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HomePermits & ZoningColorado
Colorado (CO) Permit Guide

Building a Steel Structure in Colorado: Permits, Zoning & What You Need to Know

Colorado has no statewide building code, leaving it to local governments to adopt and enforce their own codes. Urban areas along the Front Range enforce strict codes, while many rural mountain and plains counties have minimal requirements. Snow loads and high-altitude considerations are significant.

Permit Difficulty
Moderate
Avg Permit Cost
$300 – $5,000
Typical Timeline
2–8 weeks
Barndominium-Friendly
Limited

Some counties welcome barndominiums, but metro and suburban areas may restrict them.

State Building Code Overview

Colorado does not have a statewide building code. Local jurisdictions adopt their own codes. Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins enforce modern IBC editions. Many rural counties have no building codes.

Primary Code

IBC / IRC (locally adopted)

Code Version

Varies by jurisdiction (2015–2021 IBC)

Adoption Level

Local Only

Statewide Enforcement

No

Permit Requirements

Requirements vary dramatically. Denver metro has full permitting; some rural counties on the eastern plains have no building department.

Residential

Required

Commercial

Required

Agricultural

Not Required

Size threshold: structures under 200 sq ft may be exempt.

Required Documents

  • Engineered plans
  • Site plan
  • Foundation plan
  • Snow load calculations

Exemptions & Exceptions

Agricultural Exemption
Available

Agricultural buildings on agricultural-zoned land are exempt from building permits in many rural counties. Specific exemptions vary by county.

Size Exemption
Available

Small structures under 200 sq ft are often exempt. Backyard storage sheds and workshops may not require permits if personal use only.

Other Exemptions

  • •Some rural counties have no building department and issue no permits

Environmental & Structural Loads

Snow loads are the primary structural concern and vary dramatically by elevation and location. Mountain areas can exceed 200 psf. Eastern plains have moderate wind exposure.

Wind Load

100–140 mph

moderate zone

Snow Load

20–200+ psf (elevation dependent)

Seismic

A–B

Category

Flood

FEMA Regulated

Energy Code

Energy Code

IECC (locally adopted)

Version

Varies (2015–2021 IECC)

No statewide energy code. Cities along the Front Range typically enforce IECC. Many rural areas do not enforce energy codes.

Contractor Licensing

No State License Required

License Type

No state license required

Colorado does not require a state-level contractor license. Some municipalities (Denver, Colorado Springs) require local contractor registration.

Typical Setback Requirements

Front

25–35 ft

Side

5–15 ft

Rear

10–25 ft

Setbacks vary by jurisdiction. Mountain communities may have additional wildfire defensible space requirements.

Foundation Requirements

Engineered Foundation Required

Common Foundation Types

Pier and beamDrilled caissonsSlab-on-gradeFrost-protected foundations

Frost depth of 36-48 inches in most areas. Mountain areas may have bedrock close to surface requiring drilled piers. Expansive soils (bentonite clay) common along Front Range.

Building Type Considerations

Shops & Workshops

Very popular, especially in rural areas. Permits vary by jurisdiction.

Barns

Exempt from permits in many rural counties. Hay barns and livestock shelters common.

Barndominiums

Growing in popularity in rural areas. Acceptance depends on county. Mountain communities may have aesthetic requirements.

Garages & Storage

Standard permit requirements in urban areas. Rural areas often more flexible.

Commercial

Full IBC compliance required in all incorporated areas with code enforcement.

HOA & Deed Restrictions

HOAs are very common in Front Range subdivisions. Metal buildings are typically prohibited. Rural mountain and plains land is often unrestricted.

Flood Zone Considerations

FEMA Flood Regulations Apply

Flash flood zones along mountain drainages and rivers. FEMA flood maps apply in participating communities.

County-Level Details

Key counties with specific permit information for Colorado.

Denver CountyPermit Required

Full IBC enforcement. Detailed plan review. Local contractor registration required.

Typical fees: $500 – $5,000

El Paso County (Colorado Springs)Permit Required

Full code enforcement. Active building department.

Typical fees: $400 – $4,000

Larimer County (Fort Collins)Permit Required

Full code enforcement. Wildfire mitigation requirements in some areas.

Typical fees: $400 – $3,500

Park CountyPermit Required

Rural mountain county. Basic code enforcement. High snow loads.

Typical fees: $200 – $1,500

Ag Exemption Available
Kit Carson CountyNo Permit

No county building department. Minimal requirements.

Typical fees: $0 – $200

Ag Exemption Available

Official Sources & Resources

Verify the information above directly from these official sources. Regulations change — always confirm with your local building department before starting construction.

CO Office of the State Architect — Building CodesState building codes (applies to state-owned buildings; local adoption otherwise)
CO Division of Professions and OccupationsProfessional licensing (no statewide general contractor license)
Colorado — ICCICC code adoption details for Colorado

In This Guide

In This Guide

State Building Code OverviewPermit RequirementsExemptions & ExceptionsEnvironmental & Structural LoadsEnergy CodeContractor LicensingTypical Setback RequirementsFoundation RequirementsBuilding Type ConsiderationsHOA & Deed RestrictionsFlood Zone ConsiderationsCounty-Level DetailsOfficial Sources & Resources

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Building codes, permit requirements, and zoning regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local building department, planning office, or a licensed professional before starting construction. Homestead Steel Structures & Design is not a legal authority on building codes or zoning regulations. Last updated February 2026.

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