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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Ouray County
Any building or structure that is erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished requires a building 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
- Exempt New cabinets in kitchen or bath
- Exempt Cosmetic interior remodeling
- Exempt Moving or removing non-structural walls
- Exempt Minor repairs to electrical or plumbing, subject to state rules
- Exempt Replacement of light fixtures, subject to code
- Exempt Non-structural work such as window and door replacement and interior refinishing like painting or wallpapering
- Exempt One-story detached storage buildings under 200 square feet
- Exempt Fences not more than 7 feet tall
- Exempt Retaining walls not more than 4 feet tall measured from base of footer to top of wall
- Exempt Platforms and walks not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below
- Exempt Yurts placed directly on the ground with no foundation and no ground disturbance may not require a 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Two to four weeks, longer for complex or incomplete submittals.
- 01 Confirm zoning, access, water, septic, and wildfire constraints before finalizing plans.
- 02 Prepare application materials and plans in electronic PDF format.
- 03 Submit the permit application in CloudPermit.
- 04 County review takes about two to four weeks, longer for complex or incomplete submittals.
- 05 Respond to correction requests, then obtain permit issuance.
- 06 Schedule required inspections, including any engineer-performed foundation inspections.
Typical processing time: Two to four weeks, longer for complex or incomplete submittals.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2018
Fee type
Amount
01
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2018) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- CloudPermit (online)
- 970-626-9775 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspection requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Typical 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Ouray County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Ouray County, CO? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Ouray County, CO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Ouray County, CO? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Ouray County, CO, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Ouray County, CO? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Ouray County, CO typically run Two to four weeks, longer for complex or incomplete submittals.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Ouray County, CO? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Ouray County, CO? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Ouray County, CO via: CloudPermit, 970-626-9775. Inspection requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance..
last verified April 2026
source Ouray County Land Use Department ↗
entry id permits/colorado/ouray/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Ouray County Land Use Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.