County Building Permits
Morgan County, CO - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Morgan County, Colorado. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Unincorporated Morgan County only
- Department
- Morgan County Planning and Zoning Department, Building Inspections
- Address
- 231 Ensign Street, P.O. Box 596, Fort Morgan, CO 80701
- Phone
- 970-542-3526; building inspector 970-768-7197
Online Permit Portal
Platform: County web page with linked PDF applications • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Start with the building permit application and required attachments.
- The landowner must sign the application and Right to Farm policy.
- Application package must include site plan, construction plans, utility/access proof, drainage plan if requested, and additional staff requests.
- Submit the signed package to the Planning and Zoning Department.
- Do not begin moving dirt or construction until the permit is issued.
- Incomplete applications are not accepted or processed.
Source: Morgan County Planning and Zoning Department, Building Inspections
General Requirements
Any building with a roof and 120 square feet or larger.
Required Documents
- Signed application
- Right to Farm policy
- Site plan showing existing and proposed structures and setbacks
- Detailed construction plans
- Water and sewer proof
- Driveway permit if needed
- Utility service proof
- Additional items requested by county staff
- Permit validity
- Permit voids if construction is not commenced within 180 days or if work stops for 180 continuous days unless an extension is requested.
- Building code
- 2009 International Building Code, 2009 International Residential Code, 2009 International Energy Conservation Code, and 2010 International Mechanical Code
- Owner-builder
- The packet allows the landowner to sign and allows the applicant to self-identify as contractor when acting as contractor.
- Contractor requirements
- Current Morgan County contractor license required; state electrical and plumbing permits must also be obtained through state systems where applicable.
Fees
- Plan check fee
- In-house plan review $250; outside consultants actual cost.
- Permit fee formula
- Residential permit fees are valuation-based and square-foot based by component; commercial permits are based on actual labor and material valuation.
- Reinspection fee
- $50 per hour; inspection outside normal business hours $100 per hour. Double fees may apply for zoning and building permits if work starts before permits are obtained.
- Penalty (no permit)
- Potential fee consequences if work proceeds without permit or penalties based on permit violation.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Small structures smaller than 120 square feet with no electricity
- Painting a home
- Fence 6 feet or under
Important: Some accessory structures may be zoning-only/no-permit based on size and utilities. State electrical and plumbing work is under state permitting.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 970-542-3526 (phone)
- 970-768-7197 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Typical inspection sequence: Setback inspection first; required inspections are marked on the permit card.
Inspections must occur before concealment and failure to comply may add fees and affect contractor licensing.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2009 International Building Code, 2009 International Residential Code, 2009 International Energy Conservation Code, and 2010 International Mechanical Code
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Building permits and FAQ
- Permit fees
- Building permit application PDF
- 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 Morgan County Planning and Zoning Department, Building Inspections before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Morgan County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Morgan County, CO?
- Any building with a roof and 120 square feet or larger.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Morgan County, CO?
- Fees are calculated as: Residential permit fees are valuation-based and square-foot based by component; commercial permits are based on actual labor and material valuation.. Plan check fee: In-house plan review $250; outside consultants actual cost..
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Morgan County, CO?
- 1. Start with the building permit application and required attachments. 2. The landowner must sign the application and Right to Farm policy. 3. Application package must include site plan, construction plans, utility/access proof, drainage plan if requested, and additional staff requests. 4. Submit the signed package to the Planning and Zoning Department. 5. Do not begin moving dirt or construction until the permit is issued. 6. Incomplete applications are not accepted or processed.
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Morgan County, CO?
- The following work is generally exempt: Small structures smaller than 120 square feet with no electricity; Painting a home; Fence 6 feet or under. Note: Some accessory structures may be zoning-only/no-permit based on size and utilities. State electrical and plumbing work is under state permitting.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Morgan County, CO?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 970-542-3526, 970-768-7197.
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