You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-07.
Salida building permits
VerifiedSalida, Colorado — as published 2026-07-07.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction, Single-Family, ADU, Additions)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family construction, additions, remodels, accessory structures, and ADUs in Salida. Two-step process: the City of Salida Community Development Department first reviews the application for zoning compliance, fire safety, and Land Use Code (Chapter 16) standards and collects its own City Permit Fee; the application is then forwarded to the Chaffee County Building Safety Department, which performs the I-Code plan review, issues the permit, collects the county fee, and performs all inspections.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- STEP 1: Submit the City of Salida Residential Building Permit Application (448 E. First Street, Suite 112) with site plan, floor plans, building elevations, utilities layout, proof of ownership, and — if in the floodplain — a Special Flood Hazard Development Permit; attach the completed Chaffee County Building Permit Application per the City's own document checklist ('County Application (See County Building Permit Application for Additional Requirements)')
- Pay the City Permit Fee: 20% of the county building permit fee, minimum $50 (residential), due at City submittal, per the City's own Residential Building Permit Application
- STEP 2 (after City review/forward): Submit to Chaffee County Building Safety Department — one electronic plan set (PDF or Dropbox link, no hand-drawn plans), including foundation plan, floor plans, floor/wall/roof framing plans, elevations, sections/details, and IECC compliance documentation (Compliance Path Certificate, Manual J/S/D calculations, blower-door/duct/ventilation test results from a RESNET- or BPI-certified tester)
- Pay the Chaffee County Building Permit Fee: Total Valuation x 0.007, plus a Plan Review Fee of 10% of that Building Permit Fee (Building Permit Fee + Plan Review Fee = Total due to County); $110.00 minimum (includes plan review)
- Geotechnical report required if lot slope exceeds 20% (plus a slope-stability study); commercial excavation projects always require one
- Both a Final Inspection AND Municipal (City of Salida) Sign-Off AND County approval are required before a Certificate of Occupancy will issue
Required documents
- RequiredCity of Salida Residential Building Permit Application3-page form (Updated 1/15/2026) covering applicant/owner info, site data, building type, dimensional compliance (setbacks, lot coverage, parking, landscaping per Sec. 16-4-80/16-2-20), and the City Permit Fee calculation; requires the County Application to be attached per the City's own checklist
- RequiredChaffee County Residential Building Permit ApplicationIncludes the Certificate of Zoning Compliance (note: does not apply within Salida — the City's own zoning review substitutes for this section), the Building Permit Fee Schedule worksheet, and full plan/IECC/energy-testing submittal requirements
- RequiredSite Plan, Floor Plans, Building ElevationsRequired by both the City (dimensional compliance) and County (structural/architectural plan review)
- RequiredProof of Ownership (Warranty Deed, etc.)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City of Salida Permit Fee (residential) | 20% of the Chaffee County building permit fee, minimum $50.00 | City of Salida Residential Building Permit Application, Updated 1/15/2026; confirmed on the City's 2026 Fees and Charges for Community Development Services schedule effective 03/17/26 |
| Chaffee County Building Permit Fee | Total project valuation x 0.007 | Valuation from ICC Building Valuation Data: 1st floor/upper floors/finished basement $167.37/sq ft (VB/R3 construction); unfinished basement/decks/porches/entries $31.50/sq ft; garage/carport $66.48/sq ft. Chaffee County Residential Building Application, Revised October 2024. |
| Chaffee County Plan Review Fee | 10% of the Building Permit Fee | Building Permit Fee + Plan Review Fee = Total due to Chaffee County; $110.00 minimum fee inclusive of plan review |
| Mobile Home Placement in Mobile Home Park | $110.00 flat (County) | Prefabricated portions of factory-built modular/mobile homes assessed at 30% of the fee for an equivalent conventionally built dwelling; on-site work valued at standard rates |
| Additional City fees (project-dependent) | System Development (water/wastewater tap) fees, Inclusionary Housing Fee-in-Lieu, Open Space Dedication Fee-in-Lieu, School Siting Fee-in-Lieu, Special Flood Hazard Development Permit fee, Sidewalk Construction Fee-in-Lieu | Determined by City staff based on project scope; tap fees and inclusionary housing fee-in-lieu are half due at permit, half at Certificate of Occupancy, per the City's Residential Building Permit Application |
| Credit Card Transaction Fee (County) | 2.5% | Chaffee County Building Department; credit card info must be submitted separately from the application |
Residential Addition / Remodel Building Permit
VerifiedCovers additions, remodels, and accessory structures to existing single-family residences in Salida. Same two-step City-then-County process as new construction, using the same Residential Building Permit Application forms on both sides (the City's form has explicit checkboxes for 'Addition' and 'Remodel' building type).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- STEP 1: City of Salida Residential Building Permit Application, checking 'Addition' or 'Remodel' under Building Type, with dimensional compliance data (setbacks, lot coverage, landscaping) matched to the proposed site/floor plans
- Pay City Permit Fee (20% of county fee, minimum $50)
- STEP 2: Chaffee County Building Permit Application and plan set; valuation for remodels/alterations must include 'all materials, labor, architectural, engineering, structural, electrical, plumbing, excavation, and mechanical work' per the County's own fee instructions
- Geotechnical report required if lot slope exceeds 20%
Required documents
- RequiredCity of Salida Residential Building Permit ApplicationSame form used for new construction; check 'Addition' or 'Remodel'
- RequiredChaffee County Residential Building ApplicationSame form and fee worksheet used for new construction, applied to the remodel/addition valuation
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City of Salida Permit Fee | 20% of the county permit fee, minimum $50.00 | Same formula as new construction |
| Chaffee County Building Permit Fee (remodels/alterations) | Total valuation (materials, labor, architectural, engineering, structural, electrical, plumbing, excavation, mechanical) x 0.007 | Chaffee County Residential Building Application; Plan Review Fee = 10% of the Building Permit Fee; $110 minimum |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for electrical installation, alteration, or repair in Salida. Issued and inspected by the Chaffee County Building Safety Department under CRS 12-23-117 and Chaffee County Ordinance 2018-1; a City of Salida zoning sign-off is required first only when the electrical work is part of a broader project that itself triggers City zoning/fire review (e.g., new construction, addition, solar).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Confirm with City of Salida Community Development (planning@cityofsalida.com) whether standalone electrical work needs a City sign-off, or whether it can go directly to the County as a standalone trade permit
- Submit the Chaffee County Electrical Permit Application; residential wiring fees are computed by square footage of enclosed living space per CRS 12-23-117; all other installations (garage, shop, photovoltaic, commercial) are computed from total installation cost
- Colorado's homeowner clause allows an owner-occupant to self-perform electrical work on their sole residence if not for sale/resale/rental
Required documents
- RequiredChaffee County Electrical Permit ApplicationCovers residential/commercial/industrial/agricultural installation types, new/remodel/addition class of work, and solar mounting system details
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential wiring — not more than 1,000 sq ft | $135.00 | Chaffee County Electrical Permit Application, CRS 12-23-117 fee schedule |
| Residential wiring — 1,001 to 1,500 sq ft | $202.00 | — |
| Residential wiring — 1,501 to 2,000 sq ft | $270.00 | — |
| Residential wiring — per 100 sq ft over 2,000 sq ft | $13.50 per 100 sq ft (or fraction), added to the $270.00 base | — |
| All other installations (non-living-area residential, commercial/industrial) — valuation up to $2,000.00 | $135.00 | — |
| All other installations — valuation $2,001.00 and above | $135.00 + $13.50 per $1,000 (or fraction thereof) | — |
| Solar panel permit | Valuation at $4.00/watt, then $10.00 per $1,000 of that valuation plus a $65.00 base fee; residential fee capped at $500.00, commercial capped at $1,000.00 | Example on the County's own form: 5,500 watts x $4.00 = $22,000 valuation; 22 x $10.00 = $220.00 + $65.00 base = $285.00 total |
| Mobile/Modular home or travel trailer park, per space | $135.00 | — |
| Temporary Construction Meter / Heat Release | $65.00 | — |
| Electric Well Line | $65.00 | — |
| Re-inspection Fee | $100.00 | — |
| Partial Inspection Fee or Extra Inspection Fee | $100.00 | — |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit (Chaffee County Electrical Permit)
VerifiedRequired for installation of an electric vehicle charging station (Level 2 or DC fast charger) in Salida. Like all electrical work citywide, EV charger permits are issued and inspected by the Chaffee County Building Safety Department, not the City, under CRS 12-23-117 and Chaffee County Ordinance 2018-1. The County's Electrical Permit Application/fee schedule has no distinct EV-charger line item (only 'Residential wiring' by square footage, a general 'all other installations' valuation tier, and a separate capped Solar panel tier) — an EV charger circuit is billed under the general 'all other installations' valuation-based tier, the same category used for any non-living-area electrical work such as a new dedicated 240V circuit.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Confirm with City of Salida Community Development (planning@cityofsalida.com) whether a standalone EV charger installation needs a City zoning sign-off first, or whether it can go directly to the County as a standalone trade permit — per this file's electrical-permit entry, a City sign-off is only required when the electrical work is part of a broader project that itself triggers City review (new construction, addition, solar)
- Submit the Chaffee County Electrical Permit Application; a dedicated EV charger circuit (typically a new 240V circuit) is computed from total installation cost under the 'all other installations' valuation tier, since no separate EV-charger fee line exists
- Colorado's homeowner clause allows an owner-occupant to self-perform electrical work, including an EV charger circuit, on their sole residence if not for sale/resale/rental
- Colorado's HB24-1173 (EV Charging System Permits, C.R.S. § 31-23-316) requires counties with population over 20,000 to adopt, by December 31, 2025, either the Colorado Energy Office's EV Charger Permitting Model Code, their own objective standards/administrative review process, or a formal ordinance continuing their existing process — Chaffee County's population is right at this threshold (reported as approximately 19,500-20,400 depending on source/year), and no specific Chaffee County ordinance response to HB24-1173 could be confirmed as of this review; applicants should confirm current compliance status directly with the County Building Department
Required documents
- RequiredChaffee County Electrical Permit ApplicationSame application used for all electrical work in unincorporated Chaffee County and Salida — covers residential/commercial installation types; an EV charger circuit is entered under the general installation-cost valuation category since no dedicated EV/EVSE line exists
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All other installations (non-living-area residential, commercial/industrial) — valuation up to $2,000.00 | $135.00 | Chaffee County Electrical Permit Application fee schedule — applies to an EV charger circuit since no dedicated EV-charger fee line exists; most single Level 2 residential charger circuit installations (equipment + labor) fall in or near this tier |
| All other installations — valuation $2,001.00 and above | $135.00 + $13.50 per $1,000 (or fraction thereof) | Applies if the EV charger installation cost (including any panel upgrade) exceeds $2,000.00 |
| Re-inspection Fee | $100.00 | — |
| Partial Inspection Fee or Extra Inspection Fee | $100.00 | — |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of plumbing fixtures, fuel gas piping, and related work in Salida. Issued and inspected by the Chaffee County Building Safety Department under the 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) and International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Submit the Chaffee County Plumbing Permit Application; residential fixture fees are per-fixture, commercial work is valuation-based
- Colorado's homeowner clause allows an owner-occupant to self-perform plumbing work on their sole residence if not for sale/resale/rental
Required documents
- RequiredChaffee County Plumbing Permit Application
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential — per plumbing fixture (tub, shower, toilet, sink, bidet, clothes washer, dishwasher) | $20.00 per fixture | Chaffee County Plumbing Permit Application fee schedule |
| Residential — fuel gas piping system, per outlet | $20.00 per outlet | — |
| Residential — fuel gas pressure regulator | $30.00 each | — |
| Residential base fee | $65.00 | Added to the itemized fixture/outlet total |
| Water Heater Replacement (special inspection) | $50.00 (no base fee required) | — |
| Backflow Preventer / new yard or fire sprinkler installation (special inspection) | $50.00 | — |
| Water/Sewer service, exterior, per inspection (special inspection) | $50.00 | — |
| Mobile home lot connection / Modular (one trip: sewer, water, gas) | $75.00 | — |
| Trim Only Permit (rough inspection already completed) | $100.00 | — |
| Commercial installation | Valuation (rounded up to next $1,000) x $20.00, plus $65.00 base fee | Example on the County's own form: $8,400 valuation rounds to $9,000; 9 x $20.00 = $180.00 + $65.00 base = $245.00 total |
| Re-inspection Fee | $100.00 | — |
| Partial Inspection Fee | $100.00 | — |
| Extra Inspection | $100.00 | — |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of furnaces, boilers, evaporative coolers, and related heating/cooling equipment in Salida. Issued and inspected by the Chaffee County Building Safety Department under the 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Submit the Chaffee County Mechanical Permit Application, specifying equipment make/model/size and fuel type
- Carbon monoxide detectors required in any dwelling with a fuel-fired heater/appliance, fireplace, or attached garage per Colorado state statute
Required documents
- RequiredChaffee County Mechanical Permit Application
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base fee (residential) | $25.00 | Chaffee County Mechanical Permit Application fee schedule; required on every residential mechanical permit |
| Furnace/burner install or relocation, up to 100,000 Btu/h | $75.00 | — |
| Furnace/burner install or relocation, over 100,000 Btu/h | $95.00 | — |
| Appliance vent install/relocation/replacement (not part of an appliance permit) | $50.00 | — |
| Boiler, water heater, gas fireplace, or compressor up to 3 HP / 100,000 Btu/h absorption system | $45.00 | — |
| Boiler/compressor over 3 HP or absorption system over 100,000 Btu/h | $50.00 | — |
| High-efficiency flue inspection, per system | $50.00 | — |
| Air handling unit, up to 10,000 cfm | $45.00 | — |
| Air handling unit, over 10,000 cfm | $50.00 | — |
| Evaporative cooler (non-portable) | $30.00 | — |
| Mechanical exhaust hood installation | $75.00 | — |
| Unclassified appliance/equipment (e.g., pellet/wood stove, wood fireplace) | $50.00 | — |
| Fuel gas piping system, per outlet | $20.00 per outlet | — |
| Fuel gas pressure regulator | $30.00 each | — |
| CSST bonding inspection (by electrical inspector), Backflow preventer (lawn irrigation), Mobile/Modular home connection | $50.00 / $50.00 / $75.00 respectively (flat fees, no base fee required) | — |
| Commercial installation | Valuation (rounded up to next $1,000) x $20.00, plus $25.00 base fee | Example on the County's own form: $8,400 valuation rounds to $9,000; 9 x $20.00 = $180.00 + $25.00 base = $205.00 total |
| Re-inspection Fee | $50.00 | — |
| Partial/Extra Inspections Fee | $50.00 | — |
Roofing Permit
VerifiedRequired for re-roofing or roof repair on any structure in Salida. Issued and inspected by the Chaffee County Building Safety Department under the 2021 IRC roofing provisions (R905) and, where applicable, the 2021 IWUIC. A separate permit is required for each structure.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- A SEPARATE PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR EACH STRUCTURE, per the County's own Roofing Permit Application
- If the structure is in a Historical District, contact the municipality (City of Salida) planning department for review before applying
- A mid-roof (in-progress) inspection is required for all re-roof permits — do not install shingles past the ice/water barrier until this inspection is complete
- Underlayment, ice/water barrier, shingle attachment, and drip edge must comply with 2021 IRC R905.1.1, R905.1.2, R905.2.6, and R905.2.8.5 respectively; roof valley flashing (where applicable within Unincorporated Chaffee County) must meet 2021 IWUIC Section 504 standards — confirm with the County whether this specific IWUIC provision extends inside Salida city limits for your project
- Applicant/permit holder is responsible for providing safe roof access (properly set and secured ladder) for inspection; failure to provide access results in inspection disapproval
Required documents
- RequiredChaffee County Application for Roofing PermitCovers property/contractor info, square footage, re-roof vs. repair, existing/new roofing material, tear-off status, roof pitch, valleys, and ventilation changes
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roofing Permit Fee | $100.00 minimum | Chaffee County Application for Roofing Permit; fee is valuation-based with a stated $100.00 minimum, per the form's own fee block |
Demolition / Abatement Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition or removal of a structure in Salida. Issued by the Chaffee County Building Safety Department, but REQUIRES a City of Salida zoning sign-off first, per the County's own application form, which explicitly lists 'Salida' among the municipalities requiring zoning sign-off.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Zoning Sign-off from the City of Salida is REQUIRED before the County will approve the demolition permit — the County's own Demolition/Abatement Permit Application has an explicit 'Zoning Approval: County / Buena Vista / Poncha Springs / Salida' sign-off block
- Copy of asbestos inspection report, State-issued Demolition Permit, and State-issued Asbestos Abatement Permit if applicable
- Approval of the appropriate Historical Society required if applicable (relevant to Salida's Historic District)
- Scaled site plan showing the structure(s) to be demolished, distances from property lines/other structures/utilities/driveway/water features/easements
- Written list of all hazardous materials on the property and disposal method; materials must be removed within 14 days of the demolition date
- Utility providers must be notified and utility connections discontinued/capped per their rules (capped 5 feet from the property line if abandoned); utilities must be inspected PRIOR to covering
- Proof of the approved County Demolition Permit, State permit, and asbestos results, plus a list of removed materials, is required at the Chaffee County Landfill
Required documents
- RequiredChaffee County Demolition/Abatement Permit ApplicationIncludes a Zoning Approval sign-off section explicitly naming Salida, and a Utility Provider sign-off section (water, sanitation, electric, gas, other)
- OptionalAsbestos Inspection Report / State Demolition and Abatement PermitsRequired if applicable
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition/Abatement Permit Fee | $50.00 | Chaffee County Demolition/Abatement Permit Application header states the fee directly: 'DEMOLITION/ABATEMENT PERMIT APPLICATION- $50.00' |
| City of Salida Demolition Permit fee (when Public Works sign-off is required) | Commercial & Multi-Family $50; Residential $25 | City of Salida 2026 Fees and Charges for Community Development Services schedule, effective 03/17/26 — a separate City-side fee layered on top of the County's $50.00 fee when Public Works sign-off applies |
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Building Permit
VerifiedRequired for construction of an Accessory Dwelling Unit in Salida, whether internal/attached to the principal dwelling or in a detached accessory building. Governed by the Salida Land Use Code (zoning eligibility, size caps, setbacks) reviewed by the City first, then the same two-step Building Permit process as new construction/additions for the actual construction.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- ADUs are permitted only in R1, R2, R3, MN, MC, MD, MH, and AG zone districts per the City of Salida's own ADU Building Info page
- Only one ADU permitted per lot
- Internal/attached ADU: up to 1,000 sq ft of conditioned living space (no more than 800 sq ft above the first floor), provided the remaining principal dwelling is larger than the ADU
- Detached ADU in an accessory building 16 ft or less in height: up to 1,000 sq ft, provided the principal dwelling is larger
- Detached ADU in an accessory building over 16 ft in height: capped at 800 sq ft, provided the principal dwelling is larger
- Setbacks: minimum 5 ft from side property lines, 10 ft from rear (5 ft rear setback may be granted with adequate utility service demonstration)
- One off-street parking space is likely required for the ADU; access should come from an alley where one exists
- ADU cannot be condominiumized or sold separately from the principal dwelling, and cannot be rented for periods under 30 days
- Use the same City Residential Building Permit Application (check 'Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)' box, specify internal/attached vs. detached conditioned square footage) and the same Chaffee County Residential Building Application as new construction
Required documents
- RequiredCity of Salida Residential Building Permit Application (ADU box checked)
- RequiredChaffee County Residential Building Application
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City of Salida Permit Fee | 20% of the county permit fee, minimum $50.00 | Same formula as new construction |
| Chaffee County Building Permit Fee + Plan Review Fee | Valuation x 0.007, plus 10% plan review fee; $110 minimum | Same formula as new construction |
| Water/Sewer System Development (tap) Fee for ADU | 40% of the single-family dwelling tap fee | City of Salida ADU Building Info page, linking to the Water & Wastewater Fee Schedule; a school fee-in-lieu also applies |
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedRequired for installing a rooftop or ground-mount photovoltaic system in Salida. Because solar triggers the City's zoning/fire review, TWO fees and TWO reviewing authorities apply: the City of Salida Community Development Department (zoning compliance/fire safety sign-off, required first) and the Chaffee County Building Safety Department (which issues the actual Electrical Permit for the PV installation and performs inspections).
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- City of Salida zoning/fire safety sign-off required first, per Salida Municipal Code Chapter 16, before the application is forwarded to the County
- Chaffee County Electrical Permit Application must be submitted for the PV installation itself, with the SOLAR mounting system (Pole/Ground/Roof, AC or DC) box completed
- DC and AC wiring must be installed by a licensed electrical contractor unless the Colorado homeowner clause applies (owner-occupant, property not for sale/rental, owner personally performs the work)
- Required County inspections: service underground system, rough-in prior to insulation/drywall, and final prior to occupancy/energizing
Required documents
- RequiredChaffee County Electrical Permit ApplicationCovers installation type, class of work, and Solar Mounting System detail (Pole/Ground/Roof, AC/DC)
- RequiredCity of Salida zoning/fire review submittalRequired first-step sign-off before the County will process the electrical permit
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City of Salida zoning/fire review fee | 20% of the county building permit fee, minimum $50.00 residential / $100.00 commercial | City of Salida Residential Building Permit Application and 2026 Fees and Charges for Community Development Services schedule |
| Chaffee County Solar Electrical Permit Fee | Valuation computed at $4.00 per watt, then fee = $65.00 base + $10.00 per $1,000 of that valuation; capped at $500.00 for a Residential Unit and $1,000.00 for a Commercial Unit | Chaffee County Electrical Permit Application, Section C 'Solar Fees' (Revised 04/01/22). Worked example on the County's own form: 5,500 watts x $4.00 = $22,000 valuation; 22 x $10.00 = $220.00 + $65.00 base = $285.00 total. This fee structure implements the statewide caps of C.R.S. § 24-48.5-113 (HB21-1284). |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-06.
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 Salida building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.