Change of Occupancy / Change of Use Permit in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Springs requires a change of occupancy / change of use permit for: All structures undergoing a change of occupancy classification must meet the code provisions for the new occupancy classification regardless of which IEBC compliance path is used — including accessibility, sprinklers, fixture counts, and rated construction (2023 PPRBC RBC110.1.2 / IEBC); A Code Study Form (stamped by the design professional of record) plus a full code-data package is required in addition to the plans: scope of work, overall building description (area, height, levels), site description, and a full Building Code Analysis — occupancy classification, mixed-occupancy type, area of each occupancy, required occupancy separation, type of construction, fire areas, presence of fire sprinklers and the reason(s) for them, allowable area/height increase calculations, fire-resistive requirements, and egress/occupant-load calculations; Architectural submittal required: demolition plan (if applicable), a Life Safety Plan when 2 or more exits are required, floor plans showing scope/dimensions/proper exits/fire-rated assemblies/egress travel distance, reflected ceiling plans, exterior elevations, sections showing fire-rated horizontal assemblies, wall-type/window/stair/restroom-accessibility details, and door schedules with rating/hardware; Structural submittal required for any modified framing: specifications and design criteria, structural plans for all modified levels, structural sections and details; 12-year pre-existing, non-conforming occupancy exception: if the Building Owner, Tenant, General Contractor, or a licensed design professional can provide sufficient evidence (e.g. county assessor's records, ownership/lease agreements, past utility bills with the business name) that a specific use of an existing building or space has remained unchanged for more than 12 years, the full change-of-occupancy documentation package does not apply in full — though PPRBD staff may still request additional information if the evidence is deemed insufficient; Detailed electrical, mechanical, and plumbing plan requirements are covered separately under PPRBD's Commercial Electrical/Mechanical/Plumbing Plan Review handouts, not within the Change of Occupancy document itself. If your project isn't listed, confirm with Pikes Peak Regional Building Department at (719) 327-2880 before starting work.

PPRBD does not publish a distinct change-of-occupancy fee line — it is billed as a standard commercial building permit (Table A valuation with the .97 commercial Regional Modifier, plus Table B trade fees and a 28% plan examination fee). For commercial projects, the City of Colorado Springs Planning Department separately charges a Commercial-Alteration planning review fee of 30% of the PPRBD Regional Building fee, capped at $10,000, effective Jan. 1, 2026 (Resolution No. 191-25) — a real additional cost beyond PPRBD's fees.

Plan review for a change of occupancy / change of use permit in Colorado Springs typically runs 0–0 business days. This is an estimate, not a published figure — confirm current review times with Pikes Peak Regional Building Department at (719) 327-2880.

You'll need: Commercial Building Permit Application (PPRBD web account) with Code Study Form; Change of Occupancy Code Data Package; Full Architectural Drawing Set. Depending on your project, Colorado Springs may also ask for: Historical-Use Evidence (12-Year Exception). See the required-documents checklist on this page for details on each.

Colorado Springs requires 3 inspection(s) for a change of occupancy / change of use permit, in order: Framing / Structural (if modified), MEP Rough-In (if modified), Final / Certificate of Occupancy. Schedule each through Pikes Peak Regional Building Department ((719) 327-2880).

Apply through Pikes Peak Regional Building Department at 2880 International Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80910 (Main Office); North Office: 3939 Cordera Crest Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80924. Phone: (719) 327-2880, email: Contact via Email Specific Departments form at pprbd.org/Information/Email. Office hours: Permits & Contractor Licensing: 7:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m.; Plan Review, Floodplain, and Enumeration: by appointment only; Inspectors office hours: 7:30–8:30 a.m.. Official information: https://www.pprbd.org/.

Colorado Springs, Colorado has adopted: 2023 Pikes Peak Regional Building Code (PPRBC), 2nd Printing — the regional code framework adopted by reference by all member jurisdictions including Colorado Springs (City Ordinance 23-16); effective June 30, 2023; 2021 International Building Code (IBC) — adopted by reference via the 2023 PPRBC; 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) — adopted by reference via the 2023 PPRBC; 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) — adopted by reference via the 2023 PPRBC; 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — adopted by reference via the 2023 PPRBC; 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) — adopted by reference via the 2023 PPRBC (NOTE: unlike Denver, the Pikes Peak region uses the IPC, not UPC); 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) — adopted by reference via the 2023 PPRBC; 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), with the Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code (CMERSRC) — adopted by reference via the 2023 PPRBC; 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) — adopted by reference via the 2023 PPRBC; 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) — adopted by reference via the 2023 PPRBC; ASME A17.1-2019 Safety Code for Elevators & Escalators, ASME A17.3-2005 (existing elevators/escalators), ASME A18.1-2017 (vertical platform lifts/stairway chairlifts) — conveyance codes adopted via the 2023 PPRBC; 2017 ICC/ANSI A117.1 Accessibility Standard — adopted via the 2023 PPRBC; The International Fire Code and its amendments are adopted separately by the applicable fire authority (not PPRBD) — contact the local fire district directly for fire code / fire plan submittal requirements. Local amendments apply — see the Colorado Springs overview page for the full list.

If sufficient evidence (county assessor's records, lease/ownership agreements, past utility bills with the business name) shows a specific use of an existing building or space has remained unchanged for more than 12 years, PPRBD's full change-of-occupancy documentation package does not apply in full. PPRBD staff can still request additional information if the evidence provided is deemed insufficient.