You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-08-26.
Cañon City building permits
Cañon City, Colorado — as published 2026-08-26.
Reviewed 2026-07-06 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family residential construction within Cañon City limits. Reviewed under the 2018 IRC/IBC as locally adopted, plus the City's own Climatic & Geographic Design Criteria (snow, wind, seismic, frost depth). Issued by the City of Cañon City Building Department; electrical and plumbing work on the project is permitted separately through the State of Colorado (DORA), not the City.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plans must comply with the 2018 IRC/IBC as adopted (effective January 1, 2021) and the City's Climatic & Geographic Design Criteria: Ground Snow Load 30 psf, Wind Speed 100 mph, Seismic Design Category B, Frost line depth 27 inches
- Submittal Checklist, completed Building Permit Application, and Required Approvals Routing Sheet approvals (Public Works, Planning & Zoning at minimum; County Health Dept. and Water Dept. for commercial only)
- Copy of Warranty Deed, Title Commitment, or other documentation showing property ownership, including easement information
- Improvement Location Certificate or Surveyed Site Plan, prepared and stamped by a Colorado-licensed surveyor; property must be pinned by a Colorado-licensed surveyor with setbacks verified in the field prior to the first inspection
- Water Tap Application/Proof of Water (paid receipt from Cañon City or Park Center Water District) submitted prior to applying for the building permit
- Proof of Sewer or Septic (paid receipt from Fremont Sanitation District, or septic reviewed/approved by Fremont County)
- Site (plot) plan drawn to legible scale showing orientation, legal description, lot lines/size, adjacent streets, easements/setbacks, utilities, existing/proposed structures, drainage plan, sidewalks, driveways, and top-of-foundation elevation
- Plans prepared and stamped by a Colorado-licensed architect or engineer on each sheet, addenda/revisions, and specification cover/title pages
- Floor plan, floor framing plan, elevation drawings, roof framing plan, and structural detail drawings per the Residential Building Permit Packet's Submittal Checklist
- Engineered Foundation required on all new structures except one-story detached garages not exceeding 800 sq ft (not in the Special Flood Hazard Area); foundation plans require a site-specific soils investigation & lab analysis report by a Colorado-licensed professional engineer
- Mechanical Permit Application and Mechanical Plan (equipment locations, BTU input/output, vent sizing, combustion air calculations, ACCA Manual J/D/S) submitted alongside the building permit
- Energy Code compliance per 2018 IRC Chapter 11 (Prescriptive, Simulated Performance, or Energy Rating Index path), including required blower-door air-leakage testing (3 ACH for Climate Zone 5) before final Certificate of Occupancy and a permanent energy certificate posted before final inspection
- Floodplain Development Permit required if the structure is in the Special Flood Hazard Area, completed by a Colorado-licensed professional engineer and reviewed by the City Engineer
- Contractors must hold a current City of Cañon City Contractor License in addition to any state trade licensing
- All permits submitted through the City's Online Services Portal
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Online Services Portal)Submitted through the City's online portal; owner/contractor information, parcel number, legal description, and valuation of work required
- RequiredSubmittal ChecklistCompleted checklist accompanying the application, per the Residential Building Permit Packet
- RequiredRequired Approvals Routing SheetApplicant secures sign-off from Public Works, Planning & Zoning, and (commercial only) County Health Dept. and Water Dept.
- RequiredSite (Plot) PlanDrawn to scale, showing structures, setbacks, utilities, drainage, and top-of-foundation elevation
- RequiredImprovement Location Certificate or Surveyed Site PlanPrepared and stamped by a Colorado-licensed surveyor
- RequiredFull Construction Drawing SetFloor plan, floor framing plan, elevations, roof framing plan, and structural details, per the Submittal Checklist
- RequiredWater Tap Application / Proof of WaterPaid receipt from Cañon City or Park Center Water District, submitted prior to the building permit application
- RequiredProof of Sewer or SepticPaid receipt from Fremont Sanitation District, or Fremont County septic approval
- RequiredMechanical Permit ApplicationSubmitted alongside the building permit for HVAC/mechanical scope
- OptionalFloodplain Development PermitRequired only if the structure is within the Special Flood Hazard Area
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | 1.0% of valuation (City of Cañon City Permit Fee Multiplier) | Resolution No. 20, Series of 2024. Valuation determined either by the ICC Building Valuation Data (BVD) table (Feb. Show full citationHideResolution No. 20, Series of 2024. Valuation determined either by the ICC Building Valuation Data (BVD) table (Feb. 2026 edition) applied as Gross Area x Square Foot Construction Cost, or by actual Construction Contract value. City's own worked example: 2,000 sq ft finished area + 1,000 sq ft unfinished basement + 800 sq ft garage (Group R-3, Type VB) = $440,196 total valuation x 1.0% = $4,401.96 building permit fee |
| Mechanical Fee | $30.00 flat for valuation not more than $2,000; $30.00 plus $10.00 per each additional $1,000 (or fraction thereof) for valuation over $2,000 | Effective 01/01/2021; charged in addition to the 1.0% building permit fee. City's worked example totals $110.00 mechanical fee on the $440,196 example project |
| Fire Impact Fee | Not published as a specific residential dollar figure by either the City or the Cañon City Area Fire Protection District as of the last verification | Collected by the City/County at building-permit issuance per the District's own Impact Fees page; Show full citationHideCollected by the City/County at building-permit issuance per the District's own Impact Fees page; the District's 2020 Inspection/Plan Review Fee Schedule explicitly states 'Impact Fee May Apply And Is Not Included In This Fee Schedule' — genuinely unresolved, contact the Fire District at 719-275-8666 for current amount |
| Electrical Permit | Set and collected by the State of Colorado (DORA), not the City | City's Building Permit Fees page links directly to colorado.gov/dora/boards_programs, which as of 2026-07-16 302-redirects only to the DORA homepage (dora.colorado.gov), not a working deep link. Show full citationHideCity's Building Permit Fees page links directly to colorado.gov/dora/boards_programs, which as of 2026-07-16 302-redirects only to the DORA homepage (dora.colorado.gov), not a working deep link. The state page confirming DORA purchases/collects electrical permit fees directly (not the City) is dpo.colorado.gov/ElectricalPlumbingPermits. |
| Plumbing Permit | Set and collected by the State of Colorado (DORA), not the City | The City's Building Permit Fees page links directly to colorado.gov/dora/boards_programs, which 302-redirects only to the DORA homepage (dora.colorado.gov), not a working deep link. Show full citationHideThe City's Building Permit Fees page links directly to colorado.gov/dora/boards_programs, which 302-redirects only to the DORA homepage (dora.colorado.gov), not a working deep link. The state page confirming DORA purchases/collects plumbing permit fees directly (not the City) is dpo.colorado.gov/ElectricalPlumbingPermits. |
| Storm Water Impact Fee | Not itemized as a flat figure on the Building Permit Fees page | Per City Public Works Department; the City's separate Stormwater Utility Fee (a recurring monthly charge, not a one-time impact fee) is $0.005293 per square foot of impervious surface as of January… Show full citationHidePer City Public Works Department; the City's separate Stormwater Utility Fee (a recurring monthly charge, not a one-time impact fee) is $0.005293 per square foot of impervious surface as of January 1, 2024, per the City's own Stormwater FAQ — that recurring rate should not be confused with a one-time building-permit impact fee, which is not separately itemized |
Residential Addition / Remodel / Basement Finish Permit
VerifiedRequired for additions, remodels, and basement finishes to existing residential buildings in Cañon City, per the City's own 'What requires a permit?' FAQ. Reviewed under the 2018 IRC as locally adopted.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for: converting a garage into living space, building a detached garage, finishing a basement, remodeling a house, and replacing/going over old drywall with new drywall, per the City's own FAQ
- Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work alone do NOT require a permit
- Residential Alterations Packet requires: Building Permit Application, asbestos report (if applicable), floor layout of all renovation per room (framing, insulation, drywall details), and stamped engineering documentation if removing any walls
- Residential Basement Packet requires: Building Permit Application, Mechanical Permit Application (only if needed), and floor layout of all rooms including dimensions/square footage per room
- A pre-application meeting is NOT required for single-family, duplex, or tri-plex building permits (unlike other land-use applications)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Online Services Portal)Submitted online
- RequiredFloor Layout / Framing DetailsPer-room layout showing framing, insulation, drywall, and dimensions
- OptionalAsbestos ReportRequired if applicable to the renovation scope, per CDPHE regulations
- OptionalStamped Engineering DocumentationRequired if the project removes any walls
- OptionalMechanical Permit ApplicationRequired for basement finishes only if mechanical/HVAC work is involved
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (same 1.0%-of-valuation formula as new construction) | 1.0% of valuation, minimum per BVD or actual contract cost | Resolution No. 20, Series of 2024 |
| Mechanical Fee (if applicable) | $30.00 flat for valuation not more than $2,000; $30.00 plus $10.00 per each additional $1,000 over $2,000 | Effective 01/01/2021 |
Electrical Permit (State of Colorado Program)
VerifiedElectrical permits and inspections in Cañon City are issued and scheduled by the State of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) — NOT by the City of Cañon City Building Department. The City's own Building Department page states: 'Electrical and Plumbing permits and inspections are issued and scheduled by the State of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)', and its Building Permit Fees page links the 'Electrical Permit' line item directly to DORA.
Verified 2026-07-16 · Source
Requirements
- Apply directly through the State of Colorado DORA Division of Professions and Occupations electrical program, not the City
- The City's own FAQ ('Do we need a permit for electrical or plumbing?') states: 'Code requirements for electric and plumbing are maintained by the State of Colorado'
- Electrical contractors must hold current Colorado Electrical Board (DORA) licensure
Required documents
- RequiredState of Colorado DORA Electrical Permit ApplicationSubmitted directly to the State, not the City of Cañon City
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit Fee | Set by the State of Colorado (DORA), not the City | The City's Building Permit Fees page links to colorado.gov/dora/boards_programs; Show full citationHideThe City's Building Permit Fees page links to colorado.gov/dora/boards_programs; no City-collected fee applies to this trade. That link now 302-redirects to the DORA homepage (dora.colorado.gov) rather than to a working deep page. Use dpo.colorado.gov/Electrical (Colorado State Electrical Board — licensing) and dpo.colorado.gov/ElectricalPlumbingPermits ('Colorado Electrical and Plumbing Permits Homepage'), which states that permits are purchased directly through the DPO Online Permitting System — DORA, not the City, issues and collects electrical permits. |
Plumbing Permit (State of Colorado Program)
VerifiedPlumbing permits and inspections in Cañon City are issued and scheduled by the State of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) — NOT by the City of Cañon City Building Department. The City's own Building Department page and Building Permit Fees page link the 'Plumbing Permit' line item straight to DORA.
Verified 2026-07-16 · Source
Requirements
- Apply directly through the State of Colorado DORA Division of Professions and Occupations plumbing program, not the City
- The City's own FAQ states: 'Code requirements for electric and plumbing are maintained by the State of Colorado'
- Plumbing contractors must hold current Colorado Plumbing Board (DORA) licensure
Required documents
- RequiredState of Colorado DORA Plumbing Permit ApplicationSubmitted directly to the State, not the City of Cañon City
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Permit Fee | Set by the State of Colorado (DORA), not the City | The City's Building Permit Fees page links to colorado.gov/dora/boards_programs; Show full citationHideThe City's Building Permit Fees page links to colorado.gov/dora/boards_programs; no City-collected fee applies to this trade. That link no longer resolves to a working deep page — it 302-redirects to the DORA homepage (dora.colorado.gov). Use dpo.colorado.gov/Plumbing (Colorado State Plumbing Board — licensing) and dpo.colorado.gov/ElectricalPlumbingPermits ('Colorado Electrical and Plumbing Permits Homepage'), which states permits are purchased directly through the DPO Online Permitting System: DORA, not the City, issues and collects plumbing permits. |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for addition, replacement, or repair of mechanical (HVAC, furnace, wood/pellet stove) systems in Cañon City, per the City's own 'What requires a permit?' FAQ. Governed by the 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) as locally adopted. Issued by the City of Cañon City Building Department (unlike electrical/plumbing, mechanical permits ARE issued by the City, not the State).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for: furnaces (new and replacement), wood-burning stoves and pellet stoves, A/C and mini-splits, per the City's own FAQ
- Mechanical Permit Application must show location of mechanical equipment, BTU input/output of all appliances, vent size and calculations, combustion air opening sizes/calculations, and ACCA Manual J/D/S per the Energy Code
- Governed by the 2018 IMC and 2018 IFGC as adopted
Required documents
- RequiredMechanical Permit Application (Online Services Portal)Submitted online; includes owner/contractor info, valuation of work, and permit fee calculated per the Mechanical Fee Schedule
- RequiredMechanical PlanEquipment locations, BTU input/output, vent sizing/calculations, combustion air calculations, ACCA Manual J/D/S
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Fee | $30.00 flat for valuation not more than $2,000; $30.00 plus $10.00 per each additional $1,000 (or fraction thereof) for valuation over $2,000 | Effective 01/01/2021, per the Mechanical Fee Schedule attached to the Mechanical Permit Application |
Roofing Permit (Re-Roofing)
VerifiedRequired for new and replacement roofing on residential structures in Cañon City, per the City's own 'What requires a permit?' FAQ. The City's fee resolution (Resolution No. 20, Series of 2024) specifically names re-roofing as a project type valued via good-faith applicant estimate when no BVD average cost applies.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for roofing (new and replacement), per the City's own FAQ
- Per Resolution No. 20, Series of 2024, Section 5: where no average construction cost is shown on the BVD table for a given project type (the resolution specifically names re-roofing of existing structures as an example), the building permit fee is calculated on a good-faith estimate of actual construction cost approved by the Building Official, times the applicable Permit Fee Multiplier (1.0%)
- Contact the Building Department for specific fire-resistance, high-wind, or ice-and-snow application requirements that may apply locally
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Online Services Portal)Submitted online with a good-faith construction cost estimate for the re-roofing scope
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (good-faith estimate basis) | 1.0% of the Building-Official-approved good-faith estimated construction cost | Resolution No. 20, Series of 2024, Section 5 — re-roofing is one of the resolution's own named examples of a project type without a BVD-table average cost, requiring the good-faith-estimate method |
Solar PV Permit
VerifiedRequired for solar panel installations in Cañon City. The City's own Solar Application packet requires an engineered letter confirming roof load capacity plus fire-setback drawings. Electrical interconnection work is separately permitted through the State of Colorado (DORA), not the City.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building Permit Application required for the physical solar installation
- Engineered letter confirming the roof will carry the additional weight (site-specific)
- Solar panel drawings showing fire setback pathways
- Copy of the installation contract
- Electrical interconnection work is separately permitted and inspected by the State of Colorado (DORA), not the City, consistent with the City's general electrical-permit routing
Required documents
- RequiredSolar Permit Application / Building Permit Application (Online Services Portal)Per the City's Solar Packet
- RequiredEngineered Roof-Load LetterSite-specific letter confirming the roof structure can carry the additional solar panel weight
- RequiredSolar Panel Drawings with Fire Setback PathwaysShows required fire-access pathways per the panel layout
- RequiredCopy of Installation ContractRequired per the City's Solar Packet
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (valuation-based) | 1.0% of valuation (BVD table or actual contract cost) | Resolution No. 20, Series of 2024; no solar-specific flat fee is published |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition of structures in Cañon City, per the City's own 'What requires a permit?' FAQ. State and federal asbestos regulations (administered by CDPHE) apply to any renovation or demolition project regardless of building age.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for demolition, per the City's own FAQ
- Demolition Application packet requires: Building Permit Application, asbestos report, final CDPHE abatement approval (if abatement was performed), and State CDPHE approval for demolition
- Per CDPHE's 'Building Renovation and Demolition' guidance: the structure must be inspected for asbestos by a Colorado-certified asbestos inspector before any demolition, destructive salvage, de-construction, or house-moving activity, even when there is NO asbestos present
- A written Notification of Demolition Form must be submitted to CDPHE, with a notification fee and a mandatory ten (10) working-day waiting period, before demolition may proceed, regardless of whether asbestos was found
- Asbestos-containing material exceeding trigger levels (single-family residential: 50 linear ft on pipes, 32 sq ft on other surfaces, or a 55-gallon-drum volume equivalent) must be removed by a certified General Abatement Contractor before disturbance
Required documents
- RequiredDemolition Permit Application (Online Services Portal)City's Demolition Application packet
- RequiredAsbestos Inspection ReportBy a Colorado-certified asbestos inspector
- RequiredState CDPHE Approval for DemolitionNotification of Demolition Form submitted to CDPHE, with fee and 10-working-day waiting period
- OptionalFinal CDPHE Abatement ApprovalRequired only if asbestos abatement was performed
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (demolition scope) | $75.00 | Cañon City Resolution No. 20, Series of 2024 (adopted 16 December 2024), Section 7, page 4 — item H, Demo Permit Fee, $75.00 flat, one row below the fence fee. Show full citationHideCañon City Resolution No. 20, Series of 2024 (adopted 16 December 2024), Section 7, page 4 — item H, Demo Permit Fee, $75.00 flat, one row below the fence fee. The previous entry recorded that demolition is not broken out as its own line item; it is. Section 7 introduces these as “other fees, small permit fees, mechanical permit fees and inspection fees” charged “in addition to building permit fees”; for a standalone fence or demolition permit this flat fee is the permit fee itself. |
Fence / Retaining Wall Permit
VerifiedRequired for new and replacement fences in Cañon City, per the City's own 'What requires a permit?' FAQ, subject to specific height/setback rules under Chapter 17.20.080 of the Zoning Regulations. Retaining walls over 4 feet in height (footing bottom to wall top) also require a permit; shorter walls are exempt unless supporting a surcharge.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for fences (new and replacement), per the City's own FAQ
- Fence height limits (Chapter 17.20.080): up to 6 ft along sides/rear up to the front setback line; up to 48 inches (must be at least 50% open) along sides/front within the front setback; vision clearance along streets must be maintained
- Barbed wire and electric fences are NOT allowed in residential zone districts
- Fences erected for public safety, health, and welfare purposes must be reviewed and approved by the City Engineer and City Administrator
- Retaining walls NOT over 4 feet in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) do NOT require a permit, UNLESS supporting a surcharge
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Online Services Portal)Submitted online for the fence/wall scope
- RequiredSite PlanShowing fence/wall location relative to property lines and setbacks
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (valuation-based) | $75.00 | Cañon City Resolution No. 20, Series of 2024 (adopted 16 December 2024), Section 7, page 4 — item G, Fence Permit Fee, $75.00 flat. Show full citationHideCañon City Resolution No. 20, Series of 2024 (adopted 16 December 2024), Section 7, page 4 — item G, Fence Permit Fee, $75.00 flat. The previously recorded 1.0%-of-valuation figure, and the note stating that no fence-specific flat fee is published, were both wrong: the cited resolution publishes this line. Section 7 introduces these as “other fees, small permit fees, mechanical permit fees and inspection fees” charged “in addition to building permit fees”; for a standalone fence or demolition permit this flat fee is the permit fee itself. |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit
VerifiedCañon City does not publish a standalone EV-charger/EVSE permit type. Installing electric vehicle charging equipment (e.g., a Level 2 charger circuit) is electrical work, and per the City's own Building Department and Building Permit Fees pages, ALL electrical permits and inspections in Cañon City — including EV charger circuits — are issued and scheduled by the State of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), not the City, consistent with the City's general electrical-permit routing documented under the separate 'electrical-permit' entry. Colorado's HB24-1173 (Electric Vehicle Charging System Permits Act, effective August 7, 2024) required municipalities with population 10,000+ (Cañon City's 2024 Census estimate is approximately 17,100-17,200, over this threshold) to take one of three compliance actions by December 31, 2025: adopt the Colorado Energy Office's EV Charging Model Land Use Code, adopt a custom standardized/objective permitting process, or adopt an ordinance opting out and retaining existing codes. as of the last verification, no Cañon City ordinance, Building Department page, or fee schedule references HB24-1173 compliance, a distinct EV-charging permit process, or an opt-out resolution — checked the Building Department, Building Permit Fees, Application Forms, and FAQ pages directly.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- EV charger circuit installation (Level 2 or higher) is electrical work; apply directly through the State of Colorado DORA electrical program, not the City of Cañon City, per the City's general electrical-permit routing
- Simple Level 1 (120V, plug-in) charger use on an existing receptacle typically does not require a separate electrical permit under standard NEC practice; a new dedicated circuit or panel upgrade does
- No City-level or DORA-published EV-charger-specific application, checklist, or fee line item was found as of the last verification; the general State electrical permit application/process applies
- Electrical contractors must hold current Colorado Electrical Board (DORA) licensure
Required documents
- RequiredState of Colorado DORA Electrical Permit ApplicationSame general electrical permit application used for any new branch circuit or electrical alteration; submitted directly to the State, not the City of Cañon City
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit Fee (general, no distinct EV-charger line item) | Set by the State of Colorado (DORA), not the City | Neither the City's Building Permit Fees page nor DORA's Electrical and Plumbing Permits Homepage publishes a standalone EV-charger/EVSE fee; Show full citationHideNeither the City's Building Permit Fees page nor DORA's Electrical and Plumbing Permits Homepage publishes a standalone EV-charger/EVSE fee; an EV charger circuit is billed under DORA's general electrical permit fee structure. Contact DORA (303-894-7800) or use the DPO Online Permitting System for the current amount for a specific project. |
Commercial Building Permit
VerifiedRequired for new commercial construction within Cañon City limits, issued by the City of Cañon City Building Department (NOT Fremont County — the City is home-rule with its own department at 128 Main Street; Fremont County's separate Building Department covers only unincorporated county areas). Colorado has no state-level permitting agency for general commercial construction and no statewide review-timeframe mandate. ALL commercial plan reviews are completed by a third-party plan reviewer for the City — the City's Commercial Building Permit Process flowchart (July 2017, updated April 2026) names SHUMS CODA ASSOCIATES, while the Commercial Building Permit Packet's own Submittal Checklist (June 22, 2026 edition) says 'PROVIDE TO CCC FOR PLAN REVIEW: (Colorado Code Consulting)' with Shums Coda Associates transmittal forms attached in the same packet — both names appear in the City's current documents; plans are submitted electronically to plancheck@shumscoda.com, copying Building Official Kathy Ulsh (kulsh@canoncity.org). Reviewed under the 2018 IBC as locally adopted (effective January 1, 2021) plus the City's Commercial Design Criteria. Electrical and plumbing work is permitted separately through the State of Colorado (DORA), not the City.
Verified 2026-08-02 · Source
Requirements
- Pre-application meeting: listed as a checked item under 'REQUIRED FOR ALL APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS' on the Commercial Packet's Submittal Checklist, while the Commercial Building Permit Process flowchart describes it as 'Encouraged for all applications except minor interior changes' — both characterizations are the City's own, reported as published
- Submit all necessary electronic drawings to the third-party plan reviewer (plancheck@shumscoda.com, copy kulsh@canoncity.org) with the Plan Review Services Transmittal Form; receive and sign the review fee schedule agreement with Shums Coda Associates; application and materials usually submitted by Owner's Representative, Project Architect, or Project Engineer
- Plan review scopes per the Submittal Checklist: Preliminary Building Review (schematic/design development drawings showing size, occupancy group(s), type of construction, means of egress, fire separation assemblies, fire protection systems), Building Review (complete architectural plans, site plan with distances to lot lines, general specifications, fire-resistance rated assembly specifications), Structural Review (architectural and structural plans, soil boring and geotechnical recommendations report with bearing values, structural calculations), Accessibility Review, Energy Review, Mechanical Review, Plumbing Review, and Electrical Review
- Energy code: must choose between the 2018 IECC or ASHRAE 90.1-2016 — the City's Energy Information sheet states the two 'cannot combine'; specify the thermal envelope compliance path on plans (C402.1.3 R-value, C402.1.4 U/C/F-factor, or C402.1.5 COMcheck component performance; or C407 Total Building Performance; or the ASHRAE chapters)
- Commercial Design Criteria (Climatic & Geographic Design Criteria document): ground/roof snow load 30 psf (no reductions permitted per ASCE 7-16 Sections 7.3, 7.4, 7.7, 7.8, 7.13.1; increased by importance factor 1.10 for Risk Category III and 1.20 for Risk Category IV); basic design wind speeds VULT 115 mph/VASD 90 mph (Risk Category I), VULT 126 mph/VASD 100 mph (Risk Category II), VULT 139 mph/VASD 110 mph (Risk Category III/IV); flood hazard areas per the Flood Insurance Study for Fremont County dated July 3, 2012, as amended (IBC 1612.3)
- After third-party review approval: provide TWO sets of stamped approved plans and all associated documents (soils report, project manual, etc.) to the Building Department, uploaded through the online portal (civicgov4.com/co_canoncity/portal) along with applications and packet forms
- Completed Submittal Checklist, signed Building Permit Application, and signed Mechanical Permit Application
- Required Approvals Routing Sheet: applicant is responsible for securing sign-offs from Public Works, City Planning & Zoning, County Health Department, Fire District, and Water Department (Health and Water are commercial-only routings) BOTH prior to permit issuance AND again prior to final inspection/Certificate of Occupancy for commercial projects
- Copy of Warranty Deed, Title Commitment, or other documentation showing property ownership including easement information
- Improvement Location Certificate or Surveyed Site Plan prepared and stamped by a Colorado-licensed surveyor; prior to first inspection the property must be pinned by a Colorado-licensed surveyor with setbacks dimensioned and field-verified
- Water Tap Application/Proof of Water (paid receipt from Cañon City or Park Center Water District) submitted prior to applying for the building permit; for all services other than single-family residences a testable backflow prevention assembly is required and supplied by the applicant
- Proof of Sewer or Septic (paid receipt from Fremont Sanitation District; septic reviewed/approved by Fremont County, 719-276-7460)
- Site (plot) plan drawn to legible scale including orientation, legal description, lot lines/size, adjacent roads, easements/setbacks/building envelopes, utilities, existing/proposed structures, floodplain/floodway delineation if applicable, drainage plan, public sidewalk (min. width 5 ft, 6 inches thick adjacent to mountable curb), access driveways/parking/curb cuts, top-of-foundation elevation (lowest elevation at least 1 foot above the highest point of edge of pavement/top back of curb adjacent to the property), square footage of all structure footprints and external flatwork, and accessible route from public streets or sidewalks
- Development Site Plan: for nonresidential and multi-family development, a more specific Site Plan and other plans/reports require approval by the Engineering and Planning Departments PRIOR to building permit approval, per Chapter 4.12 of the Cañon City Subdivision and Development Regulations
- Conditional items determined by the Engineering Department (719-276-5291): Floodplain Development Permit (if in the Special Flood Hazard Area, prepared by a Colorado-licensed PE), Stormwater Drainage Easement, Grading Erosion Sediment & Control (GESC) Permit, Right-of-Way Permit, and Access Agreement (projects adjacent to designated thoroughfares)
- Contractors must hold a current City of Cañon City Contractor License in addition to any Colorado state trade licensing
- Electrical and plumbing permits and inspections are issued and scheduled by the State of Colorado (DORA), not the City — plan two separate permitting tracks
Required documents
- RequiredPlan Review Services Transmittal Form (Shums Coda Associates)Submitted electronically to plancheck@shumscoda.com with all drawings, indicating which review scopes (building, structural, accessibility, energy, mechanical, plumbing, electrical) and the applicable ICC code year; plan review fee is invoiced to the named requester
- RequiredComplete Construction Drawing Set for Third-Party ReviewComplete architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical plans and specifications; site plan with distances to lot lines; fire-resistance rated assembly specifications; soil boring/geotechnical report with bearing values; structural calculations; energy compliance documentation (envelope, lighting, equipment schedules)
- RequiredTwo Sets of Stamped Approved Plans (post-review)Stamped approved plans from the third-party reviewer plus all associated documents (soils report, project manual, etc.), provided to the Building Department via the online portal after review approval
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationOwner/contractor information, parcel number (Fremont County Assessor, 719-276-7310), legal description, valuation of work including labor and materials, completed and signed
- RequiredMechanical Permit ApplicationCompleted and signed, with valuation of work and permit fee per the Mechanical Fee Schedule
- RequiredSubmittal ChecklistCompleted Commercial Building checklist included with the application — 'Incomplete applications will not be accepted'
- RequiredRequired Approvals Routing SheetSign-offs from Public Works, City Planning & Zoning, County Health Department, Fire District, and Water Department — secured by the applicant prior to permit issuance AND again prior to final/Certificate of Occupancy for commercial projects
- RequiredCopy of Warranty Deed or Title CommitmentDocumentation showing property ownership, including easement information
- RequiredImprovement Location Certificate or Surveyed Site PlanPrepared and stamped by a Colorado-licensed surveyor
- RequiredWater Tap Application / Proof of WaterPaid receipt from Cañon City or Park Center Water District, submitted prior to the building permit application; testable backflow prevention assembly required for all non-single-family services
- RequiredProof of Sewer or SepticPaid receipt from Fremont Sanitation District, or Fremont County septic approval
- RequiredSite (Plot) Plan for Commercial DevelopmentDrawn to legible scale with the full checklist of contents including drainage plan, accessible route, and top-of-foundation elevation
- RequiredDevelopment Site Plan (Engineering/Planning approval)Required for nonresidential and multi-family development per Chapter 4.12 of the Cañon City Subdivision and Development Regulations, approved prior to building permit approval
- OptionalFloodplain Development PermitRequired only if the structure is within the Special Flood Hazard Area; prepared by a Colorado-licensed professional engineer and submitted to the City Engineer
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | 1.0% of valuation (City of Cañon City Permit Fee Multiplier) | Resolution No. 20, Series of 2024. Valuation determined either by the ICC Building Valuation Data (BVD) table (February 2026 edition) applied as Gross Area x Square Foot Construction Cost, or by… Show full citationHideResolution No. 20, Series of 2024. Valuation determined either by the ICC Building Valuation Data (BVD) table (February 2026 edition) applied as Gross Area x Square Foot Construction Cost, or by actual Construction Contract value documented by a fully executed construction contract. Calculated by the City Building Official at issuance, after third-party review approval. The City does not collect use tax up front on building permits (as of 09/01/2021). |
| Third-Party Commercial Plan Review Fee | Not published as a fixed schedule by the City — set per a review fee schedule agreement the applicant receives and signs with Shums Coda Associates, and paid by the applicant DIRECTLY to Shums Coda Associates, not to the City | Per the City's Commercial Building Permit Process flowchart (step 3: 'Receive and sign review fee schedule agreement with Shums'; Show full citationHidePer the City's Commercial Building Permit Process flowchart (step 3: 'Receive and sign review fee schedule agreement with Shums'; step 10: 'Applicant pays review fees to Shums Coda Associates') and the Building Department page ('Applicants will be responsible to pay review fees directly to the third party Commercial Plan Reviewer'). This fee is separate from and in addition to the City's 1.0% building permit fee. The City's published basis for this arrangement is Cañon City Resolution No. 20, Series of 2024 (adopted 16 December 2024), Section 7, page 4, item F: use of outside consultants for plan checking and inspections, or both, at actual costs. The City's own plan review fees, item D, are 15% of the building permit fee for residential and 22% for commercial. |
| Mechanical Fee | $30.00 flat for valuation not more than $2,000; $30.00 plus $10.00 per each additional $1,000 (or fraction thereof) for valuation over $2,000 | Effective 01/01/2021, per the Mechanical Fee Schedule included in the Commercial Building Permit Packet; charged in addition to the 1.0% building permit fee |
| Fire Impact Fee | Not published as a specific dollar figure by the City or the Cañon City Area Fire Protection District | Collected at building-permit issuance on behalf of the Cañon City Area Fire Protection District; contact the Fire District (719-275-8666, firechief@canonfire.org per the Routing Sheet) for the current amount |
| Water Tap / Impact Fees | Not published as a fixed schedule on the Building Department pages — the Water Tap Application's official-use section itemizes Impact Fee, Rebate Fee, Cash-in-Lieu Fee, Tap Fee, and Meter & Pit Fee as determined by the City Engineer/Water Superintendent | For taps larger than 1 inch the applicant supplies meter, meter pit, and curb stop box; Engineering Department 719-269-9011 |
| Storm Water Impact Fee | Not itemized as a flat figure on the Building Permit Fees page | Per City Public Works Department, listed among 'other fees which may apply' on the Building Permit Fees page |
| Electrical and Plumbing Permit Fees | Set and collected by the State of Colorado (DORA), not the City | Both trades are permitted and inspected exclusively by the State in Cañon City; purchased via the DPO Online Permitting System (dpo.colorado.gov/ElectricalPlumbingPermits) |
Commercial Tenant Improvement / Alteration Permit (Commercial Alteration)
VerifiedCañon City publishes a genuinely distinct packet for tenant improvements and alterations to existing commercial buildings: the 'Commercial Alterations Packet' (the City's own document title is 'COMMERCIAL ALTERATION' — the City does not use the phrase 'tenant improvement'). It is a substantially lighter submittal than the full Commercial Building Permit: only a Building Permit Application, Mechanical Permit Application, the Required Approvals Routing Sheet with the 'top portion filled out only,' and plans already 'Approved & Reviewed... by Shums Coda (commercial third-party plan reviewer)' — no site plan, warranty deed, surveyed ILC, water tap proof, or Development Site Plan items appear on the alterations list. Plan review still routes through the City's third-party commercial reviewer, and the same 1.0%-of-valuation City permit fee formula applies (no alteration-specific fee is published). Issued by the City of Cañon City Building Department; electrical and plumbing scopes are permitted separately by the State of Colorado (DORA).
Verified 2026-08-02 · Source
Requirements
- Per the Commercial Alterations Packet, provide exactly: (1) Building permit application, (2) Mechanical permit application, (3) Routing sheet top portion filled out only, and (4) Approved & Reviewed plans by Shums Coda (commercial third-party plan reviewer)
- Plans must first go through the third-party commercial plan review (submit electronically to plancheck@shumscoda.com, copying Building Official Kathy Ulsh at kulsh@canoncity.org; review fees paid directly to the reviewer under a signed fee schedule agreement) — the alterations packet requires the plans to arrive at the City already approved and stamped
- A pre-application meeting is encouraged for all commercial applications 'except minor interior changes,' per the Commercial Building Permit Process flowchart
- Reviewed under the 2018 IBC and 2018 IEBC (International Existing Building Code) as locally adopted, effective January 1, 2021
- Building Renovation asbestos requirements apply per CDPHE state/federal regulations: any renovation project requires inspection for asbestos by a Colorado-certified asbestos inspector before work begins (CDPHE Asbestos Compliance Assistance Group, 303-692-3100)
- Contractors must hold a current City of Cañon City Contractor License in addition to any Colorado state trade licensing
- Electrical and plumbing work within the tenant space is permitted and inspected by the State of Colorado (DORA), not the City
- A change that adds or alters mechanical/HVAC systems is covered by the Mechanical Permit Application included in this packet, with fees per the Mechanical Fee Schedule
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCompleted and signed, with valuation of work including labor and materials
- RequiredMechanical Permit ApplicationCompleted and signed, with permit fee per the Mechanical Fee Schedule; included in the Commercial Alterations Packet
- RequiredRequired Approvals Routing Sheet — top portion onlyThe Commercial Alterations Packet instructs 'Routing sheet top portion filled out only' (project, address, lot/block, owner, contractor) — unlike new commercial construction, the packet does not list the full agency sign-off routing as an alterations submittal item
- RequiredApproved & Reviewed Plans by Shums CodaPlans already approved and stamped by the City's commercial third-party plan reviewer, submitted with the application
- OptionalAsbestos Inspection ReportRenovation projects require inspection for asbestos by a Colorado-certified asbestos inspector before work begins, per CDPHE state and federal regulations
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | 1.0% of valuation (City of Cañon City Permit Fee Multiplier) | Resolution No. 20, Series of 2024 — no alteration/tenant-improvement-specific fee schedule is published; Show full citationHideResolution No. 20, Series of 2024 — no alteration/tenant-improvement-specific fee schedule is published; the citywide formula applies, with valuation by ICC BVD table or actual construction contract (the City's Building Permit Fees page's contract-method example: a $180,000 contract x 1.0% = $1,800 permit fee). For project types without a BVD-table average cost, Resolution No. 20 Section 5 uses a good-faith estimate of actual construction cost approved by the Building Official. |
| Third-Party Commercial Plan Review Fee | Not published — set per the review fee schedule agreement signed with Shums Coda Associates and paid directly to the reviewer, not the City | The Building Department page states a third-party reviewer 'currently completes all commercial reviews for the City' and applicants 'pay review fees directly to the third party Commercial Plan… Show full citationHideThe Building Department page states a third-party reviewer 'currently completes all commercial reviews for the City' and applicants 'pay review fees directly to the third party Commercial Plan Reviewer' — alterations plans must arrive at the City already reviewed and approved The City's published basis for this arrangement is Cañon City Resolution No. 20, Series of 2024 (adopted 16 December 2024), Section 7, page 4, item F: use of outside consultants for plan checking and inspections, or both, at actual costs. The City's own plan review fees, item D, are 15% of the building permit fee for residential and 22% for commercial. |
| Mechanical Fee (if mechanical scope) | $30.00 flat for valuation not more than $2,000; $30.00 plus $10.00 per each additional $1,000 (or fraction thereof) for valuation over $2,000 | Effective 01/01/2021, per the Mechanical Fee Schedule included in the Commercial Alterations Packet |
Sign Permit
VerifiedRequired for nearly all exterior signage in Cañon City, whether new or replacement, permanent or temporary, per Chapter 17.07 (Sign Standards) of the Unified Development Code, Sec. 17.07.010.C.2 ('Permit required. No person shall erect, display, alter, relocate, or replace any sign, including a sign face replacement, without the prior issuance of a sign permit... unless the sign is exempt from permit requirements as provided in this chapter.'). Administered by the City's Community Development/Planning & Zoning Division (128 Main Street), not the Building Department, though sign installation contractors must also hold City contractor licensing.
Verified 2026-08-13 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for all exterior signage — new, replacement, permanent, or temporary — unless the specific sign type is listed as permit-exempt in Table 17.07.040 (e.g., A-Frame/Sandwich Board signs, temporary window signs, post signs, and yard signs are generally NOT subject to permit; wall, monument, pole/pylon, awning/canopy, projecting, permanent window, and on-site traffic directional signs generally ARE, subject to zoning district)
- Aggregate permanent sign area limited to one (1) square foot of sign area per linear foot of lot frontage; aggregate temporary sign area limited to the same 1:1 ratio (Sec. 17.07.020(A)-(B)); corner/double-frontage lots receive an additional 0.5 sq ft per linear foot of secondary frontage, displayable only on that secondary frontage
- Wall sign area may not exceed 5% of the wall face in Residential districts and the NC, CB, and OPR Districts, or 10% of the wall face in the GC, BP, and I Districts (Sec. 17.07.050(A)); wall signs may not protrude above the roofline/parapet and may project no more than 6 inches from the wall with a minimum 10-foot vertical clearance
- Single-tenant monument signs: max 15 sq ft / 5 ft height in Residential, NC, CB, and OPR Districts; max 50 sq ft / 7 ft height in GC, BP, and I Districts; one per lot frontage, minimum 5-foot setback from property lines/rights-of-way/utility easements, masonry/stone base, required landscaping at the sign base
- Sign installation contractors must hold a current Outdoor Advertising license or General Contractor's license with the City of Cañon City, and may also require a City sales tax license, before a sign permit will be issued
- Signage proposed along U.S. Highway 50 or South 9th Street (Highway 115) must have pre-approval from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) in addition to the City sign permit
- A home-based business compliant with the City's home-occupation standards (Sec. 17.05.140.H) may install an unlighted wall sign not exceeding 2 square feet WITHOUT a sign permit — the City's own Sign Packet cites this exemption under both Sec. 17.05.140.H and Sec. 17.30.070.D without reconciling the two citations; both are reported here as independently published
- Application must include: completed Sign Permit Application Form, a site plan drawn to scale showing the proposed sign location plus all physical features/structures/traffic patterns on the lot, and sign plans/details/specifications showing structural features, anchoring, supports, wind load resistance, lighting layout, and all dimensions
- The permit fee is calculated by the Sign Code Officer and is payable upon approval of the application — no fixed flat-fee table is published
- An issued sign permit expires sixty (60) days after issuance if the sign has not been constructed and inspected
Required documents
- RequiredSign Permit Application FormCity of Cañon City Community Development form; requires property owner, contractor (with sign contractor license and sales tax license status), legal description, new-sign vs. alteration/repair scope, and labor/material cost
- RequiredSite Plan (to scale)Shows the proposed sign location and all physical features, structures, and traffic patterns on the lot
- RequiredSign Plans, Details, and SpecificationsStructural features, anchoring, supports, wind load resistance, lighting layout, and all dimensions, plus any additional information the sign code officer determines necessary to show compliance
- RequiredSign Contractor License / Sales Tax LicenseContractor must hold a current City of Cañon City sign/outdoor advertising or general contractor license, and a sales tax license, prior to permit issuance
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sign Permit Fee | Calculated by the Sign Code Officer on a per-application basis; payable upon approval of the sign permit application | No fixed dollar figure or fee table is published on the Signs page, the Sign Packet, or the Sign Permit Application form; Show full citationHideNo fixed dollar figure or fee table is published on the Signs page, the Sign Packet, or the Sign Permit Application form; the application form itself states 'The application fee is calculated by the sign code officer and payable upon approval of the sign permit application.' Contact the City Planner (719-269-9011) for a project-specific quote. |
Fire Sprinkler / Fire Alarm System Permit
VerifiedFire suppression (sprinkler) and fire alarm system installations within Cañon City are permitted, plan-reviewed, and inspected by the Cañon City Area Fire Protection District — a special district separate from the City of Cañon City Building Department — which has adopted the International Fire Code and applicable NFPA standards. The District maintains its own Fire Suppression System Permit Application and Fire Alarm System Permit Application, each governed by the District's own 2020 Inspection/Plan Review Permit Fee Schedule (the same document already cited elsewhere in this record for the Fire Impact Fee, which is explicitly NOT part of this fee schedule).
Verified 2026-08-13 · Source
Requirements
- Governed by the International Fire Code and applicable NFPA standards as adopted by the Cañon City Area Fire Protection District, independent of the City's own 2018 I-Code adoption for building/mechanical permits
- SMALL fire suppression jobs (20 sprinkler heads or fewer — remodel, relocate, remove, add): current Colorado 'Licensed Contractor' certification; a signed letter on contractor letterhead explaining the scope of work and confirming the work will not affect the hydraulic demand design or integrity of the existing system; P.E. or NICET Level III certification number/expiration; estimated start and completion dates; a scaled drawing (letter or legal size) with calculations and data sheets per the applicable NFPA standard
- LARGE fire suppression jobs (over 20 heads) and ALL new construction (including 20 heads and under): current Colorado 'Licensed Contractor' certification; two (2) full-size plan sets plus one (1) electronic set and hydraulic calculations; P.E. or NICET Level III certification number/expiration and signature(s); estimated start and completion dates
- Fire alarm system applications require: NICET Level 3 Certification or Fire Protection Engineer stamp on plans; project address shown on plans; scaled floor plans showing device locations; device legend; ceiling height and construction for each room; voltage drop calculations; battery calculations; system sequence of operation (matrix); equipment data sheets
- Both application forms state verbatim: 'Plans will not be reviewed until fee(s) submitted' — payment is a submittal prerequisite, not a post-review step
- Fees include two plan reviews plus an initial and final inspection; additional fees may be assessed for subsequent reviews, trips, and re-inspections, or when phasing/scheduling requires added inspections
- Fire sprinkler and underground piping permits are allowed three inspections per permit
- All fees must be paid in full prior to final sign-off
- This District permit is separate from, and in addition to, the City of Cañon City Building Department's own building/mechanical permit process — the City's Required Approvals Routing Sheet lists 'Fire District' as a required routing/sign-off on City building permits, but the fire-suppression/alarm plan review and inspection itself runs through the District's own, independent application and fee schedule
Required documents
- RequiredFire Suppression System Permit ApplicationCañon City Area Fire Protection District form; requires project/contractor info, NICET number, and confirmation of required plan-set items (NICET III/P.E. stamp, project address on plans, scaled floor plans with device locations, device legend, ceiling height/construction, equipment data sheets)
- RequiredFire Alarm System Permit ApplicationCañon City Area Fire Protection District form; requires the same core plan-set items as the suppression application plus voltage drop calculations, battery calculations, and a system sequence of operation matrix
- OptionalContractor Scope-of-Work Letter (small suppression jobs, 20 heads or fewer)Signed letter on contractor letterhead confirming the work will not affect hydraulic demand design or system integrity
- OptionalTwo Full-Size Plan Sets + One Electronic Set + Hydraulic Calculations (large jobs / new construction)Required for suppression jobs over 20 heads and all new-construction suppression scopes
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Alarm System — 12 or fewer devices | $210 | Cañon City Area Fire Protection District, Inspection/Plan Review Permit Fee Schedule, amended/adopted September 14, 2020 |
| Fire Alarm System — 13-50 devices | $475 | Cañon City Area Fire Protection District, Inspection/Plan Review Permit Fee Schedule, amended/adopted September 14, 2020, Fire Alarm Systems table, page 2 |
| Fire Alarm System — 51-100 devices | $630 | Cañon City Area Fire Protection District, Inspection/Plan Review Permit Fee Schedule, amended/adopted September 14, 2020, Fire Alarm Systems table, page 2 |
| Fire Alarm System — additional fee over 100 devices | $5.00 per device | Cañon City Area Fire Protection District, Inspection/Plan Review Permit Fee Schedule, amended/adopted September 14, 2020, Fire Alarm Systems table, page 2 |
| Suppression System — 20 or fewer heads, relocation, additions | $210 | Cañon City Area Fire Protection District, Inspection/Plan Review Permit Fee Schedule, amended/adopted September 14, 2020, Suppression Systems table, page 2 |
| Suppression System — 21-50 heads | $475 | Cañon City Area Fire Protection District, Inspection/Plan Review Permit Fee Schedule, amended/adopted September 14, 2020, Suppression Systems table, page 2 |
| Suppression System — 50-100 heads | $630 | Cañon City Area Fire Protection District, Inspection/Plan Review Permit Fee Schedule, amended/adopted September 14, 2020, Suppression Systems table, page 2 |
| Suppression System — additional fee over 100 heads | $5.00 per head | Cañon City Area Fire Protection District, Inspection/Plan Review Permit Fee Schedule, amended/adopted September 14, 2020, Suppression Systems table, page 2 |
| Standpipe | $160 per riser | Cañon City Area Fire Protection District, Inspection/Plan Review Permit Fee Schedule, amended/adopted September 14, 2020, Standpipe, per rise line, page 2 |
| Fire Pump | $315 per pump | Cañon City Area Fire Protection District, Inspection/Plan Review Permit Fee Schedule, amended/adopted September 14, 2020, Fire Pump, per pump line, page 2 |
| Underground Piping — Private Hydrant or Suppression Line | $315 | Cañon City Area Fire Protection District, Inspection/Plan Review Permit Fee Schedule, amended/adopted September 14, 2020, Underground piping — Private Hydrant or suppression line, page 3 |
| Cisterns — Required Water Supply and Dry Hydrant | $210 | Cañon City Area Fire Protection District, Inspection/Plan Review Permit Fee Schedule, amended/adopted September 14, 2020, Cisterns — Required water supply and Dry Hydrant, page 3 |
| Re-inspection / Additional Inspections | $80.00 per hour | One-hour minimum fee; subsequent time calculated in half-hour increments |
| After-Hours Inspection Fee | $100.00 per hour | Cañon City Area Fire Protection District, Inspection/Plan Review Permit Fee Schedule, amended/adopted September 14, 2020, After Hours Inspection Fee line, page 3 |
| Fire Protection Impact Fee | Not published as a specific dollar figure | Governed separately from this Inspection/Plan Review Permit Fee Schedule — the schedule itself states 'Impact Fee May Apply And Is Not Included In This Fee Schedule.' See the… Show full citationHideGoverned separately from this Inspection/Plan Review Permit Fee Schedule — the schedule itself states 'Impact Fee May Apply And Is Not Included In This Fee Schedule.' See the residential-building-permit and commercial-building-permit entries for the City/District's Fire Impact Fee treatment. |
Change of Use / Change of Occupancy
VerifiedCañon City publishes no standalone 'Change of Use' or 'Change of Occupancy' permit application or webpage — the City's Application Forms for Building Permits page lists 21 named packets, none for change of use or occupancy, and neither the Business Licensing page nor the Building Department FAQ adds one. A change in use or occupancy classification of an existing building is instead governed by the City's adopted 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) Chapter 10, Change of Occupancy, and processed through the standard commercial permit tracks described elsewhere in this record: the lighter Commercial Alterations Packet when tenant-finish work accompanies the use change, or the full Commercial Building Permit when the scope is larger. Regardless of construction scope, the space may not legally be occupied under the new use until a final inspection is completed and a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
Verified 2026-08-13 · Source
Requirements
- No standalone City 'Change of Use' or 'Change of Occupancy' permit application exists — checked the Application Forms for Building Permits page (21 packets listed), the Building Department FAQ, and the Building Department page directly
- Governed by the 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) Chapter 10, Change of Occupancy, as locally adopted effective January 1, 2021 (see the codesAdopted)
- Where tenant-finish or alteration work accompanies the occupancy/use change, apply via the Commercial Alterations Packet (Building Permit Application, Mechanical Permit Application, Required Approvals Routing Sheet top portion only, and plans already approved by the City's third-party commercial reviewer, Shums Coda Associates) — see the commercial-tenant-improvement-permit entry for the full submittal list
- Where the scope is larger (new construction, occupancy-load changes, or work beyond the alterations packet's scope), the full Commercial Building Permit process applies instead — see the commercial-building-permit entry
- Per the Required Approvals Routing Sheet, used on every commercial application: 'THE PROPERTY MAY NOT BE OCCUPIED UNTIL A FINAL INSPECTION IS DONE AND A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY IS ISSUED' — failure to comply can be cited as a misdemeanor under Cañon City Municipal Code Section 15.02.040
- A use not permitted-by-right in the applicable zone district requires Special Review Use approval from the City Planning Department (719-269-9011) before a change-of-use building permit can proceed, per Title 17 of the Zoning Regulations — the same Special Review Use process this record documents for Accessory Dwelling Units
- Most businesses do NOT need a separate City of Cañon City business license: the City's own Business Licensing page confirms a general City sales tax license has not been required since January 2021 (a valid Colorado state sales tax license must still be maintained); only specific business types require a City license — Commercial Solicitors/Peddlers, Mobile Home Parks, Pawn Brokers, Security Guard Services, Trash Hauler Services, and Tree Management
- Fire District routing (per the Required Approvals Routing Sheet) applies to commercial applications, both prior to permit issuance and again prior to final inspection/Certificate of Occupancy
Required documents
- OptionalBuilding Permit ApplicationRequired only if alteration/construction work accompanies the use change
- OptionalMechanical Permit ApplicationRequired only if mechanical scope is affected by the use change
- RequiredRequired Approvals Routing SheetTop portion only for alterations-scope changes (per the Commercial Alterations Packet); full routing sheet for larger-scope changes going through the full Commercial Building Permit
- OptionalSpecial Review Use Application (City Planning Department)Required only if the new use is not permitted-by-right in the applicable zone district
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (only if construction accompanies the change) | 1.0% of valuation, per Resolution No. 20, Series of 2024 | No standalone 'change of use' fee line item is published on the Building Permit Fees page or in the Commercial Alterations Packet; a pure use/occupancy change with no construction scope has no confirmed fee amount — contact the Building Department (719-276-5253) directly |
| Mechanical Fee (if applicable) | $30.00 flat for valuation not more than $2,000; $30.00 plus $10.00 per each additional $1,000 (or fraction thereof) over $2,000 | Effective 01/01/2021 |
Sources & verification
Key facts verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-06.
Fee schedules
Applications & forms
Checklists & handouts
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 Cañon City building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.