Ouray County, CO - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Ouray County; the county page explicitly directs users to Ridgway and Ouray for municipal requirements

Department

Ouray County Land Use Department

Address

Ouray County Courthouse, 541 4th Street, Ouray, CO 81427

Phone

970-325-7320

Website

https://www.ouraycountyco.gov/212/Building-Information

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm zoning, access, water, septic, and wildfire constraints before finalizing plans.
2. Prepare application materials and plans in electronic PDF format.
3. Submit the permit application in CloudPermit.
4. County review takes about two to four weeks, longer for complex or incomplete submittals.
5. Respond to correction requests, then obtain permit issuance.
6. Schedule required inspections, including any engineer-performed foundation inspections.

Typical processing time: Two to four weeks, longer for complex or incomplete submittals.

Source: Ouray County Land Use Department

General Requirements

Any building or structure that is erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished requires a building permit.

Required Documents

• County checklist and forms
• Site plan
• Building plans
• PDF submittals
• Address permit
• Driveway permit
• Authorization of agent form if applicable
• Wildfire review forms where applicable
• Other project-specific forms

Permit validity

Permit valid for one year from issue; if work does not commence or continue during that year, the permit becomes void and fees are forfeited; extensions may be requested.

Building code

2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Residential Code, 2018 International Mechanical Code, 2018 International Energy Conservation Code, and the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, 1997 edition

Owner-builder

Owners, contractors, or authorized agents may apply; property owners must sign an authorization of agent form to designate another person to act as general contractor.

Contractor requirements

Subcontractors may be listed but are not issued permits; state electrical and plumbing permits are separate.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Building permit fees are determined in accordance with Appendix L of the 2018 IBC and Section 5 of Resolution 2020-04.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2018).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• New cabinets in kitchen or bath
• Cosmetic interior remodeling
• Moving or removing non-structural walls
• Minor repairs to electrical or plumbing, subject to state rules
• Replacement of light fixtures, subject to code
• Non-structural work such as window and door replacement and interior refinishing like painting or wallpapering
• One-story detached storage buildings under 200 square feet
• Fences not more than 7 feet tall
• Retaining walls not more than 4 feet tall measured from base of footer to top of wall
• Platforms and walks not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below
• Yurts placed directly on the ground with no foundation and no ground disturbance may not require a permit

Inspections

How to Schedule

• CloudPermit (online)
• 970-626-9775 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Inspection requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

Typical inspection sequence: County requires engineer inspections for footings, caissons, and foundation wall inspections, with a stamped report to the building official; final approval requires all required inspections and compliance items before certificate of occupancy.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Residential Code, 2018 International Mechanical Code, 2018 International Energy Conservation Code, and the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, 1997 edition
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Forms and Applications
• Building Permit Reports
• Building Information
• License lookup guide: Colorado Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Colorado Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Colorado hub: Colorado Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Ouray County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Ouray County, CO?

Any building or structure that is erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished requires a building permit.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Ouray County, CO?

Fees are calculated as: Building permit fees are determined in accordance with Appendix L of the 2018 IBC and Section 5 of Resolution 2020-04..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Ouray County, CO?

1. Confirm zoning, access, water, septic, and wildfire constraints before finalizing plans. 2. Prepare application materials and plans in electronic PDF format. 3. Submit the permit application in CloudPermit. 4. County review takes about two to four weeks, longer for complex or incomplete submittals. 5. Respond to correction requests, then obtain permit issuance. 6. Schedule required inspections, including any engineer-performed foundation inspections.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Ouray County, CO?

Typical processing time is Two to four weeks, longer for complex or incomplete submittals..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Ouray County, CO?

The following work is generally exempt: New cabinets in kitchen or bath; Cosmetic interior remodeling; Moving or removing non-structural walls; Minor repairs to electrical or plumbing, subject to state rules; Replacement of light fixtures, subject to code; Non-structural work such as window and door replacement and interior refinishing like painting or wallpapering; One-story detached storage buildings under 200 square feet; Fences not more than 7 feet tall; Retaining walls not more than 4 feet tall measured from base of footer to top of wall; Platforms and walks not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below; Yurts placed directly on the ground with no foundation and no ground disturbance may not require a permit.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Ouray County, CO?

Inspections can be scheduled via: CloudPermit, 970-626-9775. Inspection requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance..