Town of Frederick, CO - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Applies within Frederick town limits. The town handles building permits directly and also requires coordination with outside entities such as St. Vrain Sanitation District and, for some projects, school district fee obligations.

Department

Town of Frederick Building Department

Address

401 Locust Street, Frederick, CO 80530

Phone

720-382-5605

Email

Building@FrederickCO.gov

Website

https://www.frederickco.gov/416/Building-Department

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Review the Town of Frederick permit or home improvement guidance to determine whether the project requires a permit.
2. Select the correct application form, such as new residential, new commercial, or general permit application.
3. Submit the application package with required plans and submittal materials through the town process and Accela portal.
4. Provide any required outside-agency items, such as proof of sewer tap purchase from St. Vrain Sanitation District where applicable.
5. Pay permit and plan review fees under the town fee schedule.
6. Receive the issued permit and maintain approved plans and required letters on site.
7. Schedule required inspections and complete all final building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, engineering, and planning signoffs as applicable.

Source: Town of Frederick Building Department

General Requirements

Frederick publishes permit triggers for additions, enclosed patios, basement finishes, detached garages, pole barns, re-roofs, decks and porches, and covered patios or carports.

Required Documents

• New residential, new commercial, and general permit applications
• Submittal requirements
• Building code requirements
• Residential new construction checklist
• Project-specific required letters
• Grading certificate
• HERS report
• ILC
• Insulation certificate
• Setback certificate

Building code

Frederick publishes a Building Codes page, but the exact current code cycle was not summarized in the text captured from the public pages reviewed.

Owner-builder

Not clearly summarized on the main public pages reviewed.

Contractor requirements

Frederick maintains a contractor license page through the Building Department.

Fees

Plan check fee

The 2026 fee schedule includes a plan review charge of $1,000 per $500,000 or fraction thereof of total building valuation for commercial plan review.

Permit fee formula

The 2026 fee schedule includes building permit fee items and project valuation-based components.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 200 square feet
• Fences not over 6 feet high
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
• Swings and similar playground equipment accessory to a one or two-family dwelling
• Portable heating, cooking, or clothes drying appliances
• Minor electrical, mechanical, and plumbing items

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 720-382-5620 (phone)

Inspection hours

Building Department hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Frederick publishes required inspections for new residential work including footing, foundation, open hole, rough framing, rough trade inspections, insulation, drywall, exterior wall or weather barrier items, finals, and final engineering and planning approvals.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Frederick publishes a Building Codes page, but the exact current code cycle was not summarized in the text captured from the public pages reviewed.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Building Department
• 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 Frederick Building Permit FAQ

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

Frederick publishes permit triggers for additions, enclosed patios, basement finishes, detached garages, pole barns, re-roofs, decks and porches, and covered patios or carports.

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

Fees are calculated as: The 2026 fee schedule includes building permit fee items and project valuation-based components.. Plan check fee: The 2026 fee schedule includes a plan review charge of $1,000 per $500,000 or fraction thereof of total building valuation for commercial plan review..

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

1. Review the Town of Frederick permit or home improvement guidance to determine whether the project requires a permit. 2. Select the correct application form, such as new residential, new commercial, or general permit application. 3. Submit the application package with required plans and submittal materials through the town process and Accela portal. 4. Provide any required outside-agency items, such as proof of sewer tap purchase from St. Vrain Sanitation District where applicable. 5. Pay permit and plan review fees under the town fee schedule. 6. Receive the issued permit and maintain approved plans and required letters on site. 7. Schedule required inspections and complete all final building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, engineering, and planning signoffs as applicable.

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

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 200 square feet; Fences not over 6 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Swings and similar playground equipment accessory to a one or two-family dwelling; Portable heating, cooking, or clothes drying appliances; Minor electrical, mechanical, and plumbing items.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Frederick, CO?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 720-382-5620.

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