This is PermitBase’s published record for Grand Junction as of 2026-07-20. It has since been superseded — see the current record.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.
Grand Junction building permits
VerifiedGrand Junction, Colorado — as published 2026-07-20.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Codes adopted
AUTHORITY MODEL NOTE: Colorado has no statewide building code (home-rule state); each city or county adopts and amends its own. Colorado does set a statutory statewide energy-code floor via HB22-1362 (requiring jurisdictions that adopt a building code to also adopt the most current or immediately preceding edition of the IECC on a rolling basis) and separate ADU-related state statutes (e.g., HB24-1152, concerning local regulation of accessory dwelling units in certain jurisdictions). Applicants in any Colorado city should always confirm the specific edition and amendments in force locally — never assume a statewide default.The City of Grand Junction does NOT run its own building-permit program. Per the City's own Engineering & Transportation Permits page: 'The Mesa County Building Department serves unincorporated Mesa County as well as the towns of Debeque, Collbran, Palisade, and the cities of Fruita and Grand Junction.' Building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits within Grand Junction city limits are issued and inspected by the Mesa County Building Department, part of Mesa County's Community Development Department (Building - Planning - OWTS - Code Compliance). Contractor licensing for work within Grand Junction city limits is also administered by Mesa County on the City's behalf. Source: City of Grand Junction Engineering and Transportation Permits page (gjcity.org/355/Permits) and Mesa County Building Department 'Building Department' landing page (mesacounty.us building department, description: 'Our department performs inspections, supplies permits, and current codes for building projects in our County, the towns of De Beque, Collbran, Palisade, and the City of Grand Junction.')Zoning, land-use planning, ADU incentive programs, and planning clearances remain a City of Grand Junction (Community Development / Planning Division) function even though building-code enforcement is county-run; a Planning Clearance from the City is a prerequisite for many Mesa County building permits on property within city limits (see ADU and solar permit types below).Mesa County Building Department began enforcement of a new adopted-code cycle effective September 1, 2025 (per Mesa County Ordinance adopting and amending Building Codes, in compliance with HB21-1110). Source: Mesa County Adopted Codes and Regulations page.2024 International Building Code (IBC) — Mesa County adopted code, effective enforcement September 1, 20252024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) — Mesa County adopted code, effective enforcement September 1, 20252024 International Residential Code (IRC) — Mesa County adopted code, effective enforcement September 1, 20252024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) — Mesa County adopted code, effective enforcement September 1, 20252021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — Mesa County adopted code; per the County's IECC Energy Code Requirements page, enforcement of the 2021 IECC began September 1, 2025 'in compliance with House Bill 22-1362' (Colorado's statewide energy-code floor statute)Colorado Model and Solar Ready Code — state-adopted, referenced on Mesa County's Adopted Codes page as a state-level code Mesa County enforces alongside its own IECC checklist (Colorado Model Electric and Solar Ready Code, CMESRC)Colorado Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code — state-adopted, referenced on Mesa County's Adopted Codes page2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — state-adopted per Mesa County's Adopted Codes page2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) — state-adopted per Mesa County's Adopted Codes page2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) — state-adopted per Mesa County's Adopted Codes page (no direct link published by the County as of this review; also cited as the applicable electrical code in Mesa County's Photovoltaic Guide alongside 2018 IBC/IRC/IEBC/IFC for that guide's own applicable-codes list, which had not yet been updated to reference 2024 editions as of the guide's July 2023 revision date)Note on internal inconsistency found during verification: Mesa County's standalone Photovoltaic Guide (rev. 7/20/2023) lists '2018 IBC, IRC, IEBC, IFC, and 2023 NEC' as its applicable codes, which predates the County's September 1, 2025 adoption of the 2024 IBC/IRC/IEBC cycle documented on the Adopted Codes and Regulations page. Applicants should confirm current code edition with the Building Department (970-244-1631) at time of solar application, since the PV guide has not been visibly reissued since the 2025 code-cycle update.Mesa County Building Department Reroof Policy (revised 9/2025) requires reroofs to comply with Chapter 9 of the 2024 IRC or Chapter 15 of the 2024 IBC, confirming the 2024 cycle is the current enforced edition for those chapters as of this review.
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for construction of new one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses in Grand Junction. Building permits within Grand Junction city limits are issued by the Mesa County Building Department (not the City), applying the 2024 IRC and 2021 IECC as adopted by Mesa County, plus Mesa County's local snow/wind design criteria for the Grand Junction area.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for new one- and two-family dwelling and townhouse (R-3) construction, issued by the Mesa County Building Department even though the property is within Grand Junction city limits
- Plans must comply with the 2024 IRC and 2021 IECC as adopted by Mesa County (enforcement began September 1, 2025)
- Plans must show compliance with Mesa County's Grand Junction-area design criteria: 30 psf non-reducible ground snow load, 104 mph basic residential wind speed, 13 psf wind stagnation pressure at 30 ft
- Application for Permit to Build form and Residential Plan Review Submittal Checklist required at submittal
- A City of Grand Junction Planning Clearance may be required ahead of the county building permit for projects subject to City zoning review (confirm applicability with City Community Development, 970-244-1430)
- Total project valuation (all labor and materials) determines the permit fee per Mesa County's Table 2 fee schedule and Table 3A Building Valuation Data (R-3 One and Two Family square-foot construction costs by construction type)
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Permit to BuildMesa County Building Department application form (revised 6/11/2024)
- RequiredResidential Plan Review Submittal ChecklistMesa County Building Department checklist for residential plan submittals
- RequiredResidential Building - ChecklistMesa County permit-clearance checklist (revised 11/9/2023) confirming submittal completeness before permit issuance
- RequiredOriginal Residential Characteristics FormMesa County Assessor's Office form (2025 revision) for new residential construction
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Fee — total valuation up to $1,200 | $50.00 | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 2 - Permit Fee Schedule |
| Permit Fee — total valuation $1,200.01 to $2,000 | $50.00 for the first $1,200, plus $2.20 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 2 |
| Permit Fee — total valuation $2,000.01 to $25,000 | $68.00 for the first $2,000, plus $9.90 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 2 |
| Permit Fee — total valuation $25,000.01 to $50,000 | $295.70 for the first $25,000, plus $7.20 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 2 |
| Permit Fee — total valuation $50,000.01 to $100,000 | $475.70 for the first $50,000, plus $5.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 2 |
| Permit Fee — total valuation $100,000.01 to $500,000 | $725.70 for the first $100,000, plus $3.90 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 2 |
| Permit Fee — total valuation $500,000.01 to $1,000,000 | $2,285.70 for the first $500,000, plus $3.30 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 2 |
| Permit Fee — total valuation over $1,000,000 | $3,935.70 for the first $1,000,000, plus $2.20 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 2 |
| R-3 (new one- and two-family residences and townhouses) square-foot construction cost, Type VB construction | $74.68 per sq ft (used to calculate total valuation under Table 3A when no bid value is provided) | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 3A - Building Valuation Data; other construction types (IA-IV, VA) range from $80.46 to $96.19/sq ft for R-3 |
| Residential Submittal Fee (risk-of-non-issuance projects, at Building Official discretion) | Maximum $250.00 non-refundable, applied to the permit fee at issuance | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 1A, Fee #1 |
Residential Addition / Remodel / Alteration Permit
VerifiedRequired for additions, remodels, and structural alterations to one- and two-family dwellings in Grand Junction. Reviewed by the Mesa County Building Department against the 2024 IRC. Remodel valuation is based on actual labor and material cost rather than the Table 3A square-foot schedule.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for additions and remodels affecting structural, fire, or life-safety elements
- Remodel/alteration valuation is the actual labor and material cost of the project (not the Table 3A square-foot schedule used for new construction)
- Additions are valued using the Table 3A Building Valuation Data square-foot schedule for the applicable use group and construction type
- Plans must comply with the 2024 IRC and Mesa County's Grand Junction-area snow/wind design criteria (30 psf snow, 104 mph wind)
- Decks, patio covers, storage sheds, and open carports under 400 sq ft and accessory to a residence have a flat $50 permit fee; over 400 sq ft, valuation is calculated at $15.00 per sq ft and the standard Table 2 fee schedule applies
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Permit to BuildMesa County Building Department application form
- RequiredResidential Building - ChecklistMesa County permit-clearance checklist for residential submittals
- OptionalSupplemental Permit NarrativeMesa County form (revised 8/11/2025) describing scope of remodel/alteration work
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Decks, Patio Covers, Storage Sheds & Open Carports — under 400 sq ft, accessory to residence | $50.00 flat fee | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 1A, Fee #19 |
| Decks, Patio Covers, Storage Sheds & Open Carports — over 400 sq ft | Valuation calculated at $15.00 per sq ft, then Table 2 permit fee schedule applied | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 1A, Fee #19 |
| Remodel/Alteration Permit Fee — valuation-based (actual labor + material cost) | $50.00 minimum (up to $1,200 valuation), scaling per Table 2 (e.g., $68.00 for first $2,000 plus $9.90 per additional $1,000 up to $25,000) | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 2; Note 2 specifies remodel valuation is actual labor and material cost |
| Change in Use/Occupancy Valuation Permit Fee — under $2,000 valuation | $50.00 | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 1A, Fee #16 |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for electrical installation, alteration, or repair work in Grand Junction, governed by the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) as adopted by Mesa County. Issued by the Mesa County Building Department.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit required for installation, change, or repair of hard-wired electrical systems
- Governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted by Mesa County
- Fee is based on the project's total valuation (labor and materials) using the Table 2 Permit Fee Schedule, per Fee #11 (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Hot Tubs, Pools & Spas Permit Fee) on the County's fee schedule — Mesa County does not publish a flat per-service-size electrical fee table the way some jurisdictions do
- Subject to Colorado's contemporaneous-review requirements for electrical licensure (per HB19-1086/SB19-156): inspectors may review electrician/apprentice licenses on-site during electrical inspections
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Permit to BuildMesa County Building Department application form used for electrical permits
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Hot Tubs, Pools & Spas Permit Fee | Valuation-based per Table 2 Permit Fee Schedule (e.g., $50.00 minimum up to $1,200 valuation) | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 1A, Fee #11 — 'Total Valuation' for this fee is the actual cost of project labor and materials per footnote (1) |
| Inspections or plan review for which no fee is specifically indicated | $50.00 per hour per person | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 1A, Fee #3 |
| Re-inspection Fee | $50.00 first re-inspection; $100.00 for additional re-inspection on the same violation | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 1A, Fee #4 |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installation, alteration, or repair work in Grand Junction, governed by the Colorado Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code and the 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) as state- and county-adopted. Issued by the Mesa County Building Department.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Plumbing permit required for installation, alteration, or repair of plumbing systems, fixtures, water heaters, and gas piping
- Governed by the Colorado Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code and 2021 IPC as adopted (Mesa County Adopted Codes and Regulations page)
- Fee is based on total project valuation (labor and materials) under Table 2, per Fee #11 on the County's fee schedule (grouped with mechanical/electrical/hot tubs/pools/spas)
- Subject to Colorado's contemporaneous-review requirements for plumbing licensure (HB19-1086, effective January 1, 2020): inspectors may review plumber/apprentice licenses on-site during plumbing inspections
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Permit to BuildMesa County Building Department application form used for plumbing permits
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Hot Tubs, Pools & Spas Permit Fee | Valuation-based per Table 2 Permit Fee Schedule (e.g., $50.00 minimum up to $1,200 valuation) | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 1A, Fee #11 |
| Re-inspection Fee | $50.00 first re-inspection; $100.00 for additional re-inspection on the same violation | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 1A, Fee #4 |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and related mechanical installations in Grand Junction, governed by the 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) as adopted by Mesa County. Issued by the Mesa County Building Department.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Mechanical permit required for installation or relocation of furnaces, boilers, air handling units, ventilation systems, and appliance vents
- Governed by the 2024 IMC and 2021 IFGC as adopted by Mesa County
- Fee is based on total project valuation (labor and materials) under Table 2, per Fee #11 on the County's fee schedule (grouped with electrical/plumbing/hot tubs/pools/spas)
- 2021 IECC mechanical ventilation guidelines apply to new residential construction — see Mesa County's Mechanical Ventilation Guidelines document
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Permit to BuildMesa County Building Department application form used for mechanical permits
- Required2021 IECC Residential ChecklistMesa County checklist covering mechanical ventilation, equipment sizing, and duct testing requirements under the adopted 2021 IECC
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Hot Tubs, Pools & Spas Permit Fee | Valuation-based per Table 2 Permit Fee Schedule (e.g., $50.00 minimum up to $1,200 valuation) | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 1A, Fee #11 |
| Re-inspection Fee | $50.00 first re-inspection; $100.00 for additional re-inspection on the same violation | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 1A, Fee #4 |
Re-Roofing Permit
VerifiedRequired for most residential and all commercial re-roofing in Grand Junction. Governed by the Mesa County Reroof Policy (rev. 9/2025), which applies Chapter 9 of the 2024 IRC or Chapter 15 of the 2024 IBC. Issued by the Mesa County Building Department.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Permit always required when: two or more roofing layers are already present; a roof recover is not approved per code or manufacturer instructions; or the project is any commercial roofing project
- Reroofs must comply with Chapter 9 of the 2024 IRC (residential) or Chapter 15 of the 2024 IBC (commercial)
- Roofing overlay over a single existing layer, with repairs less than 100 sq ft, does NOT require a permit per Mesa County's 'No Permits Required' notice
- Ice barrier membrane is NOT required along the eaves in areas of the county designated at 30 psf snow loads, which includes the Grand Junction area
- Existing solid wood roof sheathing with gaps within manufacturer specification does not require a plywood/OSB overlay
- All newly installed or replacement skylights must comply with the 2021 IECC (U-factor 0.55, air leakage under 0.3 CFM); any altered framing not previously reviewed is subject to engineer review
- Final building inspection is required prior to any solar installation or reinstallation on a reroofed structure
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Permit to BuildMesa County Building Department application form used for roofing permits
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roofing Permit Fee — valuation-based (same schedule as remodel work) | $50.00 minimum (up to $1,200 valuation), scaling per Table 2 Permit Fee Schedule | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 2; valuation is actual labor and material cost per Note 2 |
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of rooftop or ground-mount solar photovoltaic systems on properties in Grand Junction. Governed by the Mesa County Photovoltaic Guide (rev. 7/20/2023), which currently cites 2018 IBC/IRC/IEBC/IFC and 2023 NEC as applicable codes (see codesAdopted note on the code-cycle discrepancy with the County's later 2024 adoption). Issued by the Mesa County Building Department; ground-mount systems require a City of Grand Junction residential planning clearance regardless of jurisdiction.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Total project valuation must include ALL labor and materials, broken out as: modules to inverters; remainder of electrical work (e.g., generator, AC wiring, service upgrade, energy storage system); and any required structural alterations
- Structural certification report required verifying the existing roof framing safely supports the array, using Mesa County's PV-specific design criteria: 115 mph wind speed and snow loads by elevation per the Adopted Codes and Regulations page
- Three-line diagram required showing all conductor sizing and insulation types, overcurrent protective devices, and conduit sizing/types
- Documentation required: source connection type used; method for determining required busbar ampere rating; specification sheets for all listed compatible components; roof layout showing access, pathways, ridge setback, total roof area, and total array area (sq ft)
- DC circuits in buildings require metal raceways and labeling as 'PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE'
- A rapid shutdown function to reduce firefighter shock hazard is required
- All commercial and ground-mount PV system designs require structural, foundation, and electrical drawings stamped and signed by a Colorado Professional Engineer
- Commercial systems installed within Grand Junction city limits require a City planning and fire clearance
- Residential ground-mount solar permits require a City of Grand Junction residential planning clearance prior to issuance, regardless of jurisdiction; residential roof-mount systems require this planning clearance only in De Beque, Collbran, or Palisade — NOT in Grand Junction (per the Mesa County Photovoltaic Guide's explicit jurisdiction list)
Required documents
- RequiredMesa County Photovoltaic Guide Submittal PackageValuation breakdown, structural certification report, three-line diagram, component spec sheets, and roof layout per the County's Photovoltaic Guide (rev. 7/20/2023)
- RequiredApplication for Permit to BuildMesa County Building Department application form
- OptionalCity of Grand Junction Residential Planning ClearanceRequired prior to permit issuance for all ground-mount residential solar systems, regardless of jurisdiction
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Hot Tubs, Pools & Spas Permit Fee (applies to PV system electrical scope) | Valuation-based per Table 2 Permit Fee Schedule; total valuation includes modules, inverters, remaining electrical work, and structural alterations | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 1A, Fee #11; no dedicated solar fee waiver found on the County's published fee schedule |
EV Charger / Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permit
VerifiedGrand Junction is unincorporated-adjacent for building permitting purposes -- electrical permits within city limits are issued by the Mesa County Building Department (2023 NEC as adopted). The County's Building Department Fee Schedule has no dedicated 'EV charger,' 'EVSE,' or 'electric vehicle' line item -- confirmed by direct text search of the current adopted fee schedule PDF. A Level 2 (240V) EV charger circuit is billed and processed under the same valuation-based 'Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Hot Tubs, Pools & Spas Permit Fee' (Table 1A Fee #11) used for the electrical scope of any other project, including this corpus's existing solar-pv-permit entry for Grand Junction.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- A Mesa County electrical permit is required for installation of a new dedicated EV charger circuit -- apply via the County's standard 'Application for Permit to Build' process, the same intake used for other electrical work
- Total project valuation (labor and materials) for the EV charger circuit -- and any associated panel/service upgrade -- determines the fee tier under Table 2 of the County's Permit Fee Schedule
- If the installation requires a service upgrade or new panel to support charger load, that work is included in the same valuation-based Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing/Hot Tubs/Pools & Spas fee category, not billed separately
- No EV-charger-specific submittal checklist analogous to the County's Photovoltaic Guide was found published; applicants should use the standard electrical permit submittal process
- Commercial or multi-unit EV charging installations within Grand Junction city limits may additionally require City planning clearance depending on scope -- confirm with City of Grand Junction Community Development if the project is commercial-scale
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Permit to BuildMesa County Building Department standard application form; no separate EV-charger-specific form exists
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Hot Tubs, Pools & Spas Permit Fee (applies to EV charger circuit, up to $1,200 valuation) | $50.00 minimum | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 1A Fee #11 / Table 2 -- no distinct 'EV charger'/'EVSE' line item exists on the fee schedule; Show full citationHideMesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 1A Fee #11 / Table 2 -- no distinct 'EV charger'/'EVSE' line item exists on the fee schedule; confirmed by direct text search of the current adopted fee schedule PDF (Exhibit A, 2024 ADA-compliant version). This is the same fee category used for the electrical scope of this corpus's existing solar-pv-permit entry for Grand Junction. |
| Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Hot Tubs, Pools & Spas Permit Fee ($1,200.01 to $2,000 valuation) | $50.00 for the first $1,200.00 plus $2.20 for each additional $100.00 or fraction thereof | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 2 |
| Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Hot Tubs, Pools & Spas Permit Fee ($2,000.01 to $25,000 valuation, e.g. if bundled with a service/panel upgrade) | $68.00 for the first $2,000.00 plus $9.90 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 2 |
| Inspections or plan review for which no fee is specifically indicated | $50.00 per hour per person | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 1A, Fee #3 |
| Re-inspection Fee | $50.00 first re-inspection; $100.00 for additional re-inspection on the same violation | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 1A, Fee #4 |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition of any building or structure within Grand Junction, issued by the Mesa County Building Department at a flat $50 fee. Distinct from the 'Move on Houses' permit for relocating structures.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Demolition permit required before demolishing a building or structure
- Fee is a flat $50.00 per the Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, distinct from valuation-based permit fees
- A separate 'Move on Houses Permit Fee' (Table 2 valuation-based) applies if a structure is being relocated rather than demolished
- No published bond requirement was found on the Mesa County Building Department's public pages for demolition (in contrast to some other jurisdictions that require a site-cleanup bond); applicants should confirm directly with the Building Department (970-244-1631) whether a bond, utility-disconnect verification, or asbestos-abatement documentation is required for a specific project, since these details were not found published on the Building Department's site during this review
- Contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) regarding asbestos/NESHAP notification requirements before demolition (standard statewide requirement, not confirmed as republished on Mesa County's Building Department site)
Required documents
- RequiredDemolition Permit ApplicationMesa County Building Department application (submitted per the Application for Permit to Build process, per department contact)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition Permit | $50.00 flat fee | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 1A, Fee #8 |
| Move on Houses Permit Fee | Valuation-based per Table 2 Permit Fee Schedule | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 1A, Fee #9 (for relocating a structure, not demolishing it) |
Fence and Retaining Wall Permit
VerifiedFences and retaining walls in Grand Junction are regulated by height under Mesa County's building-permit exemption thresholds; taller fences and retaining walls require a Mesa County building permit, and City of Grand Junction zoning setbacks separately apply.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Fences under 7 feet tall from grade do NOT require a building permit (per Mesa County's 'No Permits Required' notice, 2018 code-cycle basis)
- Fences 7 feet tall or taller DO require a Mesa County Building Department permit
- Retaining walls under 4 feet tall do NOT require a building permit
- Retaining walls 4 feet tall or taller DO require a Mesa County Building Department permit
- City of Grand Junction zoning setbacks apply to fences and walls regardless of building-permit status — check the City's residential zoning district setback reference (bit.ly/GJResidentialSetbacks, as cited in the City's ADU Worksheets document) or contact City Community Development for the specific zoning district
Required documents
- OptionalApplication for Permit to BuildMesa County Building Department application form, required only for fences 7 ft+ or retaining walls 4 ft+
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fence/Retaining Wall Permit Fee — valuation-based | $50.00 minimum (up to $1,200 valuation), scaling per Table 2 Permit Fee Schedule | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Table 2; applies only to fences 7 ft+ tall or retaining walls 4 ft+ tall |
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit
VerifiedAccessory Dwelling Units in Grand Junction require a City of Grand Junction Planning Clearance (zoning review) in addition to the Mesa County building permit. The City's ADU Production Program (Ordinance No. 5136, adopted March 2023) also offers optional financial incentives for ADUs kept as long-term rentals.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- ADU must be subordinate in design to the principal structure (smaller than the primary dwelling)
- ADU must use the side setbacks of the principal structure; on corner lots, an ADU may use the principal structure's setbacks where the property abuts a roadway
- ADU must meet all requirements of building and fire codes (2024 IRC/IBC as adopted by Mesa County)
- ADU habitable space must not exceed 900 square feet
- ADU must not be located in front of the principal structure
- A City of Grand Junction Planning Clearance Application is required (fee adjusted annually) before the Mesa County building permit can be issued
- A site sketch drawn to scale and with dimensions is required, showing property lines, setbacks, easements, utility connections (water/sewer/electric/gas — including how utilities connect to both the principal structure and the ADU), drainage patterns, and an acceptance block signed by the City Development Engineer and City Planner
- Floor plan(s) and building elevations showing all four sides (north, south, east, west) are required
- Storm water runoff cannot flow onto neighboring property; all drainage must be directed to adjacent public rights-of-way or established drainage areas, and must be shown on the site sketch
- Sediment cannot be released from the ADU construction site and mud must be kept off streets, per City ordinance
- A Floodplain Elevation Certificate (FEC) is required if the site is located within a floodplain — contact City of Grand Junction Community Development for floodplain determination
Required documents
- RequiredCity of Grand Junction Planning Clearance ApplicationRequired before Mesa County will issue the ADU building permit; fee adjusted annually; can be submitted at the Community Development counter (250 N. 5th St., Grand Junction), online, or via QR code
- RequiredADU Site SketchScaled, dimensioned drawing showing property lines, setbacks, easements, utilities, drainage patterns, and the City's Acceptance Block
- RequiredFloor Plan(s) and Building ElevationsAll four building elevations (N/S/E/W) required as part of the ADU submittal
- RequiredMesa County Application for Permit to BuildBuilding permit application submitted to Mesa County Building Department after City Planning Clearance is obtained
- OptionalADU Production Program (APP) ApplicationOptional application for City incentives (impact/water/sewer fee coverage, and up to $15,000 direct incentive under Tier 2); requires an existing Planning Clearance number before submittal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City Planning Clearance Application Fee | Adjusted annually (specific current dollar amount not published on the ADU Worksheets document; confirm with City of Grand Junction Community Development) | City of Grand Junction ADU Worksheets (General ADU Requirements), Submittal Materials section |
| Mesa County Building Permit Fee — R-3 valuation-based | $50.00 minimum (up to $1,200 valuation), scaling per Table 2 Permit Fee Schedule using Table 3A R-3 square-foot construction costs | Mesa County Building Department Fee Schedule, Tables 2 and 3A |
| ADU Production Program (APP) Tier 1 Incentive | City impact fees and City water/sewer fees paid by the City (open to all ADU developers who commit to 5 years of long-term rental use) | City of Grand Junction Ordinance No. 5136 (ADU Production Program) |
| ADU Production Program (APP) Tier 2 Incentive | City impact/water/sewer fees paid by the City, plus a direct financial incentive, up to $15,000 total combined (for owner-occupants with household income below 140% AMI who commit to 7 years of long-term rental use and owner residency) | City of Grand Junction Ordinance No. 5136 (ADU Production Program) |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-03.
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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 Grand Junction building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.