Loveland building permits

Requirements

• Building permit required for new single-family and two-family dwelling construction
• Plans must comply with the City of Loveland's currently adopted IRC edition and Design Criteria (130 MPH 3-second-gust wind, Exposure C; 30 psf ground snow load per the current Building Code Amendments page, moving to 35 psf under the ASCE update effective July 1, 2026; 30-inch minimum frost depth)
• Effective July 1, 2026, third-party energy inspections are required for all new residential buildings to verify what was submitted for review, and Appendix BE (Radon Control Methods) applies to all new residential buildings with rough-radon, final-radon, and radon-mitigation-certificate inspections
• Effective July 1, 2026, the Colorado Model Low Energy and Carbon Code (Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code + 2024 IECC) applies, per the statewide HB22-1362 energy-code floor
• Submittals are processed electronically; residential submittals go to eplan-res@cityofloveland.org, non-residential to eplan-building@cityofloveland.org
• A valid City of Loveland Contractor's License is required for structural, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing work on rental homes, multi-family buildings, and non-residential buildings; an owner-occupant may self-perform work in their primary residence with a Homeowner Affidavit

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted electronically by email to eplan-res@cityofloveland.org
• RequiredConstruction DrawingsSite plan, foundation plan, floor plan, framing, elevations, and structural details consistent with the City's adopted IRC edition and Design Criteria
• RequiredResidential Gas Load FormRequired for all new one- and two-family dwelling submittals involving gas piping; sized per IFGC Table 402.4(2) or IRC Table G2413.4(1)
• OptionalHomeowner AffidavitRequired only if the owner is self-performing work as their own contractor in their primary residence

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Building permit required for additions, remodels, and alterations affecting structural, fire, or life-safety elements (examples explicitly listed by the City: building additions, decks, storage sheds over 200 sf, basement finish, interior remodel, HVAC, demolition, carports)
• Deck and Porch, Detached Garage, Basement Finish, Patio Cover & Carport, and Patio Enclosure each have a dedicated City submittal checklist
• A Request to Amend/Revise an active building permit is required whenever plans are altered from the original approved application
• A site plan showing lot lines, setbacks, and existing/proposed structures is required
• Smoke alarms must be installed per R314.2.2 for alterations/repairs/additions requiring a permit; carbon monoxide alarms required per Colorado HB1091 (C.R.S. 12-01-105) for single-family dwellings with fuel-fired appliances or an attached garage undergoing permitted alterations

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationEmailed to eplan-res@cityofloveland.org
• OptionalDeck and Porch ChecklistCity of Loveland fill-in checklist for deck/porch submittals
• OptionalDetached Garage ChecklistCity of Loveland checklist for detached garage construction plans
• OptionalBasement Finish ChecklistCity of Loveland checklist for basement finish submittals
• RequiredConstruction DrawingsSite plan and framing/structural details showing scope of work and connection to the existing structure

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Electrical contractor must hold a valid City of Loveland contractor license prior to applying
• Application must be signed by the contractor or an authorized signer listed on the contractor license
• For any service equipment changes (amp change) or work on a service without a main disconnect, an Electric Service Worksheet (ESW) signed by a Distribution Designer is required before permit issuance, per the Loveland Water & Power 'Requirements for Electric Service' (RFES) sections 3.4 and 3.5
• Application types: Service Upgrade (amp change), Service Alteration (no amp change), Electrical Work (behind main disconnect), or Mobile Home Hook-up

Required documents

• RequiredResidential Electrical Fast Track Permit ApplicationEmailed to eplan-buildingfasttrack@cityofloveland.org
• OptionalElectric Service Worksheet (ESW)Required for service upgrades/alterations or work on a service without a main disconnect; signed by a Loveland Water & Power Distribution Designer

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Plumbing contractor must hold a valid City of Loveland contractor license (or applicable trade license) prior to applying
• Governed by the City's currently adopted plumbing provisions within the IRC/IMC/IFGC framework (2021 editions through June 30, 2026; 2024-family editions effective July 1, 2026)
• Application must be signed by the contractor or an authorized signer listed on the contractor license

Required documents

• RequiredResidential Plumbing Fast Track Permit ApplicationEmailed to eplan-buildingfasttrack@cityofloveland.org

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Mechanical contractor must hold a valid City of Loveland contractor license prior to applying
• Application types include New A/C, A/C Upgrade/SEER, Furnace Upgrade/% Efficiency, and Heat Pump
• A Residential Gas Load Form (with a drawing of the proposed gas piping system) is required for gas-fired appliance installations, sized per IFGC Table 402.4(2) or IRC Table G2413.4(1)
• Smoke alarms required per R314.2.2 for alterations/additions requiring a permit (exception: installation/alteration/repair of plumbing or mechanical systems alone does not trigger this); carbon monoxide alarms required per Colorado HB1091 for dwellings with fuel-fired appliances or an attached garage
• Effective for all gas-fired appliances with plastic venting, exhaust testing is required (5 psi for a minimum of 15 minutes, with installer certification)

Required documents

• RequiredResidential HVAC Fast Track Permit ApplicationEmailed to eplan-buildingfasttrack@cityofloveland.org
• OptionalResidential Gas Load FormIdentifies all gas-fired appliances, BTU loads, pipe sizing table used, and includes a drawing of the proposed gas line system
• OptionalWater Heater/Boiler/Furnace Exhaust Test CertificationSubmitted as part of the mechanical/plumbing inspection to buildinginspectionletters@cityofloveland.org

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Building permit required for any re-roofing; repairs under 100 sf are the only exemption from permitting
• Repair thresholds: under 100 sf repair not required to match existing shingle class; up to 49% requires a permit with repair allowed and shingles matching existing (allowed classification); 50% or greater requires complete removal and replacement with Class 4 impact-resistance (UL 2218) shingles
• Ice barrier required per R905.1.2; drip edge required at eaves and rakes per R905.2.8.5
• Class A fire rating required within the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority Wildland Urban Interface area; Class C (UL 790) minimum elsewhere
• Effective January 1, 2026: submit a re-roofing application with roof pitch(es) noted; take mid-roof installation photos in place of an in-person mid-roof inspection (contractor-performed, 10-12 images of required items); submit a roofing affidavit with all photos in one PDF to buildinginspectionletters@cityofloveland.org one day before the scheduled final inspection
• Contractor must provide an OSHA-approved ladder set (no telescoping ladders) extending at least 3 ft past the roof plane and attached to the house, unless the structure is over 2 stories or the pitch exceeds 6:12 (inspector reviews from the ground in that case)

Required documents

• RequiredRe-Roofing Permit ApplicationIncludes roof pitch(es) and work description; part of the Roofing Fast Track packet
• RequiredRoofing Affidavit and Photo PDFMid-roof and final photos (10-12 images) combined with the signed roofing affidavit into one PDF, emailed to buildinginspectionletters@cityofloveland.org

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Step 1: File an interconnection request application and customer authorization form by email to der@cityofloveland.org prior to applying for the building permit
• Step 2-3: Loveland Water and Power's Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Division performs a completeness review, then a technical review to check for special provisions/upgrades needed to connect to the distribution grid
• Step 4: Upon approval, a Notice to Proceed letter is issued with instructions for the specific installation; multiple permits may be required depending on what the Notice to Proceed indicates
• For any electric service equipment changes/upgrades, submit: the Notice to Proceed letter, a fully signed Electric Service Worksheet (ESW) from Loveland Water and Power's Distribution Design Division, and a completed Electrical Fast Track permit application, to eplan-buildingfasttrack@cityofloveland.org
• Minimum contractor licenses required: current City of Loveland Class C or Class C Limited license (Class C requires ICC passed exam or reciprocal-jurisdiction license; Class C Limited requires a valid NABCEP license or reciprocal license), plus a current City of Loveland electrical license; commercial DER projects may require a Class A or B license depending on project scope
• Design must meet all applicable conditions of Loveland Water and Power's Requirements for Electric Service (RFES) and the City of Loveland Building Division's current adopted building codes

Required documents

• RequiredDER Interconnection Request ApplicationFiled by email to der@cityofloveland.org with a customer authorization form, prior to any building permit application
• OptionalElectric Service Worksheet (ESW)Signed by a Loveland Water and Power Distribution Design engineer; required for service change/upgrade projects
• RequiredElectrical Fast Track Permit ApplicationSubmitted after receiving the Notice to Proceed letter, to eplan-buildingfasttrack@cityofloveland.org

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Provide 1 plot plan (electronic or 8.5x11in paper) showing the location of capped utilities (water, wastewater, fire line, electric, gas, etc.)
• Must call Xcel Energy to have the gas meter pulled/inspected prior to demolition
• Complete a Building Permit Application; residential submittals to eplan-res@cityofloveland.org, non-residential to eplan-building@cityofloveland.org
• State asbestos report is required for demolition permits per the City's Permitting FAQ's list of projects requiring a building permit
• Utility disconnections (demo water service, demo fire service, demo wastewater, demo pre-treatment, as applicable) must be completed and inspected by the Water Department prior to the Final Building inspection

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Demolition)Emailed to eplan-res@cityofloveland.org (residential) or eplan-building@cityofloveland.org (non-residential)
• RequiredUtility Demo Plot Plan1 plot plan showing location of capped water, wastewater, fire line, electric, and gas utilities
• RequiredState Asbestos ReportRequired per City of Loveland Permitting FAQ's list of projects requiring a building permit

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Fences/walls in front setbacks (between front property line and front facade): limited solid material max 4 ft; solid material max 3 ft
• Fences/walls outside the front setback (flush with or behind the front facade): max 6 ft 3 in in all zones except Industrial (8 ft max behind the front facade)
• Side/rear yard fences/walls: max 6 ft 3 in in all zones except Employment and Industrial zones (8 ft max); Director may approve up to 8 ft between adjacent residential/nonresidential uses with owner agreement, or as a noise barrier along an arterial street
• Fences/walls adjacent to parks, common areas, open space, or environmentally sensitive areas: max 4 ft, limited solid material, unless the Director approves alternate fencing for safety/buffering
• All fences/walls must be located on or within the owner's property boundary; specific setbacks apply near sidewalks (2 ft if over 4 ft tall, 18 in if under 4 ft tall) and trails (3 ft minimum from the back of the trail)
• Chain-link/woven-wire fencing is prohibited in front yards absent Director approval for extraordinary safety circumstances; barbed wire, electrified fencing, and razor/concertina wire are prohibited or narrowly restricted
• Retaining walls: individual walls max 8 ft tall (taller grade changes require terraced walls, each capped at 8 ft, terraces min. 5 ft wide and landscaped); walls over 3 ft must be finished in native rock or comparable masonry
• Retaining wall engineering: a Colorado-registered Professional Engineer (Structural) must stamp designs for any wall 6 ft or taller at its highest point, or any wall 4 ft or taller where its height exceeds its distance from a right-of-way or common property line
• Fencing within the Wildland Urban Interface Overlay Zone must comply with Appendix O risk-reduction requirements of the adopted Fire Code

Required documents

• OptionalBuilding Permit Application (Retaining Wall)Required only for engineered retaining walls meeting the height/setback thresholds in UDC 18.04.07.11; routine fences under the UDC height limits do not require a separate Building Division permit form
• OptionalEngineer-Stamped Structural DesignRequired for retaining walls 6 ft or taller at their highest point, or 4 ft or taller where height exceeds the distance to a right-of-way/property line; must be stamped by a Colorado-registered Professional Engineer specializing in Structural Engineering

Fee schedule

Requirements

• The structure must have water and sewer permanently attached to the ADU, tied into the primary dwelling's services
• The structure requires its own separate power meter
• The structure requires its own separate address from the primary residence, assigned by the City of Loveland
• The structure must be on a permanent foundation
• The structure cannot be located near overhead power lines with less than 10 ft vertical / 5 ft horizontal clearance
• Setbacks must be confirmed with the Planning Department for the specific property
• Effective July 1, 2026: a property owner may be the general contractor on their own ADU, but must hire City-licensed subcontractors for each trade (the owner cannot self-perform trade work unless it is their primary residence, per the standard homeowner exemption)
• Foundation and framing drawings must be sealed by a professional engineer
• Energy code compliance requires an energy code inspection list and Manuals J, D, and S; the prescriptive path requires ResChecks; a qualified third party must perform all energy inspections

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationStandard City of Loveland Building Permit Application
• OptionalArchitectural Review Committee LetterSigned and completed if required by the subdivision's HOA/ARC
• RequiredSite Plan / Grading Plan1 plot plan (electronic or 8.5x11in) showing dimensions of the home, detached garage, proposed ADU footprint, lot dimensions/easements, and distances from each structure edge to each lot line
• RequiredElectric Service Worksheet (ESW)Required from Loveland Water and Power for the meter and service power line
• RequiredArchitectural PlansElevations (2 sides minimum), floor plan(s), building section, stair section, fire separation detail (Dwelling-Garage R302.6 or Two-Family Dwelling R302.3; crawlspace Fire Protection of Floors R302.13), and detail sections for decks/porches/retaining walls over 4 ft
• RequiredFoundation and Framing DrawingsMust be sealed and signed by a professional engineer
• RequiredEnergy Code Compliance FormsEnergy code inspection list, Manuals J/D/S; prescriptive path requires ResChecks; qualified third party performs all energy inspections
• OptionalFoundation Setback and Elevation CertificationCompleted once construction begins; picked up on-site by Building Inspectors at the Footing/Foundation/UFER inspection
• OptionalResidential Lot Stormwater Quality Permit ApplicationRequired for land-disturbance activities (grading, excavating, stockpiling, clearing, vegetation removal)
• OptionalResidential Certification of Lot Grading and Structure ElevationCompleted during final inspection; picked up on-site at the Final Grade Cert inspection (or a Residential Alternate Certification may be submitted if required elevations cannot be met)

Fee schedule