Washington County, CO — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 5

§ 01

Permit authority

Washington County Planning and Zoning, Washington County Land Use Office

Street address

Second Floor Courthouse, 150 Ash Avenue, Akron, CO 80720

Phone

(970) 345-2701 ext. 234

planning@co.washington.co.us

Coverage

Unincorporated portion of Washington County for buildings, structures, and changes in land use

Website

Department website

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Washington County

residences, all categories including mobile/manufactured homes, outbuildings, grain bins, garages, room additions, decks with attached roofs, screened porches, and special use development permits for certain livestock operations

Scope of work

Permit?

The county materials reviewed did not publish a clear exempt-work list

Exempt

Exempt The county materials reviewed did not publish a clear exempt-work list

Required documents

building permit application, legal description, access road/highway, class of work, construction materials, building type, lot size, sewer and water source, and plot plan or equivalent site information

Building code: The county permit form states that Washington County does not have a building code ordinance and that the applicant is responsible for ensuring uniform building codes and current state standards are followed

§ 03

Fee schedule

Washington County building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

Minimum permit fee

$100 building permit fee for most buildings; $100 county permit fee for mobile/manufactured homes

Permit fee formula

General permit fee form shows use tax as 1.5 percent of 48 percent of total building value

§ 04

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

Typical sequence: apply, county processing, inspection by county building inspector, then occupancy or insignia steps for manufactured housing

§ 05

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Washington County permits

01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, CO? ▸

02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Washington County, CO? ▸

Building permit fees in unincorporated Washington County, CO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $100 building permit fee for most buildings; $100 county permit fee for mobile/manufactured homes. Fees are calculated as: General permit fee form shows use tax as 1.5 percent of 48 percent of total building value.

03 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Washington County, CO? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Washington County, CO. The following work is generally exempt: The county materials reviewed did not publish a clear exempt-work list. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

last verified April 2026 source Washington County Planning and Zoning, Washington County Land Use Office ↗ entry id permits/colorado/washington/unincorporated

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Washington County Planning and Zoning, Washington County Land Use Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Unincorporated Washington County