You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-07.
Westcliffe building permits
VerifiedWestcliffe, Colorado — as published 2026-07-07.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new construction of single-family homes in the Town of Westcliffe. Reviewed under the 2006 IRC/IBC as locally adopted and amended, including the Town's Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (50 psf ground snow load, 110 mph wind speed, 40-inch frost depth, no mandatory ice barrier underlayment). Issued by the Town's Building and Zoning Official.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plans must comply with the 2006 IRC/IBC as locally adopted and amended by Municipal Code Title 3, Chapter 2
- Must meet the Town's Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria: 50 psf ground snow load, 110 mph wind speed, Exposure C seismic design, 40-inch minimum frost line depth, -10°F winter design temperature
- Electrical and plumbing work require SEPARATE permits issued by the State of Colorado (DORA/DPO), not the Town — see electrical-permit and plumbing-permit entries
- Building permit fee determined by the Building Official from total project valuation per the Town's standalone Fee Schedule
- Plan Review Fee (50% of permit fee for residential new construction) due at time of application submittal, separate from the permit fee itself
- If work is started before a permit is obtained, the permit fee doubles
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationAvailable from the Building Department (719-783-2282, ext. 12) or the Applications & Forms page
- RequiredSite Plan / Construction PlansPlans demonstrating compliance with the 2006 IRC/IBC and the Town's Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | $100.00 | Town of Westcliffe standalone Fee Schedule (internally dated 6/2021, published as 'FEE SCHEDULE adopted 2024.pdf') |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $500.01 to $2,000.00 | $100.00 for the first $500.01, plus $4.00 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof, to and including $2,000.00 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $2,000.01 to $25,000.00 | $200.00 for the first $2,000.01, plus $15.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000.00 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $25,000.01 to $50,000.00 | $1,000.00 for the first $25,000.01, plus $11.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $50,000.00 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $50,000.01 to $100,000.00 | $1,500.00 for the first $50,000.01, plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $100,000.00 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $100,000.01 to $500,000.00 | $2,500.00 for the first $100,000.00, plus $6.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $500,000.00 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $500,000.01 to $1,000,000.00 | $7,500.00 for the first $500,000.01, plus $6.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $1,000,000.00 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1,000,000.01 and up | $12,500.00 for the first $1,000,000.01, plus $4.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | — |
| Plan Review Fee (Residential New Construction) | 50% of permit fee, due at time of application submittal | — |
| Penalty for starting work before permit issuance | Permit fee doubles | Stated explicitly on the Town's Fee Schedule |
Residential Addition / Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired for additions and remodels to existing single-family structures in Westcliffe, including basement finishes. Reviewed under the 2006 IRC as locally adopted. The Town publishes a prescriptive 'International Code Council Building Guide' for Single Family Residential Additions and Basement Finishes specifically.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plans must comply with the 2006 IRC as locally adopted and amended
- Town-published 2006 ICC Building Guides available for Single Family Residential Addition and Single Family Residential Basement Finish scopes specifically (contact Building Department, 719-783-2282 ext. 12, for copies)
- Electrical and plumbing work require separate State of Colorado (DORA/DPO) permits, not Town permits
- Additions/Remodels carry a flat Plan Review Fee distinct from the general Residential New Construction plan review rate
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationAvailable from the Building Department or Applications & Forms page
- OptionalSingle Family Residential Addition / Basement Finish Building GuideTown-published 2006 ICC prescriptive guide; contact Building Department for a copy
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (same valuation-based schedule as new construction) | $100.00 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the Town's standalone Fee Schedule | Same table as residential-building-permit |
| Plan Review Fee — Additions/Remodels | $200.00 flat | Distinct from the 50%-of-permit-fee rate used for Residential New Construction |
| Penalty for starting work before permit issuance | Permit fee doubles | — |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedElectrical permits within Westcliffe town limits are issued and inspected entirely by the State of Colorado, NOT the Town — per an explicit local amendment in Municipal Code Title 3, Chapter 2 (IBC Section 101.4.1 and parallel IEBC sections) stating electrical inspections are performed by Colorado State Electrical Inspectors under the State's adopted code, with a separate permit required. Custer County is not listed among the counties excluded from state jurisdiction on the DORA/DPO Electrical Permits jurisdiction page, confirming state authority applies here.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit must be purchased directly through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO), Electrical & Plumbing Permits online system — NOT through the Town of Westcliffe
- Homeowners hiring a licensed Electrical Contractor should not apply for the permit themselves; the contractor is responsible for obtaining it. It is a violation of state law for anyone other than the homeowner (if self-performing) or a registered Electrical Contractor to install electrical work
- Residential fee basis: square footage of living space to be wired
- Commercial/other fee basis: valuation of installation (materials + labor)
- A separate permit is required for each detached structure on the same property (e.g. garage, studio, barn), clearly identified
Required documents
- RequiredDORA/DPO Electrical Permit Application (online)Purchased via the state's online Electrical & Plumbing Permits system
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State of Colorado Electrical Permit Fee | Set by the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DORA/DPO) statewide fee schedule — not a Town of Westcliffe fee | Fee calculated by residential square footage or commercial/other installation valuation per the state's own published fee schedule; not reproduced here as it is a state-administered fee outside Town jurisdiction |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedPlumbing permits within Westcliffe town limits are issued and inspected entirely by the State of Colorado, NOT the Town — per an explicit local amendment in Municipal Code Title 3, Chapter 2 (IBC Section 101.4.4 and parallel IEBC sections) stating plumbing inspections are performed by Colorado State Plumbing Inspectors under the State's adopted code, with a separate permit required. Custer County is not listed among the counties excluded from state jurisdiction on the DORA/DPO Plumbing Permits jurisdiction page, confirming state authority applies here.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit must be purchased directly through the Colorado DORA/DPO Electrical & Plumbing Permits online system — NOT through the Town of Westcliffe
- Homeowners hiring a licensed Plumbing Contractor should not apply for the permit themselves; the contractor is responsible for obtaining it
- Residential fee basis: fixture count (traps, water hammer arrestors, backflow preventers, water heaters, fuel gas outlets/pressure regulators)
- Commercial fee basis: valuation of installation (materials + labor)
- A separate permit is required for each detached structure on the same property
Required documents
- RequiredDORA/DPO Plumbing Permit Application (online)Purchased via the state's online Electrical & Plumbing Permits system
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State of Colorado Plumbing Permit Fee | Set by the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DORA/DPO) statewide fee schedule — not a Town of Westcliffe fee | Fee calculated by residential fixture count or commercial installation valuation per the state's own published fee schedule; not reproduced here as it is a state-administered fee outside Town jurisdiction |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, ventilation, and mechanical equipment installation, replacement, or repair in Westcliffe. Governed by the 2006 International Mechanical Code (IMC) as locally adopted. Issued by the Town's Building and Zoning Official; fee is set off the cost of the job per the Town's Administration Fee Schedule rather than the general valuation-tier Building Permit Fee table.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Governed by the 2006 IMC as adopted by the Town of Westcliffe
- Applies to new installation, replacement, and repair of mechanical systems
- Fee for mechanical inspections is set off the cost of the job — contact the Building and Zoning office directly for a quote rather than relying on the general valuation-tier table
Required documents
- RequiredMechanical/Building Permit ApplicationAvailable from the Building Department
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Inspection Fee (New, Replacement, Repairs) | Fee set off cost of job — contact Building and Zoning office | Administration Fee Schedule, Town of Westcliffe Fee Schedule document; distinct from the general valuation-tier Building Permit Fee table used for new construction |
| Re-Inspection Fee (contractor requested inspection, not ready) | $50.00 per hour | — |
| After-hours inspection | $200.00 per hour | — |
| Holiday inspection | $200.00 per hour | — |
Re-Roofing Permit
VerifiedRequired for re-roofing work on single-family residential structures in Westcliffe. Governed by the 2006 IRC/IBC. The Town publishes a dedicated 'Single Family Residential Re-Roofing' ICC Building Guide, and the Town's Design Criteria chart does NOT require ice barrier underlayment (unlike some higher-elevation Colorado mountain jurisdictions).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Governed by the 2006 IRC/IBC as locally adopted
- Ice barrier underlayment is NOT required per the Town's Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria chart (Ice Barrier Underlayment = NO), a notable difference from many peer Colorado mountain-town jurisdictions
- Town-published 'Single Family Residential Re-Roofing' 2006 ICC Building Guide available by contacting the Building Department (719-783-2282, ext. 12)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application — Re-Roof scopeAvailable from the Building Department
- OptionalSingle Family Residential Re-Roofing Building GuideTown-published 2006 ICC prescriptive guide for this scope
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (valuation-based, same schedule as new construction) | $100.00 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the Town's standalone Fee Schedule | No separate flat re-roof fee is published; billed under the general valuation-based Building Permit Fee schedule |
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit
Required for construction or conversion of an Accessory Dwelling Unit in Westcliffe. ADUs were established as a permitted use by right (within certain parameters) by Ordinance No. 4-2024 (adopted October 15, 2024), which added Title 10, Chapter 1, Section 17 to the Municipal Code. An ADU may be new construction or a conversion of an existing accessory structure (e.g. shed, garage).
Reviewed 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permitted as a use by right within certain parameters per Ordinance No. 4-2024 (Title 10, Chapter 1, Section 17) — confirm specific dimensional/parameter limits (size caps, setbacks, owner-occupancy requirements, etc.) directly with the Building and Zoning office, as the full ordinance text could not be independently retrieved in machine-readable form during this review
- May be new construction or conversion of an existing accessory structure (shed, garage) per the Town Manager/Building & Zoning Officer's own public description of the program
- Underlying construction must still comply with the 2006 IRC/IBC as locally adopted, including the Town's Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria
- A Board of Trustees resolution delaying ADU permit and other fees applies ONLY to town-owned lots, not privately-owned lots generally — do not assume a blanket fee deferral
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application — ADU scopeAvailable from the Building Department; confirm any ADU-specific application/checklist directly with the office
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (same valuation-based schedule as new construction) | $100.00 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the Town's standalone Fee Schedule | No ADU-specific fee waiver applies to privately-owned lots; a fee-delay resolution passed by the Board of Trustees applies only to town-owned lots per the Town Manager's own public statement |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition of residential, commercial, or accessory structures in Westcliffe. The Town's Fee Schedule sets distinct flat fees by structure category (Residential, Commercial, Accessory Building), each plus Building and Zoning administration fees.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Separate flat fee categories apply by structure type: Residential, Commercial, and Accessory Building
- Each Demo Permit fee is charged in addition to Building and Zoning administration fees
Required documents
- RequiredDemolition Permit ApplicationAvailable from the Building Department
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demo Permit — Residential | $300.00 plus Building and Zoning administration fees | Town of Westcliffe Fee Schedule |
| Demo Permit — Commercial | $500.00 plus Building and Zoning administration fees | — |
| Demo Permit — Accessory Building | $100.00 plus Building and Zoning administration fees | — |
Deck / Covered Patio / Carport Permit
VerifiedRequired for construction of uncovered decks, porches, patio covers, and carports in Westcliffe. The Town publishes dedicated 2006 ICC Building Guides for 'Single Family Residential Patio Covers & Carports', 'Enclosing Existing Patio Covers', and 'Uncovered Decks & Porches' specifically.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Governed by the 2006 IRC as locally adopted, including the Town's Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (50 psf snow load, 110 mph wind speed)
- Town-published ICC Building Guides available for this scope by contacting the Building Department (719-783-2282, ext. 12): Patio Covers & Carports, Enclosing Existing Patio Covers, and Uncovered Decks & Porches
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application — Deck/Patio Cover/Carport scopeAvailable from the Building Department
- OptionalRelevant ICC Building Guide (Patio Covers & Carports / Enclosing Existing Patio Covers / Uncovered Decks & Porches)Town-published 2006 ICC prescriptive guide matching the specific project scope
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (valuation-based, same schedule as new construction) | $100.00 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the Town's standalone Fee Schedule | No separate flat fee is published for this scope; billed under the general valuation-based Building Permit Fee schedule |
Commercial Tenant Improvement / Commercial Building Permit
VerifiedRequired for new commercial construction, tenant improvements, and commercial remodels in Westcliffe. Governed by the 2006 IBC as locally adopted. Commercial plan review is performed under contract by the International Code Council (ICC) itself, at a distinctly higher plan-review rate than residential.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Governed by the 2006 IBC as locally adopted and amended by Municipal Code Title 3, Chapter 2
- Commercial Plan Review is performed by the International Code Council under contract with the Town — billed at 65% of the permit fee, a materially higher rate than the 50% residential-new-construction rate
- Electrical and plumbing work require separate State of Colorado (DORA/DPO) permits, using the commercial/installation-valuation fee basis
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application — Commercial scopeAvailable from the Building Department
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (same valuation-based schedule as residential) | $100.00 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the Town's standalone Fee Schedule | Same table as residential-building-permit; the Town's Fee Schedule does not publish a separate commercial-specific valuation table |
| Commercial Plan Review Fee (performed by the International Code Council) | 65% of permit fee | Distinct from and higher than the 50% Residential New Construction plan review rate |
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of rooftop residential or commercial solar photovoltaic systems within Westcliffe town limits. The structural/mounting portion is permitted through the Town's Building and Zoning Department under the 2006 IBC/IRC as locally adopted; the electrical portion (wiring, inverter, interconnection) is permitted separately and directly through the Colorado DORA/DPO Electrical & Plumbing Permits program, not the Town — the same state-administered arrangement documented in this file's electrical-permit entry. No dedicated solar/PV line item is published in the Town's Fee Schedule; the Town's General Building and Zoning Permit Fee Schedule (valuation-based) applies to the structural portion, subject to Colorado's statewide solar permit fee cap.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Building/zoning permit required from the Town for the structural, roof-mounting, and racking portion of the installation, per the 2006 IBC/IRC as locally amended (Title 3, Chapter 2)
- Separate State of Colorado DORA/DPO Electrical Permit required for the PV wiring, inverter, and interconnection work — purchased directly through the state's online Electrical & Plumbing Permits system, not through the Town (same state jurisdiction documented in this file's electrical-permit entry)
- Under Colorado's statewide solar permit fee cap (C.R.S. § 24-48.5-113, enacted by HB21-1284), a covered local jurisdiction's total building-permit-related fees for a residential solar PV system may not exceed $500, and $1,000 for commercial systems, regardless of project valuation
- Custer County is not listed among counties excluded from State Electrical Board jurisdiction, confirming state authority over the electrical permit applies here as it does for other electrical work in Westcliffe
Required documents
- RequiredTown of Westcliffe Building/Zoning Permit ApplicationCovers the structural/mounting portion of the PV installation; available via the Town's Applications & Forms page
- RequiredDORA/DPO Electrical Permit Application (online)Purchased via the state's online Electrical & Plumbing Permits system for the PV wiring/interconnection portion
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide aggregate solar permit fee cap — Residential | $500 (combined Town + State Electrical Board fees) | C.R.S. § 24-48.5-113, enacted by HB21-1284 (2021), extended through Dec. 31, 2029; caps the total of all governmental permit/review fees for an active solar energy system — governs regardless of what Westcliffe's own valuation-based table would otherwise calculate |
| Statewide aggregate solar permit fee cap — Commercial | $1,000 (combined Town + State Electrical Board fees) | C.R.S. § 24-48.5-113, enacted by HB21-1284 (2021) |
| Town Building and Zoning Permit Fee (structural/mounting portion) | Valuation-based per the Town's general Building and Zoning Permit Fee Schedule; no dedicated solar/PV line item published, subject to the statewide cap above | Town of Westcliffe Fee Schedule (adopted 2024/6-2021 revision) |
| State of Colorado Electrical Permit Fee (PV wiring/interconnection) | Set by the Colorado DORA/DPO statewide fee schedule — not a Town of Westcliffe fee, and counts toward the statewide aggregate cap above | Same state-administered fee mechanism as this file's electrical-permit entry; not reproduced here as it is outside Town jurisdiction |
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Permit
VerifiedWestcliffe has no dedicated EV-charger/EVSE application, checklist, or fee line — a Level 2 or DC fast charger installation is permitted the same way this file's solar-pv-permit entry documents: the structural/mounting portion (if any support structure or canopy is added) goes through the Town's Building and Zoning Department under the 2006 IBC/IRC, while the electrical work (circuit, panel upgrade, charger wiring, interconnection) is permitted and inspected entirely by the State of Colorado Electrical Board (DORA/DPO Electrical & Plumbing Permits program), NOT the Town — the same explicit Municipal Code Title 3, Chapter 2 amendment (IBC Section 101.4.1) that routes all electrical work statewide. Colorado's HB24-1173 (EV Charging System Permits Act), which requires covered local governments to adopt streamlined EV-charger permitting standards by December 31, 2025, applies only to counties with 20,000+ population and municipalities with 10,000+ population — Westcliffe (2020 Census population 435; ~495 est. 2023) is far below that threshold and is not a covered jurisdiction under the Act. Because Custer County has no local electrical inspection program of its own (it is not on the State Electrical Board's list of counties/jurisdictions with a delegated program), the governing mechanism is the State Electrical Board's direct statutory authority under C.R.S. § 12-115-120(2): a state electrical inspector must inspect the work within three working days of the inspection request (§ 12-115-120(2)(b)), and permit fees are set by the Board 'based upon the actual expense of inspecting each type of electrical installation' (§ 12-115-121(1)) rather than a locally-published table — confirmed by direct review of both statute sections and the Board's current rules (3 CCR 710-1), which likewise publish no static fee table (permit fees are calculated and charged at the time of online application through the DPO Online Permitting System). For comparison, the statutory cap on what a LOCAL government with its own inspection program may charge is currently $120 (base fee, CPI-adjusted annually from a January 1, 2021 baseline) plus up to an 8% valuation-based tiered surcharge, per § 12-115-121(2)(a) — this cap does not itself set Westcliffe's fee (since the State, not a local government, performs the inspection here), but it is the closest currently-published statutory dollar anchor for Colorado electrical permit costs.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- A standalone wall- or pedestal-mounted Level 2 charger with no new structure generally requires only the State of Colorado DORA/DPO Electrical Permit (see electrical-permit entry) — purchased directly through the state's online Electrical & Plumbing Permits system, not through the Town
- If the installation includes a new support structure, canopy, or panel/service upgrade tied to a building addition, a Town Building/Zoning Permit is also required for that structural component, per the 2006 IBC/IRC as locally amended (Title 3, Chapter 2)
- Custer County is not listed among counties excluded from State Electrical Board jurisdiction, confirming state authority over the electrical/EVSE permit applies here as it does for other electrical work in Westcliffe
- Because Westcliffe's population (~495) is below the 10,000-population municipal threshold in Colorado's HB24-1173 (EV Charging System Permits Act, C.R.S. Title 24), the Town is not required to adopt the state's model EV-charger permitting code or a dedicated expedited-review process under that Act — no such adoption was found on the Town's site
Required documents
- RequiredDORA/DPO Electrical Permit Application (online)Purchased via the state's online Electrical & Plumbing Permits system for the EVSE circuit/wiring/interconnection work
- OptionalTown of Westcliffe Building/Zoning Permit ApplicationOnly required if the installation includes a new structure, canopy, or building-tied panel upgrade; available via the Town's Applications & Forms page
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State of Colorado Electrical Board Permit Fee (EVSE circuit/wiring) | Set by the State Electrical Board per C.R.S. § 12-115-121(1) based on 'the actual expense of inspecting each type of electrical installation' — calculated and charged at the time of application through the DPO Online Permitting System, not published as a static Town or state table | Confirmed directly against C.R.S. §§ 12-115-120/121 and the Board's current rules (3 CCR 710-1, eff. Aug. 1, 2020) — neither publishes a dollar figure. The statutory reference point is the § 12-115-121(2)(a) cap of $120 (base, CPI-adjusted annually since Jan 1, 2021) plus up to an 8% valuation-based surcharge, which governs what a LOCAL government with its own inspection program may charge — not the State's own fee for jurisdictions like Westcliffe that it inspects directly |
| Town Building/Zoning Permit Fee (structural portion, if applicable) | Valuation-based per the Town's general Building and Zoning Permit Fee Schedule | Only applies if a new structure/canopy or building-tied panel upgrade is part of the installation; no dedicated EV-charger line item is published in the Town's Fee Schedule |
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 Westcliffe building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.