You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-07.
Vail building permits
VerifiedVail, Colorado — as published 2026-07-07.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Codes adopted
2024 International Building Code (IBC) — Town of Vail Building Department page (Adopted Building Codes list)2024 International Residential Code (IRC)2024 International Fire Code (IFC)2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC)2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC)2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)2023 National Electrical Code (NEC)Note on document currency: the Town's downloadable 'Minimum Project Submittal Requirements' packets (Residential and Commercial/Multi-Family, both undated on-page) still footer-reference the prior code cycle ('The current adopted codes in the Town of Vail are 2021 IBC, IRC, IMC, IPC, IFGC, IECC, IEBC, IFC, and 2020 NEC, as amended') — the live Building Department webpage's 2024 IBC/IRC/IFC/IPC/IMC/IFGC/IECC/IEBC + 2023 NEC list is treated as the current, governing adopted-code list for this file since it is the department's actively maintained code-adoption page, not a static PDF handout.
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new construction of single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes in the Town of Vail. Reviewed under the 2024 IRC/IBC (as locally adopted) plus the Town's published Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (145 psf ground snow load, 115 mph wind design speed, 48-inch frost depth, 100% ice barrier underlayment). Issued by the Community Development Department, Building Division, after Design Review Board approval of any exterior design elements.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Design Review Board (DRB) approval required before building permit submittal for any exterior work/design elements
- Plans must comply with the 2024 IRC/IBC as adopted, and must meet the Town's Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria: 145 psf ground snow load, 115 mph wind design speed (Seismic Design Category B), 48-inch minimum frost depth, 100% ice barrier underlayment required
- All plans must be prepared by a Colorado Registered Design Professional, stamped/signed/dated; plans marked 'Not for Construction,' 'Conceptual,' or 'Preliminary' are rejected
- Asbestos test report by a registered Colorado Asbestos inspector required at submittal for all projects, per State of Colorado asbestos regulations
- Statement of Special Inspection required; special inspections (steel, concrete, masonry, soils, deep foundations/piles, seismic resistance, spray-applied fire-resistive materials, epoxy dowels) performed by a Town of Vail-approved 3rd-party inspector per IBC Chapter 17
- Fire Sprinkler Retrofit Checklist required for all residential permits
- All contractors must hold a current Town of Vail Contractor Registration (Vail Town Code 4-7-2) in addition to any required Colorado state trade license
- Applications submitted via the Town's OpenGov online customer portal; electronic plan sets uploaded to ProjectDox after a completeness review
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Construction Permit — Building, Plumbing & Mechanical)Submitted through the Town of Vail OpenGov portal
- RequiredMinimum Project Submittal Requirements — Residential PacketTitle page/code analysis, energy code compliance, survey/site plan, civil plan, soils report, foundation plan(s), structural calculations, floor/framing/roof plans, elevations, cross sections/details, schedules, electrical/mechanical/plumbing plans, statement of special inspection
- RequiredAsbestos Test ReportBy a registered Colorado Asbestos inspector, required for all projects including shower/bath enclosures with new tile
- RequiredDRB ApprovalRequired prior to building permit submittal for any exterior changes
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | $50.00 | 2026 Schedule of Permit Fees, Town of Vail |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $501.00 to $2,000.00 | $50.00 for the first $500 plus $3.05 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof, to and including $2,000.00 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $2,001.00 to $25,000.00 | $95.75 for the first $2,000 plus $14.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000.00 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $25,001.00 to $50,000.00 | $417.75 for the first $25,000 plus $10.10 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $50,000.00 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $50,001.00 to $100,000.00 | $670.25 for the first $50,000 plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $100,000.00 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $100,001.00 to $500,000.00 | $1,020.25 for the first $100,000 plus $6.50 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $500,000.00 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $500,001.00 to $1,000,000.00 | $3,620.25 for the first $500,000 plus $5.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $1,000,000.00 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1,000,001.00 and up | $6,120.25 for the first $1,000,000 plus $4.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Plan Review Fee | 65% of Building Permit Fee | — |
| Construction Use Tax | (Valuation minus $10,000) / 2, multiplied by 4% | No use tax if total valuation is under $10,000.00 |
| Recreation Fee (new square footage only) | Varies by zone district, $0.10-$1.00 per sq ft added | e.g. Single Family Residential $0.10/sq ft; Hillside Residential $0.15/sq ft; most commercial/mixed-use districts $1.00/sq ft |
| Transportation Impact Fee — new Single Family Dwelling | $13,667 per new unit (1/1/2026 rate tier; phased increases through 1/1/2027) | Resolution No. 27, Series 2025, Exhibit A |
| Will Call Inspection Fee | $5.00 per work type (building, electrical, mechanical each billed separately) | — |
Residential Addition / Interior Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired for additions and interior remodels to existing single-family, duplex, and townhome structures in Vail. Reviewed under the 2024 IRC as locally adopted; scope and required documents differ meaningfully between an Addition and an Interior Remodel per the Town's own submittal matrix.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- DRB approval required before building permit submittal if the project includes any exterior changes
- Additions require: title page/code analysis, energy code compliance, survey/site plan, civil plan, soils report (open-hole report at excavation), foundation plan(s), structural calculations, floor/framing/roof plans, elevations, cross sections/details, schedules, electrical/mechanical/plumbing plans, statement of special inspection
- Interior Remodels require a narrower document set: title page/code analysis, energy code compliance, floor plan(s), framing plan(s), structural calculations (only if walls are to be removed), electrical/mechanical/plumbing plans, statement of special inspection; survey/site plan, civil plan, soils report, and foundation plans are NOT required unless the scope triggers them
- A Licensed Engineer report is required if any walls are proposed for removal, to determine if they are structural
- Asbestos test report required at submittal for all projects, including shower/bath enclosures with new tile
- All contractors must hold a current Town of Vail Contractor Registration
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Construction Permit)Submitted via the Town of Vail OpenGov portal
- RequiredMinimum Project Submittal Requirements — Residential PacketApplicable columns for Addition or Interior Remodel scope
- OptionalLicensed Engineer ReportRequired if the plans include removal of any walls, to determine if they are structural
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (same valuation-based schedule as new construction) | $50.00 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the 2026 Schedule of Permit Fees | Effective per the 2026 fee schedule |
| Building Plan Review Fee | 65% of Building Permit Fee | — |
| Construction Use Tax | (Valuation minus $10,000) / 2, multiplied by 4% (no tax if valuation under $10,000) | — |
| Recreation Fee | $0.10-$1.00 per sq ft, applies only to NEW square footage added by the addition | Not applicable to interior remodels that add no new floor area |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation, alteration, or repair of electrical systems in Vail. Governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted. Fees are set under a state-mandated schedule (CRS 12-23-117(3)) with the Town charging the maximum 15% surcharge allowed above the state base rate. Contractors must hold a Colorado Electrical Board (DORA) state license, verified contemporaneously by the Town, and a Town of Vail Contractor Registration (no fee for electrical contractors).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- CRS 12-23-106 requires field verification of licensing and registration for all contractors performing electrical work
- Governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted by the Town of Vail
- Contractors must hold a current Colorado Electrical Board (DORA) license, contemporaneously verified by the Town per the Electrical Verification Policy, plus a Town of Vail Contractor Registration (no registration fee for Electrical contractors, unlike other trades)
- Fee calculated under EITHER Section A (Residential, based on enclosed living area) OR Section B (All Other, based on installation valuation) — never both
- Permit fees include two inspections only; additional inspections including re-inspections cost $105.00 each
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Permit ApplicationTown of Vail Electrical Permit Application, submitted via the OpenGov portal
- RequiredTown of Vail Contractor RegistrationRequired for all contractors; no fee for Electrical contractors specifically
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Electrical Fee — up to 1,000 sq ft living area | $96.00 state fee, $110.40 total with 15% Town surcharge | 2026 Schedule of Permit Fees — Section A (Residential); per CRS 12-23-117(3) |
| Residential Electrical Fee — 1,001 to 1,500 sq ft | $145.00 state fee, $166.75 total with 15% added | — |
| Residential Electrical Fee — 1,501 to 2,000 sq ft | $194.00 state fee, $223.10 total with 15% added | — |
| Residential Electrical Fee — per 100 sq ft in excess of 2,000 sq ft | $9.00 state fee, $10.35 total with 15% added | — |
| All Other Electrical Fee (Section B) — installation valuation not more than $2,000 | $96.00 state fee, $110.40 total with 15% added | Applies to non-living-area installations: garage, shop, photovoltaic, service connections, temporary meters, commercial |
| All Other Electrical Fee (Section B) — per $1,000 of valuation above $2,000 | $9.00 state fee, $10.35 total with 15% added | — |
| Electrical Plan Review Fee | 25% of the permit fee | Distinct from the 65% rate used for Building/Plumbing/Mechanical |
| Additional/Re-inspection Fee | $105.00 per inspection | Permit fee includes only two inspections |
| Will Call Fee | $5.00 per electrical permit | — |
| Construction Use Tax | Same formula as general Building schedule; applied only if electrical permit valuation exceeds $10,000 | — |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation, alteration, or repair of plumbing systems in Vail, issued as part of the combined Construction Permit (Building, Plumbing & Mechanical). Governed by the 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) as adopted. Plumbing contractors must hold a Colorado Plumbing Board (DORA) license, contemporaneously verified by the Town, plus a Town of Vail Contractor Registration.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Issued under the Town's combined Construction Permit (Building, Plumbing & Mechanical) application
- Governed by the 2024 IPC as adopted by the Town of Vail
- Contractors must hold a current Colorado Plumbing Board (DORA) license, contemporaneously verified per the Town's Plumbing Verification Policy, plus a Town of Vail Contractor Registration ($67/year)
- Plumbing plan(s) required as part of the Residential or Commercial/Multi-Family Minimum Project Submittal Requirements packet for New Construction, Addition, and Interior Remodel/Tenant Improvement scopes
Required documents
- RequiredConstruction Permit Application (Building, Plumbing & Mechanical)Submitted via the Town of Vail OpenGov portal
- RequiredTown of Vail Contractor RegistrationRequired in addition to Colorado DORA Plumbing license
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Permit Fee (same valuation-based schedule as Building/Mechanical) | $50.00 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the 2026 Schedule of Permit Fees | 2026 Schedule of Permit Fees |
| Plumbing Plan Review Fee | 65% of Permit Fee | — |
| Construction Use Tax | (Valuation minus $10,000) / 2, multiplied by 4% (no tax if valuation under $10,000) | — |
| Will Call Fee | $5.00 per work type | — |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment installation or replacement in Vail, issued as part of the combined Construction Permit (Building, Plumbing & Mechanical). Governed by the 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) as adopted.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Issued under the Town's combined Construction Permit (Building, Plumbing & Mechanical) application
- Governed by the 2024 IMC and 2024 IFGC as adopted by the Town of Vail
- All contractors must hold a current Town of Vail Contractor Registration; applicable Colorado state trade licensure where required
- Mechanical plan(s) required as part of the Minimum Project Submittal Requirements packet for New Construction, Addition, and Interior Remodel/Tenant Improvement scopes (not required for Deck/Balcony, Re-Roof, or Window Replacement scopes)
Required documents
- RequiredConstruction Permit Application (Building, Plumbing & Mechanical)Submitted via the Town of Vail OpenGov portal
- RequiredTown of Vail Contractor RegistrationRequired for all contractors performing mechanical work
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Permit Fee (same valuation-based schedule as Building/Plumbing) | $50.00 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the 2026 Schedule of Permit Fees | 2026 Schedule of Permit Fees |
| Mechanical Plan Review Fee | 65% of Permit Fee | — |
| Construction Use Tax | (Valuation minus $10,000) / 2, multiplied by 4% (no tax if valuation under $10,000) | — |
| Will Call Fee | $5.00 per work type | — |
Roofing Permit (Re-Roof)
VerifiedRequired for re-roofing work in the Town of Vail. Single Family/Duplex re-roofs are eligible for the Town's 'Expedited Permit' track (combined DRB + Building Permit process). Governed by the 2024 IRC/IBC as adopted, with Class A material and 100% ice barrier underlayment requirements per the Town's Design Criteria.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Single Family/Duplex re-roofs qualify for the Expedited Permit track, which combines DRB and Building Permit approval into one process — all submittal requirements are due at time of application to use this track
- DRB approval is still required before starting the permit process even under the expedited track, since re-roofing is exterior work
- Per the Town's Design Criteria chart, ice barrier underlayment is required at 100% (not a minimum-elevation trigger)
- Per the Residential/Commercial Minimum Project Submittal Requirements packets, a Re-Roof submittal requires: roof plan(s), and schedules showing Class A material, underlayment, valleys, and material — but does NOT require title page/code analysis, energy code compliance (only if no existing insulation), survey/site plan, civil plan, soils report, foundation plans, structural calculations, floor/framing plans, elevations, cross sections, electrical/mechanical/plumbing plans, or statement of special inspection
Required documents
- RequiredConstruction Permit Application (Building, Plumbing & Mechanical) — Re-Roof scopeSubmitted via the Town of Vail OpenGov portal; DRB approval attached
- RequiredRoof Plan(s) and Material ScheduleClass A roofing material, underlayment, valleys, and material specifications per the Minimum Project Submittal Requirements packet
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (valuation-based, same schedule as new construction) | $50.00 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the 2026 Schedule of Permit Fees | No separate flat re-roof fee is published; billed under the general valuation-based Building Permit Fee schedule |
| Building Plan Review Fee | 65% of Permit Fee | — |
| Construction Use Tax | (Valuation minus $10,000) / 2, multiplied by 4% (no tax if valuation under $10,000) | — |
Solar Thermal / Photovoltaic Permit
VerifiedRequired for solar thermal and photovoltaic system installations in Vail. Explicitly listed as an 'Expedited Permit' category (combined DRB + Building Permit process) alongside re-roofs and water heater replacement. Electrical portions governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted; PV installation fees follow the general Section B (All Other) electrical fee schedule.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Listed under the Town's Expedited Permits category, combining DRB and Building Permit approval; all submittal requirements due at time of application
- DRB approval required before starting the permit process, since solar installations are exterior work
- Electrical work governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted
- Photovoltaic installation valuation billed under Section B (All Other Fees) of the Electrical Permit fee schedule — based on total installation cost (labor + materials), not square footage
- All contractors must hold a current Town of Vail Contractor Registration plus any required Colorado state trade license
Required documents
- RequiredConstruction Permit / Electrical Permit Application — Solar Thermal/Photovoltaic scopeSubmitted via the Town of Vail OpenGov portal; DRB approval attached
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Fee (Section B, All Other) — installation valuation not more than $2,000 | $96.00 state fee, $110.40 total with 15% Town surcharge added | 2026 Schedule of Permit Fees — Section B explicitly names photovoltaic as an example of this category |
| Electrical Fee (Section B) — per $1,000 of valuation above $2,000 | $9.00 state fee, $10.35 total with 15% added | — |
| Electrical Plan Review Fee | 25% of the permit fee | — |
| Construction Use Tax | Applied only if valuation exceeds $10,000, using the standard formula | — |
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station / EVSE Permit
VerifiedThe Town of Vail has no distinct EV charger/EVSE permit application or fee line. An EV charging station installation is permitted as ordinary electrical work through the Town's existing Electrical Permit, billed under Section B ('All Other' electrical fee, based on installation valuation) of the 2026 Schedule of Permit Fees -- the same category the Town's own fee schedule uses for garage, shop, photovoltaic, service-connection, temporary-meter, and commercial electrical work that is not enclosed-living-area wiring. Governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted by the Town, which includes Article 625 (Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System) provisions. Vail's population (~5,300) is well below the 10,000-person threshold that triggers 'covered municipality' status under Colorado's HB24-1173 (Electric Vehicle Charging System Permits Act, effective 8/7/2024), so that statute's mandatory model-code/objective-standards adoption and 3-business-day decision-notification requirement do not apply here.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- No standalone EV charger/EVSE permit application exists; apply for the Town's standard Electrical Permit via the OpenGov portal
- CRS 12-23-106 requires field verification of licensing and registration for all contractors performing electrical work, including EVSE installation
- Fee calculated under Section B ('All Other,' based on installation valuation) of the 2026 Schedule of Permit Fees -- the same category used for photovoltaic, garage/shop, service-connection, and commercial electrical work, since an EV charger circuit is not enclosed-living-area wiring
- Contractors must hold a current Colorado Electrical Board (DORA) license, contemporaneously verified by the Town, plus a Town of Vail Contractor Registration (no registration fee for Electrical contractors)
- Governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted by the Town of Vail, which includes Article 625 (Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System) requirements for EVSE branch circuits and disconnects
- Vail's population is below the 10,000-person threshold for 'covered municipality' status under Colorado HB24-1173, so the Act's mandatory EV-permitting-standards adoption and 3-business-day decision timeline do not apply as a legal requirement here
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Permit ApplicationTown of Vail Electrical Permit Application, submitted via the OpenGov portal; same application used for all electrical work including EV charger circuits
- RequiredTown of Vail Contractor RegistrationRequired for all contractors; no fee for Electrical contractors specifically
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All Other Electrical Fee (Section B) — installation valuation not more than $2,000 (EV charger/EVSE circuit) | $96.00 state fee, $110.40 total with 15% Town surcharge | 2026 Schedule of Permit Fees — Section B applies to non-living-area installations including photovoltaic, garage, shop, service connections, temporary meters, and commercial work; no distinct EV-charger line exists so this is the governing category |
| All Other Electrical Fee (Section B) — per $1,000 of valuation above $2,000 | $9.00 state fee, $10.35 total with 15% added | — |
| Electrical Plan Review Fee | 25% of the permit fee | Distinct from the 65% rate used for Building/Plumbing/Mechanical |
| Additional/Re-inspection Fee | $105.00 per inspection | Permit fee includes only two inspections |
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 Vail building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.