This is PermitBase’s published record for Vail as of 2026-08-14. It has since been superseded — see the current record.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.
Vail building permits
VerifiedVail, Colorado — as published 2026-08-14.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
Required 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.
Reviewed 2026-08-02 · 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
Required 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.
Reviewed 2026-08-02 · 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
Required 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).
Reviewed 2026-08-02 · 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
Required 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.
Reviewed 2026-08-02 · 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
Required 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.
Reviewed 2026-08-02 · 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)
Required 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.
Reviewed 2026-08-02 · 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
Required 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.
Reviewed 2026-08-02 · 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
The 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.
Reviewed 2026-08-02 · 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 |
Commercial Building Permit (New Construction)
Required for new construction of commercial buildings (retail, restaurant, office, hotel/lodge, mixed-use) in the Town of Vail, applied for under the same combined 'Construction Permit' (Building, Plumbing & Mechanical) application used for all trades but reviewed against a genuinely distinct, heavier document set published in the Town's own 'Minimum Project Submittal Requirements — Commercial and Multi-Family' packet (New Commercial/Multi-Family column), which requires the full plan set (survey, civil, soils, foundation, structural, floor/framing/reflected-ceiling/roof plans, elevations, cross sections, schedules, MEP plans, statement of special inspection, energy code compliance details) with no scope-based exceptions. Reviewed under the 2024 IBC (as locally adopted). Issued by the Community Development Department, Building Division, after Design Review Board approval of exterior design elements.
Reviewed 2026-08-02 · Source
Requirements
- Design Review Board (DRB) approval required before building permit submittal for any exterior work/design elements
- Plans reviewed under the 2024 IBC as adopted, plus the Town's Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria chart (145 psf ground snow load, 115 mph wind design speed, Seismic Design Category B, 48-inch frost depth, 100% ice barrier underlayment)
- Per the Commercial/Multi-Family Minimum Project Submittal Requirements matrix (New Commercial/Multi-Family column), ALL of the following are required with no scope exceptions: Title Page/Code Analysis, Survey/Site Plan, Civil Plan, Soils Report (prepared by a Town of Vail-approved 3rd-party Special Inspector), Foundation Plan(s), Structural Calculations, Floor Plan(s), Framing Plan(s), Reflected Ceiling Plan(s), Roof Plan(s), Elevations, Cross Sections/Details, Schedules, Electrical Plan(s), Mechanical Plan(s), Plumbing Plan(s), Statement of Special Inspection, and Energy Code Compliance Details
- Title Page/Code Analysis must include Building Code Analysis (code(s) utilized, occupancy classification, type of construction, location on property, allowable floor area, height/stories, mixed-occupancy compliance method) and a Code Compliance Plan (occupant loads, means-of-egress design, path-of-travel measurements, plumbing fixture count, fire-resistive rated construction designation, suppression/alarm system)
- 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, per State of Colorado asbestos regulations
- Statement of Special Inspection required; special inspections (steel/welds/high-strength bolting, concrete, masonry, soils, driven 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
- COMcheck report recommended for Energy Code Compliance Details (insulation R-values, fenestration U-factors/SHGC, area-weighted U-factor calculations, mechanical/service water heating equipment, duct sealing, air sealing, building thermal envelope)
- 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
- Minimum 2 paper plan sets if submitting paper (11x17 minimum, 24x36 recommended); electronic plan sets uploaded to ProjectDox after a completeness review
- Applications submitted via the Town's OpenGov online customer portal — there is no separate 'commercial' application form; the same Construction Permit application is used for residential and commercial work, with the commercial document set governing what must be submitted
Required documents
- RequiredConstruction Permit Application (Building, Plumbing & Mechanical)Submitted through the Town of Vail OpenGov portal; same application form used for residential and commercial work
- RequiredMinimum Project Submittal Requirements — Commercial and Multi-Family Packet (New Commercial/Multi-Family column)Title page/code analysis, survey/site plan, civil plan, soils report, foundation plan(s), structural calculations, floor/framing/reflected ceiling/roof plans, elevations, cross sections/details, schedules, electrical/mechanical/plumbing plans, statement of special inspection, energy code compliance details
- RequiredAsbestos Test ReportBy a registered Colorado Asbestos inspector, required for all projects
- RequiredDRB ApprovalRequired prior to building permit submittal for any exterior changes
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (same shared valuation-based schedule used for Building/Plumbing/Mechanical on all project types) | $50.00 minimum for $1-$500 valuation, scaling through $6,120.25 for the first $1,000,000 plus $4.00/$1,000 thereafter for $1,000,001+ | 2026 Schedule of Permit Fees, Town of Vail — identical fee table to residential-building-permit |
| Building Plan Review Fee | 65% of Building Permit Fee | Due at submittal per the fee schedule's instructions |
| 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) — commercial core/mixed-use zone districts | $1.00 per sq ft in Commercial Core 1/2/3 (CC1/CC2/CC3), Lionshead Mixed Use 1/2 (LMU1/LMU2), Public Accommodation (PA), Arterial Business District (ABD), Commercial Service Center (CSC), Heavy Service (HS), Vail Village Townhouse (VVT), and High Density Multi-Family (HDMF); $0.70/sq ft in Ski Base/Recreation District (SB/RD) | Town of Vail 2026 Schedule of Permit Fees, Recreation Fees table — full zone-district table as published in the fee-schedule PDF |
| Transportation Impact Fee — Accommodation Unit (per new unit, e.g. hotel/lodge room) | In Core Area: $8,410 (1/1/2026 tier) — tier schedule $5,066 (1/1/2017) / $6,738 (6/9/2025) / $8,410 (1/1/2026) / $10,132 (1/1/2027); Outside Core Area: $6,333 / $8,422 / $10,512 / $12,665 across the same four tiers | Resolution No. 27, Series 2025, Exhibit A — Core Area defined per Figure 1 of the Vail Transportation Impact Fee Study |
| Transportation Impact Fee — Facilities/Health Care (per net-new sq ft of floor area) | $8.44 (1/1/2017 tier) / $11.23 (6/9/2025 tier) / $14.01 (1/1/2026 tier) / $16.88 (1/1/2027 tier) | Per Resolution No. 27, Series 2025, Exhibit A (the phased fee-schedule table adopted by the Town Council 6/3/2025, Consent Agenda); Show full citationHidePer Resolution No. 27, Series 2025, Exhibit A (the phased fee-schedule table adopted by the Town Council 6/3/2025, Consent Agenda); the general 2026 Schedule of Permit Fees worksheet PDF's Transportation Impact Fee section is a blank fill-in-the-dollar-amount table with no embedded figures. Source: https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/3390102/Resolution_27-2025_Exhibit_A_Fee_Schedule-Phased.pdf. For a permit issued after 1/1/2026, the $14.01/sq ft tier applies. |
| Transportation Impact Fee — Office & Other Services (per net-new sq ft of floor area) | $5.27 (1/1/2017 tier) / $7.01 (6/9/2025 tier) / $8.75 (1/1/2026 tier) / $10.54 (1/1/2027 tier) | Per Resolution No. 27, Series 2025, Exhibit A. For a permit issued after 1/1/2026, the $8.75/sq ft tier applies. |
| Transportation Impact Fee — Restaurant & Retail Establishments (per net-new sq ft of floor area) | $11.82 (1/1/2017 tier) / $15.71 (6/9/2025 tier) / $19.61 (1/1/2026 tier) / $23.63 (1/1/2027 tier) | Per Resolution No. 27, Series 2025, Exhibit A. Show full citationHidePer Resolution No. 27, Series 2025, Exhibit A. For a permit issued after 1/1/2026, the $19.61/sq ft tier applies. Fee schedule rates are stated as equivalent to $19,040 per net-new PM-peak-hour vehicular trip; Core Area is defined per Figure 1 of the Vail Transportation Impact Fee Study. |
| Will Call Inspection Fee | $5.00 per work type (building, electrical, mechanical each billed separately) | — |
| Revisions | $75.00/hour, 2-hour minimum | — |
| Re-inspections / after-hours inspections | $105.00 per inspection/hour, 2-hour minimum for after-hours | — |
Commercial Remodel / Tenant Improvement / Addition Permit
Required for tenant improvements (interior build-out of existing commercial space), commercial remodels, and commercial additions in the Town of Vail. The Town's own Minimum Project Submittal Requirements — Commercial and Multi-Family packet bundles these three scopes ('Commercial Remodel/TI/Addition') into a single document-requirement column, distinct from New Commercial/Multi-Family construction; the Title Page/Code Analysis instructions explicitly list 'Alteration/Renovation/Tenant Improvement' as one of three recognized 'type of work' designations alongside New Building and Building Addition. Applied for under the same combined Construction Permit application used for all Building/Plumbing/Mechanical work. Reviewed under the 2024 IBC as adopted.
Reviewed 2026-08-02 · Source
Requirements
- Design Review Board (DRB) approval required before building permit submittal ONLY if the project includes exterior changes — the Commercial packet lists Elevations as 'Only if exterior changes' for this scope, unlike New Commercial/Multi-Family construction which always requires them
- Per the Commercial/Multi-Family Minimum Project Submittal Requirements matrix (Commercial Remodel/TI/Addition column): Title Page/Code Analysis, Survey/Site Plan, Civil Plan, Structural Calculations, Floor Plan(s), Framing Plan(s), Reflected Ceiling Plan(s), Cross Sections/Details, Schedules, Electrical/Mechanical/Plumbing Plan(s), Statement of Special Inspection, and Energy Code Compliance Details are required
- Soils Report and Foundation Plan(s) are required only 'if addition' (open-hole report at excavation for soils); Roof Plan(s) required only 'if addition'; Elevations required only if the project includes exterior changes — a pure interior tenant improvement with no addition and no exterior changes does not trigger these four items
- EXCEPTION: tenant finishes and remodels that do NOT affect fire-resistive rated construction, structural items, means-of-egress components, plumbing systems, and/or electrical systems are NOT required to have stamped professional drawings (all other commercial/multi-family work requires drawings stamped, signed, and dated by a Colorado-licensed design professional)
- A Licensed Engineer report is required if any walls are proposed for removal, to determine if they are structural
- 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 per IBC Chapter 17, performed by a Town of Vail-approved 3rd-party Special Inspector
- All contractors must hold a current Town of Vail Contractor Registration in addition to any required Colorado state trade license
- Minimum 2 paper plan sets if submitting paper (11x17 minimum, 24x36 recommended); electronic plan sets uploaded to ProjectDox after a completeness review
Required documents
- RequiredConstruction Permit Application (Building, Plumbing & Mechanical)Submitted via the Town of Vail OpenGov portal; same application form used for New Commercial/Multi-Family, residential, and TI/remodel/addition work
- RequiredMinimum Project Submittal Requirements — Commercial and Multi-Family Packet (Commercial Remodel/TI/Addition column)Title page marked 'Alteration/Renovation/Tenant Improvement'; floor/framing/reflected ceiling plans, structural calculations, schedules, MEP plans, statement of special inspection, energy code compliance details; survey/civil/soils/foundation/roof/elevations only if the specific project includes an addition or exterior changes
- OptionalLicensed Engineer ReportRequired if the plans include removal of any walls, to determine if they are structural
- RequiredAsbestos Test ReportBy a registered Colorado Asbestos inspector, required for all projects
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (same shared valuation-based schedule used for Building/Plumbing/Mechanical on all project types) | $50.00 minimum for $1-$500 valuation, scaling through $6,120.25 for the first $1,000,000 plus $4.00/$1,000 thereafter for $1,000,001+ | 2026 Schedule of Permit Fees, Town of Vail — identical fee table to residential and new commercial construction |
| Building Plan Review Fee | 65% of Building Permit Fee | Due at submittal |
| Construction Use Tax | (Valuation minus $10,000) / 2, multiplied by 4% | No use tax if total valuation is under $10,000.00 |
| Recreation Fee — commercial core/mixed-use zone districts | $1.00 per sq ft of NEW floor area in most commercial/mixed-use zone districts (CC1/CC2/CC3, LMU1/LMU2, PA, ABD, CSC, HS, VVT, HDMF); $0.70/sq ft in SB/RD | Applies only if the TI/remodel/addition adds new floor area; a pure interior tenant improvement that adds no square footage is not billed this fee, per the Town's fee-calculation instructions ('building permits adding new square footage only') |
| Transportation Impact Fee — Facilities/Health Care (per net-new sq ft of floor area) | $8.44 (1/1/2017 tier) / $11.23 (6/9/2025 tier) / $14.01 (1/1/2026 tier) / $16.88 (1/1/2027 tier) | Per Resolution No. 27, Series 2025, Exhibit A — https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/3390102/Resolution_27-2025_Exhibit_A_Fee_Schedule-Phased.pdf. Show full citationHidePer Resolution No. 27, Series 2025, Exhibit A — https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/3390102/Resolution_27-2025_Exhibit_A_Fee_Schedule-Phased.pdf. Applies only if the TI/remodel/addition adds net-new enclosed floor area; a pure interior TI adding no floor area is not billed this fee. For a permit issued after 1/1/2026, the $14.01/sq ft tier applies. |
| Transportation Impact Fee — Office & Other Services (per net-new sq ft of floor area) | $5.27 (1/1/2017 tier) / $7.01 (6/9/2025 tier) / $8.75 (1/1/2026 tier) / $10.54 (1/1/2027 tier) | Per Resolution No. 27, Series 2025, Exhibit A. Applies only if net-new floor area is added. For a permit issued after 1/1/2026, the $8.75/sq ft tier applies. |
| Transportation Impact Fee — Restaurant & Retail Establishments (per net-new sq ft of floor area) | $11.82 (1/1/2017 tier) / $15.71 (6/9/2025 tier) / $19.61 (1/1/2026 tier) / $23.63 (1/1/2027 tier) | Per Resolution No. 27, Series 2025, Exhibit A. Applies only if net-new floor area is added. For a permit issued after 1/1/2026, the $19.61/sq ft tier applies. |
| Will Call Inspection Fee | $5.00 per work type | — |
| Revisions | $75.00/hour, 2-hour minimum | — |
Sign Permit
VerifiedAny sign erected within the Town of Vail is regulated by Title 11, 'Sign Regulations,' of the Vail Town Code and is subject to a two-phase design review by Community Development Department staff and/or the Design Review Board (DRB), per Title 11, Chapter 4 (Sign Application Procedures), §§ 11-4-1 and 11-4-2. A sign application is submitted to the Community Development Department; staff first reviews it against the design guidelines/standards (Chapter 5) and technical requirements (Chapters 6 and 7) of Title 11. If staff finds the application unquestionably compliant, it is approved and simply listed on the DRB's next public agenda; if compliance is not unquestionable, staff schedules the application for a full DRB hearing (held the first and third Wednesday of each month); if the application does not meet Title 11's standards, staff denies it, with a right for the applicant to reapply, appeal to the DRB, or seek a variance.
Verified 2026-08-14 · Source
Requirements
- Any sign erected within the Town of Vail is subject to design review by staff and/or the Design Review Board, per Vail Town Code § 11-4-1(A)
- A sign application (application for design review) is obtained from the Community Development Department, properly completed, and returned with supporting materials to begin the two-phase review process, per § 11-4-1(B)(1)
- A non-refundable application filing fee, set by the Vail Town Council, is due at time of submittal, per § 11-4-1(B)(2)
- Staff review first: if the application unquestionably meets the design guidelines/standards (Title 11, Chapter 5) and technical requirements (Chapters 6 and 7), staff approves it and lists it on the next public DRB agenda; if compliance is not unquestionable, staff instead schedules a full DRB hearing (1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month); if the application fails to meet Title 11's standards, staff denies it, per § 11-4-2(A)
- DRB review (when scheduled): the Board reviews the proposal, with the applicant or representative required to be present, for conformance with Chapter 5 design guidelines/standards and Chapters 6-7 technical requirements, and approves, approves with conditions, or denies, per § 11-4-2(B)
- A denied applicant may submit a new application to staff, or appeal a DRB denial to the Town Council, per § 11-4-2(A)(3) and (B)(2)
Required documents
- RequiredSign Application (Application for Design Review)Obtained from and submitted to the Town of Vail Community Development Department; begins the two-phase staff/DRB review process
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DRB Sign Application Fee | $325.00 plus $1.00 per square foot of total sign area | Town of Vail Community Development Department, 'DRB & PEC Application Fees,' effective August 1, 2024, per the fee-schedule PDF. Non-refundable, due at submittal per Vail Town Code § 11-4-1(B)(2). |
Fire Sprinkler / Fire Alarm System Permit
VerifiedVail Fire & Emergency Services (VFES), Fire Prevention Division, issues Fire Construction Permits for fire suppression (sprinkler, standpipe, fire pump, cooking-hood, and fire-underground-line) systems and for fire alarm/detection systems (including lithium-ion detection) within the Town, separate from the Building Division's trade permits, under the current adopted International Fire Code (IFC) and Town of Vail Fire Code Amendments. VFES specifies which fire permit(s) a project needs after reviewing the DRB/Building Fire Plan Submittal Checklist and the submitted plans. All fire alarm and sprinkler permit submittals must be electronic (Windows-compatible files, PDFs compatible with Adobe Acrobat 9.0+), with the applicable system-specific plan checklist and an NFPA Owner's Certificate (for sprinkler/standpipe work) uploaded with the plan set — a submittal missing these forms is rejected. Only Town-registered Fire Contractors, meeting minimum qualifications effective January 1, 2025 that vary by system type, may perform the work and apply for these permits.
Verified 2026-08-14 · Source
Requirements
- Fire Construction Permits are required for new or altered fire suppression systems (13/13R/13D automatic sprinkler systems, fire pumps, standpipes, cooking-hood/commercial-kitchen extinguishing systems, fire underground supply lines) and fire alarm/detection systems (including lithium-ion battery detection), per IFC Chapter 1 § 105.6 as locally amended
- All fire alarm and sprinkler permit submittal packages must be submitted electronically — Windows-compatible files, PDF format compatible with Adobe Acrobat version 9.0 or greater
- The applicable VFES plan checklist (sprinkler, standpipe, fire alarm, or cooking-hood/AAFES, as applicable) must be completed and uploaded with the plan submittal; sprinkler/standpipe submittals must also include an NFPA Owner's Certificate — a submittal missing required forms will be rejected
- Only Town of Vail-registered Fire Contractors, in good standing with VFES, may perform fire sprinkler, fire alarm, or fire suppression work and apply for these permits; registration requires system-specific minimum qualifications effective January 1, 2025 (e.g., sprinkler fitters/inspectors performing ITM must hold a Fire Inspector II or NICET III per DFPC requirements; fire alarm ITM personnel must hold NICET II+, a Certified Fire Alarm Technician credential, or a DFPC Fire Inspector I per NFPA 72) and is valid for 2 years, renewed annually with updated credentials
- Fire Contractor registration applications must be submitted a minimum of two weeks before a new registration or renewal is needed
- To request a rough or final inspection, email fireinspections@vailgov.com with name, permit number, and inspection type
Required documents
- RequiredVFES Fire Sprinkler Plan Checklist (or applicable system-specific checklist: standpipe, fire alarm, cooking-hood/AAFES)Downloaded, completed, and uploaded with the electronic fire plan submittal; submittals missing this form are rejected
- RequiredNFPA Owner's CertificateRequired with all new or modified fire sprinkler/standpipe system submittals
- RequiredTown of Vail Fire Contractor RegistrationRequired for the contractor performing the work, in addition to any Colorado state trade licensure; system-specific minimum qualifications apply effective 1/1/2025
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Sprinkler Permit Fee | 4.25% of the project valuation (labor & materials) | Town of Vail 2026 Schedule of Permit Fees, page 4 ('Fire Permit Fees'). |
| Fire Sprinkler Plan Review Fee | $432.00 flat | Due at permit submittal, per the 2026 Schedule of Permit Fees. Fire Sprinkler permits are exempt from the Town's Construction Use Tax. |
| Fire Alarm Permit Fee | 3.75% of the project valuation (labor & materials) | Town of Vail 2026 Schedule of Permit Fees, page 4. |
| Fire Alarm Plan Review Fee | $288.00 flat | Due at permit submittal. Fire Alarm permits are exempt from the Town's Construction Use Tax. |
| Scope of Work Letter Permits | Not less than $216.00, may increase at $72.00/hour for inspections, revisions, and similar elements | 2026 Schedule of Permit Fees, 'OTHER Fire Permit Fees' section. |
| Re-inspections and Plan Review for Re-submittals | $75.00 per hour | 2026 Schedule of Permit Fees, 'OTHER Fire Permit Fees' section. |
| Operational, Special Event, and other Construction Permits under the IFC (not Fire Alarm/Sprinkler) | $75.00 per hour per person, for site inspections, plan review, and permit processing | 2026 Schedule of Permit Fees, 'OTHER Fire Permit Fees' section. |
Change of Use Permit
VerifiedThe Town of Vail has no standalone application, fee line, or process named a 'Change of Use Permit'. The Town's DRB & PEC Application Fees schedule (effective August 1, 2024) lists every application type the Town charges for across its DRB, PEC, Administrative, and Town Council fee tables — Addition, Exterior Alteration, New Construction, Conditional Use Permit, Development Plan, Variance, Plat Amendment, Staff Determination and others — with no 'Change of Use' line among them. A change of use in Vail is handled through one of two existing mechanisms, depending on what is actually changing: (1) a change TO a use listed as a 'conditional use' in the applicable zone district requires a Conditional Use Permit under Vail Town Code Title 12, Chapter 16 — a Planning and Environmental Commission public-hearing process with its own $1,150 fee and a published 30-day PEC-action clock; or (2) a change of OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION tied to an existing building, without necessarily raising a zoning conditional-use question, is handled through the Building Division's ordinary commercial-tenant-improvement-permit process (see elsewhere in this record), reviewed under the Town's adopted 2024 IBC/IEBC. The Town publishes no local amendment addressing change of occupancy on top of those adopted codes.
Verified 2026-08-14 · Source
Requirements
- No distinct 'Change of Use Permit' application, fee, or process exists — the Town's complete DRB & PEC Application Fees schedule (DRB, PEC, Administrative, and Town Council fee tables) lists no change-of-use line item
- If the proposed change is TO a use listed as a conditional use in the applicable zone district, a Conditional Use Permit is required under Vail Town Code § 12-16-1 et seq. — application made on an Administrator-provided form (§ 12-16-2), supported by a site plan, preliminary building plans/elevations, and adjacent-owner notice materials
- The Planning and Environmental Commission (PEC) must act on a Conditional Use Permit application within 30 days of the application for a public hearing, per § 12-16-5(A) — approving, approving with conditions, or denying
- PEC findings required before approval: the use's proposed location complies with Title 12's purposes and the zone district's purposes; it will not be detrimental to public health/safety/welfare or injurious to nearby properties; and it complies with all applicable Title 12 provisions, per § 12-16-6(B)
- Certain conditional uses carry additional use-specific criteria under § 12-16-7 (e.g., home child daycare, temporary business offices, sexually oriented businesses, timeshare/fractional fee clubs) — confirm whether the specific proposed use has extra standards beyond the general findings
- If the change instead involves an occupancy-classification change tied to an existing building's construction/use (not a zoning conditional-use question), it routes through the Building Division's Construction Permit process for Commercial Remodel/TI/Addition, reviewed under the Town's adopted 2024 IBC/IEBC — see commercial-tenant-improvement-permit elsewhere in this file for that document set and fee schedule
Required documents
- OptionalConditional Use Permit ApplicationForm provided by the Community Development Administrator; required when the proposed use is listed as a conditional use in the applicable zone district
- OptionalConstruction Permit Application (Building, Plumbing & Mechanical) — Commercial Remodel/TI/Addition scopeUsed when the change is an occupancy-classification change tied to an existing building rather than a zoning conditional-use question; same form documented under commercial-tenant-improvement-permit elsewhere in this file
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conditional Use Permit Fee (PEC) | $1,150.00 | Town of Vail 'DRB & PEC Application Fees,' effective August 1, 2024, per the fee-schedule PDF. Non-refundable, due at submittal per Vail Town Code § 12-16-3. |
| Change of Use Permit Fee | No such fee line exists — there is no standalone Change of Use Permit in Vail. Show full citationHideNo such fee line exists — there is no standalone Change of Use Permit in Vail. If the change is to a conditional use, the Conditional Use Permit fee above applies; if it is an occupancy-classification change to an existing building, the Building Permit fee schedule under commercial-tenant-improvement-permit elsewhere in this file applies instead. |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-06.
Fee schedules
Applications & forms
Department & other records
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.