Town of Fairplay, CO - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Corporate limits of the Town of Fairplay

Department

Fairplay Building Department

Address

901 Main Street, P.O. Box 267, Fairplay, CO 80440

Phone

719-836-2622 Ext. 4

Email

awagner@fairplayco.us

Website

https://www.fairplayco.us/177/Building

Application Process

1. Determine whether the project qualifies for an Easy Permit, Building Permit, or Right-of-Way or Excavation Permit.
2. For easy permits, use the Google Forms application or apply in person.
3. For building permits, complete the application, attach plans and supporting documents, and submit by email or at Town Hall.
4. The town reviews zoning, Town Center Overlay requirements, certificate of appropriateness when applicable, and fire code items for commercial work.
5. Fees are calculated after submission.

Source: Fairplay Building Department

General Requirements

For alteration, demolition, construction, enlargement, movement, repair, removal, or replacement of any building or structure; reroofing, decks, and solar generation equipment are explicitly called out as requiring a building permit unless exempt or easy-permit eligible.

Required Documents

• Completed application
• Deed if an unlicensed owner is acting as contractor
• Site plan with lot lines and dimensions
• Scaled construction drawings
• Material specifications
• Valuation

Permit validity

Building permits expire 1 year after issue under the municipal code.

Building code

2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Residential Code, 2023 National Electrical Code, 2018 International Mechanical Code, 2018 International Plumbing Code as amended by the State Plumbing Board, 2018 International Fire Code, 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 International Energy Conservation Code, 2018 International Property Maintenance Code, and 2018 Wildland-Urban Interface Code

Owner-builder

Homeowners can do work on their residence without first obtaining a contractor license, but the home must be the primary residence and subcontractors must hold a Park County contractor license; commercial property owners cannot self-perform without a contractor license.

Contractor requirements

Park County contractor license required for most contractors; plumbing and electrical contractors must hold valid Colorado DORA licenses; business license is also required for construction businesses in town.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

The fee schedule is valuation based; the PDF shows a minimum building permit charge of $85.40 for the first $2,000 of valuation.

Plan check fee

Initial plan review fee is 65 percent of total permit fees.

Permit fee formula

Permit fee is based on valuation brackets; the town states permit fee is directly proportional to usable square footage in code, while the fee schedule uses valuation tables and permit application fee determination.

Reinspection fee

Reinspection fee is $80; work started before permit issuance is charged double applicable fee; inspections outside normal days and hours are $120 with a 2 hour minimum.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2024).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One story accessory structures used as sheds, playhouses, or similar uses, if the area does not exceed 200 square feet
• Fences not over 6 feet high and more than 1 foot from a property line
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet from bottom of footing to top of wall
• Water tanks less than 5,000 gallons supported directly on grade
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
• Prefabricated swimming pools not more than 24 inches deep and not more than 5,000 gallons at an R-3 residential property
• Swings and other playground equipment accessory to one and two family dwellings
• Portable heating appliances
• Emergency repairs, with application due the next working business day

Important: Building permits are not required for the listed items.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Google Forms inspection request (online)

Inspection hours

Inspections are only available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Typical inspection sequence: The town publishes guide-based inspection requirements; foundation, framing, roofing, and final items are handled through the permit and guide documents.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Residential Code, 2023 National Electrical Code, 2018 International Mechanical Code, 2018 International Plumbing Code as amended by the State Plumbing Board, 2018 International Fire Code, 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 International Energy Conservation Code, 2018 International Property Maintenance Code, and 2018 Wildland-Urban Interface Code
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Permitting
• Municipal Code
• Wildland Code Information
• License lookup guide: Colorado Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Colorado Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Colorado hub: Colorado Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Fairplay Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Fairplay, CO?

For alteration, demolition, construction, enlargement, movement, repair, removal, or replacement of any building or structure; reroofing, decks, and solar generation equipment are explicitly called out as requiring a building permit unless exempt or easy-permit eligible.

How much does a building permit cost in Town of Fairplay, CO?

The minimum permit fee is The fee schedule is valuation based; the PDF shows a minimum building permit charge of $85.40 for the first $2,000 of valuation.. Fees are calculated as: Permit fee is based on valuation brackets; the town states permit fee is directly proportional to usable square footage in code, while the fee schedule uses valuation tables and permit application fee determination.. Plan check fee: Initial plan review fee is 65 percent of total permit fees..

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Fairplay, CO?

1. Determine whether the project qualifies for an Easy Permit, Building Permit, or Right-of-Way or Excavation Permit. 2. For easy permits, use the Google Forms application or apply in person. 3. For building permits, complete the application, attach plans and supporting documents, and submit by email or at Town Hall. 4. The town reviews zoning, Town Center Overlay requirements, certificate of appropriateness when applicable, and fire code items for commercial work. 5. Fees are calculated after submission.

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Fairplay, CO?

The following work is generally exempt: One story accessory structures used as sheds, playhouses, or similar uses, if the area does not exceed 200 square feet; Fences not over 6 feet high and more than 1 foot from a property line; Retaining walls not over 4 feet from bottom of footing to top of wall; Water tanks less than 5,000 gallons supported directly on grade; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools not more than 24 inches deep and not more than 5,000 gallons at an R-3 residential property; Swings and other playground equipment accessory to one and two family dwellings; Portable heating appliances; Emergency repairs, with application due the next working business day. Note: Building permits are not required for the listed items.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Fairplay, CO?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Google Forms inspection request.

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