On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Longmont (Weld County portion)
Longmont states a building permit is required for all commercial construction, new construction, additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures, changes to electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems, and repairs involving structural members. Public examples include patios, decks, pergolas, pools, hot tubs, re-roofing, drywall, insulation, window replacement, basement finish, siding, retaining walls over 48 inches, fences, and interior remodels.
One-story accessory structures less than 120 square feet in floor area, though setback and zoning rules still apply
- Exempt One-story accessory structures less than 120 square feet in floor area, though setback and zoning rules still apply
Note: Applicants should still confirm trade-permit requirements and zoning compliance even where a building permit is not required.
Required documents
- Application
- Plans
- Project-specific supporting materials
- Submittal guides
- Valuation sheets
- Site or plot plans
- Trade or specialty forms
- Building code
- Longmont states it has adopted the 2021 International Codes effective January 1, 2022, and the 2023 NEC effective July 24, 2024. The city also states the 2024 Codes, along with the State of Colorado model energy code, will be adopted by May 1, 2026.
- Permit validity
- Longmont code materials state a permit becomes invalid if work authorized by the permit is not commenced within 180 days after issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after commencement.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners may act as their own general contractor only if the property is their primary residence at permit submittal and is not a rental or intended for resale or flipping.
- Contractor requirements
- Anyone performing contracting work within the City of Longmont must hold a valid Longmont contractor license. For homeowner permits, subcontractors performing HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or framing work must still be licensed with the city, and electrical contractors must pull their own permits in accordance with Colorado requirements.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm that the project requires a permit and identify the correct permit or handout category.
- 02 Prepare the application and plans. Longmont states commercial applications and plans are submitted electronically in PDF format, and residential projects are guided by city handouts and application pages.
- 03 Submit the permit through the Accela Citizen Access portal or through the city process for the relevant permit type.
- 04 For commercial permits, pay the plan review fee before review begins.
- 05 Respond to city review comments and resubmit revisions if needed.
- 06 Pay all fees at permit issuance and obtain the approved permit and stamped plans.
- 07 Schedule required inspections, keep approved plans on site, and complete finals before project closeout or certificate of occupancy.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2026
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Included in the permit process and detailed in the fee manual; commercial plan review fee is due before review begins
02
Permit fee formula
Building permit fees typically include building permit fee, plan review fee, city sales tax, county sales tax, and miscellaneous fees. The city fee summary states city sales tax is calculated by multiplying 50 percent of determined project valuation by 3.53 percent and county sales tax by 1.335 percent.
03
Reinspection fee
$47 reinspection fee when inspectors cannot inspect because animals are loose; additional permit or fire inspection returns may also trigger fees under the city schedule
Building permit fees can be paid by cash, check, or credit card. The SnapPay portal charges a 2.95 percent convenience fee on credit card payments.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2026) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- City inspection scheduling system (online)
- 303-651-8332 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Requests must be made before 4:00 p.m. for next business day scheduling
- Inspection hours
- Building Services office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Time windows
- Homeowners may request morning 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or afternoon 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. windows
Typical sequence: Project dependent, but the city references rough inspections, required intermediate inspections, and final inspection as the last step before completion.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Longmont (Weld County portion) permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Longmont (Weld County portion), CO? ▸
Longmont states a building permit is required for all commercial construction, new construction, additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures, changes to electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems, and repairs involving structural members. Public examples include patios, decks, pergolas, pools, hot tubs, re-roofing, drywall, insulation, window replacement, basement finish, siding, retaining walls over 48 inches, fences, and interior remodels.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Longmont (Weld County portion), CO? ▸
Building permit fees in Longmont (Weld County portion), CO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Building permit fees typically include building permit fee, plan review fee, city sales tax, county sales tax, and miscellaneous fees. The city fee summary states city sales tax is calculated by multiplying 50 percent of determined project valuation by 3.53 percent and county sales tax by 1.335 percent.. Plan check fee: Included in the permit process and detailed in the fee manual; commercial plan review fee is due before review begins.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Longmont (Weld County portion), CO? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Longmont (Weld County portion), CO, follow these steps: 1. Confirm that the project requires a permit and identify the correct permit or handout category. 2. Prepare the application and plans. Longmont states commercial applications and plans are submitted electronically in PDF format, and residential projects are guided by city handouts and application pages. 3. Submit the permit through the Accela Citizen Access portal or through the city process for the relevant permit type. 4. For commercial permits, pay the plan review fee before review begins. 5. Respond to city review comments and resubmit revisions if needed. 6. Pay all fees at permit issuance and obtain the approved permit and stamped plans. 7. Schedule required inspections, keep approved plans on site, and complete finals before project closeout or certificate of occupancy.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Longmont (Weld County portion), CO? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Longmont (Weld County portion), CO. The following work is generally exempt: One-story accessory structures less than 120 square feet in floor area, though setback and zoning rules still apply. Note: Applicants should still confirm trade-permit requirements and zoning compliance even where a building permit is not required. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Longmont (Weld County portion), CO? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Longmont (Weld County portion), CO via: City inspection scheduling system, 303-651-8332. Requests must be made before 4:00 p.m. for next business day scheduling.
last verified April 2026
source City of Longmont Building Services ↗
entry id permits/colorado/weld/longmont
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Longmont Building Services before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.