Morgan County, CO — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Morgan County Planning and Zoning Department, Building Inspections

Street address

231 Ensign Street, P.O. Box 596, Fort Morgan, CO 80701

Phone

970-542-3526; building inspector 970-768-7197

permits_licensing@co.morgan.co.us

Coverage

Unincorporated Morgan County only

Online portal

Permit portal

County web page with linked PDF applications

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Morgan County

Any building with a roof and 120 square feet or larger.

Scope of work

Permit?

Small structures smaller than 120 square feet with no electricity

Exempt

Painting a home

Exempt

Fence 6 feet or under

Exempt

Exempt Small structures smaller than 120 square feet with no electricity
Exempt Painting a home
Exempt 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.

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

Building code: 2009 International Building Code, 2009 International Residential Code, 2009 International Energy Conservation Code, and 2010 International Mechanical Code
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.
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.

Source: Morgan County Planning and Zoning Department, Building Inspections ↗

§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

01

Start with the building permit application and required attachments.
02

The landowner must sign the application and Right to Farm policy.
03

Application package must include site plan, construction plans, utility/access proof, drainage plan if requested, and additional staff requests.
04

Submit the signed package to the Planning and Zoning Department.
05

Do not begin moving dirt or construction until the permit is issued.
06

Incomplete applications are not accepted or processed.

Source: Morgan County Planning and Zoning Department, Building Inspections ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Morgan County building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

970-542-3526 (phone)
970-768-7197 (phone)

Inspection hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Typical 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.

Source: Morgan County Planning and Zoning Department, Building Inspections ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Morgan County permits

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

Any building with a roof and 120 square feet or larger.

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

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

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

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

04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Morgan County, CO? ▸

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

05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Morgan County, CO? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Morgan County, CO via: 970-542-3526, 970-768-7197.

last verified April 2026 source Morgan County Planning and Zoning Department, Building Inspections ↗ entry id permits/colorado/morgan/unincorporated

Report a correction

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