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City of Fountain building permits

Verified

City of Fountain, Colorado — as published 2026-07-19.

Verified 2026-07-19 · Source

Codes adopted

Fountain does NOT operate its own building department. Building permitting, plan review, and inspections for the entire City of Fountain are performed by the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) — a multi-jurisdictional regional authority created by a 1966 Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) covering unincorporated El Paso County, Colorado Springs, Fountain, Manitou Springs, Woodland Park, Green Mountain Falls, Monument, Palmer Lake, and Calhan — per PPRBD's own About page (pprbd.org/Home/About) and its homepage jurisdiction list.PPRBD administers the 2023 Pikes Peak Regional Building Code (PPRBC), which adopts by reference: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2019 ASME A17.1 (conveyances/elevators), and 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) — per pprbd.org/Information/Codechanges and the PPRBC 2023 Edition document (pprbd.org/File/ByAlias/PPRBC2023Edition).Separately, the City of Fountain adopts and enforces its own Zoning Ordinance (Fountain Municipal Code Title 17), which governs land use, setbacks, signs, short term rentals (Chapter 17.29), and animal-keeping/chickens (Chapter 17.18) — administered by the City's own Planning Department independent of PPRBD, per library.municode.com/co/fountain and the City's own permit application forms.

Permit types & fees

Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family/Duplex Construction)

Verified

Required for new single-family, duplex, townhouse, and similar residential construction within Fountain city limits. Issued and inspected by the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) under Project Code 101 (New Single Family Housing, Detached) or related codes, NOT by the City of Fountain directly. Fee is valuation-based per PPRBD's Table A.

Verified 2026-07-19 · Source

Requirements

  • New single-family, duplex, townhouse, condominium, or 3-4/5+ family residential construction within Fountain city limits
  • City of Fountain Plot Plan approval ($110) obtained from the Planning Department before PPRBD will issue the building permit
  • Compliance with the 2023 Pikes Peak Regional Building Code (adopting the 2021 IRC/IBC, 2021 IMC/IFGC/IPC, 2023 NEC, 2021 IECC)

Required documents

  • RequiredPPRBD Building Permit ApplicationSubmitted to Pikes Peak Regional Building Department, 2880 International Cr., Colorado Springs, CO 80910, per pprbd.org.
  • RequiredCity of Fountain Plot Plan ApplicationZoning prerequisite submitted to the City of Fountain Planning Department (116 S. Main St.) before the PPRBD building permit is issued, per the City's Development Review Fee Schedule.

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Building Permit Fee — Valuation $2,001-$25,000$80.00 for the first $2,000 plus $8.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereofPPRBD Current Building Permit Fee Schedule, Table A (pprbd.org/Information/FeeSchedule).
Building Permit Fee — Valuation $25,001-$50,000$264.00 for the first $25,000 plus $8.00 for each additional $1,000PPRBD Current Building Permit Fee Schedule, Table A.
Building Permit Fee — Valuation $100,001-$500,000$714.00 for the first $100,000 plus $4.00 for each additional $1,000PPRBD Current Building Permit Fee Schedule, Table A.
Plan Examination Fee28% of the Building Permit FeePPRBD Current Building Permit Fee Schedule (pprbd.org/Information/FeeSchedule).
City of Fountain Plot Plan (Single-Family/Two-Family/Mobile Home)$110.00City of Fountain Development Review Fee Schedule, Exhibit C of Resolution 22-023 (2020 rate).
City Use Tax on Construction Materials2% of construction material purchase price, or 1% of total contract amount including laborCity of Fountain business FAQ (fountain.colorado.gov); collected by the City Clerk's office separately from the PPRBD permit fee.

Commercial Building Permit

Verified

Required for new commercial, industrial, institutional, or mixed-use construction within Fountain city limits, covering PPRBD Project Codes such as 320 (Industrial), 324 (Offices/Banks), 327 (Retail), and similar categories. Issued and inspected by PPRBD; requires City of Fountain Site Development Plan approval first.

Verified 2026-07-19 · Source

Requirements

  • New commercial, industrial, or institutional building construction within Fountain city limits
  • City of Fountain Site Development Plan approval ($1,800 under 3,000 sq ft, or $2,800 over 3,000 sq ft) from the Planning Department before PPRBD issues the building permit
  • Compliance with the 2023 Pikes Peak Regional Building Code (2021 IBC and related adopted codes)

Required documents

  • RequiredPPRBD Building Permit ApplicationSubmitted to Pikes Peak Regional Building Department, per pprbd.org.
  • RequiredCity of Fountain Site Development Plan ApplicationZoning prerequisite submitted to the City of Fountain Planning Department before the PPRBD building permit is issued.

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Building Permit Fee — Valuation $500,001-$1,000,000$2,314.00 for the first $500,000 plus $3.50 for each additional $1,000PPRBD Current Building Permit Fee Schedule, Table A (pprbd.org/Information/FeeSchedule).
Building Permit Fee — Valuation over $1,000,000$4,064.00 for the first $1,000,000 plus $3.00 for each additional $1,000PPRBD Current Building Permit Fee Schedule, Table A.
Commercial Trade Attachment (per trade)$100.00 per tradePPRBD Current Building Permit Fee Schedule, Table B.
City Site Development Plan (over 3,000 sq ft)$2,800.00City of Fountain Development Review Fee Schedule, Exhibit C of Resolution 22-023 (2020 rate).
City Site Development Plan (under 3,000 sq ft)$1,800.00City of Fountain Development Review Fee Schedule, Exhibit C of Resolution 22-023 (2020 rate).
City Tenant Finish/Interior Remodel Review$210.00City of Fountain Development Review Fee Schedule, Exhibit C of Resolution 22-023 (2020 rate).

Manufactured/Modular Home Installation Permit

Verified

Required for installation of any HUD, UBC, or IRC manufactured/modular/mobile home on a site within Fountain, whether permanent or temporary set. Issued and inspected by PPRBD, categorized as 'new single family construction' with valuation-based fees. City of Fountain zoning site-plan approval is a prerequisite.

Verified 2026-07-19 · Source

Requirements

  • Manufactured, modular, or mobile home installation (permanent or temporary set) within Fountain city limits
  • City or County zoning site plan approval with legal description, obtained before PPRBD permit application
  • Installer must hold a PPRBD Mechanical Contractor D License (temporary set) or Building Contractor C License (permanent set), and be registered with the State of Colorado
  • Floodplain review and address enumeration
  • Blocking and tie-down layout (manufacturer's instructions, Colorado-licensed engineer design, or Colorado Division of Housing-compliant foundation plans)
  • Soils report and foundation design by a Colorado-licensed architect or engineer required at first inspection for permanent-set homes

Required documents

  • RequiredPPRBD Building Permit Application (Manufactured Residential Building)Per PPRBD's Manufactured Residential Buildings guidance document.
  • RequiredHUD Data Sheet or State-Stamped Plans (IRC modular)HUD homes require a HUD data sheet and floor plan; IRC modular homes require State of Colorado-stamped plans (model/floor, architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing) and a State Specifications Cover Sheet.
  • RequiredCity or County Zoning Site Plan ApprovalSite plan approved by City or County Zoning with legal description, required before the PPRBD permit is issued.

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Building Permit Fee (valuation-based, per PPRBD Table A, categorized as new single-family construction)Same valuation-based schedule as new single-family residential construction — see residential-building-permit entry for bracket amountsPPRBD Manufactured Residential Buildings guidance (pprbd.org/File/ByAlias/MFRResidential): 'Categorized as "new single family construction", plan review and permit fees are based on square footage.'
City of Fountain Plot Plan (Mobile Home)$110.00City of Fountain Development Review Fee Schedule, Exhibit C of Resolution 22-023, lists 'Single-Family/Two-Family/Mobile Home' Plot Plan together at $110.00 (2020 rate).

Solar PV Permit

Verified

Required for installation of rooftop or ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) and solar-thermal systems within Fountain city limits. As with all building permits in Fountain, the actual permit is issued by the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) — not the City — under PPRBD's Alternative Energy Plan Requirements, which require both a building permit and an electrical permit for PV systems (plus a mechanical/plumbing permit for solar-thermal systems altering interior piping). PPRBD does not publish a solar-specific flat fee; systems are billed at standard Table A valuation-based building-permit rates plus an electrical trade fee. Colorado's statewide solar permit fee cap (C.R.S. § 24-48.5-113, enacted via HB21-1284) limits any local solar permit fee to $500 for a residential system and $1,000 for a commercial system, which applies as a ceiling on whatever PPRBD's valuation-based calculation would otherwise produce.

Verified 2026-07-20 · Source

Requirements

  • Written utility approval for the system (including disconnect locations); site plan with north arrow, equipment locations, raceway routing, module layout, and access pathways
  • Roof-mount PV: configurator printout/charts or Colorado-licensed design professional letter confirming design criteria — snow load Pf=30 psf/Pg=43 psf below 7,000 ft (Pf=40/Pg=57 above 7,000 ft), wind load 130 mph Vult Exposure C; roof connection spacing and fastener specifications
  • Ground-mount PV: only arrays exceeding 7 feet in height require a building permit (an electrical permit is still required regardless of height); site plan showing tallest point of array; foundation depth/diameter/spacing per a Colorado-licensed design professional
  • Energy Storage Systems (ESS) must comply with NEC 706.15 and include a DC disconnect between ESS output and inverter, plus a floor plan showing ESS location
  • Solar-thermal systems: mechanical/plumbing submittal showing floor layout, isometric of the system, backflow devices, IPC 504.5 relief valve approval, and IRC combination pressure/temperature relief valves on water heaters and storage tanks
  • Fountain City of Fountain zoning review is not separately called out for solar in the City's published Development Review Fee Schedule (unlike new-construction Plot Plans); confirm with the City Planning Department, (719) 322-2000, whether a rooftop retrofit installation on an existing structure requires a City zoning sign-off before PPRBD will issue the permit
  • For solar removed/reinstalled during a reroof: both a building permit and electrical permit are required (plus mechanical/plumbing if solar-thermal piping is altered), in addition to the roofing permit

Required documents

  • RequiredSolar / Electrical Permit Application (PPRBD web account)Apply via PPRBD web account (account.pprbd.org) for both a building permit and an electrical permit
  • RequiredAlternative Energy Plan Requirements (PV and Solar-Thermal)PPRBD's official plan submittal checklist for photovoltaic and solar-thermal systems, updated 10/28/2025
  • RequiredUtility Approval LetterWritten approval from the utility company including disconnect locations

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (Table A), capped by Colorado state lawVaries by system valuation under PPRBD's Table A schedule, but any local solar permit fee (building + electrical combined) is capped at $500 residential / $1,000 commercial under C.R.S. § 24-48.5-113 (HB21-1284)PPRBD does not publish a separate flat solar fee for the underlying valuation-based calculation; PV/solar-thermal systems are billed as standard Table A building permits plus a Table B/B.1 electrical trade attachment fee or standalone Table C electrical fee, subject to Colorado's statewide statutory cap.
Electrical Trade Attachment Fee (Table B.1) — residential$50.00PPRBD Appendix B, Table B.1, if the electrical permit is attached to the building permit
Plan Examination Fee28% of the Building Permit FeePPRBD Appendix B, Table E item G

EV Charger / EVSE Permit

Verified

Required for installation of a residential or commercial electric vehicle charging station (EVSE) within Fountain city limits. As with all electrical work in Fountain, the permit is issued by the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD), not the City. PPRBD's published fee schedule (pprbd.org/Information/FeeSchedule) has no distinct 'EV charger' or 'EVSE' line item — a standalone EVSE circuit is billed as a standalone electrical permit under Table C (valuation-based), or as a Table B.1 residential trade attachment fee ($50.00) if the electrical work is filed together with another building permit (e.g., a panel upgrade or new construction).

Verified 2026-07-20 · Source

Requirements

  • Electrical permit for EVSE/charging equipment installation, reviewed under the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) per PPRBD's adopted codes
  • Current State of Colorado (DORA) master electrician/contractor license on file, if using a licensed contractor
  • If the installation requires a panel or service upgrade to support the added EVSE load, that upgrade is filed as a separate or combined electrical permit line item
  • Applications submitted via PPRBD's online account portal (account.pprbd.org)

Required documents

  • RequiredPPRBD Electrical Permit ApplicationSubmitted via PPRBD's web account portal (account.pprbd.org); no separate EV-specific application form was found published.

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Standalone Electrical Permit (Table C, valuation-based) — if not attached to another building permit$50.00 for work valued $100-$500, scaling up with additional per-$1,000 increments to $4.50 per additional $1,000 over $50,000PPRBD Current Building Permit Fee Schedule, Table C (pprbd.org/Information/FeeSchedule). No EV-specific line item is published; a standalone EVSE circuit is billed under this general valuation-based electrical schedule.
Electrical Trade Attachment Fee (Table B.1) — residential, if attached to another building permit$50.00PPRBD Appendix B, Table B.1, applies if the EVSE electrical permit is filed together with (attached to) another building permit, e.g. a panel/service upgrade or new construction, rather than standalone.

Sign Permit

Verified

Required for installation of free-standing, low-profile, wall, awning/roof/projecting, or temporary signs within Fountain city limits. The City of Fountain Planning Department reviews and approves the sign/site plan for zoning compliance; the applicant must then separately contact PPRBD for the actual building permit to construct the sign.

Verified 2026-07-19 · Source

Requirements

  • Sign installation, replacement, or modification within Fountain city limits
  • Site plan showing setbacks from property lines and major intersections (measured from the sign overhang)
  • Sign plan showing dimensions, height, and sign copy
  • Storefront elevation drawing indicating placement (for wall/storefront signs)
  • Valuation of materials (contract copy) submitted to the City Clerk's office for 2% use tax calculation
  • After City Planning Department approval, a separate PPRBD building permit is required to construct the sign

Required documents

  • RequiredSign Permit ApplicationCity of Fountain Planning Department's own form, submitted on 11x17 paper (or electronically); per fountain.colorado.gov.

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Master Sign Plan$225.00City of Fountain Development Review Fee Schedule, Exhibit C of Resolution 22-023 (2020 rate).
Awning/Roof/Projecting Signs (nonresidential), per sign$125.00City of Fountain Development Review Fee Schedule, Exhibit C of Resolution 22-023 (2020 rate).
Wall and Canopy Signs$125.00City of Fountain Development Review Fee Schedule, Exhibit C of Resolution 22-023 (2020 rate).
Freestanding and Monument Sign, per sign$225.00City of Fountain Development Review Fee Schedule, Exhibit C of Resolution 22-023 (2020 rate).
Temporary Signs (banners/balloons/blimps)$25.00City of Fountain Development Review Fee Schedule, Exhibit C of Resolution 22-023 (2020 rate).
Temporary Site Signs (sites under construction)$125.00City of Fountain Development Review Fee Schedule, Exhibit C of Resolution 22-023 (2020 rate).
Swing Signs$75.00City of Fountain Development Review Fee Schedule, Exhibit C of Resolution 22-023 (2020 rate).
Portable Signs$25.00City of Fountain Development Review Fee Schedule, Exhibit C of Resolution 22-023 (2020 rate).

Short Term Rental Permit

Verified

Required to operate a dwelling or room as a short term rental (30 days or less) within Fountain city limits, under Fountain Municipal Code Chapter 17.29. Issued directly by the City of Fountain Planning Department (not PPRBD) to a specific named owner; not transferable and valid for one year.

Verified 2026-07-19 · Source

Requirements

  • Completed Short Term Rental Application (4 pages), updated within 3 days of any change in information
  • Signed and notarized Short Term Rental Affidavit
  • City of Fountain Business License
  • Proof of at least $500,000 in liability insurance (via hosting platform coverage, policy, or other documentation)
  • Proof of homeowner insurance endorsement or rider for short term rental use
  • Proof of listing on a hosting platform (e.g., Airbnb/VRBO)
  • Local emergency contact available 24/7, able to respond on-site within 1 hour
  • Limit of 1 short term rental unit per lawful dwelling unit, up to 4 per property (2 per owner for condominiums/common-ownership buildings)
  • Inspection required prior to permit issuance and annually prior to renewal
  • Applicant must not have had a short term rental permit suspended or revoked within the preceding 24 months

Required documents

  • RequiredShort Term Rental Permit ApplicationCity of Fountain Planning Department's own 4-page form, submitted to 116 S. Main St., Fountain, CO 80817.
  • RequiredShort Term Rental AffidavitSigned and notarized, per the application requirements.
  • RequiredCity of Fountain Business LicenseRequired as part of the Short Term Rental application package.

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Short Term Rental Permit (annual)$100.00City of Fountain Short Term Rental Permit Application and Development Review Fee Schedule (Exhibit C of Resolution 22-023, 2020 rate); payable by check, cash, or card, including by phone at 719-322-2031.

Chicken/Hen Permit

Required to keep chickens on residential property within Fountain city limits, under Fountain Municipal Code Chapter 17.18 (Animal Raising and Keeping). Issued directly by the City of Fountain Planning Division; requires a coop site inspection before final approval. No permit fee is published for this permit type.

Reviewed 2026-07-19 · Source

Requirements

  • Site plan complying with Chapter 17.18 of the Fountain Municipal Code
  • Compliance with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment regulations
  • Applicant must research and confirm any private protective covenants do not prohibit keeping chickens
  • Applicant must contact the City of Fountain Planning Division within 30 days of provisional approval to schedule a coop/location/height/setback inspection
  • Final approval is not granted until the Planning Division completes the coop inspection

Required documents

  • RequiredChicken Permit ApplicationCity of Fountain Planning Division's own form, requiring a Chapter 17.18-compliant site plan.

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes

Sources & verification

Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-19.

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 City of Fountain building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.

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Permalink: /colorado/el-paso-county/fountain-co/as-of/2026-07-19/

Snapshot date: 2026-07-19

Commit: 92af4b3

Reproducible from PermitBase’s version-controlled dataset, commit 92af4b3.