This is PermitBase’s published record for Sterling as of 2026-07-06. It has since been superseded — see the current record. A historical record reflects what PermitBase had verified at that time; it may not capture a real-world change the jurisdiction had made but PermitBase had not yet verified, and it includes any errors we later corrected. Snapshots are never edited retroactively.
Sterling building permits
VerifiedSterling, Colorado — as published 2026-07-06.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Codes adopted
2018 International Building Code (IBC), with Appendices A, E, and I — City of Sterling Municipal Code § 5-31, adopted by Ord. No. 5-2023 (eff. 6/13/23); a copy is kept at the City Clerk's office for public inspection2018 International Residential Code (IRC), with Appendices F and H — Municipal Code § 5-56, adopted by Ord. No. 7-2023 (eff. 6/13/23); IRC Section R313 (Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems) is expressly omitted in its entirety2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC) — Municipal Code § 5-43, adopted by Ord. No. 6-2023 (eff. 6/13/23)2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — Municipal Code § 5-106, adopted by Ord. No. 8-2023 (eff. 6/13/23)2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — Municipal Code § 5-140, adopted by Ord. No. 9-2023 (eff. 6/13/23)2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), with Appendices B and C, adopted in its entirety without amendment per state law — Municipal Code § 5-150, adopted by Ord. No. 10-2023 (eff. 6/13/23)Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, 1994 Edition (ICBO) — Municipal Code § 5-16, as amended by Ord. Nos. 12-1992, 26-1995, and 2-2009Any references to plumbing or electrical requirements (except required-fixture references) are explicitly EXCEPTED from both the IBC and IRC as locally adopted — Municipal Code § 5-31(b) and § 5-56(b) — because plumbing and electrical permitting/inspection in Sterling is handled by the State of Colorado, not the CityManufactured/mobile home installations follow C.R.S. § 24-32-3101 et seq. rather than a City-adopted installation code — Municipal Code § 5-121
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired to erect a new one- or two-family dwelling within Sterling city limits. Reviewed under the 2018 IRC (with Appendices F and H) as locally adopted, plus the 2018 IECC. Issued by the City of Sterling Public Works Department, Code Enforcement Division. Electrical and plumbing work on the project is permitted separately through the State of Colorado, not the City.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plans must comply with the 2018 IRC as adopted (Appendices F and H included; IRC § R313 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems is omitted in its entirety) and the 2018 IECC
- Exterior wall water-resistive barrier required per IRC § R703.2 (one layer No. 15 asphalt felt, ASTM D226 Type 1, or approved equivalent) before any exterior veneer
- Director of Public Works must determine the site is reasonably safe from flooding, or flood-resistant design/construction methods must be used (Municipal Code § 5-2(1))
- If public improvements (street paving, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, drainage) are necessitated by the construction, they must be built and dedicated to the City per City of Sterling Engineering Specifications, as a condition of the permit (Municipal Code § 5-2(2))
- Proof of a current City of Sterling contractor's license is required before permit issuance, unless the Director of Public Works determines no licensable contractor will work on the project (Municipal Code § 5-2(3))
- Electrical and plumbing work is NOT part of this City permit — it is separately permitted and inspected by the State of Colorado (DORA); the City makes state permit application forms available at the Public Works Department
- Storage sheds 120 sq. ft. or smaller are exempt from permitting
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCity of Sterling Building Permit Application form (obtain current version from Public Works; harbart@sterlingcolo.com or (970) 522-9700 ext. 1109), listing job address, legal description, owner/contractor info, class of work, and total value/material cost
- RequiredConstruction DrawingsPlan set sufficient to demonstrate 2018 IRC/IECC compliance
- RequiredProof of Contractor's LicenseCurrent City of Sterling contractor's license (or determination that no licensable contractor is involved), per Municipal Code § 5-2(3)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1 to $500 | $23.50 | Section III, Public Works, Schedule of Charges and Fees Per Sterling City Code (Sec. 5-1 et seq.), Resolution No. 11-1-24, Series of 2024, effective January 1, 2025 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $501 to $2,000 | $23.50 for the first $500 plus $3.05 for each additional $100, or fraction thereof, to and including $2,000 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $2,001 to $25,000 | $69.25 for the first $2,000 plus $14.00 for each additional $1,000, or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $25,001 to $50,000 | $391.75 for the first $25,000 plus $10.10 for each additional $1,000, or fraction thereof, to and including $50,000 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $50,001 to $100,000 | $643.75 for the first $50,000 plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000, or fraction thereof, to and including $100,000 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $100,001 to $500,000 | $993.75 for the first $100,000 plus $5.60 for each additional $1,000, or fraction thereof, to and including $500,000 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $500,001 to $1,000,000 | $3,233.75 for the first $500,000 plus $4.75 for each additional $1,000, or fraction thereof, to and including $1,000,000 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1,000,001 and up | $5,608.75 for the first $1,000,000 plus $3.65 for each additional $1,000, or fraction thereof | — |
| City Use Tax | 4% of material cost (or 4% of at least one-half of total permit valuation if material cost is not separately listed) | Permits and Licenses page: 'a City use tax is charged based on total material cost listed on application or at least one half of the total value listed on the permit. Material cost use tax (4%) is imposed on the privilege of storing, using or consuming in the City any construction and building materials purchased at retail.' |
| Plan Review Fee | May be required in some cases | Permits and Licenses page states plan review fees may apply but does not publish a standalone rate distinct from 'Additional plan review required by changes, additions or revisions to plan' at $50.00/hour (minimum 1/2 hour) per the Fee Schedule |
Residential Addition / Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired to enlarge, alter, or repair an existing one- or two-family dwelling in Sterling, including additions, alterations, and change-of-use projects. Uses the same Building Permit Application and valuation-based fee schedule as new construction.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required to 'erect, enlarge, alter or repair' a structure, per Municipal Code § 5-1 and the Permits and Licenses page
- Class of work on the application is marked as Addition, Alteration, or Change of Use as applicable
- Reviewed under the 2018 IRC/IBC as locally adopted
- Storage sheds 120 sq. ft. or smaller are exempt from permitting
- Electrical and plumbing scope within the remodel is separately permitted and inspected by the State of Colorado, not the City
- Proof of a current City of Sterling contractor's license required before issuance, per Municipal Code § 5-2(3)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSame form used for new construction; select Addition or Alteration as the class of work
- RequiredConstruction DrawingsPlans showing existing and proposed conditions for the addition/remodel scope
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (same valuation-based schedule as new construction) | $23.50 minimum, scaling per the Resolution No. 11-1-24 valuation tiers (see Residential Building Permit fee table) | Section III, Public Works, Schedule of Charges and Fees Per Sterling City Code |
| City Use Tax | 4% of material cost (or 4% of at least one-half of total permit valuation if material cost is not separately listed) | — |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedElectrical permits for work within Sterling city limits are NOT issued by the City of Sterling. Per the City's own Permits and Licenses page, electrical permits are filed directly through the State of Colorado (DORA, Division of Professions and Occupations) and inspected by state electrical inspectors. The City makes the state application forms available at the Public Works Department and requires proof of current state electrical licensure before it will issue its own contractor's license to an electrical contractor.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permits are filed through the State of Colorado, not the City of Sterling, per the Permits and Licenses page: 'Plumbing and electrical permits are filed through the State of Colorado and are inspected by local state plumbing and electrical inspectors.'
- This is consistent with Municipal Code § 5-31(b) and § 5-56(b), which except plumbing/electrical requirements (other than required-fixture references) from the City's adopted IBC/IRC
- A contractor performing electrical work in Sterling must still hold a City of Sterling Class IV Subcontractor's license (electrical is one of the listed Class IV trades) in addition to the state electrical license; Municipal Code § 9-62 requires proof of current state licensure before the City will issue that City license
- Electrical permit application forms are available from the Sterling Public Works Department even though the permit itself is a state permit
Required documents
- RequiredState of Colorado Electrical Permit ApplicationFiled with DORA's Division of Professions and Occupations (Electrical and Plumbing Permits); forms also available at Sterling Public Works
- RequiredCity of Sterling Class IV Subcontractor's License (electrical trade)Required in addition to the state permit for any contractor performing electrical work in the city; requires proof of current state electrical license per Municipal Code § 9-62
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State of Colorado electrical permit fee | Set by the State of Colorado (DORA), not the City of Sterling | Not a City-published fee; see dpo.colorado.gov/ElectricalPlumbingPermits for the current state fee schedule |
| City of Sterling Class IV Subcontractor's License (annual) | $50.00/year | Section III, Public Works, Schedule of Charges and Fees Per Sterling City Code, § 9-59, Resolution No. 11-1-24 (eff. 1/1/2025) |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedPlumbing permits for work within Sterling city limits are NOT issued by the City of Sterling. Per the City's own Permits and Licenses page, plumbing permits are filed directly through the State of Colorado (DORA, Division of Professions and Occupations) and inspected by state plumbing inspectors. The City makes the state application forms available at the Public Works Department and requires proof of current state plumbing licensure before it will issue its own contractor's license to a plumbing contractor.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plumbing permits are filed through the State of Colorado, not the City of Sterling, per the Permits and Licenses page: 'Plumbing and electrical permits are filed through the State of Colorado and are inspected by local state plumbing and electrical inspectors.'
- Consistent with Municipal Code § 5-31(b) and § 5-56(b), which except plumbing/electrical requirements (other than required-fixture references) from the City's adopted IBC/IRC
- A contractor performing plumbing work in Sterling must still hold a City of Sterling Class IV Subcontractor's license (plumbing is one of the listed Class IV trades) in addition to the state plumbing license; Municipal Code § 9-62 requires proof of current state licensure before the City will issue that City license
- Plumbing permit application forms are available from the Sterling Public Works Department even though the permit itself is a state permit
Required documents
- RequiredState of Colorado Plumbing Permit ApplicationFiled with DORA's Division of Professions and Occupations (Electrical and Plumbing Permits); forms also available at Sterling Public Works
- RequiredCity of Sterling Class IV Subcontractor's License (plumbing trade)Required in addition to the state permit for any contractor performing plumbing work in the city; requires proof of current state plumbing license per Municipal Code § 9-62
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State of Colorado plumbing permit fee | Set by the State of Colorado (DORA), not the City of Sterling | Not a City-published fee; see dpo.colorado.gov/ElectricalPlumbingPermits for the current state fee schedule |
| City of Sterling Class IV Subcontractor's License (annual) | $50.00/year | Section III, Public Works, Schedule of Charges and Fees Per Sterling City Code, § 9-59, Resolution No. 11-1-24 (eff. 1/1/2025) |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation, alteration, or repair of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in Sterling, using a dedicated Mechanical Permit Application. Governed by the 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) as locally adopted, and billed under the same valuation-based fee table as building permits.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for mechanical systems, defined by the Permits and Licenses page as including 'heating, cooling, & ventilation systems'
- Governed by the 2018 IMC (Municipal Code § 5-43) and, for fuel-gas equipment, the 2018 IFGC (Municipal Code § 5-140)
- Application requires class of work (New/Addition/Alteration/Demolition) and fuel type (Natural Gas or Liquid Petroleum Gas) where applicable
- Proof of a current City of Sterling contractor's license required (mechanical/HVAC is one of the Class IV Subcontractor trades, or may be included under a Class I/II license holder's scope)
Required documents
- RequiredMechanical Permit ApplicationCity of Sterling Mechanical Permit Application form, listing owner/contractor info, class of work, fuel type, total value, material cost, permit fee, and use tax
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Permit Fee (same valuation-based table as Building Permits) | $23.50 minimum, scaling per the Resolution No. 11-1-24 valuation tiers | Section III, Public Works, Schedule of Charges and Fees Per Sterling City Code: 'Building and Mechanical Permit fees' share a single fee table |
| City Use Tax | 4% of material cost (or 4% of at least one-half of total permit valuation if material cost is not separately listed) | — |
Roofing Permit (Re-Roof)
VerifiedRequired for reroofing work on structures in Sterling, using a dedicated Re-Roof Permit Application. Governed by the 2018 IRC/IBC as locally adopted, with detailed local rules requiring complete tearoff (no overlays), ice barrier, flashing, ventilation, and a mandatory pre-mid-roof inspection in addition to the final inspection.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for reroofing, per the Permits and Licenses page ('reroofing' is listed among permit-required work)
- Only ONE layer of asphalt shingles allowed (2018 IRC § R907.3(4) / § R903.5) — NO OVERLAYS; complete tearoff to the exposed deck is required, with no felt or underlayment permitted to remain
- Ice barrier required in areas with a history of ice-damming (Table R301.2(1)), per § R905.1.2: two cemented underlayment layers or a self-adhering polymer-modified bitumen sheet, extending from the lowest roof edge to at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line (36 inches on slopes 8:12 or greater), except detached accessory structures without conditioned floor area
- Flashings required per § R905.2.8 / § R905.3.8 / § R905.4.6 / § R905.6.6 / § R905.8.8 or manufacturer's installation instructions, depending on roofing material
- Roof/attic ventilation required per § R806.1-R806.2 (net free ventilating area not less than 1/150 of the ventilated space, or 1/300 if 50-80% of vents are in the upper portion at least 3 ft above eave/cornice vents)
- Asphalt shingles must meet ASTM D7158 (Class G or H) for wind resistance
- Sheathing must be solid per 2018 IRC § R905.2.1 — asphalt shingles must be fastened to solidly sheathed decks
- An IN-PERSON pre-mid-roof inspection is required in addition to the final roof inspection — 'No final roofs will be completed without a pre-mid inspection'
Required documents
- RequiredRe-Roof Permit ApplicationCity of Sterling Reroof Permit Application form (ROOFAPPL 5/07), listing roof covering type, number/type of layers being removed (all layers must be removed), and new covering product
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (same valuation-based table) | $23.50 minimum, scaling per the Resolution No. 11-1-24 valuation tiers | Reroof applications use the same Plan Review Fee / Building Permit Fee / Use Tax fields as the standard Building Permit Application |
| City Use Tax | 4% of material cost (or 4% of at least one-half of total permit valuation if material cost is not separately listed) | — |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition of any structure in Sterling, using a dedicated Demolition Permit Application. A flat $30.00 fee applies. Applicants must acknowledge receipt and review of the State of Colorado asbestos regulations before the permit is issued.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for demolition, per Municipal Code § 5-1 and the Permits and Licenses page
- Applicant must certify on the application that they have 'received and reviewed the attached State of Colorado Asbestos Regulations and will obtain the proper permits and abide by those rules set forth therein'
- Demolition is also listed as one of the Class IV Subcontractor's-license trades: a Class IV license for demolition work allows the contractor to deal in used building materials at the site for up to 60 days, and the contractor is liable for any damaged public property, with the license immediately revocable until damage is repaired, replaced, or paid for (Municipal Code § 9-59(4))
Required documents
- RequiredDemolition Permit ApplicationCity of Sterling Demolition Permit Application form, listing job address, legal description, owner/contractor info, and type of structure
- RequiredState of Colorado Asbestos Regulations acknowledgmentApplicant certifies receipt/review of the state asbestos regulations and agrees to obtain proper asbestos permits and follow those rules
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition Permit Fee | $30.00 flat | Section III, Public Works, Schedule of Charges and Fees Per Sterling City Code, Resolution No. 11-1-24 (eff. 1/1/2025); also printed directly on the Demolition Permit Application form |
Fence Permit
VerifiedRequired prior to installation or repair of any fence, free-standing wall, or retaining wall, or hedge, in Sterling, using a dedicated Fence Permit Application. A flat $30.00 fee applies.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for fence installation and repair, per the Permits and Licenses page
- Application requires a sketch plan showing all property lines, sidewalks, streets, alleys, easements, and improvements, plus the proposed fence, free-standing or retaining wall, or hedge
- Application must describe materials, size, and height separately for front yard, side yards, and rear yard placement
- If the property owner is not the applicant, the property owner must sign the application
- Zoning district is confirmed by Public Works as part of processing (noted on the application's department-use section)
- 'Call Before You Dig' (811 / 1-800-922-1987, Utility Notification Center of Colorado) is required by state law before digging post holes
Required documents
- RequiredFence Permit ApplicationCity of Sterling Fence Permit Application (3-page form, fenappl.doc rev. 2/14/24), including a required sketch plan page
- RequiredSketch PlanShowing property lines, sidewalks, streets, alleys, easements, improvements, and the proposed fence/wall/hedge
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fence Permit Application Fee | $30.00 flat | Printed directly on the Fence Permit Application form and confirmed in the Charges and Fees Policy, Resolution No. 11-1-24, Appendix A. Zoning, item 903 ('Fence Permit — $30.00') |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-06.
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 Sterling building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.