You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-08-13.
Breckenridge building permits
VerifiedBreckenridge, Colorado — as published 2026-08-13.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Codes adopted
2024 International Building Code (IBC), including Appendix P, with Town-specific amendments codified at Breckenridge Town Code Title 8, Chapter 1, Section 8-1-4 — effective as of January 13, 2026 per the Town's Adopted Building Codes page2024 International Residential Code (IRC), including Appendices BE and BG, with local amendments at Town Code 8-1-52024 International Plumbing Code (IPC), including Appendix C2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC), including Appendix A2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), including Appendices A and B2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)2024 International Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)2023 National Electrical Code (NEC)2006 ICC Electrical Code — Administrative Provisions1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC) — adopted town-wide, NOT limited to a mapped Wildland-Urban Interface overlay; governs defensible-space site plans, Structure Ignition Zones 1-3, Class 1/Class 2 structure hardening, exterior roof coverings and wall materials on renovations affecting more than 25% of existing surface area, and additions increasing footprint by more than 500 sq ft2023 Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code — requires plans to show solar-ready zone location/size, roof dead/live load design values, EV-capable/EV-ready/EVSE parking space counts and conduit routing, per the Town's Permit Submittal Checklist2024 International Fire Code (IFC), including Appendices B through Q, adopted by reference without amendmentsICC A117.1-2017 Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and FacilitiesFull adopted code text (Town Code Title 8, Chapter 1) hosted at breckenridge.town.codes/Code/8
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses within Breckenridge Town Limits. Reviewed under the 2024 IRC/IBC as locally amended (Town Code 8-1-4/8-1-5), the Town's mountain-specific structural design criteria (90/100 psf snow load, 40-inch frost depth), and the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, which applies town-wide rather than to a mapped WUI overlay.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plans must be stamped by a Colorado Licensed Design Professional (architect or structural engineer) and include a construction management plan
- Must meet Breckenridge's structural design criteria: 90 psf roof snow load below 10,000 ft elevation / 100 psf at or above 10,000 ft, no reduction for pitch or duration, no ground snow load or ground-snow-load reduction; 40-inch minimum frost depth for foundations (or ASCE 32 design); frost reports required for concrete placement Nov 1-May 1 or during any freeze window
- Must comply with the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code: defensible-space site plan (Structure Ignition Zones 1-3), Class 1/2 structure hardening materials, Class A roof covering, noncombustible/Class A (or Class B composite) deck walking surfaces
- Complete the Permit Submittal Checklist plus either the 2024 Energy Code Prescriptive Submittal Guidelines OR the 2024 IECC Residential ERI Submittal Checklist
- Completed sign-off (or exemption self-affidavit where applicable) from Upper Blue Sanitation District and from Red, White & Blue Fire District
- Approved Development Permit from the Planning Division prior to submittal (Plan Case Number required in the application)
- A soils/geotechnical report for the building site
- Fire sprinkler system (NFPA 13/13R/13D/P2904) required if Fire Area exceeds 4,500 sq ft
- REMP Checklist and Calculator required if the project includes fossil-fuel-consuming outdoor amenities
- Separate sub-permits (plumbing, electrical, mechanical) required; plumbing/electrical work must be performed by Colorado state-licensed trades
- All permit applications accepted only via the Town's online Access Portal; partial/incomplete applications are not accepted
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Access Portal)Submitted online; no in-person or paper applications accepted
- RequiredConstruction Drawings (stamped)Stamped by a Colorado Licensed Architect or Structural Engineer (IRC projects) or both an Architect and Structural Engineer (IBC projects); digital stamps accepted
- RequiredPermit Submittal ChecklistDocuments compliance with Colorado Model Electric/Solar Ready Code and Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code requirements
- RequiredSoils/Geotechnical Report
- RequiredUpper Blue Sanitation District sign-off
- RequiredRed, White & Blue Fire District sign-off
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | $50.00 | Building, Mechanical & Plumbing Fee Schedule, effective September 27, 2022 — Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $501.00 to $2,000.00 | $50.00 for the first $500 plus $1.25 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof, up to and including $2,000 | Building, Mechanical & Plumbing Fee Schedule, $501 to $2,000 valuation row, effective September 27, 2022 — Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $2,001.00 to $25,000.00 | $69.25 for the first $2,000, plus $14.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000 | Building, Mechanical & Plumbing Fee Schedule, $2,001 to $25,000 valuation row, effective September 27, 2022 — Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $25,001.00 to $50,000.00 | $391.25 for the first $25,000, plus $10.10 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $50,000 | Building, Mechanical & Plumbing Fee Schedule, $25,001 to $50,000 valuation row, effective September 27, 2022 — Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $50,001.00 to $100,000.00 | $643.75 for the first $50,000, plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $100,000 | Building, Mechanical & Plumbing Fee Schedule, $50,001 to $100,000 valuation row, effective September 27, 2022 — Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $100,001.00 to $500,000.00 | $1,169.55 for the first $100,000, plus $6.73 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to and including $500,000 | Building, Mechanical & Plumbing Fee Schedule, $100,001 to $500,000 valuation row, effective September 27, 2022 — Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $500,001.00 to $1,000,000.00 | $3,663.00 for the first $500,000, plus $5.34 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to and including $1,000,000 | Building, Mechanical & Plumbing Fee Schedule, $500,001 to $1,000,000 valuation row, effective September 27, 2022 — Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1,000,001.00 and up | $6,332.22 for the first $1,000,000, plus $3.90 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Building, Mechanical & Plumbing Fee Schedule, $1,000,001 and higher valuation row, effective September 27, 2022 — Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | All Building, Mechanical, and Plumbing permits carry a 65% plan review fee in addition to the base permit fee |
| Work commenced before permit issuance | 3x the calculated permit fee | Town Code Section 8-1-4 fee schedule |
Residential Addition / Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired for remodels and additions to single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses in Breckenridge where the footprint is unchanged (remodel) or expanded (addition). Reviewed under the 2024 IRC as locally amended and, where the addition/remodel affects more than 25% of exterior surface or adds more than 500 sq ft of footprint, the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code's renovation thresholds.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Use 'Residential Construction - Remodels' application if the structure's footprint is not changing; use 'Residential Construction - Addition' if the footprint is changing
- Plans required for all submittals; stamped by a Colorado Licensed Design Professional if structural work is proposed; an engineer letter confirming non-structural status is required if walls are being removed/modified without a full stamped structural set
- Complete the Permit Submittal Checklist for all remodels/additions
- Additions must complete the Permit Submittal Checklist plus either the 2024 Energy Code Prescriptive Submittal Guidelines or the 2024 IECC Residential ERI Submittal Checklist
- Upper Blue Sanitation District sign-off (or self-affidavit) required for additions and remodels where bed/bath count changes
- Red, White & Blue Fire District sign-off (or self-affidavit) required for additions, but NOT required for single-family/duplex/townhouse remodels that don't meet the Fire District's separate trigger list (over 4,500 sq ft additions, new/replacement decks, siding replacement, etc.)
- Additions require an approved Development Permit from Planning prior to submittal, UNLESS classified as a Class D Minor (in which case Planning approval happens during permit review)
- CWRC renovation triggers: exterior roof covering or wall alterations affecting more than 25% of existing surface area must meet new-construction material standards; additions increasing footprint by more than 500 sq ft must meet full new-building CWRC requirements
- Asbestos Test Report (or self-affidavit) required if disturbed materials meet State of Colorado trigger levels
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Access Portal)
- RequiredConstruction Drawings (existing + proposed)Hand-drawn plans acceptable if detailed, legible, and labeled; professionally drawn plans preferred
- RequiredPermit Submittal Checklist
- RequiredUpper Blue Sanitation District sign-off or self-affidavit
- OptionalRed, White & Blue Fire District sign-off or self-affidavit
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (same valuation-based Fee Schedule as new construction) | $50.00 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the Building, Mechanical & Plumbing Fee Schedule | Effective September 27, 2022 |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page, 65% plan review statement preceding the Building, Mechanical & Plumbing Fee Schedule |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for electrical installation, alteration, or repair in Breckenridge. Governed by the 2023 NEC plus the 2006 ICC Electrical Code Administrative Provisions. Electrical work must be performed by a Colorado state-licensed Master Electrician/Electrical Contractor holding a Town of Breckenridge Business License.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical work must be performed by a Colorado Licensed Electrician; contractor must provide a valid State of Colorado Electrical Contractor's License AND State of Colorado Master Electrician's License to apply
- Contractor must hold a Town of Breckenridge Business License (the Town does not license general contractors separately)
- Homeowner permits do NOT allow the owner to self-perform electrical work — it must be done by a Colorado state-licensed electrician even on an owner/builder permit
- Contemporaneous review of electrician licenses (per CRS 12-115) may be performed on job sites during inspections or randomly
- Governed by the 2023 NEC and 2006 ICC Electrical Code Administrative Provisions as locally adopted
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Permit Application (Access Portal)References the associated building permit number if applicable
- RequiredColorado Electrical Contractor's License and Master Electrician's License
- RequiredTown of Breckenridge Business License
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit Fee — not more than 1,000 sq ft | $120.00 | Electrical Permit Fees table, effective September 27, 2022 — Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page |
| Electrical Permit Fee — over 1,000 sq ft and not more than 1,500 sq ft | $168.00 | Electrical Permit Fees table, unit-area row over 1,000 sq. ft. and not more than 1,500 sq. ft., effective September 27, 2022 — Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page |
| Electrical Permit Fee — over 1,500 sq ft and not more than 2,000 sq ft | $216.00 | Electrical Permit Fees table, unit-area row over 1,500 sq. ft. and not more than 2,000 sq. ft., effective September 27, 2022 — Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page |
| Electrical Permit Fee — over 2,000 sq ft | $216.00 plus $9.60 per 100 sq ft or fraction thereof over 2,000 sq ft | Electrical Permit Fees table, unit-area row over 2,000 sq. ft., effective September 27, 2022 — Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page |
| All other electrical work (valuation-based) — not more than $2,000.00 | $120.00 | Electrical Permit Fees table, valuation row not more than $2,000.00, effective September 27, 2022 — Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page |
| All other electrical work (valuation-based) — more than $2,000.00 | $9.60 per thousand or fraction thereof, plus $120.00 | Electrical Permit Fees table, valuation row more than $2,000.00, effective September 27, 2022 — Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page |
| Mobile homes and travel parks, per space | $120.00 | Electrical Permit Fees table, mobile homes and travel parks per space row, effective September 27, 2022 — Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page |
| Temporary Power Permit | $65.00 | Electrical Permit Fees table, Temporary Power Permit row, effective September 27, 2022 — Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page |
| Plan Review Fee (if required) | 65% of the electrical permit fee | Electrical Permit Fees table footnote setting electrical plan review at 65 percent of the electrical permit fee — Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page |
| Re-inspection Fee | $65.00 | Electrical Permit Fees table, re-inspection on all above row, effective September 27, 2022 — Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installation, alteration, or repair in Breckenridge. Governed by the 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC), including Appendix C. Plumbing work must be performed by a Colorado state-licensed Master Plumber/Plumbing Contractor holding a Town of Breckenridge Business License.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plumbing work must be performed by a Colorado Licensed Plumber; contractor must provide a valid State of Colorado Plumbing Contractor's License AND State of Colorado Master Plumber's License to apply
- Contractor must hold a Town of Breckenridge Business License
- Homeowner permits do NOT allow the owner to self-perform plumbing work — must be done by a Colorado state-licensed plumber even on an owner/builder permit
- Contemporaneous review of plumber licenses (per CRS 12-58 / CRS 12-155) may be performed on job sites
- Governed by the 2024 IPC as locally adopted, including Appendix C
Required documents
- RequiredPlumbing Permit Application (Access Portal)References the associated building permit number if applicable
- RequiredColorado Plumbing Contractor's License and Master Plumber's License
- RequiredTown of Breckenridge Business License
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Permit Fee (same valuation-based Building, Mechanical & Plumbing Fee Schedule as building permits) | $50.00 minimum, scaling per valuation tiers | Effective September 27, 2022 |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the permit fee | Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page, 65% plan review statement preceding the Building, Mechanical & Plumbing Fee Schedule |
| Re-inspection Fee | $65.00/hour | Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page, Specific Fees to Note item 2 — re-inspection fees for Building, Mechanical, and Plumbing permits |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, cooling, ventilation, and fuel-gas equipment installation or replacement in Breckenridge. Governed by the 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC), including Appendix A, and the 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), including Appendices A and B.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Governed by the 2024 IMC (Appendix A) and 2024 IFGC (Appendices A and B) as locally adopted
- Solar Hot Water Alternative Energy contractors must obtain a Town of Breckenridge Business License; the Mechanical Permit itself must be pulled by a State of Colorado Licensed Plumber
- Fireplace contractors require a current Gastite Installation Certification
- Contractor must hold applicable state licensure (where required) plus a Town of Breckenridge Business License
Required documents
- RequiredMechanical Permit Application (Access Portal)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Permit Fee (same valuation-based Building, Mechanical & Plumbing Fee Schedule) | $50.00 minimum, scaling per valuation tiers | Effective September 27, 2022 |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the permit fee | Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page, 65% plan review statement preceding the Building, Mechanical & Plumbing Fee Schedule |
| Re-inspection Fee | $65.00/hour | Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page, Specific Fees to Note item 2 — re-inspection fees for Building, Mechanical, and Plumbing permits |
Roofing Permit (Re-Roof)
VerifiedRequired for re-roofing work in Breckenridge. Governed by the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code Class A roofing requirements (applied town-wide, not just in a mapped WUI zone) plus IRC/IBC underlayment, valley-flashing, and ventilation standards, per the Town's own Re-Roof Requirements bulletin.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- All roof coverings on new construction, additions, and re-roofs must be Class A, tested per ASTM E108 or UL 790 (CWRC Section 403.2 / 1505.1/R902.1)
- If more than 25% of existing roof surface area is affected by reconstruction/replacement/alteration/repair, the work must meet the new-construction roof-covering standard (CWRC Section 101.6/403.2)
- Roofs must be designed with snow-shed barriers to prevent snow from shedding onto balconies, decks, exits, stairways, sidewalks, streets, utility meters, or adjacent properties (Town Code 8-1-4, IBC 1503.6/IRC R903.1.1), except for roof areas with 48 inches or less horizontal dimension that won't shed onto a lower roof
- Flame/ember protection required at any gap between roof covering profile and roof deck (firestopping, cap sheet per ASTM D3909, or listed Class A assembly) — CWRC 403.2.1
- Valley flashings: minimum 0.019-inch (No. 26 galvanized) corrosion-resistant metal over a minimum 36-inch-wide underlayment of ASTM D3909 cap sheet running the full valley length — CWRC 403.2.2
- Gutters and downspouts must be noncombustible material — CWRC 403.3
- Ventilation openings for attics/rafter spaces/underfloor spaces must meet CWRC 403.4 performance (ASTM E2886 tested vents) or prescriptive (noncombustible corrosion-resistant mesh) requirements
- Roof underlayment (self-adhering polymer-modified bitumen or equivalent, building-official approved) required under all roof coverings, extending from eave to ridge and covering the full deck; new construction requires the underlayment to extend a minimum of 30 inches up adjacent walls (IBC 1507.1.1/IRC R905.1.1)
- Certain commercial/residential roofing types (EPDM, TPO, built-up, nail-fin, cold roof) may require third-party or manufacturer certification — verify with the Building Department
- Minimum of two inspections typical: Underlayment and Flashing Inspection, and Final Building Inspection; ladder/access arrangements must be coordinated with the inspector in advance
- The Building Division may use drone aerial photography for roofing inspections, determined case-by-case
Required documents
- RequiredRoofing Permit Application (Access Portal)
- RequiredRe-Roof Requirements documentMust remain available on the jobsite with the issued permit as an integral part of the approved plans
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same Building, Mechanical & Plumbing Fee Schedule) | $50.00 minimum, scaling per valuation tiers | Effective September 27, 2022 |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the permit fee | Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page, 65% plan review statement preceding the Building, Mechanical & Plumbing Fee Schedule |
| Re-inspection Fee | $65.00/hour | Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page, Specific Fees to Note item 2 — re-inspection fees for Building, Mechanical, and Plumbing permits |
Solar PV Permit
VerifiedRequired for solar photovoltaic installation in Breckenridge. Requires a Colorado-licensed electrician for the AC side plus a NABCEP Certified PV Installer, per the Town's own Solar Installation Requirements and Contractor Requirements bulletins. Plans must also address the Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code where applicable to new construction.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Photovoltaic Alternative Energy contractors must provide proof of NABCEP Certified PV Installer status, in addition to obtaining a Town of Breckenridge Business License
- The AC side of the installation requires a Licensed Electrician attached to the permit application, holding a valid State of Colorado Electrical Contractor's License (the Alternative Energy Contractor may itself carry the State Electrical Contractor and Master Electrician licenses)
- Typical inspection set: a Rough Inspection for wire/conduit routing, plus Final Electrical and Final Building Inspections (both final inspections typically occur the same day; approval of both is required for full approval)
- A rapid shutdown test may be required at inspection, determined case-by-case
- Ladder or other access arrangements must be coordinated with the inspector in advance
- New construction plans must show the Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code items: solar-ready zone location/size, roof dead/live load design values, and conduit routing pathways to the electrical service panel
- The Building Division may use drone aerial photography for solar installation inspections, case-by-case
Required documents
- RequiredSolar/Electrical Permit Application (Access Portal)
- RequiredNABCEP PV Installer Certification
- RequiredColorado Electrical Contractor's License (AC-side electrician)
- RequiredSolar Installation Requirements documentMust remain on the jobsite with the issued permit as part of the approved plans
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permit fee — valuation-based or per the Electrical Permit Fees table, depending on scope | Per the Building, Mechanical & Plumbing Fee Schedule ($50 minimum) or Electrical Permit Fees table ($120+ by unit area/valuation) | No solar-specific flat fee is published; billed under the general fee schedules |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit
VerifiedInstallation of an electric vehicle charger (EVSE) at a Breckenridge property is processed as a standard Electrical Permit through the Town's Community Development/Building Division — there is no separate EV-charger-specific permit type or fee line item published in the Building Department Fee Schedule. New construction and major additions must also show EV-ready parking space counts and conduit routing per the 2023 Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code, adopted town-wide and referenced in the Town's Permit Submittal Checklist.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Submitted as an Electrical Permit application to the Community Development/Building Division
- Dedicated branch circuit sized to EVSE manufacturer specifications, complying with the applicable NEC edition adopted by Breckenridge
- For new construction/major additions: plans must show EV-capable/EV-ready/EVSE parking space counts and conduit routing per the 2023 Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code, per the Town's Permit Submittal Checklist
- Colorado-licensed electrical contractor required
- No EV-charger-specific application form or fee category was found published separately from the general Electrical Permit
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Permit ApplicationStandard Town of Breckenridge electrical permit application; used for EVSE circuit installation
- OptionalPermit Submittal Checklist (Colorado Model Electric/Solar Ready Code items)Applies to new construction/major additions showing required EV-ready parking and conduit provisions
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All other electrical work (valuation-based) — not more than $2,000.00 | $120.00 | Electrical Permit Fees table, effective September 27, 2022 — the category a typical residential EVSE circuit-extension install would fall under; Breckenridge does not publish a distinct EV-charger/EVSE fee line |
| All other electrical work (valuation-based) — more than $2,000.00 | $9.60 per thousand or fraction thereof, plus $120.00 | Applies to higher-valuation EVSE installs (e.g., commercial DC fast charging, panel/service upgrades) |
| Plan Review Fee (if required) | 65% of the electrical permit fee | Building Department Fee Schedules, May 17, 2026 Wayback Machine snapshot — Electrical Permit Fees table footnote setting electrical plan review at 65 percent of the electrical permit fee |
Commercial Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new commercial buildings in Breckenridge — non-residential buildings, including mixed-use commercial/residential buildings with commercial on the lower level and dwelling units above — under the Town's 'Commercial Construction - New' application type, a distinct track from residential and multi-family per the Town's Definitions of Permit Types. Reviewed under the 2024 IBC as locally amended (Town Code 8-1-4: 90/100 psf snow load, 40-inch frost depth, snow-shed barriers) and the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, which applies town-wide. New commercial construction is a Class A Development Permit through the Planning Division BEFORE the building permit, and projects in the Historic or Conservation District are additionally reviewed against the Handbook of Design Standards for the Historic and Conservation Districts.
Verified 2026-08-02 · Source
Requirements
- Apply under the 'Commercial Construction - New' application type via the Town's online Access Portal only; partial/incomplete applications are not accepted
- IBC projects require structural drawings stamped by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer AND architectural drawings stamped by a Colorado Licensed Architect (digital stamps accepted)
- All commercial new construction must complete the Permit Submittal Checklist (covers Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code and Colorado Model Electric Ready/Solar Ready Code items — solar-ready zone, roof load values, EV-capable/EV-ready/EVSE parking counts and conduit routing)
- A Class A Development Permit from the Planning Division is required for new commercial or industrial construction — typically a 7-week process with both a preliminary and final hearing before the Planning Commission, and a mandatory pre-application meeting before submittal (submittals without one are returned)
- New structures require a physical set of plans dropped off at the Planning offices prior to Building Permit submittal, per the Planning Division's Development Permits page
- Projects in the Historic District or Conservation District are subject to design review under the Handbook of Design Standards for the Historic and Conservation Districts; much of the Historic District also carries a 9 units-per-acre above-ground density limit
- Red, White & Blue Fire District (separate entity, separate permits/inspections) sign-off is required for all new construction projects
- Additional sign-offs (Upper Blue Sanitation District, Summit County Environmental Health for food establishments/child care/schools/tattoo-body art/shared or commercial hot tubs, spas, and pools) are dictated by the online application workflow based on scope
- Fire sprinkler system (NFPA 13/13R/13D/P2904) required if the Fire Area exceeds 4,500 sq ft, per the Permit Submittal Checklist (enforced by Red, White & Blue Fire District)
- Must meet Breckenridge structural design criteria: 90 psf roof snow load below 10,000 ft / 100 psf at or above, no pitch/duration reduction, no ground-snow-load credit; snow-shed barrier design; 40-inch minimum frost depth (or ASCE 32); frost reports for concrete placed Nov 1-May 1 or in any freeze window
- REMP Checklist and Calculator required if the project proposes fossil-fuel-consuming outdoor amenities (pools, spas, snowmelt, gas fire features/heaters/appliances) — common in hospitality projects
- Projects with valuation over $100,000 require Town of Breckenridge Finance Department approval (Supplier Verification Form; all contractors/subcontractors must hold a Town of Breckenridge Business License) before final building inspection
- Separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical sub-permits required, referencing the building permit number; trade work only by Colorado state-licensed plumbers/electricians
- Asbestos test report (or self-affidavit) per State of Colorado trigger levels where existing materials are disturbed
- Excavation, right-of-way staging, street/sidewalk closures, or water line modifications require Public Works coordination and a Right-of-Way permit if necessary (970-453-3170)
Required documents
- RequiredCommercial Construction - New application (Access Portal)Online only; requires contractor and property-owner billing contact information
- RequiredConstruction Drawings (dual-stamped)Structural drawings stamped by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer; architectural drawings stamped by a Colorado Licensed Architect (IBC projects)
- RequiredPermit Submittal Checklist
- RequiredApproved Class A Development Permit (Plan Case Number)Planning Division approval with Planning Commission preliminary and final hearings precedes building permit submittal
- RequiredRed, White & Blue Fire District sign-off
- OptionalUpper Blue Sanitation District sign-off or self-affidavitRequired per the application workflow based on scope
- OptionalSummit County Environmental Health sign-off or self-affidavitRequired for food establishments, child care facilities, schools, tattoo/body art facilities, and shared/commercial hot tubs, spas, and pools
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | $50.00 | Building, Mechanical & Plumbing Fee Schedule, effective September 27, 2022, on the Town's Fee Schedules page. The same valuation table applies to commercial and residential. |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $100,001.00 to $500,000.00 | $1,169.55 for the first $100,000, plus $6.73 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to and including $500,000 | Building, Mechanical & Plumbing Fee Schedule, $100,001 to $500,000 valuation row, effective September 27, 2022 — Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $500,001.00 to $1,000,000.00 | $3,663.00 for the first $500,000, plus $5.34 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to and including $1,000,000 | Building, Mechanical & Plumbing Fee Schedule, $500,001 to $1,000,000 valuation row, effective September 27, 2022 — Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1,000,001.00 and up | $6,332.22 for the first $1,000,000, plus $3.90 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Intermediate tiers ($501-$100,000) follow the same published schedule listed in full under the residential-building-permit entry |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | Applies to all Building, Mechanical, and Plumbing permits |
| Plant Investment Fees (PIFs) and Summit Combined Housing Authority Development Impact Fees | Varies — call the Planning Department at 970-453-3160 for an estimate | May be assessed on new construction, additions, or projects modifying square footage, per the Fee Schedules page. Show full citationHideMay be assessed on new construction, additions, or projects modifying square footage, per the Fee Schedules page. The Planning Division's Development Permits page adds that new commercial development and changes of use can incur employee generation fees, water PIFs, and parking fees. |
| Work commenced before permit issuance | 3x the calculated permit fee | Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page, Specific Fees to Note item 7 |
Commercial Remodel / Tenant Finish Permit
VerifiedBreckenridge runs commercial tenant improvements as their own application type — 'Commercial Construction – Remodel/Tenant Finish' — for work inside or mainly inside commercial buildings (including mixed-use buildings with commercial below and dwellings above), per the Town's Definitions of Permit Types. The Town publishes a dedicated bulletin, 'Commercial Construction Information: Remodel/Tenant Finish & Additions,' reflecting the retail/restaurant/hospitality turnover of the resort core. Sign-off requirements scale with scope: Red White & Blue Fire District for any commercial remodel, Upper Blue Sanitation District for changes of use (e.g., retail to restaurant), Summit County Environmental Health for food/child-care/body-art uses and commercial pools/spas/hot tubs, and the Town Clerk's office wherever a liquor or marijuana license is present.
Verified 2026-08-02 · Source
Requirements
- Apply under the 'Commercial Construction – Remodel/Tenant Finish' application type via the online Access Portal (also the correct category for shared hot tubs at multi-unit buildings and hot tubs at lodges/resorts/hotels)
- All submittals require plans: stamped by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer if structural work is proposed; if no structural work, plans can be stamped by a Colorado Licensed Architect
- All commercial remodels must complete the Permit Submittal Checklist
- Red, White & Blue Fire District sign-off is required for ANY commercial remodel (separate entity with its own permits and inspections)
- Upper Blue Sanitation District sign-off required for remodels changing bed/bath count, changes of use (e.g., retail to restaurant), and commercial hot tubs, pools, and spas — otherwise upload the UBSD self-affidavit
- Summit County Environmental Health sign-off required for food establishments, child care facilities, schools, tattoo/body art facilities, and shared or commercial hot tubs, spas, and pools — otherwise upload the self-affidavit
- Town Clerk's office sign-off required for any commercial remodel or tenant finish where a liquor license or marijuana license is present — otherwise upload the Town Clerk self-affidavit
- Asbestos test report required if disturbed materials meet State of Colorado trigger levels (self-affidavit otherwise); positive results require abatement by a Colorado certified General Abatement Contractor with a clearance report submitted to the Building Department
- No Development Permit is needed for interior remodels with no changes to square footage (Planning Division's published exemption), but a change of use outside a residential district is a Class C Minor Development Permit (~3-week consent-calendar process), commercial additions under 1,000 sq ft are Class B Major (~7 weeks), and commercial additions over 1,000 sq ft are Class A (~7 weeks); additions require the approved Development Permit's Plan Case Number before building-permit submittal
- Exterior changes in the Historic or Conservation District (including even paint color changes in the Conservation District, a Class D Minor permit) trigger Planning review against the Handbook of Design Standards for the Historic and Conservation Districts
- Separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical sub-permits referencing the building permit number; trade work only by Colorado state-licensed plumbers/electricians
- Projects with valuation over $100,000 require Finance Department approval (Supplier Verification Form) before final building inspection; every contractor and subcontractor needs a Town of Breckenridge Business License
- Window/exterior-door-only replacements and standalone deck work have their own streamlined application types — but if part of a larger remodel scope, everything goes under the single Remodel/Tenant Finish application
Required documents
- RequiredCommercial Construction – Remodel/Tenant Finish application (Access Portal)Online only; requires contractor and property-owner billing contact information
- RequiredConstruction Plans (existing + proposed)Stamped by a Colorado Licensed Structural Engineer if structural work is proposed; otherwise can be stamped by a Colorado Licensed Architect; detailed, legible, and labeled
- RequiredPermit Submittal Checklist
- RequiredRed, White & Blue Fire District sign-offRequired for any commercial remodel
- RequiredUpper Blue Sanitation District sign-off or self-affidavit
- RequiredSummit County Environmental Health sign-off or self-affidavit
- RequiredTown Clerk sign-off or self-affidavitRequired where a liquor or marijuana license is present on the premises
- RequiredAsbestos Test Report or self-affidavit
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (same valuation-based Building, Mechanical & Plumbing Fee Schedule as all building permits) | $50.00 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers (e.g., $1,169.55 at $100,000 valuation plus $6.73/$1,000 above) | Effective September 27, 2022. No separate tenant-improvement fee table is published. |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page, 65% plan review statement preceding the Building, Mechanical & Plumbing Fee Schedule |
| Change-of-use / added-square-footage exposure | Varies | Per the Planning Division's Development Permits page, changes of use and new commercial development can incur employee generation fees, water Plant Investment Fees, and parking fees — contact a Planner (970-453-3160) for preliminary calculations |
| Work commenced before permit issuance | 3x the calculated permit fee | Town of Breckenridge Building Department Fee Schedules page, Specific Fees to Note item 7 |
Sign Permit
VerifiedSign permits in Breckenridge are administered by the Planning Division — NOT the Building Division — as a Class D Minor Development Permit under the Town's Sign Code (Title 8, Chapter 2 of the Breckenridge Town Code, per the Town's own Sign Permits page). Required for wall signs, projecting signs, and monument/freestanding signs; the Town's Development Permits page explicitly lists 'Signs and banners' as one of the specific Class D Minor categories that DOES need its own standalone application rather than being auto-incorporated into a building permit. Sign allotment is tied to the property's building frontage, not a flat per-business allowance.
Verified 2026-08-13 · Source
Requirements
- Contact Community Development/Planning to confirm the property's sign allotment (based on building frontage) BEFORE designing the sign — (970) 453-3160 or websitecommdev@townofbreckenridge.com
- Complete the Sign Permit Application (Class D Minor - Sign Permit Form) including scaled drawings showing size, materials, colors, and placement; lighting details; and photos or renderings of the building facade with the proposed sign
- 'Signs and banners' is one of the specific categories the Town's Development Permits page lists as requiring its OWN Class D Minor application submittal — unlike some other Class D Minor items that are automatically incorporated into an associated building permit
- The Town's own Permitted Signs page tags Wall Signs, Projecting Signs, and Monument/Freestanding Signs as '(permit required)'; Awning/Window Signs and Historic District-specific signage are separately governed by the Sign Code without that same explicit tag — confirm case-by-case with Planning
- Illumination limited to externally shielded, downward-facing fixtures only; internally illuminated or LED signs are NOT allowed
- Temporary signage, including temporary 'for sale'/'for rent' banners, is not allowed under the Sign Code except as separately addressed under Town Code 9-15-17(B)
- If sign installation (e.g., a monument sign footer) will encroach into the Town right-of-way, a separate Excavation and Encroachment Permit is required from the Public Works/Streets Department (970-453-3170)
- If the sign requires footers, the Building Department may require an additional building permit
- Changing only the wording or graphics on an existing sign — without altering size, material, or lighting — does not require a new permit
- Staff review is typically completed within 7 business days per the Town's own sign-permit process page, consistent with the Development Permits page's description of Class D Minor permits generally as a '1-week approval process'
- Planning staff may perform a field inspection after installation to verify compliance with the approved design
Required documents
- RequiredSign Permit Application (Class D Minor - Sign Permit Form)
- RequiredScaled Drawings (size, materials, colors, placement)
- RequiredLighting Details
- RequiredPhotos or Renderings of Building Facade with Proposed Sign
- OptionalExcavation and Encroachment Permit (Public Works)Only required if sign installation encroaches into the Town right-of-way
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Class D Minor Development Permit Fee (Sign Permit) | Not published as a static dollar figure | No sign-permit fee amount is published on the Town's Sign Permits and Guidelines page, its Process for Sign Permit subpage, the Development Permits page, or the Building Department Fee Schedules —… Show full citationHideNo sign-permit fee amount is published on the Town's Sign Permits and Guidelines page, its Process for Sign Permit subpage, the Development Permits page, or the Building Department Fee Schedules — those cover only Building Division permits, not Planning Division Development Permits, and do not mention signs at all. The Development Permits page states permits are invoiced individually once entered into the Town's system, payable by check or card. |
Fire Sprinkler and Fire Alarm System Permit
VerifiedFire sprinkler and fire alarm/detection system work in Breckenridge is permitted, plan-reviewed, and inspected by Red, White & Blue Fire Protection District (RWB) — a special district entirely separate from the Town's own Building Division and Access Portal, mirroring the dual-agency pattern documented at peer Colorado mountain towns. RWB publishes its own itemized Fire Prevention Inspection Fee Schedule (Resolution 2023-06, effective January 1, 2024) and administers its own 2024 International Fire Code amendments, developed jointly with Summit Fire & EMS Authority, independently of the Town of Breckenridge's own 2024 IFC adoption (which Town Code 8-1-4 states was adopted 'without amendments').
Verified 2026-08-13 · Source
Requirements
- Fire sprinkler and fire alarm/detection systems are permitted and inspected by Red, White & Blue Fire Protection District (RWB), NOT through the Town of Breckenridge's Access Portal — submit via RWB's Community Connect portal or its 'General Construction, Life Safety Systems, and Special Permits Application'
- Governed by RWB's own 2024 International Fire Code amendments (developed jointly with Summit Fire & EMS Authority) — a genuinely separate adoption track from the Town's own 2024 IFC adoption under Town Code 8-1-4, which the Town states was adopted 'without amendments'; RWB's amendment package is the actual governing text for fire-district-administered sprinkler/alarm permits
- RWB's 2024 amendments specifically reduced the residential automatic-sprinkler trigger from 6,000 sq ft to 4,500 sq ft Fire Area and now allow multipurpose plumbing systems (NFPA 13D/P2904) — consistent with the 4,500 sq ft Fire Area threshold already documented in the residential- and commercial-building-permit entries, sourced from the Town's own Permit Submittal Checklist
- Per the building-permit entries: sprinklers are required for new construction with Fire Area exceeding 4,500 sq ft (system throughout); additions with Fire Area including existing sq ft exceeding 5,000 sq ft (addition only); and additions exceeding 4,500 sq ft, or removing 50%+ of interior finishes while pushing total Fire Area over 5,000 sq ft (both addition and existing structure)
- RWB sign-off (separate from the sprinkler/alarm permit itself) is a documented precondition elsewhere in this record for residential additions over 4,500 sq ft, any multi-family unit remodel, any commercial remodel, all new construction, all new/replacement decks, and all siding replacements
- Plan review and inspection fees are billed directly by RWB per its own Fire Prevention Inspection Fee Schedule (Resolution 2023-06, effective January 1, 2024) — a genuinely separate, independently published fee schedule from the Town's Building Department Fee Schedule
- Drawings/plans for automatic sprinkler and fire alarm/detection systems require engineered submittals (hydraulic calculations for sprinkler systems; device/battery calculations for alarm systems), consistent with standard NFPA 13/72 and IFC Section 903/907 practice; RWB's own detailed submittal checklist is not available beyond its general permit-application link.
- No numeric Round-1 plan-review-timeline SLA is published by RWB anywhere on its Permits, Fee Schedule, or Code Amendments pages
Required documents
- RequiredGeneral Construction, Life Safety Systems, and Special Permits Application (RWB Community Connect)
- RequiredEngineered Drawings and Hydraulic Calculations (Fire Sprinkler)
- RequiredEngineered Drawings and Device/Battery Calculations (Fire Alarm/Detection)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic Protection System 13, 13R, & 2001 (new) | $300 + $3 per head | RWB Fire Prevention Inspection Fee Schedule, Resolution 2023-06, effective January 1, 2024 |
| Automatic Protection System — 1 & 2 family dwellings | $300 | RWB Fire Prevention Inspection Fee Schedule, Resolution 2023-06, effective January 1, 2024 — Fire Protection Equipment and Systems Inspection Fee Schedule |
| Automatic Protection System Modification | $300 | RWB Fire Prevention Inspection Fee Schedule, Resolution 2023-06, effective January 1, 2024 — Fire Protection Equipment and Systems Inspection Fee Schedule |
| Fire Detection System, New | $300 + $3 per head | RWB Fire Prevention Inspection Fee Schedule, Resolution 2023-06, effective January 1, 2024 — Fire Protection Equipment and Systems Inspection Fee Schedule |
| Fire Detection System — 1 & 2 family dwellings | $300 | RWB Fire Prevention Inspection Fee Schedule, Resolution 2023-06, effective January 1, 2024 — Fire Protection Equipment and Systems Inspection Fee Schedule |
| Fire Detection System Modification | $300 | RWB Fire Prevention Inspection Fee Schedule, Resolution 2023-06, effective January 1, 2024 — Fire Protection Equipment and Systems Inspection Fee Schedule |
| Additional Reviewer Time | $150 per hour, 1-hour minimum | RWB Fire Prevention Inspection Fee Schedule, Resolution 2023-06, effective January 1, 2024 — Construction Inspection Fee Schedule |
| Re-inspection Fee (permit related) | $300 for the first offense, doubling the previous fee for every subsequent re-inspection issued on the same permit | RWB Fire Prevention Inspection Fee Schedule, Resolution 2023-06, effective January 1, 2024 — Miscellaneous Construction Inspection Fee Schedule |
Change of Use Permit (Development Permit)
VerifiedBreckenridge has no standalone 'change of use permit' by that name. A change of use is instead one of the enumerated triggers under the Planning Division's Development Permit classification system (Town Code Title 9): the Town's own Development Permits page explicitly lists 'Change of use within a residential district' as a Class B Minor Development Permit (typically a 7-week process with a preliminary and final Planning Commission hearing) and 'Change of use not in a residential district' as a Class C Minor Development Permit (typically a 3-week consent-calendar process). This is genuinely distinct from the Building Division's building-permit/Certificate of Occupancy process documented elsewhere in this record, and the commercial-tenant-improvement-permit entry already cross-references the non-residential case — a retail-to-restaurant conversion is the Town's own worked example — as also triggering Upper Blue Sanitation District and Summit County Environmental Health review.
Verified 2026-08-13 · Source
Requirements
- No standalone 'change of use permit' application exists; change of use is one of the enumerated triggers under the Town's Development Permit classification system (Town Code Title 9), administered by the Planning Division, and requires an approved Development Permit (with a Plan Case Number) that may run separately from, or as a precondition to, any Building Division construction permit for the same project
- 'Change of use within a residential district' is expressly classified as a Class B Minor Development Permit, per the Town's own Development Permits page — typically a 7-week process with both a preliminary and final hearing before the Planning Commission
- 'Change of use not in a residential district' is expressly classified as a Class C Minor Development Permit — typically a 3-week process as a consent-calendar item on the Planning Commission agenda
- Class A, B, C, and D Major permits all require a mandatory pre-application meeting before submittal; submittals without one are returned and not processed
- A retail-to-restaurant conversion is the Town's own worked example of a change of use (already cited in the commercial-tenant-improvement-permit entry) — it separately triggers Upper Blue Sanitation District review (use-change sign-off) and Summit County Environmental Health review (food establishment) alongside the Class C Minor Development Permit
- Development Permit applications can be submitted in person at Town Hall (2nd floor) or via email to websitecommdev@townofbreckenridge.com; new structures require a physical set of plans dropped off at the Planning offices prior to Building Permit submittal
- No static dollar fee is published for a Class B Minor or Class C Minor Development Permit specifically; the Town's own Development Permits page states that 'changes of use and new commercial development can incur employee generation fees, water Plant Investment Fees, and parking fees' and directs applicants to a Planner for a preliminary fee calculation — Development Permits generally are invoiced individually once entered into the Town's system rather than billed off a static published table (tree-removal permits and permits for deed-restricted properties are the only two categories the Town states carry no fee at all)
- A genuine change of use with no accompanying construction can require only the Development Permit, without a parallel Building Division permit; where construction IS involved, the separate Certificate of Occupancy sign-off documented under the residential- and commercial-building-permit entries still applies
Required documents
- OptionalClass B Minor Permit FormUsed for a change of use within a residential district
- OptionalClass C Minor Permit FormUsed for a change of use not in a residential district
- RequiredPre-Application Meeting ConfirmationRequired ahead of submittal for Class A, B, C, and D Major permits; submittals without one are returned
- OptionalUpper Blue Sanitation District sign-off or self-affidavitRequired for changes of use such as retail-to-restaurant conversions, per the commercial-tenant-improvement-permit entry
- OptionalSummit County Environmental Health sign-off or self-affidavitRequired for food establishments, child care facilities, and similar uses
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Development Permit Fee (Class B Minor or Class C Minor, change of use) | Not published as a static dollar figure | Billed individually once the Development Permit is entered into the Town's system, payable by check or card in person or online after invoicing, per the Development Permits page. No Class-specific dollar figure is published. |
| Change-of-use / added-square-footage exposure | Varies | Per the Development Permits page, changes of use and new commercial development can incur employee generation fees, water Plant Investment Fees, and parking fees — contact a Planner (970-453-3160)… Show full citationHidePer the Development Permits page, changes of use and new commercial development can incur employee generation fees, water Plant Investment Fees, and parking fees — contact a Planner (970-453-3160) for preliminary calculations. This mirrors the identical fee-exposure language already documented in the commercial-tenant-improvement-permit entry. |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-06.
Fee schedules
Applications & forms
Checklists & handouts
Online permit portal
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 Breckenridge building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.