Building Department

The Building Department administers building codes as adopted by the Board of County Commissioners for the design, construction, and renovation of all structures and onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) in unincorporated Alamosa County.

Types of Permits issued:

Building Permit
Reroofing Permit
Demolition Permit
OWTS Permit

How to apply for a building permit: Coming soon.
How to apply for an OWTS permit: Coming soon.
How to apply for an electrical or plumbing permit: All building permits that require electrical or plumbing components must have permits issued by the State of Colorado. You may apply online here.

Building Framing with Construction worker

Inspection & Plan Review Policy

All inspection requests require a minimum 24-hour notice. Permit applications are processed in the order they are received.

Residential Building Plans require a minimum of 7-business days of review.
Commercial Building Plans require a minimum of 14-business days of review.
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) plans require a minimum 72-hours of review
Re-roof and fencing permits may still be issued same day but certain applications may take up to 24-hours to review.

Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS)

New regulations for OWTS (septic systems) were adopted statewide in 2014 through Regulation 43.
Property Owners:
- All OWTS must be designed and installed by a licensed installer.
  - List of Installers
Installers:
- All systems contractors must become licensed as a competent technician as defined by Regulation 43 and pass a test to install in Alamosa County.
  - More information about becoming a competent technician is available here.

Construction Design Standards

The Alamosa County Building Department requires the following design standards for ALL Construction:

Design Standard:
- 2012 International Residential Code(s)
  - IBC – IRC – IMC
- Energy Code: 2009 IECC
Roof Snow Load:
- 30 PSF
- 40 PSF – Zapata Subdivision
Wind Velocity:
- IRC – 90 MPH (Exposure C w/ a 3 second gust)
- IBC – 115 MPH
Seismic Zone: 1
Occupancy Category: Type V-N, R-3 or Type V-I
Elevation: 7,500'
Frost Depth: 40" with a 6" exposure (water lines at a minimum of 5’ or 60”)
Insulation: R-10 Foundation wall
- R-49 Ceiling
- R-21 Walls
Climate Zone: 6

Manufactured Home Regulations

Zoning Requirements:
- Single Section Manufactured homes (single-wides) may not be older than 15 years.
  - Single-wides need to go through the Special Use Permit application process for most zoned districts.
- Multi-Section Manufactured homes (double-wides) may not be older than 1976
All Manufactured Homes must sit on a permanent foundation.
- Foundation Drawings stamped by a Colorado Licensed Engineer are required.
- List of Local Engineers.
Manufactured Home Permit Costs:
- 100% Cost of Foundation + 50% Cost of Home
Sample Manufactured Home Plans

Building Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need a building permit?

All structures over 200 square feet need a permit as do fences over 6 feet, solar panels, demolition projects, re-roofing, decks/patios, residential additions of any kind, and onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS).

What are the current building codes?

2012 International Building Code (IBC)
2012 International Residential Code (IRC)
2012 International Mechanical Code ( IMC)
2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

What are your insulation requirements?

Walls: R-21
Ceilings: R-49
Foundation wall: R-10

Do you require contractors to be licensed?

Contractor licenses are not required in the county for construction except for OWTS Installers/Cleaners and Manufactured Home Installers.

List of Local Contractors

How much do permits cost?

Building permits are based on the cost of construction which is calculated by using this guide.

Roofing: $100 (per building)
- Ex. House with detached garage is $200 if re-roofing garage also.
OWTS Permit Price:$400
Demolition Permit Price:$0 (State Demolition Permit Required)

Monthly Permit Reports

Monthly Permit Reports are generally available no later than two weeks into the following month i.e. January reports should be available by February 14th. If the report is unavailable and it is past the two week mark, please call the Land Use office at (719) 589-3812 for assistance.

More detailed permit summaries are available by request for a fee. A CORA request must be submitted and approved before more detailed reports can be generated by our department.