This is PermitBase’s published record for Severance as of 2026-08-21. It has since been superseded — see the current record. A historical record reflects what PermitBase had verified at that time; it may not capture a real-world change the jurisdiction had made but PermitBase had not yet verified, and it includes any errors we later corrected. Snapshots are never edited retroactively.
Severance building permits
VerifiedSeverance, Colorado — as published 2026-08-21.
Verified 2026-07-23 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family, two-family, and townhome construction in the Town of Severance. Reviewed under the 2024 IRC and 2024 IECC (as adopted per the Town's Design Criteria document) plus the state-mandated Electric Ready/Solar Ready/EV Ready provisions. All plan review and inspections are performed by SAFEbuilt Colorado under contract to the Town; permits are applied for online via the Community Core portal.
Verified 2026-07-23 · Source
Requirements
- Plans must comply with the 2024 IRC and 2024 IECC as adopted, and meet the Town's Design Criteria: 115 mph ultimate wind speed (ice and water shield + under-floor protection required), Seismic Design Category B, 30-inch frost line, 30 PSF roof live load / 15 PSF roof dead load / 30 PSF ground snow load
- EV-ready, Solar-ready, and Electric-ready documentation required per the 2026 SAFEbuilt Residential Application Checklist: minimum 40-amp EV circuit within 3 ft of a parking space; roof plan solar-ready zone(s) with prewire routing and truss dead-load verification; electric-ready prewire note and full-load calculation for new single-family/two-family/townhome dwellings
- Manual J, D, and S compliance calculations required
- 2024 IECC energy code compliance required via ResCheck or an energy rating company report, or full prescriptive-method documentation
- Engineered structural plans and foundation plans stamped by a Colorado-licensed engineer
- Metro District/HOA approval letter required if applicable (check with subdivision ARC committee before submitting)
- Contractor must hold a current Town of Severance Contractor License (Class A or B) plus, for electrical/plumbing trades, a current Colorado State license (contemporaneously verified, no separate town fee for those trades)
- Since 2015: footing, foundation reinforcement, perimeter drain (Colorado-licensed engineer inspection), and U-fer ground engineer letters plus a signed Town Setback Certification form must be submitted to SAFEbuilt before the underground plumbing inspection and before framing begins
- Applications submitted online via the Community Core portal only
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted via the Town of Severance Community Core portal
- RequiredSite/Plot PlanProperty address, north arrow/scale, lot dimensions, all projections, distances to property lines and existing structures, registered design professional's seal
- RequiredArchitectural/Floor Plans, Engineered Structural Plans, Electrical Plans, Mechanical PlansMaster set with all elevations/options; electrical plans must address Electric/Solar/EV-ready per current checklist
- RequiredManual J, D, and S Compliance Calculations
- Required2024 IECC Energy Code Compliance (ResCheck or equivalent)
- OptionalMetro District/HOA Approval LetterRequired if the property is within a Metro District or HOA with ARC review
- RequiredSetback Certification Letter and FormSigned and stamped by a Colorado-licensed surveyor; required before underground plumbing inspection/framing and again at Certificate of Occupancy
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit / Inspection Fee | Valuation-based, determined by SAFEbuilt Colorado | The Town's 2026 Fee Schedule PDF (revised 12/9/2025) contains a section literally titled 'BUILDING PERMIT FEES' whose complete, exhaustive content is exactly three line items — Use Tax (3% of 60% of… Show full citationHideThe Town's 2026 Fee Schedule PDF (revised 12/9/2025) contains a section literally titled 'BUILDING PERMIT FEES' whose complete, exhaustive content is exactly three line items — Use Tax (3% of 60% of valuation, 'as Determined by SafeBuilt'), Administration Fee, and Planning Review Fee — with no base valuation-based dollar table anywhere in that section or the rest of the 10-page document. The Town's own official fee ordinance/schedule thus confirms that SAFEbuilt's underlying valuation fee table is genuinely not published by the Town for any permit type. The blank office-use Building Permit Application form (DocumentCenter/View/166 and /178) and an alternate-ID copy of the fee schedule (DocumentCenter/View/301, byte-identical to /334) add no dollar figure either. Confirm a project-specific quote directly with SAFEbuilt or the Building Department. |
| Use Tax | 3% assessed on 60% of the Total Valuation of Improvement as determined by SAFEbuilt | 2026 Fee Schedule, Town of Severance, revised 12/9/2025 (Sec. 4, 'BUILDING PERMIT FEES') |
| Administration Fee | Greater of 30% of total inspection fees or $30.00 | — |
| Planning Review Fee | Greater of 15% of total inspection fees or $30.00 | — |
| Transportation Impact Fee (Single Family, per unit) | $6,075.00 | — |
| Park Impact Fee (Single Family, per unit) | $1,645.00 | — |
| General Government Impact Fee (Single Family, per unit) | $2,611.00 | — |
| Police Impact Fee (Single Family, per unit) | $749.00 | — |
| Water Utility Impact Fee (3/4-inch meter) | $16,975.00 | — |
| Card Processing Fee | 3% surcharge on credit/debit card payments; no fee for e-check | Paid via Community Core |
Residential Addition / Remodel / Accessory Structure Permit
VerifiedRequired for home additions, basement finishes, kitchen remodels, structural modifications, accessory structures (over 120 sq ft or over a 10-ft peak), and similar residential renovation work in Severance, including Accessory Dwelling Units built as an addition or accessory structure. Reviewed under the 2024 IRC as adopted; SAFEbuilt Colorado performs plan review and inspections.
Verified 2026-07-23 · Source
Requirements
- A permit is required for additions, basement finishes (partial or full), kitchen remodels, structural modifications (including wall removal/addition), siding/stucco/brick work, and accessory structures exceeding 120 sq ft or a 10-ft peak height
- Site plan showing the project's relationship to setbacks, easements, utilities, and other structures/property lines required
- A survey from a registered land surveyor required if the project is in a protected area; an as-built survey required if proposed within 12 inches of a required minimum setback
- Combustion equipment (furnaces, water heaters, etc.) may need to comply with the State of Colorado Electric Ready Code
- No standalone Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) permit type exists in Severance; ADU construction is processed through this addition/accessory-structure pathway once the ADU is confirmed as a zoning-allowed use under Chapter 16 (Land Use Code) of the Municipal Code. CONFIRMED 2026-07-23 via the Town's codified Municipal Code: Ordinance No. 2026-01 (adopted 3/10/26, published 3/19/26, effective 30 days later per Sec. 6.03(6) of the Town's Home Rule Charter, i.e. ~4/18/26 — currently in force) amended Chapter 16 Tables 16.3.220 (Suburban Perimeter), 16.3.320 (Town Core), and 16.3.420 (Development Node) 'to bring the Town's Code into compliance with ... HB24-1152.' All three tables list 'Accessory dwelling unit' as a permitted use-by-right (n/a minimum lot size/density) with dimensional standards: front setback 'Behind front of principal dwelling', side setback 7.5 ft, corner side setback 15 ft, rear setback reduced by this ordinance from 15 ft to 5 ft, maximum height 2 stories — confirming ADUs are a real, currently-effective zoning-allowed use in all three districts, not merely a 2025-dated draft document reference.
- Contractor must hold a current Town of Severance Contractor License; homeowners performing their own work at a single residence are exempt from the contractor-license requirement (but not from permitting)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted via Community Core
- RequiredSite PlanProperty survey showing setbacks, easements, utilities, distances to property lines and other structures
- RequiredConstruction Details / Floor Plan
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit / Inspection Fee | Valuation-based, determined by SAFEbuilt Colorado | VERIFIED-NEGATIVE, RE-CONFIRMED 2026-07-23: the Town's 2026 Fee Schedule's 'BUILDING PERMIT FEES' section contains exactly three line items (Use Tax, Administration Fee, Planning Review Fee) and no… Show full citationHideVERIFIED-NEGATIVE, RE-CONFIRMED 2026-07-23: the Town's 2026 Fee Schedule's 'BUILDING PERMIT FEES' section contains exactly three line items (Use Tax, Administration Fee, Planning Review Fee) and no base valuation-based dollar table for any permit type — see the residential-building-permit entry's fee note for the full citation. This is a town-wide publication gap, not specific to additions/remodels. |
| Use Tax | 3% assessed on 60% of Total Valuation of Improvement as determined by SAFEbuilt | — |
| Administration Fee | Greater of 30% of total inspection fees or $30.00 | — |
| Planning Review Fee | Greater of 15% of total inspection fees or $30.00 | — |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for electrical installation, alteration, or modification work in Severance. Governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted. Severance does NOT run its own local electrical licensing/examination program — electricians must hold a current Colorado State (and Master) Electrical license, contemporaneously verified against the DORA State Electrical Board per the Town's Contemporaneous Review procedure; the local Contractor License Application confirms this trade is 'Verified through the State, no fee.'
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted by the Town
- Electricians must hold a current Colorado State Electrical license and Master Electrician license, plus a State-issued ID, contemporaneously verified per the Town's Procedure for Contemporaneous Reviews of Electrical & Plumbing Licenses (referencing dpo.colorado.gov/EandP/ContemporaneousReview)
- No separate Town electrical trade exam or local licensing fee — the Contractor License Application lists Electrical under Class C Trades as 'Verified through the State, no fee'
- Electric-ready, Solar-ready, and EV-ready provisions require load calculations, one-line diagrams, and fault-current analysis to be shown on electrical plans for new residential and commercial construction
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Electrical Permit ApplicationSubmitted via Community Core
- RequiredColorado State Electrical License and Master Electrician LicenseVerified contemporaneously by the Town/SAFEbuilt against DORA's State Electrical Board records
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit / Inspection Fee (electrical valuation) | Valuation-based, determined by SAFEbuilt Colorado | Building Permit Application form requires a separate 'New Building Electrical Valuation' entry for commercial/industrial projects |
| Use Tax | 3% assessed on 60% of Total Valuation of Improvement as determined by SAFEbuilt | — |
| Administration Fee | Greater of 30% of total inspection fees or $30.00 | — |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installation, alteration, or modification work in Severance. The Town's SAFEbuilt-published 2024 Client Design Criteria document labels this '2024 IPC' for commercial work (IRC plumbing provisions govern residential work), but the Town's own codified Municipal Code (Chapter 18, Article 4, Sec. 18-4-10, confirmed live 2026-07-23) states the IPC is adopted at the 2018 Edition (Ord. 2019-07 § 4; Ord. No. 2025-27 § 6, enacted Dec. 9, 2025) — the codified ordinance is treated as authoritative for this fact. Like electrical, Severance does NOT run its own local plumbing licensing program — plumbers must hold a current Colorado State (and Master) Plumbing license, contemporaneously verified against the DORA State Plumbing Board.
Verified 2026-07-23 · Source
Requirements
- Governed by the 2018 IPC (commercial, per the codified Municipal Code Sec. 18-4-10) / 2024 IRC plumbing provisions (residential) as adopted — note the Town's SAFEbuilt Design Criteria summary PDF labels commercial plumbing '2024 IPC,' but the codified ordinance itself (Ord. No. 2025-27 § 6) states 2018
- Plumbers must hold a current Colorado State Plumbing license and Master Plumber license, plus a State-issued ID, contemporaneously verified per the Town's Contemporaneous Review procedure
- No separate Town plumbing trade exam or local licensing fee — listed on the Contractor License Application as 'Verified through the State, no fee'
- Plumbing modifications (water heater installation/replacement, gas piping, gas log installation) require a permit per the What Needs a Permit guide
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Plumbing Permit ApplicationSubmitted via Community Core
- RequiredColorado State Plumbing License and Master Plumber LicenseVerified contemporaneously by the Town/SAFEbuilt against DORA's State Plumbing Board records
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit / Inspection Fee | Valuation-based, determined by SAFEbuilt Colorado | — |
| Use Tax | 3% assessed on 60% of Total Valuation of Improvement as determined by SAFEbuilt | — |
| Administration Fee | Greater of 30% of total inspection fees or $30.00 | — |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for HVAC, furnace, boiler, and mechanical equipment installation or replacement in Severance. The SAFEbuilt-published 2024 Client Design Criteria document labels this '2024 IMC and 2024 IFGC' for commercial work (residential mechanical work follows the 2024 IRC's mechanical provisions), but the Town's own codified Municipal Code (Chapter 18, Article 3, Sec. 18-3-10, confirmed live 2026-07-23) states the IMC is adopted at the 2018 Edition (Ord. No. 2025-27 § 4, enacted Dec. 9, 2025) — the codified ordinance is treated as authoritative for this fact. The IFGC is independently confirmed at the 2024 edition (Chapter 18, Article 6, Sec. 18-6-10, Ord. No. 2025-27 § 5), matching the Design Criteria document.
Verified 2026-07-23 · Source
Requirements
- Governed by the 2018 IMC (per the codified Municipal Code Sec. 18-3-10, Ord. No. 2025-27 § 4) and the 2024 IFGC (Sec. 18-6-10, Ord. No. 2025-27 § 5) as adopted — note the Town's SAFEbuilt Design Criteria summary PDF labels commercial mechanical '2024 IMC,' but the codified ordinance itself states 2018
- Air conditioner and furnace installation/replacement, boiler installation/replacement, and gas piping/gas log work all require a permit per the What Needs a Permit guide
- Combustion equipment may need to comply with the State of Colorado Electric Ready Code
- Mechanical plans (duct sizes/locations, equipment location) required as part of residential and commercial submittal packages
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Mechanical Permit ApplicationSubmitted via Community Core
- RequiredMechanical PlansDuct sizes and locations, equipment locations, termination sizes/locations
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit / Inspection Fee | Valuation-based, determined by SAFEbuilt Colorado | VERIFIED-NEGATIVE, RE-CONFIRMED 2026-07-23: the Town's 2026 Fee Schedule's 'BUILDING PERMIT FEES' section contains exactly three line items (Use Tax, Administration Fee, Planning Review Fee) and no… Show full citationHideVERIFIED-NEGATIVE, RE-CONFIRMED 2026-07-23: the Town's 2026 Fee Schedule's 'BUILDING PERMIT FEES' section contains exactly three line items (Use Tax, Administration Fee, Planning Review Fee) and no base valuation-based dollar table for any permit type — see the residential-building-permit entry's fee note for the full citation. This is a town-wide publication gap, not specific to mechanical/HVAC work. |
| Use Tax | 3% assessed on 60% of Total Valuation of Improvement as determined by SAFEbuilt | — |
| Administration Fee | Greater of 30% of total inspection fees or $30.00 | — |
Re-Roof Permit
VerifiedRequired for re-roofing work in Severance (one permit per building on the property). Governed by the 2024 IRC as adopted; the Town publishes a dedicated 2024-IRC Residential Re-Roofing guide (SAFEbuilt, published 1.1.2026).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- One permit is required per building on the property for re-roofing
- No more than two (2) layers of roofing are allowed upon completion of installation
- Roof sheathing must provide a rigid surface for complete tear-offs; warped/cracked/delaminated boards must be repaired or replaced
- New minimum 15# asphalt-saturated felt underlayment required on a dry deck for complete tear-offs, with lap requirements varying by roof slope (one layer for 4:12+ slopes; 19-inch laps for 2:12-4:12 slopes)
- Fasteners must penetrate through the total roofing thickness and a minimum of 3/4 inch into the decking material
- Existing roof jacks/vents in poor condition, badly rusted, or deteriorated must be replaced
- Homeowners may perform their own re-roof work
- Shingle repair/replacement not exceeding 100 sq ft of coverage per building is exempt from permitting
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted via Community Core
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit / Inspection Fee | Valuation-based, determined by SAFEbuilt Colorado | No separate flat re-roof fee published; billed under the general valuation-based schedule |
| Use Tax | 3% assessed on 60% of Total Valuation of Improvement as determined by SAFEbuilt | — |
Rooftop Solar / Photovoltaic Permit
VerifiedRequired for solar panel installation or replacement in Severance. Electrical work governed by the 2023 NEC; a dedicated SAFEbuilt Photovoltaic System Submittal Requirements guide governs structural, electrical, and building-plan submittals, though that guide's own code-currency line ('2023 NEC, 2018 International Codes') appears to be a stale/generic template relative to the Town's current 2024 Design Criteria document.
Verified 2026-07-23 · Source
Requirements
- Permit application valuation must be based on total cost to the customer (contract price), including materials and labor, regardless of whether provided by the contractor or property owner
- Plan review required for each building on a property; separate permits may be required per address
- Structural engineer's stamped letter required, addressing added roof dead load and additional wind load from the panels; letter must state design to minimum 30 psf ground snow load, 115 mph Vult wind speed, wind exposure C, and Seismic Design Category B
- Ground-mounted systems require a separate engineer-stamped letter for system support and wind load, using the same design criteria
- Four-line electrical diagram required showing modules, circuits, wire sizes/insulation, conduit, junction boxes, inverter, combiner panel, disconnect, meter, fuses/breakers, and grounding
- Roof-mount systems must use worst-case ambient temperature of 56-60 degrees C for conductor ampacity temperature-rating adjustments
- Zoning compliance is the applicant's responsibility to verify directly with the jurisdiction
- The color red may not be used on submitted plans by the preparer — reserved for plans examiner comments
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Electrical Permit ApplicationSubmitted via Community Core; describe work completely with contract-price valuation
- RequiredStructural Engineer Stamped LetterAddressing roof dead load and wind load per the Town's 115 mph / 30 psf / Seismic B design criteria
- RequiredFour-Line Electrical Diagram and Equipment Cut Sheets
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit / Inspection Fee (based on contract-price valuation) | Valuation-based, determined by SAFEbuilt Colorado | — |
| Use Tax | 3% assessed on 60% of Total Valuation of Improvement as determined by SAFEbuilt | — |
| Solar Arrays Impact Fee (Transportation) | $10.00 per string | — |
| Solar Arrays Impact Fee (General Government) | $10.00 per string | — |
| Solar Arrays Impact Fee (Police) | $10.00 per string | — |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired to demolish any building or structure in Severance. Applied for through the same online Community Core process as other building permits; no standalone demolition-specific fee schedule or guide document was located separate from the general permit process.
Verified 2026-07-23 · Source
Requirements
- A person, firm, or corporation cannot erect, construct, alter, repair, move, or demolish any building or structure without first obtaining a building permit, per the What Needs a Permit guide
- All building permits, including demolition, are applied for online via Community Core
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted via Community Core, describing the demolition scope
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit / Inspection Fee | Valuation-based, determined by SAFEbuilt Colorado | No demolition-specific fee line exists in the 2026 Fee Schedule: its 'BUILDING PERMIT FEES' section is exactly Use Tax + Administration Fee + Planning Review Fee for all permit types, demolition included. Show full citationHideNo demolition-specific fee line exists in the 2026 Fee Schedule: its 'BUILDING PERMIT FEES' section is exactly Use Tax + Administration Fee + Planning Review Fee for all permit types, demolition included. The Town's codified Municipal Code, Chapter 18 (all 12 articles, including Article 1 Sec. 18-1-40 'Violations,' which lists 'demolish' among the acts requiring a permit but creates no separate demolition fee category or process) confirms demolition is genuinely billed under the general valuation-based Building Permit Fee mechanism. |
Commercial Tenant Finish / Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired for commercial tenant finish and remodel work in Severance. Governed by the 2024 International Codes (2024 IBC/IPC/IMC/IFGC, 2024 IECC, 2023 NEC as adopted). The Town publishes a dedicated Commercial Tenant Finish/Remodel Plan Submittal Procedure distinct from new commercial construction.
Verified 2026-07-23 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit application describing project scope, square footage, total project valuation, electrical valuation, surrounding-space use, construction type, and occupancy group
- Architectural plans (stamped by a Colorado-licensed architect or engineer) required, including floor plan, wall section details, building section, fire-rating details, and code summary
- Structural plans required for any structural changes (bearing wall removal/openings, floor systems for storage, etc.)
- Electrical plans required for added circuits, service upgrades, or emergency lighting, including load calculations, one-line diagrams, and fault-current analysis
- Mechanical plans required for any HVAC equipment changes, relocation, or replacement of ductwork/refrigeration piping
- Plumbing plans required for any changes to sewer, drains, vents, water piping, roof drains, or gas piping
- Documentation showing compliance with the 2024 IECC required
- All plan sheets must bear the original seal of a Colorado-licensed architect or engineer per C.R.S., unless exempted under section 12-4-112 C.R.S.
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted via Community Core
- RequiredArchitectural, Structural, Electrical, and Mechanical/Plumbing PlansEach stamped by the appropriate Colorado-licensed design professional as applicable to project scope
- Required2024 IECC Compliance Documentation
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit / Inspection Fee | Valuation-based, determined by SAFEbuilt Colorado | VERIFIED-NEGATIVE, RE-CONFIRMED 2026-07-23: the Town's 2026 Fee Schedule's 'BUILDING PERMIT FEES' section contains exactly three line items (Use Tax, Administration Fee, Planning Review Fee) and no… Show full citationHideVERIFIED-NEGATIVE, RE-CONFIRMED 2026-07-23: the Town's 2026 Fee Schedule's 'BUILDING PERMIT FEES' section contains exactly three line items (Use Tax, Administration Fee, Planning Review Fee) and no base valuation-based dollar table for any permit type — see the residential-building-permit entry's fee note for the full citation. This is a town-wide publication gap, not specific to commercial tenant finish work. |
| Use Tax | 3% assessed on 60% of Total Valuation of Improvement as determined by SAFEbuilt | — |
| Transportation Impact Fee (Commercial) | $12,105.00 per 1,000 sq ft | — |
| Police Impact Fee (Commercial) | $5,680.00 per 1,000 sq ft | — |
Deck / Covered Patio / Carport Permit
VerifiedRequired for attached and detached decks, pergolas, patio covers, and carports in Severance. Governed by the 2024 IRC as adopted; the Town publishes dedicated Uncovered Decks & Porches and Patio Covers/Carport guides.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Site plan showing setbacks, house attachment details, guardrails, footings, and cross-section deck plan required per the Uncovered Decks & Porches guide
- Owner-builders are the responsible party of record; hiring an unlicensed contractor who secures an 'owner-builder' permit while implying the owner is providing labor/materials personally is flagged as a frequent improper practice in the Town's own guide
- Permits are valid for work to begin within six months of issuance
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted via Community Core
- RequiredSite Plan, House Attachment Detail, Guardrail Detail, Footing Detail, Cross-Section Deck PlanPer the Uncovered Decks & Porches guide's required submittal pages
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit / Inspection Fee | Valuation-based, determined by SAFEbuilt Colorado | — |
| Use Tax | 3% assessed on 60% of Total Valuation of Improvement as determined by SAFEbuilt | — |
EV Charger / Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permit
VerifiedSeverance does not publish a distinct EV-charger fee line or standalone EVSE permit type. Installing an EV charging station circuit is processed as electrical work under the Town's Electrical Permit mechanism already documented in this file: governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted, with electricians verified contemporaneously against their current Colorado State Electrical license (and Master Electrician license) per the Town's Procedure for Contemporaneous Reviews rather than a separate local trade exam. Severance is also one of the Colorado jurisdictions with an explicit, currently-enforced 'EV Ready' new-construction requirement (a minimum 40-amp dedicated circuit within 3 feet of a parking space), documented in the Town's own 2026 SAFEbuilt Residential Application Checklist and New Commercial Plan Submittal Procedure -- meaning many new homes and commercial buildings already have the EV circuit roughed in at construction, with a retrofit EV charger permit needed only when adding the circuit/charger to existing construction.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- A building/electrical permit is required to install a new dedicated circuit and charging unit for an EV charging station in existing construction, processed under the Town's general Electrical Permit mechanism (2023 NEC as adopted)
- Electricians must hold a current Colorado State Electrical license and Master Electrician license, contemporaneously verified per the Town's Procedure for Contemporaneous Reviews of Electrical & Plumbing Licenses (dpo.colorado.gov/EandP/ContemporaneousReview) -- no separate Town electrical exam or local licensing fee
- New single-family, two-family, and townhome dwellings, and new commercial buildings, must already show an EV-ready minimum 40-amp dedicated circuit within 3 feet of a parking space on submitted plans per the 2026 SAFEbuilt Residential Application Checklist and the New Commercial Plan Submittal Procedure -- retrofitting a charger onto that pre-installed circuit may not require a new permit beyond the original construction permit, but adding a NEW circuit to existing construction does
- Applications submitted online via the Community Core portal only
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Electrical Permit ApplicationSubmitted via Community Core, same application used for other electrical alteration work
- RequiredColorado State Electrical License and Master Electrician LicenseVerified contemporaneously by the Town/SAFEbuilt against DORA's State Electrical Board records
- RequiredLoad Calculation / Circuit DiagramNew EV charging circuit breaker sizing and panel capacity
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit / Inspection Fee (electrical valuation) | Valuation-based, determined by SAFEbuilt Colorado | No separately itemized flat EV-charger fee was found; billed under the same valuation-based electrical permit mechanism as other electrical alteration work |
| Use Tax | 3% assessed on 60% of Total Valuation of Improvement as determined by SAFEbuilt | — |
| Administration Fee | Greater of 30% of total inspection fees or $30.00 | — |
Sign Permit
VerifiedTown of Severance Land Use Code 2025, Division 4 (Signage), Section 16.5.415 requires a sign permit to erect, move, alter, reconstruct, or repair any permanent or temporary sign, except signs specifically exempted under Section 16.5.420. Town staff (not SAFEbuilt) review sign permits directly against seven listed criteria and may approve, approve with conditions, or deny; denials/conditions are appealable to the Board of Adjustment. Permitted number, maximum area, height, and illumination all vary by sign type and zone district (Residential, Business/Commercial, Town Core, Industrial Sub-District) per Tables 16.5.435.a and 16.5.435.b.
Verified 2026-08-14 · Source
Requirements
- A sign permit is required to erect, move, alter, reconstruct, or repair any permanent or temporary sign, except signs exempt under Section 16.5.420; changing/replacing the copy on an existing lawful sign does not require a new permit provided the copy change doesn't alter the sign's nature or create a violation
- A separate permit is required for each business entity's sign in a multiple-tenant building; separate building and/or electrical permits may also be required for a sign, determined case-by-case
- Applications made in writing; Town staff determines completeness, then reviews against: (1) compliance with this section; (2) conformance with adopted building/electrical Codes; (3) no interference with pedestrian/vehicular safety; (4) no detraction from an architecturally significant/historic structure; (5) no negative impact on adjacent property; (6) no detraction from pedestrian quality of the street/area; (7) no contribution to an over-proliferation of signs on the property/area
- Denial or approval-with-conditions may be appealed to the Board of Adjustment (BOA); a waiver for a larger-than-allowed sign area or a sign type not expressly permitted requires Town Council approval as a use by special review
- Exempt signs (no permit required) include: nonvisible signs; nonilluminated address signs up to 2 sq ft; non-illuminated building-identification/historical-marker signs; bulletin board signs up to 15 sq ft accessory to a church/school/nonprofit; temporary construction signs (max 8 sq ft residential / 16 sq ft other uses, one per street front, unlit, removed within 7 days of project completion or 1 year); courtesy signs up to 4 sq ft/face or 8 sq ft aggregate; holiday decorations displayed up to 60 days/year; on-premises directional signs up to 6 sq ft; door-glass signs; seasonal farm product signs; flags/crests/banners (non-commercial); garage/yard sale signs (up to twice per year per dwelling, max 3 days); memorial signs; notice boards for public/religious institutions; oil and gas operation identification signs
- Whenever a business/use is discontinued, its sign must be removed or obscured within 90 days of discontinuance
- Illegal signs in the public right-of-way may be removed by the Town and stored 30 days (recoverable only upon payment of removal/storage costs); unrecovered signs are declared abandoned with title vesting in the Town, and unpaid costs may become a tax lien
- Erecting a temporary sign requiring a permit without first obtaining one makes the person/entity ineligible for a temporary sign permit for the remainder of the calendar year
Required documents
- RequiredSign Permit ApplicationWritten application to Town staff per Land Use Code Sec. 16.5.415; no standalone downloadable PDF form was found on the Town's Building Permits/Guides or Land Use Code pages as of the last verification
- OptionalTemporary Sign Permit ApplicationRequired for temporary signs per Sec. 16.5.425; published flat fee of $100.00 (Sec. 16.15.020) on the Town's 2026 Fee Schedule
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign Permit | $100.00 | Town of Severance 2026 Fee Schedule (revised 12/9/2025), § 16.15.020, verified visually against the fee-schedule table's rendered page to confirm correct row/value alignment |
| Standard (Permanent) Sign Permit | Land Use Code Sec. 16.5.415(a) states 'Fees shall be in accordance with the Town's fee schedule available upon request from Town staff' — no standalone dollar figure for a non-temporary sign permit… Show full citationHideLand Use Code Sec. 16.5.415(a) states 'Fees shall be in accordance with the Town's fee schedule available upon request from Town staff' — no standalone dollar figure for a non-temporary sign permit is published in the Town's 2026 Fee Schedule (only the $100.00 Temporary Sign Permit line item, § 16.15.020, is itemized there). Contact the Building Department (970-692-7315 / building@townofseverance.org) for the current amount. |
Fire Sprinkler / Fire Alarm System Permit
VerifiedWindsor Severance Fire Rescue (WSFR), a Colorado special-district fire protection district serving a roughly 100-110 square mile area including the Towns of Windsor and Severance (headquarters: 100 N. 7th Street, Windsor, CO 80550, 970-686-2626), issues fire alarm and fire sprinkler permits through its Community Risk Reduction Division — entirely separate from the Town of Severance's own SAFEbuilt-administered general building permit process documented elsewhere in this file. Plan review applies the 2024 IFC WSFR Amendments (in effect August 1, 2025). Fees are valuation-tiered per WSFR's own Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Charges, and Fees, and WSFR publishes a specific plan-review turnaround: up to 10 business days from the time of payment.
Verified 2026-08-14 · Source
Requirements
- Fire Alarm Permit submittals must include: a valid contractor's license or equivalent certification; a completed permit application with correct address and valuation; three sets of plans at minimum 1/8" scale (a maximum of three sets will be stamped; digital plans also accepted); a PE or NICET Level III stamp on all plans; a minimum of one set of material cut sheets; voltage drop calculations; battery calculations; a symbol list; and a riser diagram
- Fire Sprinkler Permit submittals must include: a valid contractor's license or equivalent certification; a completed permit application with correct address and valuation; three sets of plans at minimum 1/8" scale (digital accepted); a PE or NICET Level III stamp on all plans; a minimum of one set of material cut sheets; hydraulic calculations; and water supply information including a flow test less than 1 year old
- Plans will not be reviewed until fees are received; plan reviews may then take up to 10 business days to complete
- Work completed without a permit is billed at double the original plan review and permit fee, per WSFR's own Plan Review & Fee Schedule page (the fee table separately caps the Delinquent Permit Fee — for work WSFR independently discovers is unpermitted — at double the original permit fee up to $1,000)
- Permits are valid for one year from issuance unless otherwise noted; an expired permit requires reapplication and an Expired Permit Fee of 65% of the original permit fee
- WSFR performs rough and final inspections of fire-protection systems for structures in Windsor, Severance, Larimer County, and Weld County; the final fire-protection-system inspection must be scheduled for the same time as the general building-permit final inspection, with all applicable contractors present, in order for the owner/occupant to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of Completion
- Applicants should reference the 2024 IFC WSFR Amendments (in effect August 1, 2025) along with other applicable codes and standards when submitting plans
Required documents
- RequiredFire Alarm Permit ApplicationSubmitted to WSFR's Community Risk Reduction Division (online plan review application available at wsfr.us/plan-review-application)
- RequiredFire Sprinkler Permit ApplicationSubmitted to WSFR's Community Risk Reduction Division
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Protection Systems Permit — system valued $1-$4,000, first $500 | $65.00 | WSFR 2025 Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Charges, and Fees; plus $7.00 per each additional $500 or fraction thereof up to $4,000. The multi-column fee table misaligns in a copy-paste, so read the figures from the page as published. |
| Fire Protection Systems Permit — system valued $4,001-$25,000, first $4,000 | $114.00 | Plus $14.00 per each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof up to $25,000 |
| Fire Protection Systems Permit — system valued $25,001-$50,000, first $25,000 | $408.00 | Plus $10.10 per each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof up to $50,000 |
| Fire Protection Systems Permit — system valued $50,001-$100,000, first $50,000 | $660.50 | Plus $7.00 per each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof up to $100,000 |
| Fire Protection Systems Permit — system valued $100,001-$500,000, first $100,000 | $1,010.50 | Plus $5.60 per each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof up to $500,000 |
| Fire Protection Systems Permit — system valued $500,001-$1,000,000, first $500,000 | $3,250.50 | Plus $4.75 per each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof up to $1,000,000 |
| Fire Protection Systems Permit — system valued $1,000,001 and up, first $1,000,000 | $5,625.50 | Plus $3.65 per each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the Permit Fee | Charged in addition to the Permit Fee, per the same WSFR fee schedule |
| Expired Permit Fee | 65% of the permit fee | Permits are only good for one year from issuance unless otherwise noted; applicant must reapply once expired |
| Delinquent Permit Fee (working without a permit, WSFR-discovered) | Double the original permit fee, up to $1,000 | WSFR issues a stop-work order and requires a permit be obtained before work resumes |
| Reinspection Fee (3rd and subsequent inspection for the same purpose) | $75.00, minimum 2 hours | — |
Change of Use Permit (Site Plan Review)
VerifiedThe Town of Severance has no standalone 'Change of Use Permit' — Land Use Code Section 16.2.240(b)(3) instead requires full Site Plan Review approval whenever a use changes from one primary use classification to another (the Code's own example: 'a residential use to a commercial use'), reviewed by the Planning Commission (recommendation) and decided by Town Council. Building permits may not be issued for development that doesn't conform to the approved site plan, and a certificate of occupancy will not be issued for a building constructed in violation of an approved site plan. Separately, Section 16.1.120(b) bars changing an already-nonconforming use into a different nonconforming use.
Verified 2026-08-14 · Source
Requirements
- Site plan review is required for: (1) all development, including additions, in all zone districts except single-family or duplex residential dwelling uses; (2) establishment of a use by special review; or (3) any change of use from one primary use classification to another (e.g., residential to commercial), per Sec. 16.2.240(b)
- Submittal requirements: a complete land use application form and checklist with fees paid; a written letter of intent; property documentation/proof of ownership current within 30 calendar days of submittal; a site plan drawing (cover page, existing conditions, proposed site improvements/details, grading, utilities, landscaping, architectural elevations, lighting plan, site/building signage); engineering reports/studies as applicable (drainage, utility, soils/geotechnical, and a PE-prepared traffic study); and any other supporting materials the Town requires
- Reviewed against 9 criteria including consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and any prior subdivision/land-use approvals, easement protection, drainage/utility adequacy, and access/circulation consistency (Sec. 16.2.240(d))
- Following staff/referral-agency review and any resubmittals, the application is scheduled for Planning Commission review (which forwards a recommendation) and then Town Council, which makes the final decision
- Building permits will not be issued for development that doesn't conform to the approved site plan; a certificate of occupancy will not be issued for a building/structure built in violation of an approved site plan
- Site plan approval is effective for 2 years from the approval date (or as otherwise stated); building permits cannot be issued off a site plan approval more than 2 years old. A one-time extension of up to 1 year is available from the decision-maker upon written request and justification prior to expiration
- Separately, a nonconforming use may NOT be changed or replaced with a different nonconforming use, per Sec. 16.1.120(b) — this restriction is distinct from and narrower than the general change-of-use trigger above
Required documents
- RequiredLand Use Application Form and Checklist (Site Plan)
- RequiredWritten Letter of Intent
- RequiredProof of OwnershipMust be current as of 30 calendar days from the time of application submittal
- RequiredSite Plan DrawingCover page, existing conditions, proposed site improvements/details, grading, utilities, landscaping, architectural elevations, lighting plan, and site/building signage details
- OptionalEngineering Reports and StudiesDrainage, utility, soils/geotechnical reports, and a traffic study prepared by a registered professional engineer, as applicable
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Site Plan Review Fee | $2,000.00 | Town of Severance 2026 Fee Schedule (revised 12/9/2025), § 16.19.110. Show full citationHideTown of Severance 2026 Fee Schedule (revised 12/9/2025), § 16.19.110. This is a single shared fee-table line item that also covers Annexation (§16.17.110), Minor Subdivision, Preliminary Plat (§16.18.040), and Final Plat (§16.18.060) applications — it appears as a merged table cell, so read it from the page as published rather than from a copy-paste. No change-of-use-specific dollar figure exists separate from this Site Plan fee. |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-23.
Fee schedules
Applications & forms
Checklists & handouts
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 Severance building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.