On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Frederick
Frederick publishes permit triggers for additions, enclosed patios, basement finishes, detached garages, pole barns, re-roofs, decks and porches, and covered patios or carports.
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
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 200 square feet
- Exempt Fences not over 6 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
- Exempt Swings and similar playground equipment accessory to a one or two-family dwelling
- Exempt Portable heating, cooking, or clothes drying appliances
- Exempt Minor electrical, mechanical, and plumbing items
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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Review the Town of Frederick permit or home improvement guidance to determine whether the project requires a permit.
- 02 Select the correct application form, such as new residential, new commercial, or general permit application.
- 03 Submit the application package with required plans and submittal materials through the town process and Accela portal.
- 04 Provide any required outside-agency items, such as proof of sewer tap purchase from St. Vrain Sanitation District where applicable.
- 05 Pay permit and plan review fees under the town fee schedule.
- 06 Receive the issued permit and maintain approved plans and required letters on site.
- 07 Schedule required inspections and complete all final building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, engineering, and planning signoffs as applicable.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2026
Fee type
Amount
01
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.
02
Permit fee formula
The 2026 fee schedule includes building permit fee items and project valuation-based components.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2026) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Frederick permits
01 Do I need a building permit in 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Frederick, CO? ▸
Building permit fees in Frederick, CO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Frederick, CO? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Frederick, CO, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Frederick, CO? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Frederick, CO? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Frederick, CO via: 720-382-5620.
last verified April 2026
source Town of Frederick Building Department ↗
entry id permits/colorado/weld/frederick
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Frederick Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.