Cortez building inspections
Inspection sequence, scheduling, and re-inspection fees for building permits in Cortez, Colorado.
Reviewed 2026-07-06 · Source
How to schedule
Inspections are requested through the building department below.
- Address
- 123 Roger Smith Avenue, Cortez, CO 81321
- Phone
- 970-565-3402
- Office hours
- Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Permit Tech/Deputy City Clerk (Cheryl Lindquist): 970-564-4016. Fire Inspector/Building Inspector (Sean Canada): 970-564-4009. 24-hour inspection scheduling line: 970-564-4071 (checked daily at 8:00 a.m.; inspections performed 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, excluding holidays). Fax: 970-565-8172.
- Website
- Official site
Published scheduling rules
- Schedule inspections through the 24-hour line (970-564-4071), checked daily at 8:00 a.m.; inspections are only performed 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, so a same-week inspection request near a Thursday deadline should be called in as early as possible. (Residential Building Permit (New Construction))
- Inspections are scheduled via a 24-hour line (970-564-4071, checked daily at 8:00 a.m.) but only performed Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. — plan around the compressed Friday-off inspection week (City Hall itself is also only open until noon on Fridays). (General)
Inspection sequence
Applies to: Commercial Building Permit (New Construction, Remodel, Addition & Tenant Improvement)
- 1
Foundation
Footings/foundation before concrete pour, per 32-inch minimum frost depth; a Foundation Only Permit ($100) is available as a separate line on the fee schedule
- 2
Rough Framing
Structural framing complete before cover
- 3
Rough Plumbing / Rough Mechanical
City-inspected trade rough-ins before concealment; electrical rough-in is inspected separately by the State of Colorado (DORA), not the City
- 4
Final Inspection / Certificate of Occupancy
All City-permitted work complete per approved plans; scheduled via the 24-hour inspection line (970-564-4071), performed Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy is available for $300. After occupancy, commercial buildings are subject to the Building Division's annual fire inspections
Applies to: Residential Addition / Remodel Permit
- 1
Foundation (if new footings)
Before concrete pour, per 32-inch minimum frost depth
- 2
Rough Framing
Framing tied into existing structure, complete before cover
- 3
Rough Plumbing / Rough Mechanical
Trade rough-ins before concealment; electrical rough-in inspected separately by the State of Colorado (DORA)
- 4
Final Inspection
All City-permitted work complete per approved plans
Applies to: Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
- 1
Foundation
Before concrete pour, per 32-inch minimum frost depth
- 2
Rough Framing
Framing complete before cover
- 3
Rough Plumbing / Rough Mechanical
Trade rough-ins inspected by the City before concealment; electrical rough-in is inspected separately by the State of Colorado (DORA), not the City
- 4
Final Inspection
All City-permitted work complete per approved plans and applicable codes; scheduled via the 24-hour inspection line (970-564-4071)
Applies to: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit
- 1
Foundation (if new construction)
Before concrete pour, per 32-inch minimum frost depth
- 2
Rough Framing / Rough Plumbing / Rough Mechanical
Trade rough-ins before concealment; electrical rough-in inspected separately by the State of Colorado (DORA)
- 3
Final Inspection
All City-permitted work complete per approved plans and Conditional Use Permit conditions
Applies to: Fire Sprinkler / Fire Alarm System Permit
- 1
Rough-In Inspection
Piping, wiring, and device placement inspected before concealment, as part of the governing building/commercial permit's inspection sequence, performed by the City's own Fire Inspector
- 2
Final Inspection
System operational and code-compliant, verified by the City's Fire Inspector before the associated building permit closes
- 3
Annual Inspection
Ongoing post-occupancy annual fire-sprinkler/fire-alarm inspection required to verify proper system maintenance, per the City's Fire Inspection Process page; may also be required by the property's insurance carrier
Applies to: Mechanical / HVAC Permit
- 1
Rough Mechanical
Ductwork, flues, and equipment placement before concealment
- 2
Final Inspection
Equipment operational, combustion air and venting verified
Applies to: Plumbing Permit
- 1
Rough Plumbing
Pipe, drain, waste, and vent installation before concealment; scheduled via the 24-hour inspection line
- 2
Final Inspection
Fixtures connected, no leaks, proper venting verified
Applies to: Solar PV Permit (Split City/State Jurisdiction)
- 1
City Building Inspection (Structural/Racking)
City of Cortez inspects the structural/racking portion of the installation
- 2
State Electrical Inspection
Colorado State Electrical Board inspects the interconnection/electrical work, since this is not handled by the City
Re-inspection fees
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.
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