Town of Ophir, CO - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Town of Ophir limits

Department

Building Department, with Building Official Joe Shults

Address

36 Porphyry St, Ophir, CO 81426

Phone

970-728-4943

Email

building@ophir.us

Website

https://townofophir.colorado.gov/

Application Process

1. Obtain or prepare the Ophir building permit application.
2. Submit the application to the Building Inspector on the town forms provided for that purpose.
3. Provide required plans and supporting documents.
4. Town review and, where applicable, Planning and Zoning review.
5. Permit issuance by the Building Inspector / Building Official.

Source: Building Department, with Building Official Joe Shults

General Requirements

Ophir code excerpts state it is unlawful to commence excavation or construction of any building or structure, including accessory structures, until the Building Inspector has issued a building permit.

Required Documents

• accessible snippets show the application must be accompanied by two copies of a plan; the permit form also references applicant, designer, and contractor signatures and review of the land use code.

Permit validity

Ophir land use code snippet says work must commence within 180 days of issuing the permit, and each inspection must be completed within 180 days of the previous mandated inspection unless the Building Official determines otherwise.

Building code

Ophir Ordinance 1979-2 adopted the Uniform Building Code; later ordinance updates and the current land use code modify permit exemptions and timelines.

Owner-builder

not clearly summarized in the accessible public snippets. Thin data.

Contractor requirements

not clearly summarized in the accessible public snippets. Thin data.

Fees

Plan check fee

LUC plan review fee is $500 for a new building or remodel, $400 for accessory buildings and additions 500 square feet plus, and $200 for accessory buildings and additions under 500 square feet. After the first four hours, plan review time is billed at $75 per hour.

Permit fee formula

permit fee is determined by the Building Official based upon valuation of the project; the application fee schedule includes plan review fees and deposits.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Ophir Land Use Code snippet amends IRC work exempt from permit to include door replacements when no structural changes are needed or proposed.
• The code also states fences not over 3 feet high are exempt from the building permit requirement, but fence materials and temporary construction fences still go through P&Z approval.
• The code deletes the small detached shed exemption that otherwise exists in the IRC, meaning one-story detached accessory structures under 200 square feet still must go through the proper application and approval process.
• Electrical and plumbing exemptions remain subject to state board rules.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: build permit issued, work must commence within 180 days, and mandated inspections must occur within 180 days of the previous inspection unless otherwise allowed by the Building Official.

the code excerpt shows framing cannot proceed until plumbing, electrical, and mechanical inspections have already passed.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Ophir Ordinance 1979-2 adopted the Uniform Building Code; later ordinance updates and the current land use code modify permit exemptions and timelines.
• Zoning / land use
• Zoning / land use
• Ordinances
• Staff directory
• Planning and zoning commission
• 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 Ophir Building Permit FAQ

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

Ophir code excerpts state it is unlawful to commence excavation or construction of any building or structure, including accessory structures, until the Building Inspector has issued a building permit.

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

Fees are calculated as: permit fee is determined by the Building Official based upon valuation of the project; the application fee schedule includes plan review fees and deposits.. Plan check fee: LUC plan review fee is $500 for a new building or remodel, $400 for accessory buildings and additions 500 square feet plus, and $200 for accessory buildings and additions under 500 square feet. After the first four hours, plan review time is billed at $75 per hour..

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

1. Obtain or prepare the Ophir building permit application. 2. Submit the application to the Building Inspector on the town forms provided for that purpose. 3. Provide required plans and supporting documents. 4. Town review and, where applicable, Planning and Zoning review. 5. Permit issuance by the Building Inspector / Building Official.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Ophir Land Use Code snippet amends IRC work exempt from permit to include door replacements when no structural changes are needed or proposed.; The code also states fences not over 3 feet high are exempt from the building permit requirement, but fence materials and temporary construction fences still go through P&Z approval.; The code deletes the small detached shed exemption that otherwise exists in the IRC, meaning one-story detached accessory structures under 200 square feet still must go through the proper application and approval process.; Electrical and plumbing exemptions remain subject to state board rules..

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