Some counties welcome barndominiums, but metro and suburban areas may restrict them.
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
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.
Agricultural buildings on agricultural-zoned land are exempt from building permits in many rural counties. Specific exemptions vary by county.
Small structures under 200 sq ft are often exempt. Backyard storage sheds and workshops may not require permits if personal use only.
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
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.
License Type
No state license required
Colorado does not require a state-level contractor license. Some municipalities (Denver, Colorado Springs) require local contractor registration.
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.
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.
Very popular, especially in rural areas. Permits vary by jurisdiction.
Exempt from permits in many rural counties. Hay barns and livestock shelters common.
Growing in popularity in rural areas. Acceptance depends on county. Mountain communities may have aesthetic requirements.
Standard permit requirements in urban areas. Rural areas often more flexible.
Full IBC compliance required in all incorporated areas with code enforcement.
HOAs are very common in Front Range subdivisions. Metal buildings are typically prohibited. Rural mountain and plains land is often unrestricted.
Flash flood zones along mountain drainages and rivers. FEMA flood maps apply in participating communities.
Key counties with specific permit information for Colorado.
Full IBC enforcement. Detailed plan review. Local contractor registration required.
Typical fees: $500 – $5,000
Full code enforcement. Active building department.
Typical fees: $400 – $4,000
Full code enforcement. Wildfire mitigation requirements in some areas.
Typical fees: $400 – $3,500
Rural mountain county. Basic code enforcement. High snow loads.
Typical fees: $200 – $1,500
Ag Exemption AvailableNo county building department. Minimal requirements.
Typical fees: $0 – $200
Ag Exemption AvailableVerify the information above directly from these official sources. Regulations change — always confirm with your local building department before starting construction.
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.
