Longmont (Weld County portion), COLORADO Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Longmont spans Boulder and Weld counties. This section covers properties inside Longmont city limits that lie in Weld County. In-city permits are administered by Longmont rather than by Weld County.

Department

City of Longmont Building Services

Address

Development Services Center, 385 Kimbark Street, Longmont, CO 80501

Phone

303-651-8332

Email

building.inspection@longmontcolorado.gov

Website

https://longmontcolorado.gov/building-inspection/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

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.

Typical processing time: No citywide general review timeline was published on the main permit pages reviewed. The city notes CO processing for deferred-fee residential projects is completed within 3 business days once conditions are met.

Source: City of Longmont Building Services

General Requirements

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.

Required Documents

• Application
• Plans
• Project-specific supporting materials
• Submittal guides
• Valuation sheets
• Site or plot plans
• Trade or specialty forms

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.

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.

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.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Not clearly stated in the permit fee summary page reviewed

Plan check fee

Included in the permit process and detailed in the fee manual; commercial plan review fee is due before review begins

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.

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

Payment note

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story accessory structures less than 120 square feet in floor area, though setback and zoning rules still apply

Important: Applicants should still confirm trade-permit requirements and zoning compliance even where a building permit is not required.

Inspections

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 inspection sequence: Project dependent, but the city references rough inspections, required intermediate inspections, and final inspection as the last step before completion.

Additional Resources

• 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.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building Codes
• Contractors Information and Resources
• Applications for Permit
• Accessory Buildings
• License lookup guide: Colorado Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Colorado Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Colorado hub: Colorado Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Weld County