You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-08-13.
Cortez building permits
Cortez, Colorado — as published 2026-08-13.
Reviewed 2026-07-06 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for construction of new single-family and other residential structures within Cortez city limits, per the Building Permit Application's project-type checklist ('New Residential'). Reviewed under the 2015 IBC/IRC (with the local exception of IRC Section R313, fire sprinklers, not adopted) and Cortez's own structural design criteria. Issued and inspected by the City of Cortez Division of Planning & Building; electrical work is separately permitted and inspected by the State of Colorado (DORA), not the City.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plans must comply with the 2015 IBC/IRC as locally adopted (IRC Section R313, residential fire sprinklers, is explicitly NOT adopted in Cortez)
- Must meet Cortez's Structural Design Criteria: 30 psf non-reducible ground snow load, Wind Design 115/51, 32-inch minimum frost depth, Seismic Design Category B, 7-degree F winter design temperature, Moderate/Heavy termite infestation probability, Air Freezing Index 1500, Severe weathering exposure, and required ice barrier underlayment
- Application must declare a construction value for all applications (required field on the Building Permit Application)
- All applications must be submitted digitally with 2 sets of copies of construction documents
- A Site Plan is required (drawn to scale; not necessarily by a surveyor/engineer) along with floor plans; elevations, cross sections, foundation plan, framing plan, and utility plan (with domestic water meter size) may be required for new builds
- Public improvements (sidewalk, curb, gutter, streetscape) may be required as a condition of the permit
- Electrical work on the project is separately permitted and inspected by the State of Colorado (DORA, 800-886-7675), not included in this City building permit
- If plumbing or electrical work is performed and the property is intended for resale, rental, or is a commercial structure, Colorado law requires a licensed plumber and/or electrician
Required documents
- RequiredCity of Cortez Building Permit ApplicationSubmitted in person or by mail to Planning & Building, Cortez City Hall, 123 Roger Smith Avenue; PDF and online versions available
- RequiredSite PlanDrawn to scale (surveyor/engineer not always required); shows lot dimensions and structure placement
- RequiredFloor Plans, Elevations, Foundation Plan, Framing Plan, Utility PlanFull construction document set; specific components may vary by project scope per the Building Permit Application's attachments section
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | $75.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Planning and Building section |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $501.00 to $2,000.00 | $75.00 for the first $500.00 plus $4.00 for each additional $100.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $2,000.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Building Permit Fees table |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $2,001.00 to $25,000.00 | $135.00 for the first $2,000.00 plus $13.75 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Building Permit Fees table |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $25,001.00 to $50,000.00 | $451.25 for the first $25,000.00 plus $10.50 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $50,000.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Building Permit Fees table |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $51,000.00 to $100,000.00 | $713.75 for the first $50,000.00 plus $7.25 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $100,000.00 | The fee schedule's own tier boundary reads '$51,000.00' rather than '$50,001.00' — transcribed exactly as published; treat the $50,000-$51,000 gap as a schedule quirk to confirm with the Building Division rather than a transcription choice made here |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $100,001.00 to $500,000.00 | $1,076.25 for the first $100,000.00 plus $6.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $500,000.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Building Permit Fees (Continued) table; the schedule prints this figure as '$1076.25', without the thousands separator |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $500,001.00 to $1,000,000.00 | $3,476.25 for the first $500,000.00 plus $5.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $1,000,000.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Building Permit Fees (Continued) table |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1,000,001.00 and up | $5,976.25 for the first $1,000,000.00 plus $4.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Building Permit Fees (Continued) table |
| Use Tax | Charged per City Council Ordinance No. 1054, Series 2005 (8/9/2005) | The 2026 Fee Schedule references this ordinance for Use Tax but does not itemize a specific percentage rate on the Planning & Building fee page itself; confirm the current rate with the Building Division before quoting a total project cost |
Residential Addition / Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired for additions, remodels, and structural alterations to existing residential structures in Cortez, per the Building Permit Application's project-type checklist ('Residential Remodel' / 'Residential Addition'). Normal repairs and non-structural cabinet/window/door replacement that do not alter plumbing or mechanical elements are exempt.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for residential remodels/additions involving structural alterations or changes to plumbing/mechanical elements
- 'Normal house repairs and replacement of cabinetry, windows, doors, and other items that do not require structural alterations and does not alter plumbing or mechanical elements' are explicitly EXEMPT, per the Planning & Building FAQ
- Application must state existing square footage, square footage to be added, and existing square footage to be remodeled
- Application must indicate whether the structure is listed as historic (triggers separate historic-structure review considerations)
- Site Plan required (not required specifically for re-roofs, repairs, or siding, per the Building Permit Application)
Required documents
- RequiredCity of Cortez Building Permit ApplicationCheck 'Residential Remodel' and/or 'Residential Addition' in the Project Type section; state existing/added square footage
- RequiredSite Plan and Construction DrawingsScope-appropriate plans showing existing and proposed conditions
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (same valuation-based schedule as new construction) | $75.00 minimum, scaling per the January 2026 Fee Schedule valuation tiers | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026 |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation, alteration, or repair of plumbing systems, water/sewer/gas lines, and related fixtures in Cortez. Governed by the 2009 International Plumbing Code (IPC) as locally adopted. Plumbing inspections for new construction are included in the initial building permit; standalone plumbing work is billed per a detailed unit-fee schedule.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for replacement of sewer, gas, or water lines and most plumbing alterations/extensions, per the Planning & Building FAQ
- Governed by the 2009 IPC as adopted, with local amendments linked from the Building Codes & Design Standards page
- Plumbing inspections are included in the initial building permit fee for new construction (no separate plumbing inspection fee in that case) — 2026 Fee Schedule note
- A licensed plumber is required by Colorado state law if the property is intended for resale, rental, or is a commercial structure; homeowners may self-perform on an owner-occupied home
Required documents
- RequiredCity of Cortez Building Permit ApplicationPlumbing work not part of new construction is applied for via the standard Building Permit Application process
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Each Issuing Permit | $35.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Plumbing Permit Fees section |
| Supplemental Permit | $10.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Plumbing Permit Fees table |
| Each plumbing fixture, trap, or set of fixtures on one trap (incl. water, drainage piping, backflow protection) | $15.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Plumbing Permit Fees table |
| Each Building/Trailer Park Sewer | $25.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Plumbing Permit Fees table |
| Rainwater Systems (inside building), per drain | $10.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Plumbing Permit Fees table |
| Each Private Sewer Disposal System | $50.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Plumbing Permit Fees table |
| Each Water Heater and/or Vent | $20.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Plumbing Permit Fees table |
| Each Gas Piping System, 1-4 Outlets | $15.00 | Each additional outlet: $3.00 |
| Each Industrial Waste Interceptor (incl. trap and vent, excepting kitchen-type grease interceptors) | $15.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Plumbing Permit Fees table |
| Installation, Alteration, or Repair of Water Piping and/or Water Treating Equipment | $15.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Plumbing Permit Fees table |
| Each Lawn Sprinkler System on any one meter, including backflow protection | $10.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Plumbing Permit Fees table |
| Vacuum breakers or backflow protective devices, 1 to 4 | $5.00 | Each additional: $1.00 |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation, replacement, alteration, or repair of mechanical systems (furnaces, boilers, air handlers, evaporative coolers, ventilation, and related equipment) in Cortez. Governed by the 2009 International Mechanical Code (IMC) as locally adopted. Mechanical inspections for new construction are included in the initial building permit; standalone mechanical work is billed per a detailed unit-fee schedule.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for addition, replacement, or repair of mechanical systems, per the Planning & Building FAQ's permit-required list
- Governed by the 2009 IMC as adopted
- Mechanical inspections are included in the initial building permit fee for new construction
- Commercial mechanical permits/fees are based on job cost per the Building Permit Fees chart rather than the residential unit-fee schedule, per the 2026 Fee Schedule
Required documents
- RequiredCity of Cortez Building Permit ApplicationMechanical work not part of new construction is applied for via the standard Building Permit Application process
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Permit Issuing Fee | $30.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Mechanical Permit Fees section; Each Supplemental Permit: $10.00 |
| Installation or relocation of furnace up to and including 100,000 Btu/h (29.3kW) | $15.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Mechanical Permit Fees table, Unit Fee Schedule, Furnaces group |
| Installation or relocation of furnace over 100,000 Btu/h (29.3kW), including vent | $15.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Mechanical Permit Fees table, Unit Fee Schedule, Furnaces group |
| Relocation of floor furnace / installation or relocation of suspended, recessed, or floor-mounted heater | $15.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Mechanical Permit Fees table, Unit Fee Schedule, Furnaces group |
| Installation, relocation, or replacement of each appliance vent not included in appliance permit | $5.00 each | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Mechanical Permit Fees table, Appliance Vents group |
| Repair, alteration, or addition to each heating/cooling/absorption unit or system (incl. controls) | $7.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Mechanical Permit Fees table, Repairs or Additions group |
| Installation or relocation of boiler, each | $15.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Mechanical Permit Fees table, Boilers, Compressors, Absorption Systems group |
| Each Air Handling Unit up to 10,000 cfm (4720 L/s), including ducts attached to evaporative coolers | $10.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Mechanical Permit Fees table, Air Handlers group |
| Each Evaporative Cooler (other than portable types) | $10.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Mechanical Permit Fees table, Air Handlers group |
| Each Ventilation Fan connected to a single duct | $5.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Mechanical Permit Fees table, Ventilation and Exhaust group |
| Each Ventilation system not part of a heating/AC system authorized by a permit | $10.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Mechanical Permit Fees table, Ventilation and Exhaust group |
| Installation of each hood served by mechanical exhaust, including ducts for hood incinerator | $10.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Mechanical Permit Fees table, Ventilation and Exhaust group |
| Installation/relocation of each domestic-type incinerator | $10.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Mechanical Permit Fees table, Ventilation and Exhaust group |
| Installation/relocation of each commercial or industrial-type incinerator | $20.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Mechanical Permit Fees table, Ventilation and Exhaust group |
| Miscellaneous equipment regulated by the Mechanical Code, not otherwise classed | $10.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Mechanical Permit Fees table, Miscellaneous group |
Roofing Permit (Re-Roof)
VerifiedRequired for re-roofing work on structures within Cortez city limits. Uses a flat, size-tiered fee rather than a valuation-based calculation. Governed by the 2015 IBC/IRC roofing provisions as locally adopted, including Cortez's required ice barrier underlayment design standard.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for re-roofing, per the Planning & Building FAQ's permit-required list
- Ice Barrier Underlayment is a required local design standard, per the Building Codes & Design Standards page
- A Site Plan is explicitly NOT required for re-roof applications, per the Building Permit Application form
Required documents
- RequiredCity of Cortez Building Permit ApplicationCheck 'Re-Roof' in the Project Type section; state total square footage of the re-roof
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Permit Fee — up to 5,000 sq ft | $150.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Building Permit Fees section |
| Roof Permit Fee — over 5,000 sq ft | $150.00 plus $0.05 per square foot | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Building Permit Fees (Continued) table, Roof Permit Fee line |
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit
VerifiedGoverned by Cortez's own Land Use Code, which (per the City's own, dated June 2022 ADU information notice) restricts ADUs to the R1 and RE zoning districts by Conditional Use Permit only, with owner-occupancy and parking requirements. Cortez does not appear to be a 'Subject Jurisdiction' under Colorado's 2024 ADU legislation (HB24-1152), which would otherwise have required an administrative (non-hearing) approval process without owner-occupancy or parking conditions by June 30, 2025 — but this record could not confirm the City has formally reaffirmed its ADU ordinance post-HB24-1152, so treat the underlying zoning rule as the best-available but not freshly-reconfirmed figure.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- ADUs allowed ONLY in the R1 and RE zoning districts, per the City's ADU Information notice
- Permitted ONLY by Conditional Use Permit (a public-hearing process), not administratively
- Lot must be 20% larger than the zoning district's required minimum lot size
- ADU cannot increase existing living space by more than 20%
- Property owner must live in the single-family home on the lot
- 2 additional off-street parking spaces must be provided for the ADU
- Colorado HB24-1152 (effective for 'Subject Jurisdictions' as of June 30, 2025) would otherwise require an administrative approval process without owner-occupancy or parking conditions, but Cortez (population ~8,700, no Metropolitan Planning Organization covering Montezuma County) does not appear to meet the statute's population+MPO 'Subject Jurisdiction' test — this is an inference from the statutory test, not a City confirmation, so verify current ADU zoning status directly with Planning & Building before relying on it
Required documents
- RequiredConditional Use Permit ApplicationRequired public-hearing process per current Cortez Land Use Code ADU rules; fee listed separately under the Conditional Use Permit line item ($500.00) in the 2026 Fee Schedule
- RequiredCity of Cortez Building Permit ApplicationCheck 'Accessory Dwelling' in the Project Type section; state total square footage to be added, primary structure square footage, and whether the accessory will be living space
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conditional Use Permit | $500.00 | City of Cortez 2026 Fee Schedule, Planning and Building section; if applying concurrently with a site plan review, the full site-plan-review fee applies plus half the conditional-use-permit fee |
| Building Permit Fee (same valuation-based schedule as new construction) | $75.00 minimum, scaling per the January 2026 Fee Schedule valuation tiers | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Building Permit Fees table; $75.00 is the lowest tier, for total valuation $1.00 to $500.00 |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition of any structure in Cortez, per the Planning & Building FAQ. The lot must be graded smooth after demolition is complete. Priced as a flat fee on the City's 2026 Fee Schedule.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for demolition of any structure, per the Planning & Building FAQ ('Does the city require demolition permits? Yes, required for any structure demolition')
- Lot must be graded smooth after demolition
- Application must state whether the structure being demolished is listed as historic, and total square footage to be demolished, per the Building Permit Application
Required documents
- RequiredCity of Cortez Building Permit ApplicationCheck 'Demolition' in the Project Type section; state historic status and total square footage to be demolished
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition Permit | $100.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Building Permit Fees section |
Fence Permit
VerifiedRequired for construction of new fences in Cortez, per the Planning & Building FAQ ('new fences, sheds, carports, garages, additions, etc.'). Priced as a flat fee on the City's 2026 Fee Schedule; no separate retaining-wall-specific fee line was found on the fee schedule or FAQ.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for new fences, per the Planning & Building FAQ's permit-required list ('There are some exceptions' noted but not itemized on the FAQ page)
- Application must state fence height in feet, per the Building Permit Application form
- No standalone retaining-wall permit fee or requirement appears on the City's Fee Schedule, Building Permits & Applications page, or FAQ — retaining walls are genuinely unresolved and should not be assumed to follow the fence fee; confirm with the Building Department before you bid the work
Required documents
- RequiredCity of Cortez Building Permit ApplicationCheck 'Fence' in the Project Type section; state fence height
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fence Permit Fee | $100.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Building Permit Fees section |
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permit (State-Issued Electrical Permit)
VerifiedInstalling an EV charger/EVSE in Cortez is electrical work, and the City of Cortez does NOT issue or inspect electrical permits of any kind -- per the City's Building Inspections page and Permits & Licenses page, ALL electrical permits and inspections within Cortez are handled by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), the same split-jurisdiction mechanism already documented in the residential-building-permit and solar-pv-permit entries. No City of Cortez EV-charger permit application, fee line, or webpage exists -- checked the Building Permits & Applications, Building Codes and Design Standards, and Planning & Building FAQ pages directly; none name electric vehicle charging stations, EV chargers, or EVSE. If the charger is mounted to or requires a new structure (e.g., a new carport canopy), that structural portion would separately require a City of Cortez Building Permit.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- No City of Cortez EV-charger-specific permit application exists; the electrical circuit/installation work is permitted directly through DORA (800-886-7675), the same state electrical permitting process documented for all other electrical work in Cortez
- If the charger installation includes new structural work (e.g., a carport or canopy to mount/shelter the charger), a separate City of Cortez Building Permit Application (standard valuation-based Article/Fee Schedule) is required for that portion
- Governed by the 2017 NEC as referenced by the City's Building Codes & Design Standards page for state electrical inspections in Cortez
- A licensed electrical contractor is generally required for the installation under Colorado state law; homeowners may self-perform on an owner-occupied home
Required documents
- RequiredColorado DORA Electrical Permit (State Electrical Board)Obtained directly through the state, not the City of Cortez, for the charger's circuit/installation work
- OptionalCity of Cortez Building Permit ApplicationRequired only if the charger installation involves new structural work (e.g., a carport/canopy) needing its own City permit
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Electrical Permit Fee | Fee schedule is set and published by the State of Colorado (DORA), not the City of Cortez -- consistent with the other state-administered electrical work. Show full citationHideFee schedule is set and published by the State of Colorado (DORA), not the City of Cortez -- consistent with the other state-administered electrical work. No EV-charger-specific fee line was found published by DORA or the City. Contact DORA at 800-886-7675 for current state fee figures. | |
| City of Cortez Building Permit Fee (only if new structural work is involved) | $75.00 minimum, scaling per the January 2026 Fee Schedule valuation tiers | Applies only to any structural/canopy portion of the project requiring its own City building permit -- not the charger's electrical circuit itself |
Solar PV Permit (Split City/State Jurisdiction)
VerifiedRequired for installation of rooftop or ground-mounted solar photovoltaic systems in Cortez. The City of Cortez Building Division itself confirms it 'permits and inspects for all phases of the project except for electrical' — a licensed electrical contractor must separately obtain a Colorado State Electrical Board (DORA) Solar/Alternative Energy Permit and perform all electrical hook-ups, since Cortez does not locally administer electrical permitting. The structural/racking portion is billed on the City's standard valuation-based Building Permit fee table; the aggregate of all governmental fees for the installation (City + state) is capped under Colorado's Fair Permit Act (C.R.S. 24-48.5-113, HB21-1284) at $500 residential / $1,000 commercial. Cortez is also listed as a participating jurisdiction on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's SolarAPP+ platform.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Obtain a City of Cortez Building Permit for the structural/racking portion of the installation (roof-mount attachment or ground-mount foundation)
- A licensed electrical contractor must separately obtain a Colorado State Electrical Board (DORA) Solar/Alternative Energy electrical permit for the interconnection and hook-up work — the City of Cortez does not issue or inspect electrical permits
- Colorado State Electrical (Photovoltaic) permits are valid for one year from the date of issuance
- Under C.R.S. 24-48.5-113 (HB21-1284), the aggregate of ALL governmental fees (City building permit plus state electrical permit) for the installation is capped at $500 for a residential system and $1,000 for a commercial/nonresidential system under 2 MW DC
- Cortez appears on the gosolarapp.org list of participating SolarAPP+ jurisdictions in Colorado, which may allow automated plan review for the electrical portion of qualifying residential systems — confirm current SolarAPP+ status directly with the City and DORA before applying
Required documents
- RequiredCity of Cortez Building Permit ApplicationFor the structural/racking portion; available via the Form Center on cortezco.gov
- RequiredColorado State Electrical Board Solar/Alternative Energy Permit ApplicationDORA statewide application for photovoltaic/alternative energy systems; must be obtained by a licensed electrical contractor since Cortez does not locally administer electrical permitting
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City Building Permit Fee — Total Valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | $75.00 | City of Cortez Fee Schedule 2026, Planning and Building section, Building Permit Fees table (valuation-tabulated); no distinct solar line item exists, so a solar installation's structural/racking valuation is billed on this general table |
| City Building Permit Fee — Total Valuation $501.00 to $2,000.00 | $75.00 for the first $500.00 plus $4.00 for each additional $100.00 or fraction thereof | City of Cortez Fee Schedule 2026, Building Permit Fees table |
| City Building Permit Fee — Total Valuation $2,001.00 to $25,000.00 | $135.00 for the first $2,000.00 plus $13.75 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | City of Cortez Fee Schedule 2026, Building Permit Fees table |
| Statutory aggregate cap on ALL City + state fees for the installation | $500.00 maximum, residential; $1,000.00 maximum, commercial (systems under 2 MW DC) | Colorado Fair Permit Act, C.R.S. 24-48.5-113, enacted by HB21-1284; repeal date extended to December 31, 2029. This caps the combined City building-permit fee and state electrical-permit fee, overriding the Table valuation calculation above if it would otherwise exceed the cap. |
| State Electrical Board (DORA) Solar/Alternative Energy Permit fee | A distinct DORA 'Solar Permit Application' process for Alternative Energy Systems exists (photovoltaic permits valid for one year, issued by the State Electrical Board), but no… Show full citationHideA distinct DORA 'Solar Permit Application' process for Alternative Energy Systems exists (photovoltaic permits valid for one year, issued by the State Electrical Board), but no independently-verifiable current dollar figure for this specific state fee line is available from dpo.colorado.gov or dora.colorado.gov. Contact DORA's State Electrical Board at (303) 894-7800 for the current amount. |
Commercial Building Permit (New Construction, Remodel, Addition & Tenant Improvement)
VerifiedRequired for new commercial construction, commercial remodels, commercial additions, and changes of occupancy within Cortez city limits, applied for on the City's single Building Permit Application via its 'New Commercial', 'Commercial Remodel', 'Commercial Addition', and 'Change of Occupancy' project-type checkboxes. All commercial projects must be prepared by a Colorado licensed design professional, and the plan package must include civil, architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and energy efficiency plans, per the City's Building Permits & Applications page. Reviewed under the 2015 IBC (2009 IMC/IPC/IFGC/IEBC/IECC/IFC, ANSI A117.1-2003 accessibility) and Cortez's local structural design criteria. Issued and inspected by the City of Cortez Division of Planning & Building — the only building department in Montezuma County; electrical work is separately permitted and inspected by the State of Colorado (DORA), not the City. Tenant improvements are NOT a separate permit type in Cortez — they are permitted as a Commercial Remodel (plus the Change of Occupancy checkbox where the use changes) under this same process and fee table.
Verified 2026-08-02 · Source
Requirements
- All commercial projects must be prepared by a Colorado licensed design professional, per the City's Building Permits & Applications page
- Plan package must include civil, architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and energy efficiency plans; the City publishes separate plan-review requirement guides for Building, Accessibility, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, and Electrical components
- Reviewed under the 2015 IBC as locally adopted, with 2009-edition IMC/IPC/IFGC/IEBC/IECC/IFC and ANSI A117.1-2003 accessibility standard — an older code cycle than many peer Colorado jurisdictions
- Must meet Cortez's Structural Design Criteria: 30 psf non-reducible ground snow load, Wind Design 115/51, 32-inch minimum frost depth, Seismic Design Category B, Severe weathering exposure, required ice barrier underlayment
- A Declared Construction Value is required for all applications (required field on the Building Permit Application); the permit fee is tabulated from total valuation
- All applications must be submitted digitally with 2 sets of copies of construction documents
- Site Plan (drawn to scale) and floor plans required; Landscape Plan, Grading and Drainage Plan, and Off-street Parking Plan may also be required (the application form exempts only single-family residential from the Landscape Plan)
- Some project types require Planning Department review prior to issuing a Building Permit, per the application form; larger developments can use the City's Advisory Review Team (ART) meeting process
- Public improvements (sidewalk, curb, gutter, streetscape) may be required as a condition of the permit
- Electrical work is separately permitted and inspected by the State of Colorado (DORA, 800-886-7675) — the City building permit covers building, structural, mechanical, and plumbing only
- Colorado state law requires licensed plumbers and electricians on commercial structures — the owner-builder exemption applies only to owner-occupied homes
- Commercial buildings in Cortez are subject to annual fire inspections by the Building Division after occupancy, per the City's Building Division page
Required documents
- RequiredCity of Cortez Building Permit ApplicationCheck 'New Commercial', 'Commercial Remodel', 'Commercial Addition', and/or 'Change of Occupancy' in the Project Type section; declare construction value; submit digitally with 2 sets of construction documents
- RequiredComplete plan package prepared by a Colorado licensed design professionalCivil, architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and energy efficiency plans, per the Building Permits & Applications page's commercial requirements
- RequiredSite PlanDrawn to scale; required for all applications except re-roofs, repairs, or siding
- OptionalLandscape Plan, Grading and Drainage Plan, Off-street Parking PlanListed on the application's attachments checklist; Landscape Plan is exempted only for single-family residential, so commercial projects should budget for these site-development plans as applicable
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (valuation-based) | $75.00 for valuation $1-$500, scaling through tiers to $5,976.25 for the first $1,000,000.00 plus $4.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | City of Cortez Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Building Permit Fees table — same table for commercial and residential; full tier-by-tier breakdown is documented in the residential-building-permit entry and localAmendments |
| Plan Review Fee (commercial and multi-family 4+ units) | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | 2026 Fee Schedule: 'For commercial projects & multi family units (4 units & over) a Plan Review Fee may be charged at an additional rate of 65% of the Building permit Fee' — phrased as 'may be charged', so confirm applicability on a specific project |
| Foundation Only Permit Fee | $100.00 | 2026 Fee Schedule — allows early foundation start as a separate permit line |
| Temporary Certificate of Occupancy | $300.00 | 2026 Fee Schedule, Planning and Building section |
| Re-Inspection Fee | $50.00 | 2026 Fee Schedule |
| Stop Work Order / Work Conducted Without Permit | $250.00 | 2026 Fee Schedule |
| Use Tax | Charged per City Council Ordinance No. 1054, Series 2005 (8/9/2005) | The 2026 Fee Schedule references the ordinance but does not itemize a percentage rate on the Planning & Building fee page; confirm the current rate with the Building Division before quoting a total project cost |
| Professional Review Service Fees (third-party consultant review) | Actual cost plus five percent (5%) for administration | 2026 Fee Schedule — applies when the City engages third-party planning/engineering/legal review, a realistic possibility on larger commercial projects |
Sign Permit
VerifiedRequired to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter, paint, repaint, or change the use of any sign within Cortez city limits, per City of Cortez Land Use Code Section 5.06 (Signs) and Section 6.21 (Sign permits). Administered by the City's Zoning/Building Inspector within the Division of Planning & Building — the same office and address that handles all other Cortez permit types, unlike some peer Colorado jurisdictions where signage is a separate Planning/Zoning function. The one-time sign permit fee is billed on the same valuation-based Building Permit Fee schedule used for building permits generally, based on the declared value of the proposed signing.
Verified 2026-08-13 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter, paint, repaint, or change the use of any sign, per Land Use Code Sec. 5.06(f) and Sec. 6.21(a); repainting a sign exactly as it was originally permitted, for maintenance purposes, does NOT require a new permit
- Exempt sign types (Sec. 5.06(f)(1), referencing Sec. 2.02 Definitions): public, directional, occupant, memorial, bulletin, signs in display windows, professional, real estate, signs within buildings, political, and garage sale signs, plus wall signs with less than three (3) square feet of display area
- Permanent sign area: one (1) square foot of sign area per linear foot of street frontage of the lot (single sign capped at 200 sq ft; total sign area per use-by-right capped at 600 sq ft), per Sec. 5.06(c)(1)(d)
- Maximum height above grade: wall signs may not exceed the height of the building; ground and roof signs may not exceed 25 feet above grade, per Sec. 5.06(c)(1)(e)
- Illumination is capped at 25 watts per bulb (incandescent) or 118 watts per bulb (fluorescent), per Sec. 5.06(c)(1)(g); all permitted signs must comply with the National Electric Safety Code
- Ground signs are allowed only in the C (commercial) and CBD (central business) districts, per Sec. 5.06(c)(1)(h)
- Temporary signs (announcing a property sale/lease, public event, builder/tenant of a proposed building, or election campaign): max 32 sq ft, max 12 ft height, one per street frontage, no illumination/animation, and a hard 6-month time limit with up to four successive 6-month renewals at the same location — once the sign's stated purpose is fulfilled, the permit is void, per Sec. 5.06(c)(2)
- Billboards: max 128 sq ft display area, max 12 ft height x 16 ft width, base no more than 1 ft above adjoining street/highway grade, and must identify local goods/services/commodities available in the city; owners must apply annually before March 31 for a current-year permit, per Sec. 5.06(c)(3)
- Historic Sign designation: the City Council may designate up to nine (9) total signs within the CBD and C districts as exempt from nonconformance provisions, via an application supported by letters from at least 3 other business/property owners in the district and review by the Planning and Zoning Commission (or a council-appointed body) within 45 days, per Sec. 5.06(c)(4)
- One-time sign permit fee is calculated per the currently-adopted city construction codes Building Permit Fee schedule (the same valuation-based table used for building permits generally), per Sec. 6.21(a)(1); the Sign Permit Application itself asks the applicant to state 'the value of the proposed signing'
- FEE DISCREPANCY: Land Use Code Sec. 6.21(a)(2) itself states a $10.00 annual billboard permit fee, but the currently-published 2026 Fee Schedule lists $27.50 for a new billboard sign and $50.00 per billboard per year for annual renewal — the more recent, currently-adopted Fee Schedule (effective January 1, 2026) governs; the $10.00 figure in the codified Land Use Code text appears stale
- Application must include a scale drawing of the proposed sign (height, overall dimensions, colors, materials, proposed copy, illumination specifications, mounting method) and a scale site plan/building-facade outline showing the location, height, and dimensions of all existing and proposed signs on the site, per Sec. 6.21(b)
- Reviewed by the City's Zoning/Building Inspector, per the Sign Permit Application form; processed under the requirements of the City of Cortez Land Use Code
Required documents
- RequiredCity of Cortez Sign Permit ApplicationStates applicant/owner contact info, sign purpose (ID, location, temporary, sale, real estate, other), mounting type, dimensions, area, lot street frontage, declared value of the signing, permanent/temporary status, number of faces, mounting method, height above grade, materials, illumination type, and an inventory of existing signage already on the property
- RequiredScale Drawing of Proposed SignShows height, overall dimensions, colors, materials, proposed copy, illumination specifications, and mounting method; photographs with a written description covering these items may substitute
- RequiredScale Site Plan / Building Facade OutlineShows dimensions of the facade and site, and the location, height, and overall dimensions of all existing and proposed signs on the building and site
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sign Permit Fee (not billboards) | Per the adopted Building Permit Fee schedule (valuation-based), calculated from the declared value of the proposed signing | City of Cortez 2026 Fee Schedule, Planning and Building section, lists this line item as 'Sign Permit (not Billboards) — per adopted permit fee schedule' with no separate flat dollar figure; Show full citationHideCity of Cortez 2026 Fee Schedule, Planning and Building section, lists this line item as 'Sign Permit (not Billboards) — per adopted permit fee schedule' with no separate flat dollar figure; Land Use Code Sec. 6.21(a)(1) confirms the fee follows 'the currently adopted city construction codes permit fee schedule' |
| Billboard Permit — New Sign | $27.50 | City of Cortez 2026 Fee Schedule, Planning and Building section |
| Billboard Permit — Annual Renewal | $50.00 per billboard, per year | City of Cortez 2026 Fee Schedule; this is a materially higher figure than the $10.00 annual billboard fee still printed in the codified Land Use Code Sec. 6.21(a)(2) text — the Fee Schedule is the more recent, currently-adopted document and governs |
| Historical Sign Application Fee | $75.00 | City of Cortez 2026 Fee Schedule, Planning and Building section; applies to an application for City Council historic-sign designation under Land Use Code Sec. 5.06(c)(4) |
| Master Sign Plan | Per the adopted permit fee schedule | 2026 Fee Schedule states 'Master Sign Plan — Includes all types of signs — As per adopted permit fee schedule' with no separate flat figure published |
Fire Sprinkler / Fire Alarm System Permit
VerifiedFire sprinkler and fire alarm system plan review, permitting and inspection within Cortez city limits are handled directly by the City of Cortez's own Division of Planning & Building through its integrated Fire Inspector role (Sean Canada, Fire Inspector/Building Official; Kevin Martineau, Fire Inspector) — confirmed on the City's own Fire Division page, which states that inspections within city limits are performed by the City Fire Inspector. The separate Cortez Fire Protection District, a special district at 31 North Washington Street, 970-565-3157, handles inspections only in unincorporated Montezuma County outside city limits, and its own website publishes no fire-sprinkler or alarm permit or plan-review page — only Burn Permits, Wildland Division, Community Risk Reduction and Preparedness content. So apply to the City, not the District. No standalone City fire-sprinkler or alarm permit application, project-type checkbox or fee line exists; this work is filed through the standard City Building Permit Application process and reviewed under the City's adopted 2009 International Fire Code.
Verified 2026-08-13 · Source
Requirements
- Fire sprinkler and fire alarm system installations within Cortez city limits are reviewed and inspected by the City of Cortez's own Fire Inspector (part of the Division of Planning & Building), not the separate Cortez Fire Protection District — per the City's Fire Division / Fire Inspection Services page
- The Cortez Fire Protection District (970-565-3157), a special district distinct from the City of Cortez, administers Burn Permits, a Wildland Division, and Community Risk Reduction programming for unincorporated Montezuma County; its own website publishes no fire-sprinkler/alarm permit or plan-review process, and per the City's own page its inspection role is limited to areas outside city limits
- Governed by the City's adopted 2009 International Fire Code (IFC) — no separate NFPA 13 (sprinkler) or NFPA 72 (alarm) standard is itemized in the codesAdopted list beyond the general IFC adoption; checked the City's Adopted Codes and Building Codes & Design Standards pages directly for a more specific citation and found none
- The City's Building Permit Application project-type checklist (New Commercial, Commercial Remodel, Commercial Addition, New Residential, Residential Remodel/Addition, Manufactured Home, Fence, Accessory Dwelling, Accessory Structure, Deck, Re-Roof, Demolition, Change of Occupancy, plus an open 'Other' field) has NO dedicated Fire Sprinkler or Fire Alarm checkbox — checked the form directly; fire-suppression/alarm scope appears to be filed under the applicable commercial/residential project type or the 'Other' field rather than as its own category
- Annual fire-sprinkler and fire-alarm system inspections (post-installation, ongoing) are required to verify proper system maintenance, per the City's Fire Inspection Process page, which notes such inspections 'may also be required by your insurance carrier'
- Commercial buildings in Cortez are subject to annual fire inspections by the Building Division after occupancy (documented in the commercial-building-permit entry), which would include sprinkler/alarm system checks where such systems are installed
Required documents
- RequiredCity of Cortez Building Permit ApplicationFire suppression/alarm scope is filed under the applicable New Commercial, Commercial Remodel, or other project type (or the form's open 'Other' field), since no dedicated fire-sprinkler/alarm checkbox exists on the form
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Sprinkler / Fire Alarm Permit Fee | No standalone fire-sprinkler or fire-alarm permit fee line is published on the City's 2026 Fee Schedule, the Building Permits & Applications page, or the Cortez Fire Protection District's own site —… Show full citationHideNo standalone fire-sprinkler or fire-alarm permit fee line is published on the City's 2026 Fee Schedule, the Building Permits & Applications page, or the Cortez Fire Protection District's own site — checked all three directly. This scope most likely bills against the standard valuation-based Building Permit Fee table (or the itemized Mechanical/Plumbing unit-fee schedules for related piping/equipment components) as part of whatever project type it is filed under, but no City document confirms a fire-suppression-specific fee line. Genuinely unresolved; contact Planning & Building (970-565-3402) for a project-specific fee determination. |
Change of Occupancy / Change of Use Permit
VerifiedThe City of Cortez's own standard Building Permit Application includes 'Change of Occupancy' as an explicit Project Type checkbox in Section III, alongside New Commercial, Commercial Remodel, Demolition, and the other documented project types — unlike Cañon City, which has no standalone change-of-use application or checkbox at all. A change of occupancy is governed by the City's adopted 2009 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) Chapter 10, Change of Occupancy, and is processed on that same application, with the same Declared Construction Value requirement and the same valuation-based Building Permit Fee schedule, as any other Cortez building permit.
Verified 2026-08-13 · Source
Requirements
- 'Change of Occupancy' is an explicit checkbox in Section III (Project Type) of the City of Cortez Building Permit Application, alongside New Commercial, Commercial Remodel, Commercial Addition, and Demolition
- Governed by the City's adopted 2009 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), Chapter 10 (Change of Occupancy), per the codesAdopted list
- The Building Permit Application states 'Some project types may require Planning Department review prior to issuing a Building Permit' — a use/occupancy classification change is among the project types most likely to trigger this, since it implicates zoning as well as building code; the City does not itemize an explicit always/never rule for Change of Occupancy specifically, so confirm directly with Planning & Building (970-565-3402)
- Declared Construction Value is required on the application for all project types, including a pure change of occupancy with no accompanying construction scope — the form provides no exemption from this field for use-only changes
- If the new use is not permitted-by-right in the applicable zoning district, Cortez's Conditional Use Permit process ($500.00 fee, 2026 Fee Schedule) — the same process documented in the accessory-dwelling-unit entry — is the City's general mechanism for approving a use not allowed outright by zoning; no change-of-use-specific zoning citation beyond this general Conditional Use Permit pathway is asserted here.
- A real but dated example exists of the City processing a 'Change of Occupancy permit' (for a change of use to allow retail sales and cultivation) with a stated $66.00 fee, per January 27, 2015 City Council meeting minutes — this figure predates the current 2026 Fee Schedule by roughly a decade and should NOT be relied on for a current project; the governing fee today is the standard valuation-based Building Permit Fee table documented in the residential-building-permit and commercial-building-permit entries
Required documents
- RequiredCity of Cortez Building Permit ApplicationCheck 'Change of Occupancy' in the Project Type section; Declared Construction Value is required even for a pure use-change with no construction scope
- OptionalSite Plan and/or Floor PlansPer the application's standard attachments list; required for most applications (the form's stated exemptions — re-roofs, repairs, siding — would not typically apply to a pure change-of-use scope)
- OptionalConditional Use Permit ApplicationRequired only if the new use is not permitted-by-right in the applicable zoning district
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (same valuation-based schedule as new construction) | $75.00 minimum, scaling per the January 2026 Fee Schedule valuation tiers | Since 'Change of Occupancy' is filed via the standard Building Permit Application, no separate change-of-use-specific fee line exists on the 2026 Fee Schedule. Show full citationHideSince 'Change of Occupancy' is filed via the standard Building Permit Application, no separate change-of-use-specific fee line exists on the 2026 Fee Schedule. What a pure change-of-use application with a $0 declared construction value would be charged is genuinely unresolved — the form requires a declared value field but does not state a floor specific to a non-construction use change; confirm directly with Planning & Building |
| Conditional Use Permit (if the new use is not permitted-by-right) | $500.00 | City of Cortez 2026 Fee Schedule, Planning and Building section; if applying concurrently with a site plan review, the full site-plan-review fee applies plus half the conditional-use-permit fee |
Sources & verification
Key facts verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-06.
Fee schedules
Applications & forms
Codes & ordinances
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 Cortez building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.