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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Fairplay
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.
- Exempt One story accessory structures used as sheds, playhouses, or similar uses, if the area does not exceed 200 square feet
- Exempt Fences not over 6 feet high and more than 1 foot from a property line
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet from bottom of footing to top of wall
- Exempt Water tanks less than 5,000 gallons supported directly on grade
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools not more than 24 inches deep and not more than 5,000 gallons at an R-3 residential property
- Exempt Swings and other playground equipment accessory to one and two family dwellings
- Exempt Portable heating appliances
- Exempt Emergency repairs, with application due the next working business day
Note: Building permits are not required for the listed items.
- Completed application
- Deed if an unlicensed owner is acting as contractor
- Site plan with lot lines and dimensions
- Scaled construction drawings
- Material specifications
- Valuation
- 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
- Permit validity
- Building permits expire 1 year after issue under the municipal 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.
Source: Fairplay Building Department ↗
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine whether the project qualifies for an Easy Permit, Building Permit, or Right-of-Way or Excavation Permit.
- 02 For easy permits, use the Google Forms application or apply in person.
- 03 For building permits, complete the application, attach plans and supporting documents, and submit by email or at Town Hall.
- 04 The town reviews zoning, Town Center Overlay requirements, certificate of appropriateness when applicable, and fire code items for commercial work.
- 05 Fees are calculated after submission.
Source: Fairplay Building Department ↗
Fee schedule
Effective 2024
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2024) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Google Forms inspection request (online)
- Inspection hours
- Inspections are only available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Typical sequence: The town publishes guide-based inspection requirements; foundation, framing, roofing, and final items are handled through the permit and guide documents.
Source: Fairplay Building Department ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Fairplay permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Fairplay, CO? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Fairplay, CO? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Fairplay, CO? ▸
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Fairplay, CO? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Fairplay, CO? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Fairplay Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.