FAQs • Pitkin County, CO • CivicEngage

What work is exempt from building permits?: Examples are "painting, wall papering, carpet, tile, repairing leaky plumbing faucets, maintenance of mechanical equipment." Each of the International Codes specifies that all work requires permits and then lists exceptions to that rule. The safest course of action is to call the Building Division to determine if work that you propose to do requires a permit. A permit technician can be reached at 970-920-5526 or fax a sketch and description to a permit tech at 970-920-5439.

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Building & Energy Codes

1. What is required for a building permit application?: Different projects require different information. In general, 1 set of digital detailed plans and referral department information (submitted electronically) is needed. If land use approvals are necessary, proof of that approval will be required in every case before a building permit will be accepted. Submittal requirement checklists are available online, at the Community Development Department public counter or refer to our permit application manual.

2. When are building, plumbing, mechanical, or electrical permits required?: There are very few areas of new construction or repair that do not require permits. Each of the International Codes specifies that all work requires permits and then lists exceptions to that rule. The safest course of action is to call the Building Division to determine if work that you propose to do requires a permit. A permit technician can be reached at 970-920-5526 or fax a sketch and description to a permit tech at 970-920-5439.

3. What work is exempt from building permits?: Examples are "painting, wall papering, carpet, tile, repairing leaky plumbing faucets, maintenance of mechanical equipment." Each of the International Codes specifies that all work requires permits and then lists exceptions to that rule. The safest course of action is to call the Building Division to determine if work that you propose to do requires a permit. A permit technician can be reached at 970-920-5526 or fax a sketch and description to a permit tech at 970-920-5439.

4. Which building codes are currently being enforced by Pitkin County?: At this time, Aspen / Pitkin County has adopted, with local amendments, the 2009 International Residential Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fuel and Gas and Existing Building codes, the 2008 National Electrical Code and the 2009 International Conservation Energy Code.

5. What are the permit fees associated with a project?: Building valuation data, building permit fee calculation tables, and plumbing, mechanical, and
electrical fee tables are available online or at the Community Development counter.

6. How long does it take to complete the plan check process?: Processing of applications for new residential or commercial work in Pitkin County is expected to take 4-6 weeks. These time frames assume complete application information and no unforeseen problems with referral department approvals.

7. What is the value of the structure based on to determine the cost of the permits?: The county has adopted a policy for minimum valuation depending on the type of construction. These guidelines can be found online.

8. When do I call for an inspection?: Inspections must be made while the work is accessible and visible. Requests made before 7 a.m. will be performed on the same day. More information is available online or at the Community Development public counter. Call inspections at 970-920-5532.

9. Do businesses relocating to Pitkin County need a new certificate of occupancy?: Yes, new buildings or alterations to existing buildings require a certificate of occupancy. Also, significant changes in use of an existing building require a review culminating with a new certificate of occupancy. However, if you propose to occupy a building or suite that was previously occupied by a similar use, a new certificate of occupancy is not required.

10. How many layers of roofing material are allowed on a structure?: For asphalt composition roofing material, the IBC and IRC allows the application of one additional layer of roofing material for a total of two. Refer to IRC section R907.

11. When does a building permit expire?: A building permit application expires if not issued within one year from the application date. A building permit expires 180 days after work has been suspended or abandoned or if construction of the building has not commenced within 1 year of permit issuance. No further extensions will be granted.

12. What are the business license fees in the City of Aspen?: Please contact the City of Aspen Finance Department at 970-920-5040. Pitkin County does not require a business license.