Building Permits

Building permits are required for construction, alteration, repair, demolition, and installation work regulated by Boulder County building codes. The Community Planning and Permitting Department issues building permits for properties located in unincorporated Boulder County and reviews plans for compliance with adopted building codes and amendments. Learn more on the Building, Safety and Inspection Services homepage.

EZ BP (Easy Building Permit) Program for Residential Building Permits

The Easy Building Permit (EZ BP) Program is for simple residential projects that do not require plans.

View information on the EZ BP (Easy Building Permit) Program.

Building Code Adoption and Amendments

Boulder County uses the 2021 International Building Codes. Boulder County Building Code Amendments took effect July 1, 2026. These rules apply to properties in unincorporated Boulder County — areas outside of cities and towns. The county also reviews plans and inspects work in the Town of Jamestown.

Building Permit Fees

Use the Building Permit Fees and Estimator Calculator Tool to estimate your fees. View Boulder County Building Permit Fees, updated Jan. 1, 2023. Learn more about Boulder County Sales and Use Tax.

When Do You Need a Building Permit?

The Community Planning and Permitting Department issues permits for unincorporated Boulder County. If your property is inside a city or town, contact that city or town directly. View Municipality Contacts Within Boulder County.

You need a permit any time you change or add to a structure on your property. Below are examples of work that requires a permit.

• New Building: This includes homes, garages, carports, pole barns, commercial buildings, manufactured homes, mobile homes, and sheds over 120 square feet. Any structure with utilities needs a permit, no matter the size. If your shed is over 120 square feet, or will have utilities, contact a planner before you start. If you already have one or more accessory structures already, you should talk to a planner. Sheds, pergolas, gazebos, studios, and similar structures are examples of accessory structures.
• Additions: Buildings, swimming pools, decks, retaining walls over 48 inches tall, and fences over six feet tall.
• Alterations: Changes beyond cosmetic work need a permit. Examples include converting a garage into a living space, re-roofing, remodeling kitchens and bathrooms, drywalling, insulating, finishing a basement, replacing windows, and re-siding.
• Repairs: Any repair to a structural part of a building requires a permit.
• Installations: Wood burning stoves, hot tubs, and solar collectors require a permit.

See Building Permits for Residential Construction for details.

Permit Type Questions

Call the Building Safety and Inspection Services Team at 303-441-3926. For building code questions, use the Ask a Building Official Form or call 720-564-2640.

Ask A Planner

Before you apply for a permit, we recommend filling out an Ask a Planner Form. This helps you find out if a separate planning review is also required. See Land Use Planning Review Processes to learn more.

How to Submit Your Application

Submit your application online through our Online Application Submittal Page.

Site Plan and Building Plans

Include PDF files of your site plan and a full set of building plans. You do not need a site plan if the work is inside the building only. Submit one PDF file per permit. For example, a new house and a detached garage each need their own PDF file and permit application.

Separate PDF Files

Submit the construction plans, HERS (Home Energy Rating System) rating, soils report, and water and sewer documents as separate PDF files.

Plan Requirements

Your plans must be drawn at a minimum 1/4-inch scale (1/4 inch = 1 foot). They must show all proposed work and how it meets the Boulder County Building Code Amendments and the Boulder County Land Use Code. Plans must be clear and complete. Incomplete plans will be returned without review.

Extra Documents for New Homes

Soils Report

If you are building in the plains — east of U.S. Highway 36 — you must include a soils report. Plains soils often shift with moisture and may have high groundwater. A soils report is required for all new buildings outside of mountain areas.

Warranty Deed

Include a copy of your warranty deed recorded with the County Clerk and Recorder’s Office. This is required for new homes and recently purchased property.

Evidence of Water

Include proof of water access. This can be a water tap, a letter from a water department, or a copy of your approved well permit from the Colorado State Engineer’s Office. Call the State Engineer’s Office at 303-866-3587.

Evidence of Sanitation

Include proof of sanitation. This can be a sewer tap, a letter from a sanitation agency, or a copy of your septic approval from the Boulder County Health Department. If your project adds bedrooms or changes sanitation facilities, Health Department approval is required.

Access

If your property does not face a road on the official Boulder County Road Map, you may need to show proof of legal access, such as a recorded easement. Include a location map so inspectors can find your property, unless it is easy to find.

Energy Efficiency

If your project adds or changes heated or cooled space — called conditioned floor area — include all design details showing you meet the Boulder County BuildSmart Regulations (IRC Chapter 11: Energy Efficiency).

Wildfire Zones

Properties located in any Wildfire Zone must review the applicable ignition‑resistant construction requirements. Clearly label all exterior materials on your plans to show compliance with the requirements for your specific zone.

Submittal Checklists

Use these checklists for your project type.

• Commercial Plan Submittal Checklist
• Deck Plan Requirements
• Detached Garage Construction
• Fence Requirements
• Sign Permit Form
• Solar Photovoltaic Systems Checklist
• Solar Thermal Systems Checklist

For a full list, see Building Publications or Planning Publications.

Permit Questions

For permit questions, please email ezbp@bouldercounty.gov.