City of Loveland Development Services Department, Building Division ↗ entry id permits/colorado/larimer/loveland

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Loveland Development Services Department, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Loveland

Other jurisdictions in Larimer County.