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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for San Juan County
Improvement permits are required before any building is allowed in the county. The county states permits are required for any project more than $2000 including labor and materials, and for projects that require structural alterations.
The public requirements page does note that one-story detached accessory structures are dependent on use and square footage and require notification to the Building Official
State-licensed plumbing and electrical trade work is handled through Colorado state permits, not county building permits
- Exempt The public requirements page does note that one-story detached accessory structures are dependent on use and square footage and require notification to the Building Official
- Exempt State-licensed plumbing and electrical trade work is handled through Colorado state permits, not county building permits
Required documents
- Identification of work, plot plan with address and setbacks, use of property, one or two sets of print plans and digital plans, including 4 elevations for new construction and 2 elevations for additions.
- Building code
- The county requirement sheet states the Town of Silverton uses the 2015 IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, IFC, and the latest National Electric Code and Plumbing Code adopted by the State of Colorado. The county page does not separately state a newer county code cycle.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors need a letter of authority from the property owner if they are signing the permit. Plumbing and electrical permits are state permits.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm the work is in unincorporated San Juan County.
- 02 Use the county building page and forms package.
- 03 Prepare the permit application, plot plan, and plans.
- 04 Submit the application and plans to the county building office.
- 05 County reviews the application and any plan set.
- 06 Pay the permit fee.
- 07 Permit is issued after review approval.
- 08 Post permit and schedule inspections.
§ 04
Fee schedule
San Juan County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Commercial 65 percent of building permit fee; residential 50 percent of building permit fee
02
Permit fee formula
Fees are based on total valuation of the project, including labor and materials
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Call 970-946-9031 for information or to schedule inspections (phone)
Typical sequence: Footers, stem walls and slabs, rough-in electrical and plumbing, framing, sheathing fasteners, insulation, sheet rock nail or screw, final electrical and plumbing, and final compliance for occupancy
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated San Juan County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated San Juan County, CO? ▸
Improvement permits are required before any building is allowed in the county. The county states permits are required for any project more than $2000 including labor and materials, and for projects that require structural alterations.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated San Juan County, CO? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated San Juan County, CO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Fees are based on total valuation of the project, including labor and materials. Plan check fee: Commercial 65 percent of building permit fee; residential 50 percent of building permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated San Juan County, CO? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated San Juan County, CO, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the work is in unincorporated San Juan County. 2. Use the county building page and forms package. 3. Prepare the permit application, plot plan, and plans. 4. Submit the application and plans to the county building office. 5. County reviews the application and any plan set. 6. Pay the permit fee. 7. Permit is issued after review approval. 8. Post permit and schedule inspections.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated San Juan County, CO? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated San Juan County, CO. The following work is generally exempt: The public requirements page does note that one-story detached accessory structures are dependent on use and square footage and require notification to the Building Official; State-licensed plumbing and electrical trade work is handled through Colorado state permits, not county building permits. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated San Juan County, CO? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated San Juan County, CO via: Call 970-946-9031 for information or to schedule inspections.
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/colorado/san-juan/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with San Juan County Building Department / Building and Planning before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.