You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-07.
Montrose building permits
VerifiedMontrose, Colorado — as published 2026-07-07.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Codes adopted
2018 International Building Code (IBC) — City of Montrose Building Services page, adopted per Section 4-1-1 of the City of Montrose Municipal Code2018 International Residential Code (IRC)2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)2018 International Uniform/Mechanical Code (IMC) (City page lists this as '2018 International Uniform/Mechanical Code')2018 International Uniform/Plumbing Code (IPC) (City page lists this as '2018 International Uniform/Plumbing Code')2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) — note: electrical permitting and inspection itself is performed by the State of Colorado Electrical Board (DORA), not the City, per the City's own Residential/Accessory/Commercial Construction and Solar Permit packetsDeletions, modifications, and exceptions to the above codes are codified in Section 4-1-3 of the City of Montrose Municipal Code; full building regulations are in Title IV (Chapter 1 - Building Regulations, Chapter 4-9 - Housing Code, Chapter 11-13 - Mobile Home/Travel Home/Tiny Home Regulations, Chapter 11-9 - Outdoor Lighting, Section 4-1-4 - Plumbers and Gasfitters Licenses, Section 4-1-11 - Supplemental Building/Structure/Fence Requirements), per the City of Montrose Municipal Code as indexed on the Building Services pageThe City references a forthcoming Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code page (linked from the Building Services page) but the Building Services page itself does not state an adoption/enforcement date for Montrose specifically in the content retrieved this session; not asserted as adopted here without that confirmation — see tipsAndGotchas
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family homes and other new residential construction within Montrose city limits, per the City's Residential Construction in the City of Montrose packet. Reviewed under the 2018 IRC/IBC as locally adopted (Section 4-1-1, City of Montrose Municipal Code). Issued by City of Montrose Building Services; electrical work is inspected separately by the State of Colorado Electrical Board, not the City.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- All documents submitted electronically in PDF format to buildingservices@ci.montrose.co.us; paper submittals are not accepted
- Construction documents must include: completed and signed building permit application; site-specific stamped engineered foundation plan (engineer must be registered in Colorado, plan must bear stamp and signature); floor framing; complete dimensioned floor plan; window and door schedule; roof framing (obtainable from truss company); cross section from bottom of footers through roof peak; minimum of two elevation views; plot plan showing lot dimensions and distances from property lines to structures
- Sewer-Water Connection Permit is generated by City staff; contact Building Department at 970-240-1407 to request water meter/E-1 pump installation (site must be ready, backflow preventer required)
- Stormwater permitting for disturbance over 1/2 acre (per the application form) or over 1 acre (per the CDPHE-based stormwater trigger) must be submitted directly to City Engineering (Steve Taylor, staylor@cityofmontrose.org, 970-240-1497) and to CDPHE via CEOS
- Construction may not begin until the Building Permit is issued; starting before issuance triggers an investigation fee (amount not published in a currently-retrievable City document)
- Written approval required from the building official before any changes are made to construction not shown on submitted plans
- Structures with a door opening greater than 6 feet wide are considered vehicle-capable and require a hard-surfaced driveway; one driveway per lot, minimum 12 feet wide
- Electrical work is inspected exclusively by the State of Colorado Electrical Board (DORA), not the City (phone: (855) 454-0065)
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Building Permit ApplicationCompleted, signed application emailed as PDF to buildingservices@ci.montrose.co.us
- RequiredSite-Specific Stamped Engineered Foundation PlanMust be stamped and signed by a Colorado-registered engineer
- RequiredFull Construction Drawing SetFloor framing, dimensioned floor plan, window/door schedule, roof framing, cross section, minimum two elevation views, plot plan
- OptionalStormwater Management Plan (SWMP) and CDPHE permit proofRequired only if the project disturbs land over the applicable acreage threshold; submitted to stormwater@ci.montrose.co.us and CDPHE's CEOS system
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (valuation-based) | Not resolved — the City's codified Sec. 3-1-1 Fee Schedule PDF (previously hosted at a 2025-effective DocumentCenter link) returns HTTP 404 as of this review, and no Wayback Machine snapshot of that URL exists (checked directly via the CDX API). The Municode-hosted Regulations Manual chapter containing this fee schedule is rendered client-side via JavaScript and did not yield fee-table text through a direct browser-header fetch in this session. | Genuinely unresolved after chasing: live City DocumentCenter link (404), Wayback CDX API (no snapshot), Municode Regulations Manual Chapter 3-1 (JS-rendered, no accessible API route found), and general web search (no alternate current fee-schedule document ID surfaced). Confirm directly with Building Services (970-252-4707) before quoting a fee. |
| Investigation Fee | Not published as a specific dollar figure in any City-hosted document retrieved this session | Imposed if construction commences before the building permit is issued, per the Residential Construction packet; amount not stated in the packet itself |
Residential Addition / Remodel / Accessory Structure Permit
VerifiedRequired for additions, remodels, and accessory-use structures (garages, sheds, and similar) on existing residential properties in Montrose, per the City's Accessory Use Structure Construction and Residential Construction packets. Reviewed under the 2018 IRC as locally adopted.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Site-Specific Stamped Engineered Foundation required for accessory structures 500 square feet and larger (engineer must be Colorado-registered, plan must bear stamp and wet signature)
- Construction documents: floor framing; complete dimensioned floor plan with window and door schedule; roof framing; cross section from bottom of footers through roof peak; two elevation views; plot plan showing lot dimensions and distances from property lines to structures
- Completed Application for Building Permit required in addition to the construction-document package
- Accessory buildings with a water closet are assessed unit charges for water and sewer; a Public-Works-certified contractor must install any E-1 pumps
- Structures with a door opening greater than 6 feet wide are considered vehicle-capable and require a hard-surfaced driveway; one driveway per lot, minimum 12 feet wide
- Call 811 or (800) 922-1987 for utility line locates before building over a natural gas service lateral
- Investigation fee imposed if construction commences before the permit is issued (amount not published)
Required documents
- RequiredResidential/Accessory Building Permit ApplicationCompleted, signed application emailed as PDF to buildingservices@ci.montrose.co.us
- OptionalSite-Specific Stamped Engineered Foundation PlanRequired for accessory structures 500 sq ft or larger
- RequiredPlot PlanLot dimensions and distances from property lines to all structures
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (valuation-based) | Not resolved — same genuinely-unpublished Sec. 3-1-1 fee schedule gap documented on the residential-building-permit entry; the City's Accessory Use Structure Construction packet does not itself state a fee amount | Checked the City's Building Services page, Licenses & Permits page, and the Accessory Structure application PDF directly; no fee figure published in any of them |
Plumbing / Gas Permit
VerifiedRequired for plumbing and gas-line installation, alteration, or repair in Montrose. Governed by the City's 2018 International Uniform/Plumbing Code (IPC) and 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) as locally adopted. Typically bundled into the Residential or Commercial Building Permit application (both forms include a 'Project Includes: Plumbing / Gas' checkbox); plumbing contractors must hold a City of Montrose plumbing license in addition to a State of Colorado plumber's license.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plumbing contractors must be licensed through City of Montrose Building Services per Municipal Code Section 4-1-4(B); license requires an application, proof of a valid Colorado state plumber's license, and payment of the annual license fee (set by City Council resolution; specific amount not located in a currently-live City document)
- Licenses expire December 31 each year and must be renewed annually; all contractor licensing is processed through Cloudpermit
- Plumbing permits will not be issued to anyone without an active current-year registration license; contractors must notify the City of status changes or cancellations
- City inspectors may perform contemporaneous review of plumbing licensure and licensee-to-apprentice ratios during job-site inspections, particularly for large commercial or multi-family projects
- Plumbing contractors are not required to be present for all inspections unless requested by a plumbing inspector
- Gas line work requires piping to be complete and air-tested to 20 psi for not less than two hours, tested through the gas meter yoke, before inspection
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (with Plumbing/Gas box checked)Plumbing and gas scope is captured on the same Residential or Commercial Building Permit Application form via a 'Project Includes: Plumbing / Gas' checkbox, rather than a standalone plumbing-only application form
- RequiredCity of Montrose Plumbing/Gasfitter LicenseRequired registration under Municipal Code Section 4-1-4(B), separate from the State of Colorado plumber's license, processed via Cloudpermit
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing/Gasfitter Annual License Fee | Set by City Council resolution and referred to in the City Regulations Manual; specific dollar amount not located in a currently-live City-hosted document this session | Checked the Building Services page directly; it names the fee's governing mechanism (Council resolution + Regulations Manual) but does not itself state the figure |
| Plumbing/Gas Permit Fee | Not resolved — same genuinely-unpublished Sec. 3-1-1 fee schedule gap documented on the residential-building-permit entry | No standalone plumbing/gas permit fee figure was found; plumbing/gas is typically bundled into the base Building Permit Fee whose schedule itself could not be recovered this session |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, cooling, and mechanical-system installation, alteration, or repair in Montrose. Governed by the City's 2018 International Uniform/Mechanical Code (IMC) as locally adopted. Bundled into the Residential or Commercial Building Permit Application rather than issued as a standalone mechanical-only permit form.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Mechanical/ductwork scope is included as part of the Residential or Commercial Building Permit Application; no standalone mechanical-only application form was found on the City's Licenses & Permits index
- Mechanical ductwork must be installed prior to the framing inspection, per the Residential and Commercial Construction packets
- Insulation must be exposed for inspection prior to wallboard installation
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationMechanical/HVAC scope is captured within the same Residential or Commercial Building Permit Application rather than a separate form
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Permit Fee | Not resolved — same genuinely-unpublished Sec. 3-1-1 fee schedule gap documented on the residential-building-permit entry | No standalone mechanical/HVAC permit fee figure was found on the Building Services page, Licenses & Permits page, or any retrieved City PDF |
Roofing Permit (Reroofing)
VerifiedRequired for reroofing work in Montrose, with a flat $50 permit fee. Small repairs below a specific size threshold do not require a permit, per the City's Reroofing Permit Application.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Repairs that are less than 100-200 square feet, or less than 10% of the roof's size, may not require a permit, per the City's Reroofing Permit Application
- Inspection of shingles required prior to permit issuance when covering an existing roofing layer
- Safe access to the roof must be provided for inspection; the City does not accept photographs in lieu of an on-site inspection
Required documents
- RequiredReroofing Permit ApplicationCompleted, signed application emailed as PDF to buildingservices@ci.montrose.co.us
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reroofing Permit Fee | $50.00 flat | Per the City's Reroofing Permit Application, due at time of permit issuance |
Solar PV Permit
VerifiedRequired for solar panel system installations in Montrose, with a flat $50 permit fee. Electrical interconnection work is separately permitted through the State of Colorado, not the City.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Engineer analysis and approval required for structural installation
- Roof plan clearly identifying system components, layout, and code-required access pathways required at submittal
- Site plan with setback dimensions from property lines required for ground-mounted systems
- A SEPARATE electrical permit must be acquired through the State of Colorado (Division of Professions and Occupations: Electrical and Plumbing Permits) — not included in the City's solar permit
Required documents
- RequiredSolar Permit ApplicationCompleted, signed application emailed as PDF to buildingservices@ci.montrose.co.us
- RequiredEngineer Analysis and ApprovalStructural installation analysis for the mounting system
- RequiredRoof PlanSystem components, layout, and code-required access pathways
- OptionalSite PlanSetback dimensions from property lines, required for ground-mounted systems
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Permit Fee | $50.00 flat | Per the City's Solar Permit Application, due at time of permit issuance |
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Permit
VerifiedMontrose has no separate City electrical permit process at all — as documented on this file's Solar PV Permit entry, electrical work (including any new circuit or panel/service upgrade) is permitted through the State of Colorado, Division of Professions and Occupations (Electrical and Plumbing Permits), not the City of Montrose. A residential EV charger circuit therefore follows that same state electrical-permit path. Separately, for commercial/non-residential EV charging stations, City of Montrose staff stated at an October 20, 2025 City Council work session that the City's existing zoning code — which treats EV charging stations as a standalone use in most commercial districts and an accessory use in all non-residential districts, reviewed through the streamlined Minor Site Development Review process (no public hearing) — already satisfies Colorado HB24-1173's EV-charging-permit mandate for municipalities of Montrose's population (over the 10,000 threshold), so staff recommended against adopting the state's model EV charging code or new ordinance language.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Residential: a new circuit, outlet, or panel/service upgrade to serve an EV charger requires a State of Colorado electrical permit (Division of Professions and Occupations), not a City of Montrose permit — same routing as the electrical scope of a solar PV installation in this jurisdiction
- Commercial/non-residential: EV charging stations are a standalone permitted use in most commercial zoning districts and an accessory use in all non-residential districts, reviewed via the City's Minor Site Development Review process (administrative, no public hearing)
- Montrose (population over 10,000) is subject to Colorado HB24-1173, which required covered municipalities to adopt or confirm a streamlined EV-charging permit process by December 31, 2025; City staff's position (per the Oct. 20, 2025 Council work session) is that Montrose's existing Minor Site Development Review process already meets that requirement without a new ordinance
Required documents
- RequiredState of Colorado Electrical PermitFiled with the State (not the City) for the EV charger circuit/service-upgrade scope
- OptionalMinor Site Development Review Application (commercial/non-residential EV charging stations only)City of Montrose administrative review application for a standalone or accessory EV charging station use
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State of Colorado Electrical Permit fee — 'All other electrical fees' (valuation-based, applies to an EV charger circuit retrofit) | Not more than $2,000 valuation: $115.00 (state base figure, effective April 1, 2016); $2,001 and above: $115 plus $5.75 per $1,000 (or fraction) of total valuation, plus $115 | State of Colorado Electrical Permit Fees schedule (base figures effective April 1, 2016, per C.R.S. § 12-23-117), issued directly by the State of Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations rather than the City of Montrose, since Montrose has no separate City electrical permit process. The State Board updates this schedule periodically and its own current page (dpo.colorado.gov/Electrical/PermitsandInspections) publishes no static dollar table (fees are calculated through the online DORA permitting system at time of purchase), so this 2016 base schedule remains the most recent citable published figure — confirm current-year amounts directly with DORA before relying on this for a live application. |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for structure demolition in Montrose, with a flat $50 permit fee. Applicants must obtain prior approval from utility providers and apply for a state demolition permit before demolition.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Applicant must notify and receive prior approval from: Delta Montrose Electric Association (DMEA); Black Hills Energy or the applicable propane provider; water and sewer utility providers
- Applicant must apply for a state demolition permit at least 10 days prior to demolition
- For lead and asbestos permitting, contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) at 1-800-886-7689 or colorado.gov/cdphe/asbestos, per the Commercial Building Permit packet
Required documents
- RequiredDemolition Permit ApplicationCompleted, signed application emailed as PDF to buildingservices@ci.montrose.co.us
- RequiredUtility provider prior-approval documentationFrom DMEA, Black Hills Energy/propane provider, and water/sewer utility
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition Permit Fee | $50.00 flat | Per the City's Demolition Permit Application, due at time of permit issuance |
Fence Permit
VerifiedRequired prior to installation of any fence in Montrose, with a flat $10 permit fee. Height limits and setback requirements vary by zoning district, per Municipal Code Section 4-4-21.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- No fence may be installed until a fence permit is approved, per Municipal Code Section 4-4-21(A)(1)
- Residential districts: fences/free-standing walls may not exceed 4 feet in height within the required front yard setback, or 6 feet elsewhere; an 8-foot fence is allowed in backyards if it does not impede visibility
- Commercial and industrial districts: fences/walls may not exceed 4 feet within the front yard setback, or 8 feet elsewhere; an additional 2 feet is allowed for barbed wire meeting specified requirements
- No fence, wall, hedge, or planting may obstruct the view of abutting streets or intersections for motorists/pedestrians
- Electrically charged fences are allowed only where made inaccessible to persons unaware the fence is electrified
- Barbed wire is allowed in industrial/commercial districts only at a minimum 8 feet above ground; not allowed elsewhere unless necessary to confine lawfully-kept livestock
- Temporary construction-site security fences are exempt from standard height requirements
- Chain-link/open-wire fencing around sports facilities (tennis courts, ball fields, backstops, batting cages, golf courses) is exempt from standard height requirements
- Zone-specific front/corner setbacks apply: R-1B/R-2/R-5/R-6: 25 ft front / 20 ft corner; R-3/R-3A/R-4/OR/B-2: 15 ft / 15 ft; B-2A/B-3/B-4/I-1/I-2: 25 ft / 25 ft; MHR: 5 ft / 10 ft; Mobile Home Parks: 12 ft / 12 ft
- Call 811 for a utility locate before digging, per C.R.S. Title 9
- An Improvement Location Certificate (ILC) from a professional surveyor may be required if fence location is in question
Required documents
- RequiredFence Permit ApplicationSubmitted digitally to buildingservices@cityofmontrose.org
- RequiredSite PlanShowing proposed fence location(s), property lines, building location, applicable setbacks, and proposed height/materials
- OptionalPhotosOptional, if helpful in describing the location
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fence Permit Fee | $10.00 | Collected at time of permit issuance (check, cash, or credit card), per the City's Fence Permit Application; the application itself notes the fee 'will be set pursuant to the city regulation manual,' with $10 as the currently stated collection amount on the form |
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 Montrose building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.