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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

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:
  • 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

Person writing on paper on top of table

Frequently Asked Questions

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).

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

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

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

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)