On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Aspen
Aspen requires a permit for construction, alterations, repairs, additions, changes in occupancy, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work, subject to the adopted code and permit type.
Roof patch less than one square, defined as 10 x 10 feet, does not require a permit.
Interior finishes and fixture removal only is handled by the IFFR permit type and is used as a limited removal permit; reinstall or rebuild requires a regular permit.
Like-for-like fenestration replacements may qualify for affidavit-based processing.
- Exempt Roof patch less than one square, defined as 10 x 10 feet, does not require a permit.
- Exempt Interior finishes and fixture removal only is handled by the IFFR permit type and is used as a limited removal permit; reinstall or rebuild requires a regular permit.
- Exempt Like-for-like fenestration replacements may qualify for affidavit-based processing.
Note: Aspen also publishes a Projects Typically Exempt from Permit document in the resource library, but the public page does not expose the full list in plain text.
Required documents
- Permit application packet
- Plans
- Project-specific checklists
- Supporting forms and worksheets as required by project scope
- Building code
- Aspen building code references are on the Energy and Building Codes page and code adoption documents in the resource library. Aspen has its own municipal code and current code adoption materials in the building library.
- Permit validity
- Once issued, projects must be inspected every 180 days before they are considered expired. Applicant must pay issuance fees within 180 days from Ready to Issue or the permit expires.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowner/builders for a single-family residence or accessory building for their own use are exempt from Aspen business and contractor license requirements, but must take a 25-question test, sign an insurance affidavit, and are limited to one new-home permit every two years.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must be licensed. Historic preservation projects require an active Historic Preservation Contractor License.
Source: City of Aspen Community Development, Building Division ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Aspen publishes current turnaround times as of December 2025.
- 01 Create a permit portal account and upload the permit packet and plans.
- 02 Building Support performs a completeness review, usually within 1 week.
- 03 The application enters agency review rounds.
- 04 Applicants upload responses and resubmittal documents in Salesforce.
- 05 After all agencies approve, the permit moves to Final Review.
- 06 The Building Manager completes final review, typically within 1 week.
- 07 The permit moves to Ready to Issue, fees are paid, and issuance documents are sent by email.
- 08 After issuance, inspections are scheduled through the portal.
Typical processing time: Aspen publishes current turnaround times as of December 2025.
Source: City of Aspen Community Development, Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Aspen building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Aspen fee schedule is valuation and permit-type based. The public fee code shows a minimum schedule with specialized fixed fees and valuation formulas.
02
Plan check fee
65 percent of total building permit fee.
03
Permit fee formula
Building permit fees are based on valuation and permit type. Plan check fees are 65 percent of the building permit fee; energy code fee is 10 percent of the building permit fee; fire plan check fee is 65 percent of sprinkler system valuation.
04
Reinspection fee
$257.50 per inspection.
05
Penalty (no permit)
Stop work order or correction notice first infraction is 2 times permit valuation fee. Aspen also notes violations may trigger enforcement fees, citation, license revocation, and other penalties.
Building permit extension fee is $128.75 for projects up to $500,000 and $257.50 over $500,000. Certificate of occupancy fee is free. Conditional COs cost $257.50 for the first, $515.00 for the second, and $1,030.00 for the third and subsequent.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- permit portal (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Building inspection requests submitted by 7:30 PM are scheduled for the next business day.
- Inspection hours
- Projects must be ready and accessible by 9:00 AM on the day of inspection. Inspectors begin routes in the morning; late-day requests may not always be accommodated.
Typical sequence: Permit must be in Issued status before inspection requests can be made.
Source: City of Aspen Community Development, Building Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Aspen permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Aspen, CO? ▸
Aspen requires a permit for construction, alterations, repairs, additions, changes in occupancy, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work, subject to the adopted code and permit type.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Aspen, CO? ▸
Building permit fees in Aspen, CO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Aspen fee schedule is valuation and permit-type based. The public fee code shows a minimum schedule with specialized fixed fees and valuation formulas.. Fees are calculated as: Building permit fees are based on valuation and permit type. Plan check fees are 65 percent of the building permit fee; energy code fee is 10 percent of the building permit fee; fire plan check fee is 65 percent of sprinkler system valuation.. Plan check fee: 65 percent of total building permit fee..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Aspen, CO? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Aspen, CO, follow these steps: 1. Create a permit portal account and upload the permit packet and plans. 2. Building Support performs a completeness review, usually within 1 week. 3. The application enters agency review rounds. 4. Applicants upload responses and resubmittal documents in Salesforce. 5. After all agencies approve, the permit moves to Final Review. 6. The Building Manager completes final review, typically within 1 week. 7. The permit moves to Ready to Issue, fees are paid, and issuance documents are sent by email. 8. After issuance, inspections are scheduled through the portal.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Aspen, CO? ▸
Building permit processing times in Aspen, CO typically run Aspen publishes current turnaround times as of December 2025.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Aspen, CO? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Aspen, CO. The following work is generally exempt: Roof patch less than one square, defined as 10 x 10 feet, does not require a permit.; Interior finishes and fixture removal only is handled by the IFFR permit type and is used as a limited removal permit; reinstall or rebuild requires a regular permit.; Like-for-like fenestration replacements may qualify for affidavit-based processing.. Note: Aspen also publishes a Projects Typically Exempt from Permit document in the resource library, but the public page does not expose the full list in plain text. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Aspen, CO? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Aspen, CO via: permit portal. Building inspection requests submitted by 7:30 PM are scheduled for the next business day..
last verified April 2026
source City of Aspen Community Development, Building Division ↗
entry id permits/colorado/pitkin/aspen
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Aspen Community Development, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.