This is PermitBase’s published record for Lafayette as of 2026-07-07. It has since been superseded — see the current record. A historical record reflects what PermitBase had verified at that time; it may not capture a real-world change the jurisdiction had made but PermitBase had not yet verified, and it includes any errors we later corrected. Snapshots are never edited retroactively.
Lafayette building permits
VerifiedLafayette, Colorado — as published 2026-07-07.
Verified 2026-07-05 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family / Two-Family / Multi-Family / Townhome)
VerifiedRequired for construction of new single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, multi-family townhomes, and new accessory dwelling units in Lafayette. Reviewed under the 2021 IRC/IBC (as adopted by the 2023 Lafayette Colorado Building Code) plus the City's published Design Information (frost depth, snow load, wind speed). Submitted and reviewed entirely by email/electronic plan review; issued by the Planning & Building Department, Building Division.
Verified 2026-07-05 · Source
Requirements
- Plans must comply with the 2021 IRC/IBC as adopted by the 2023 Lafayette Colorado Building Code, effective August 1, 2023
- Must meet the City's Design Information: 36-inch minimum frost depth; 30 psf snow load (roof and ground); 105 mph 3-second-gust base wind speed (single-family); Risk Category 1 Vult 120 mph, Category 2 Vult 135 mph, Categories 3/4 Vult 145 mph
- New multi-family plans and new commercial building plans must be submitted no larger than 24 x 36 inches
- If the parcel falls within a State-mapped wildfire-risk area (128 acres total in Lafayette per the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code map), non-combustible building materials are required and a 30-foot defensible-space/fuel-reduction standard applies
- All contractors must hold a current City of Lafayette contractor license (obtained/renewed via the MyGov portal) in addition to any required State (DORA) trade license
- Projects in the Old Town Neighborhood Overlay District (e.g., additions, duplexes, garages, ADUs, accessory structures) must additionally comply with the Old Town Neighborhood Overlay District Regulations and Dimensional Standards
- New Commercial, Commercial Addition, and New Multi-Family projects require Site Plan/Architectural approval and Civil Construction Document approval BEFORE building permit submittal — submitting the permit first will delay the published review estimate
- Complete Building Permit Application, submitted as a single PDF with the application as the first page, emailed to buildingpermits@lafayetteco.gov; paper submittals are not accepted
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationStandard City of Lafayette application form, submitted by email as the first page of the combined plan-set PDF
- RequiredNew Residential Building Permit ChecklistSubmittal checklist specific to new residential construction
- RequiredUtility Service ApplicationRequired for new residential and commercial projects; obtained by emailing BuildingPermits@lafayetteco.gov
- RequiredConstruction DrawingsFull plan set reflecting the City's Design Information (frost depth, snow load, wind speed) and, where applicable, Old Town Neighborhood Overlay or Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code requirements; max plan size 24 x 36 inches
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | $30.00 | City of Lafayette Building Permit Fee Schedule, Exhibit A, effective 1-1-26 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $501.00 to $2,000.00 | $30.00 for the first $500.00 plus $3.35 for each additional $100.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $2,000.00 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $2,001.00 to $25,000.00 | $80.25 for the first $2,000.00 plus $15.40 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000.00 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1,000,001.00 and up | $6,176.10 for the first $1,000,000.00 plus $4.01 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | — |
| Plan Check Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | — |
| City Use Tax | 3.87% of 60% of total value (0.02322 x value) | — |
| Boulder County Use Tax | 1.335% of 60% of total value (0.00801 x value) | — |
| Master Plan Review Fee (one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes, per permit) | $750 | — |
| Affordable Housing Fee (new residential unit) | $1.00 per square foot, including unfinished basement | — |
| Building Permit Commitment Deposit | $1,000 per unit | — |
Residential Addition / Remodel Permit
VerifiedCovers small residential permits on existing structures/lots (basements, structural and non-structural remodels, decks, patio covers/pergolas, accessory structures, mobile home sets, residential additions under 750 sq ft, gas fireplace/firepit, swimming pools) as well as larger residential additions of 750 sq ft or more, which follow the longer new-construction-style review track. Reviewed under the 2021 IRC as adopted by the 2023 Lafayette Colorado Building Code.
Verified 2026-07-05 · Source
Requirements
- Small Residential Permits category (existing structures/lots) covers: Basements; Structural and Non-structural Remodels; Decks; Patio Covers/Pergolas; Accessory Structures (detached garages, storage sheds 120 sq ft or more, carports); Mobile Home Sets (including construction trailers); Residential Additions under 750 sq ft; Gas Fireplace/Firepit; Swimming Pools
- Residential Additions of 750 sq ft or larger are classified with New Single-Family/Two-Family/Multi-Family/ADU permits under the longer 8-12 week first-comments review track, not the 2-3 week Small Residential track
- Plan size cap: Residential Remodel Plans no larger than 11 x 17 inches for electronic review
- Projects in the Old Town Neighborhood Overlay District must additionally meet the Old Town Neighborhood Additional Requirements, Overlay District Regulations, and Dimensional Standards
- Retaining walls under 3 feet in height and one-story storage sheds under 120 sq ft do not require a permit
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted by email to buildingpermits@lafayetteco.gov as the first page of the combined plan-set PDF
- RequiredApplicable Building ChecklistProject-specific checklist from the Building Code & Design Information page (e.g., Basement Remodel, Deck, Accessory Structure, Patio Enclosure, Residential Addition, Pergola/Gazebo/Carport, Swimming Pools)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (same valuation-based Exhibit A schedule as new construction) | $30.00 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the Building Permit Fee Schedule | Effective 1-1-26 |
| Plan Check Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | — |
| City Use Tax | 3.87% of 60% of total value (0.02322 x value) | — |
| Boulder County Use Tax | 1.335% of 60% of total value (0.00801 x value) | — |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation, alteration, or repair of electrical systems in Lafayette, excluding minor device replacement/repair which is exempt. Falls under the City's Quick Permit category (excluding solar or projects with engineered plans). Governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted. Electrical contractors must hold a Colorado Electrical Board (DORA) state license plus a City of Lafayette Electrical Contractor License (no City license fee).
Verified 2026-07-05 · Source
Requirements
- Quick Permit category covers Electrical work excluding Solar or projects with engineered plans
- Replacement of electrical devices or minor electrical repairs is exempt from permitting
- Contractors must hold a current Colorado Electrical Board (DORA) State Master License and State Contractor License, plus a City of Lafayette Electrical Contractor License (no City fee, but copies of both State licenses required)
- Contractors apply for Quick Building Permits via the MyGov Online Portal; the City verifies contractor license standing before processing
- Governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted by the 2023 Lafayette Colorado Building Code
Required documents
- RequiredQuick Permit Application (MyGov Online Portal)Contractors apply online; homeowners without a MyGov account submit an application and Homeowner Agreement by email
- RequiredCity of Lafayette Electrical Contractor LicenseRequires State Master License and State Contractor License copies; no separate City fee
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permit fee — valuation-based (Exhibit A Fee Schedule) | $30.00 minimum, scaling per valuation tiers | Effective 1-1-26; no separate flat electrical fee is published (unlike AC/Furnace/Roof/Solar PV/Water Heater, which get a flat $100 fee) |
| Plan Check Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee (where plan review applies) | — |
| Electrical Reinspection Fee | $75.00 per inspection | — |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation, alteration, or repair of plumbing systems in Lafayette, excluding minor exempt work (same-size/style fixture swaps, leak/stoppage repairs). Falls under the City's Quick Permit category when it excludes engineered plans (grouped with Mechanical as 'Plumbing and/or Mechanical'). Governed by the 2021 IPC as adopted. Plumbing contractors must hold a Colorado Plumbing Board (DORA) state license plus a City of Lafayette Plumbing License.
Verified 2026-07-05 · Source
Requirements
- Quick Permit category covers 'Plumbing and/or Mechanical (excludes projects with engineered plans),' plus specifically listed Quick Permit items: Water Heaters, Water and Sewer Repairs
- Same size and style replacement of a sink or toilet, and repair of leaks or stoppages in water or sewer piping, are exempt from permitting
- Contractors must hold a current Colorado Plumbing Board (DORA) State Master License and State Contractor License, plus a City of Lafayette Plumbing License ($150 fee)
- Governed by the 2021 IPC as adopted by the 2023 Lafayette Colorado Building Code
Required documents
- RequiredQuick Permit Application (MyGov Online Portal)Contractors apply online; homeowners without MyGov submit an application and Homeowner Agreement by email
- RequiredCity of Lafayette Plumbing LicenseRequires State Master License and State Contractor License copies; $150 City fee
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permit fee — valuation-based (Exhibit A Fee Schedule) | $30.00 minimum, scaling per valuation tiers | Effective 1-1-26; Water Heater replacement is billed at the flat $100 fee listed for Residential AC/Furnace/Fence/Roof/Sewer Repair/Shed/Siding/Solar PV/Water Heater/Windows |
| Water Heater (flat fee) | $100.00 | Exhibit A flat-fee category explicitly includes Water Heater |
| Plumbing License (contractor) | $150 | — |
| Plan Check Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee (where plan review applies) | — |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment installation or replacement in Lafayette, excluding exempt maintenance/repair work. Falls under the City's Quick Permit category ('Plumbing and/or Mechanical,' plus specifically listed AC and Heating/Furnace items). Governed by the 2021 IMC as adopted. Mechanical contractors must hold a City of Lafayette Mechanical License.
Verified 2026-07-05 · Source
Requirements
- Quick Permit category explicitly lists: AC (with or without furnace); Heating/Furnace
- Maintenance or repairs to a furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, mini-split unit, or similar mechanical equipment is exempt from permitting (installation/replacement is not exempt)
- Contractors must hold a current City of Lafayette Mechanical License ($125 fee) for commercial and residential HVAC work
- Governed by the 2021 IMC as adopted by the 2023 Lafayette Colorado Building Code
Required documents
- RequiredQuick Permit Application (MyGov Online Portal)Contractors apply online; homeowners without MyGov submit an application and Homeowner Agreement by email
- RequiredCity of Lafayette Mechanical LicenseRequired for commercial and residential HVAC contractors; $125 fee
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AC / Furnace (flat fee) | $100.00 | Exhibit A flat-fee category explicitly includes AC and Furnace |
| Mechanical License (contractor) | $125 | — |
| Plan Check Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee (where plan review applies) | — |
Roofing Permit (Reroof)
VerifiedRequired for any roof work involving one square (100 sq. ft.) or more of shingles in Lafayette. Falls under the City's Quick Permit category, billed at a flat $100 fee. Governed by the 2021 IRC/IBC local roofing amendments (Class 4 Impact Resistant Shingles, ice-and-water shield, drip edge, layer limits) detailed in the City's dedicated Roofing Code Information/Checklist.
Verified 2026-07-05 · Source
Requirements
- A permit is required for any roof work requiring one square (100 sq. ft.) or more of shingles; the City does not specify whether a full tear-off/reroof is required for a given scope of work
- Class 4 Impact Resistant Shingles are required (2021 IRC/IBC local amendment, effective March 15, 2021); documentation or packaging of the Class 4 IR shingles must be available for inspection along with the Inspection Record Card
- Drip edge/rake metal is required
- Ice and water shield is required
- Asphalt roofs may have no more than two layers total
- Shingles must comply with ASTM D7158 (Class G or H) or ASTM D3161 Class F for wind rating
- Commercial low-sloped roofs directly above conditioned space must comply with 2021 IECC Section C402.3 (Table C402.3) minimum roof reflectance/emittance
- Contractors working in Lafayette must be licensed with the City (Special Contractor License covers roofing, $100 fee)
- Use the regular Building Permit Application (no separate roofing-specific form); email to buildingpermits@lafayetteco.gov or apply online via MyGov
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationStandard application, emailed to buildingpermits@lafayetteco.gov or submitted via MyGov
- RequiredRoof ChecklistProject-specific checklist referenced on the Building Code & Design Information page
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Roof (flat fee) | $100.00 | Exhibit A Building and Sign Permit Fee Schedule, effective 1-1-26 — flat fee for Residential AC, Furnace, Fence, Roof, Sewer Repair, Shed, Siding, Solar PV, Water Heater, and Windows |
| Reinspection Fee | $75.00 | Applies if a roof inspection is cancelled/failed for non-compliance with ladder, weather, or access requirements |
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedRequired for residential and commercial solar panel installations in Lafayette. The City is a certified Solar Friendly Community with a specific, published 3-business-day permit-issuance commitment, a flat $100 residential fee, and a detailed structural/electrical submittal checklist. Governed by the 2023 NEC, adopted without amendments for solar PV work.
Verified 2026-07-05 · Source
Requirements
- Completed Building Permit Application with, at minimum, system size (kW DC), system type (residential or non-residential), and mount type (roof or ground) noted in the 'detail description' field
- Permit application and plans submitted as a single document, application as first page, emailed to buildingpermits@lafayetteco.gov
- Structural: site and roof plans showing equipment locations and setbacks for ground-mount systems; structural plans with a Colorado-licensed engineer's calculations and evaluation; all diagrams and the evaluation letter must be stamped and signed by a Colorado licensed engineer showing existing structure compliance with 30 psf snow load and 105 mph 3-second-gust wind load; roof plan must show layout, PV panels, and fire-safety items (roof access point, code-compliant access pathways, PV system fire classification, required labels/markings)
- Electrical: all work must comply with the 2023 NEC without amendments; one-line site-specific electrical diagram (panel arrangement, north arrow, lot dimensions, distances to adjacent structures); equipment schedule with listings; grounding/bonding and conductor specs; total module count, strings, and modules per string; module and inverter ratings; required disconnect/OCPD signage; battery locations/venting if applicable
- Systems over 10kW require an electrical engineer's stamp
- A state-licensed journeyman or master electrician employed by a Colorado-licensed contractor performs the installation per NEC/IRC requirements (per the City's solar submittal materials)
- Post-installation: a Rapid Shutdown Certification on company letterhead (10-second shutdown test results, tester name, Master License Number) must be attached to the inspection record card at time of final inspection
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCombined with plans as a single PDF, application as first page; emailed to buildingpermits@lafayetteco.gov
- RequiredStructural Plans and Engineer's EvaluationStamped/signed by a Colorado licensed engineer, showing compliance with 30 psf snow load and 105 mph 3-second-gust wind load
- RequiredOne-Line Electrical DiagramSite-specific diagram per the City's Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit checklist requirements
- RequiredRapid Shutdown CertificationCompany-letterhead certification of the 10-second shutdown test, submitted at final inspection
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Solar PV (flat fee) | $100.00 | Exhibit A Building and Sign Permit Fee Schedule, effective 1-1-26, plus City and County use tax |
| Additional Plan Review (revisions) | $75.00 per hour, minimum half-hour ($37.50) per revision submitted | Per the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit page; only revisions to the three-line diagram or electrical equipment should be submitted, not module layout changes |
Solar Thermal Permit
VerifiedRequired for solar thermal (hot water/hydronic) system installations in Lafayette. Distinct from the Solar PV permit, with its own submittal checklist, a published 3-working-day review commitment, and its own residential flat fee ($63) that the City states is significantly lower than many other Colorado communities.
Verified 2026-07-05 · Source
Requirements
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Contractor must hold a current City of Lafayette license
- Two (2) sets of plans required, including: a site plan showing equipment location and setbacks for ground-mounted systems; structural plans with an engineer's evaluation of the existing structure showing compliance with 30 psf snow load and 105 mph 3-second-gust wind load (flush-mounted systems may submit generic engineering); a mechanical diagram showing system components; and an equipment schedule listing system components and their listings (heat exchanger, panels, storage tank, transfer fluid, pumps, backflow prevention, expansion tanks, etc.)
- Plans should be no larger than 11 x 17 inches
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationStandard application form
- RequiredSite Plan and Structural/Mechanical Plans (2 sets)Per the Solar Thermal Permit Requirements checklist; max 11 x 17 inches
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Solar Thermal Fee | $63 | Plus City use tax and Boulder County use tax; per the Solar Thermal Permit Requirements page |
| Commercial Solar Thermal Fee | Based on project valuation (Exhibit A Fee Schedule) plus City use tax and Boulder County use tax | — |
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit
VerifiedRequired for construction of a new Accessory Dwelling Unit in Lafayette. New ADUs are classified with New Single-Family/Two-Family/Multi-Family permits under the City's longer new-construction review track, distinct from the faster Quick/Small Residential tracks. The City publishes separate checklists for detached ADUs (or ADUs requiring an addition) versus attached ADUs that do not require an addition.
Verified 2026-07-05 · Source
Requirements
- New Accessory Dwelling Units are grouped with New Single-Family Dwelling, Two-Family Dwelling, and Multi-Family Townhomes under the Residential Permits category (not Quick Permits or Small Residential Permits)
- ADU plans must be submitted no larger than 24 x 36 inches
- Use the detached-ADU checklist for detached ADUs or ADUs requiring an addition; use the separate attached-ADU checklist for attached ADUs that do not require an addition
- Projects in the Old Town Neighborhood Overlay District (which explicitly lists ADUs among covered project types) must additionally meet the Old Town Neighborhood Additional Requirements, Overlay District Regulations, and Dimensional Standards
- Accessory Dwelling Units under 750 sq ft do not require separate water taps, water meters, or water rights if the existing tap is adequate for the increased fixture count; otherwise the owner must install a new tap and pay the difference in tap/meter costs
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationStandard application, submitted by email as the first page of the combined plan-set PDF
- RequiredAccessory Dwelling Unit Checklist (Detached / Addition)Use for detached ADUs or ADUs requiring an addition
- RequiredAccessory Dwelling Unit Checklist (Attached, No Addition)Use for attached ADUs that do not require an addition
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (same valuation-based Exhibit A schedule as new construction) | $30.00 minimum, scaling per valuation tiers | Effective 1-1-26 |
| Plan Check Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | — |
| ADU Water/Utility Tap Fee (if a new tap is required) | $9,304 per unit (water tap/meter) if existing tap is inadequate; $2,865 per unit (water reclamation tap) | Not required at all if the ADU is under 750 sq ft and the existing tap can serve the increased fixture count, per the Building Permit Fee Schedule (Exhibit B) |
| Affordable Housing Fee | $1.00 per square foot of new residential unit, including unfinished basement | — |
Fence Permit
VerifiedRequired for residential and commercial fences in Lafayette, billed at the Exhibit A flat $100 fee alongside AC/Furnace/Roof/Siding/Solar PV/Water Heater/Windows. The City publishes a dedicated Fence checklist covering both residential and commercial fences.
Verified 2026-07-05 · Source
Requirements
- Fences are listed among the Exhibit A flat-fee ($100) permit categories (Residential AC, Furnace, Fence, Roof, Sewer Repair, Shed, Siding, Solar PV, Water Heater, Windows)
- Use the Fence checklist for both residential and commercial fence projects
- Setback/dimensional requirements (height restrictions, lot coverage) must be verified against the City's setback/dimensional standards table; contact the Community Development Department (303-665-5588) to confirm setbacks, particularly for properties developed since 1990, which may have alternate setbacks
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationStandard application, emailed to buildingpermits@lafayetteco.gov
- RequiredFence ChecklistProject-specific checklist for residential and commercial fences
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fence (flat fee) | $100.00 | Exhibit A Building and Sign Permit Fee Schedule, effective 1-1-26 |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition, moving, or occupancy-change of any building or structure in Lafayette. Structures 50 years or older trigger mandatory Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) review, which may stay permit issuance for up to 90 days. Fees differ sharply depending on whether HPC review applies.
Verified 2026-07-05 · Source
Requirements
- A building permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of any building or structure in Lafayette
- Demolition of a structure 50 years or older is reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission; if the Commission determines the building may have historical significance, the permit may be referred back with a stay of issuance for up to 90 days
- A stay may be appealed to City Council
- See the City's Demolition Review webpage for the full process
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationStandard application, emailed to buildingpermits@lafayetteco.gov
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition Review without HPB Review | $150.00 per application | Exhibit A Building and Sign Permit Fee Schedule, effective 1-1-26 |
| Demolition Review with HPB Review | $300.00 per application plus Public Hearing Fee | Applies to structures 50 years or older referred to the Historic Preservation Commission (referred to as 'HPB' in the fee schedule, consistent with 'Historic Preservation Commission'/'HPC' used elsewhere on the City's site) |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-05.
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Lafayette building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.