This is PermitBase’s published record for Windsor as of 2026-08-25. It has since been superseded — see the current record.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.
Windsor building permits
VerifiedWindsor, Colorado — as published 2026-08-25.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Codes adopted
2024 International Codes (I-Codes), adopted with an effective date of January 1, 2026 — Town of Windsor Building Permits page (verbatim: 'The 2024 I-Codes have been adopted with the effective date of January 1, 2026') states all new building plans, including master plans and energy code submissions, are reviewed under the 2024 I-Codes as of that date. Source: https://www.windsorco.gov/137/Building-Permits2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), effective for permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2024 — per the Town's own '2023 NEC Adoption Letter — Windsor' PDF referenced from the Building Permits page2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC), adopted by the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code Board (WRCB) effective July 1, 2025 (8 CCR 1507-39); the Town of Windsor's own Building Permits page states the CWRC 'will take effect in Windsor on July 1, 2026'The Town's separately-hosted 'Design Criteria and Adopted Codes' PDF (last modified 2024-07-23, before the 2024 I-Codes' Jan 1, 2026 effective date) still lists a superseded code suite — 2018 IRC/IBC, 2018 IECC, 2018 IFC, 2020 NEC, 2018 IPC, 2018 IMC, 2018 IFGC, 2018 IEBC, 2018 ISPSC, all 'with Amendments' — and has not been refreshed to reflect the 2024 I-Codes / 2023 NEC transition stated on the Building Permits page. The Building Permits page (2024 I-Codes eff. 1/1/2026, 2023 NEC eff. 1/1/2024) is the current governing code list here, as the more recent and directly dated source. Sources: https://www.windsorco.gov/DocumentCenter/View/16086/Adopted-Codes-and-Design-Criteria (PDF metadata ModDate 2024-07-23) and https://www.windsorco.gov/137/Building-Permits
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family homes and similar new residential construction in Windsor. Reviewed under the 2024 I-Codes (effective January 1, 2026) by SAFEbuilt under contract to the Town; the Town of Windsor is the issuing authority. New projects require a new Master Plan reviewed under the 2024 I-Codes — pre-2024-I-Code master plans cannot be revised or reused.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plans must comply with the 2024 I-Codes (IBC/IRC/IECC/IFC/IMC/IPC/IFGC/IEBC/ISPSC as adopted), effective for all new building plans and master plans as of January 1, 2026
- A new Master Plan reviewed and approved under the 2024 I-Codes is required for all new residential construction; existing (legacy) master plans are not accepted for new projects
- No separate Town of Windsor contractor license is required, but electrical and plumbing contractors must hold current Colorado state (DORA) licenses
- Building Permit Fee = SAFEbuilt's own valuation-based fee (not separately published by the Town) + Windsor Administration Fee (25% of the SAFEbuilt fee) + Use Tax (3.65% of half the project's valuation)
- Windsor-Severance Fire Rescue (WSFR) impact fees, for permits received on or after June 26, 2026, are collected directly by WSFR and due within 30 days of permit issuance
- Permit expires if work has not begun within 180 days of issuance, or is halted for 180 days
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (submitted per SAFEbuilt/Town submittal checklist)Submitted to the Town's Community Development office (200 N. 11th Street) or by mail; SAFEbuilt performs plan review under contract
- RequiredMaster Plan (2024 I-Code compliant)Required for new residential construction; must be reviewed/approved under the current 2024 I-Codes
- RequiredSite Plan / Plot PlanShowing lot dimensions, setbacks, and existing/proposed structures
- RequiredEngineered Foundation PlansStamped by a Colorado-licensed engineer
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | Equal to SAFEbuilt's own valuation-based fee | SAFEbuilt calculates this fee directly per project valuation; Show full citationHideSAFEbuilt calculates this fee directly per project valuation; the underlying valuation-tiered table is not published on a Town of Windsor page. Contact the Permit Technician (970-674-2436) or SAFEbuilt for a project-specific estimate. Town Fee Schedule, Updated 02.01.2026, Exhibit A |
| Windsor Administration Fee | 25% of the SAFEbuilt fee | Res 2016-91, Ord 2002-1106, Res 2014-51 |
| Use Tax | 3.65% of half the project's valuation | — |
| Water Tap / Meter Impact Fees | Varies by meter size, e.g. 3/4-inch Meter $341.00, 1-inch Meter $339.00, 1-inch Transponder $696.00 | Contact the Planning Department for an accurate project-specific estimate; full meter/transponder/yoke fee table in the Town Fee Schedule |
Residential Addition / Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired for additions, basement finishes, wall additions/removals, and structural remodels to existing homes in Windsor. Basement finishes must be submitted on a separate, standalone permit and may not be bundled into a master plan.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for: adding or removing walls; new structures; moving or installing plumbing or electrical; finishing a basement — required 'even if you are doing all the work yourself' per the Town's own FAQ
- Basement finishes cannot be included with a master plan and must be submitted as a separate permit
- Reviewed under the 2024 I-Codes as adopted, effective January 1, 2026
- No separate Town contractor license required; electrical/plumbing contractors need current Colorado state (DORA) licenses
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted to Community Development / Permit Technician
- RequiredFloor Plan / Construction DrawingsShowing scope of addition or remodel and connection to existing structure
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | Equal to SAFEbuilt's own valuation-based fee (not separately published) | Town Fee Schedule, Updated 02.01.2026 |
| Windsor Administration Fee | 25% of the SAFEbuilt fee | — |
| Use Tax | 3.65% of half the project's valuation | — |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for installing or moving electrical systems in Windsor. Governed by the 2023 NEC, effective for applications submitted on or after January 1, 2024. No separate Town of Windsor contractor license is required; electrical contractors must hold a current Colorado Electrical Board (DORA) license.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for 'moving or installing plumbing or electric' per the Town's FAQ, even for owner-performed work
- Governed by the 2023 NEC, effective for permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2024 (per the Town's own '2023 NEC Adoption Letter')
- No Town of Windsor contractor license is required — the Building Permits page states verbatim 'There is NO contractor license required for contractors'
- Electrical contractors must hold a current Colorado Electrical Board (DORA) license and submit license documentation to the Town
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Permit ApplicationSubmitted to the Town's Permit Technician; SAFEbuilt performs inspections
- RequiredColorado Electrical Board (DORA) LicenseCurrent state license documentation submitted to the Town
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Fee | Equal to SAFEbuilt's own valuation-based fee (not separately published for standalone electrical work) | Town Fee Schedule, Updated 02.01.2026 — no standalone flat electrical fee table found published |
| Windsor Administration Fee | 25% of the SAFEbuilt fee | — |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for installing or moving plumbing systems, and for lawn sprinkler system installation (potable or non-potable water hookup), in Windsor. Plumbing contractors must hold a current Colorado Plumbing Board (DORA) license; no separate Town contractor license is required.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for 'moving or installing plumbing' per the Town's FAQ, even for owner-performed work
- A building permit is explicitly required to install a sprinkler system, whether hooking up to Town of Windsor potable water or a non-potable system in a subdivision, per the Town's own FAQ
- No Town of Windsor contractor license required; plumbing contractors must hold a current Colorado Plumbing Board (DORA) license
Required documents
- RequiredPlumbing Permit ApplicationSubmitted to the Town's Permit Technician; SAFEbuilt performs inspections
- RequiredColorado Plumbing Board (DORA) LicenseCurrent state license documentation
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Fee | Equal to SAFEbuilt's own valuation-based fee (not separately published for standalone plumbing work) | Town Fee Schedule, Updated 02.01.2026 |
| Windsor Administration Fee | 25% of the SAFEbuilt fee | — |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for mechanical system work (furnaces, HVAC equipment) as part of new construction, additions, or remodels in Windsor, reviewed under the 2024 I-Codes (IMC/IFGC as adopted). No standalone consumer-facing HVAC-swap FAQ entry was found distinct from the general remodel/electrical/plumbing permit triggers.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Mechanical work performed as part of new construction, additions, or remodels requires a building permit, per the general 'adding or removing walls...moving or installing plumbing or electric' FAQ trigger
- Reviewed under the 2024 I-Codes (International Mechanical Code and International Fuel Gas Code as adopted), effective January 1, 2026
- No Town of Windsor contractor license required for mechanical contractors
Required documents
- RequiredMechanical Permit ApplicationSubmitted to the Town's Permit Technician; SAFEbuilt performs plan review and inspections
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Fee | Equal to SAFEbuilt's own valuation-based fee (not separately published for standalone mechanical work) | Town Fee Schedule, Updated 02.01.2026 |
| Windsor Administration Fee | 25% of the SAFEbuilt fee | — |
Roofing Permit (Reroof)
VerifiedRequired to re-roof a house in Windsor, so the Town can conduct required inspections confirming the work meets the adopted building code. Governed by the 2024 I-Codes' roofing provisions as adopted.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required to re-roof a house, per the Town's own FAQ (verbatim: 'The Town requires a building permit in order to conduct the required inspections and make sure that the construction meets the building code adopted by the Town of Windsor')
- Reviewed under the 2024 I-Codes as adopted, effective January 1, 2026
- Specific roofing code questions may be directed to SAFEbuilt (970-686-7511) per the Town's FAQ page
Required documents
- RequiredRoofing Permit ApplicationSubmitted to the Town's Permit Technician; SAFEbuilt performs inspections
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Fee | Equal to SAFEbuilt's own valuation-based fee (not separately published for standalone roofing work) | Town Fee Schedule, Updated 02.01.2026 — no standalone flat roofing fee table found published |
| Windsor Administration Fee | 25% of the SAFEbuilt fee | — |
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit
VerifiedRequired for construction of an ADU in Windsor, a two-step process: first a Planning Department land-use application/approval (Municipal Code Sec. 14-2-100 zoning eligibility, Sec. 16-3-40 ADU regulations), then a standard building permit once the ADU land-use application is approved and recorded.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- ADUs are permitted as an accessory use in conjunction with all single-family detached dwellings in all zoning districts that permit single-family dwelling units
- ADU living space must be between 500 and 950 square feet, and the ADU's living space may not be larger than the living space of the principal dwelling
- A single-family dwelling must already exist as the principal dwelling on the lot, or be constructed in conjunction with the ADU; a Certificate of Occupancy will only be granted to the ADU after it has been granted to the principal dwelling
- An existing off-street parking space (driveway, garage, tandem parking, other off-street space, or on-street parking) must be available for designation to the ADU
- ADU must be compatible in design with the principal dwelling; photos of the principal home plus proposed ADU elevations (front and side) are required
- Type I (detached), Type II (attached/internal, locked off from the principal dwelling, considered a separate dwelling unit under the building code), and Type III (attached/internal, NOT locked off, considered part of one dwelling unit under the building code) are the three defined ADU types
- A Declaration of Restrictive Covenants must be recorded: the property owner (Declarant) must reside on the property as their primary residence (with a short-term-rental exception allowing residence in either the principal dwelling or the ADU while an STR permit is active); ADU ownership cannot be transferred separately from the principal dwelling, nor may the property be subdivided; the ADU is restricted to its approved size
- Two (2) sets of architectural/floor plans, engineered foundation plans (wet-stamped by a Colorado-licensed engineer for new detached structures), electrical plans, mechanical plans, fire separation assemblies (a listed 2-hour fire-rated horizontal/vertical assembly separating units per the IRC), and (if applicable) stamped fire protection plans are required
- Two (2) copies of Manual J and Manual D compliance calculations, plus IECC energy code compliance documentation (ResCheck or an energy rating company report), are required
- A soils report and Site Grading Certificate must be approved by the Town before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued
- Once the ADU land-use application is approved and recorded with the county, the applicant may then submit for the actual building permit
- Type I ADU site plans must be prepared and signed by a Colorado Licensed Surveyor or Engineer
Required documents
- RequiredAccessory Dwelling Unit Application PacketLand-use application, checklist, and Declaration of Restrictive Covenants, submitted to planningtechs@windsorgov.com
- RequiredSite Plan Submittal DocumentsLot boundaries, structure locations, setbacks, utilities, easements, land use table, architectural elevations, drainage/grading, foundation plans
- RequiredSAFEbuilt Accessory Dwelling Unit Submittal ChecklistBuilding-permit-specific submittal requirements (plot plans, architectural/electrical/mechanical plans, Manual J/D, IECC compliance) provided by SAFEbuilt for the subsequent building permit stage
- RequiredRecorded DeedCurrent copy of the recorded deed for the property
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ADU Application Fee | Per the Town of Windsor Fee Schedule (Code Section 14-2-100) | Fee amount not legible in the Town's own Fee Schedule PDF extraction for this specific line item (Planning Fees section, '14-2-100 Accessory Dwelling Unit'); Show full citationHideFee amount not legible in the Town's own Fee Schedule PDF extraction for this specific line item (Planning Fees section, '14-2-100 Accessory Dwelling Unit'); contact the Planning Department directly for the current dollar figure. Genuinely could not extract a clean number despite direct PDF review — flagged rather than guessed. |
| Building Permit Fee (for the subsequent building permit stage) | Equal to SAFEbuilt's own valuation-based fee | Standard Building Permit Fee + 25% Windsor Administration Fee + 3.65%-of-half-valuation Use Tax apply once the ADU proceeds to the building permit stage |
Fence / Wall Permit and Regulations
VerifiedFences meeting Windsor's standard fencing regulations generally do NOT require a building permit, per the Town's own FAQ, but all fences/walls/architectural screening devices must still conform to the zoning district's height, setback, and offset rules set out in the Town's Fence Regulations handout.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Generally, no permit is required for a fence, 'as long as the fence meets the standard fencing regulations,' per the Town's FAQ
- For non-industrially-zoned properties: maximum height 6 feet generally (unless specifically authorized otherwise); solid fences/walls/hedgerows/barriers over 4 feet are prohibited in the front yard; screening devices may extend 4-feet-tall from each front building corner into the front yard for up to 8 feet, beyond which the 4-foot cap continues to apply; chain-link fencing is prohibited in front yards
- Electrified fences (with a shock-capable charge) are prohibited town-wide
- All fences must conform to the visibility-triangle requirements of Municipal Code Sec. 16-10-10 at street intersections (no substantial impediment to visibility between 3 and 8 feet high within the defined 40-foot triangular area)
- Limited-industrially-zoned properties: 6-foot front-yard cap, up to 8-foot side/rear (conditional-use approval required beyond that), vinyl-clad chain-link required, limited barbed/smooth-wire strand allowances
- Heavy-industrially-zoned properties: 6-foot front-yard cap, up to 10-foot side/rear (conditional-use approval required beyond that), vinyl-clad chain-link required along rights-of-way/front yards
Required documents
- OptionalSite Plan (if permit determination requires one)Showing fence/wall location relative to property lines and the visibility triangle at any street intersection
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| No fee generally applicable | N/A | Most fences meeting the standard regulations require no permit and therefore no fee; contact the Permit Technician (970-674-2436) if a specific fence/wall design falls outside the standard regulations and requires review |
Shed / Accessory Structure Permit
VerifiedA permit is required for a shed or other accessory structure in Windsor only if it exceeds 120 square feet in area or is taller than 10 feet at the peak; placement is also restricted relative to the principal building.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required only if the shed/accessory structure exceeds 120 square feet OR stands taller than 10 feet at the peak, per the Town's own FAQ
- 'No accessory building, regardless of its size, shall be located any closer to the front property line than the rear corners of the principal building,' per the Town's FAQ (a placement rule that applies even to permit-exempt sheds)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (if size/height thresholds are exceeded)Submitted to the Town's Permit Technician
- RequiredSite PlanShowing shed/accessory structure placement relative to the principal building's rear corners and the front property line
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Fee (only if size/height threshold exceeded) | Equal to SAFEbuilt's own valuation-based fee (not separately published for this scope) | Town Fee Schedule, Updated 02.01.2026 |
| Windsor Administration Fee | 25% of the SAFEbuilt fee | — |
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of rooftop residential or commercial solar photovoltaic systems within the Town of Windsor. Building permit review and inspection is contracted to SAFEbuilt, the same third party that administers all other Windsor building permits; the electrical portion is governed by the 2023 NEC. No dedicated solar/PV fee line item is published in the Town's Fee Schedule — solar is billed under the same SAFEbuilt valuation-based Building Permit Fee plus the Town's 25% Administration Fee, subject to Colorado's statewide solar permit fee cap.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for the structural/roof-mounting portion, reviewed and inspected by SAFEbuilt under contract to the Town of Windsor
- Electrical permit required for PV wiring/interconnection, governed by the 2023 NEC (effective for applications submitted on or after January 1, 2024); no separate Town of Windsor contractor license required, but the electrician must hold a current Colorado Electrical Board (DORA) license
- Under Colorado's statewide solar permit fee cap (C.R.S. § 24-48.5-113, enacted by HB21-1284), a covered local jurisdiction's total building-permit-related fees for a residential solar PV system may not exceed $500, and $1,000 for commercial systems, regardless of project valuation
- Windsor is subject to Colorado's automated-permitting mandate for cities over 5,000 population (HB25-1096); confirm with SAFEbuilt/the Permit Technician whether an automated online solar plan-review pathway (e.g. SolarAPP+) is currently offered
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Electrical Permit ApplicationSubmitted to the Town's Permit Technician; SAFEbuilt performs plan review and inspections
- RequiredColorado Electrical Board (DORA) LicenseCurrent state license documentation for the installing electrician, submitted to the Town
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide aggregate solar permit fee cap — Residential | $500 (combined Town + State Electrical Board fees) | C.R.S. § 24-48.5-113, enacted by HB21-1284 (2021), extended through Dec. 31, 2029; caps the total of all governmental permit/review fees for an active solar energy system — governs regardless of what the SAFEbuilt valuation-based fee would otherwise calculate |
| Statewide aggregate solar permit fee cap — Commercial | $1,000 (combined Town + State Electrical Board fees) | C.R.S. § 24-48.5-113, enacted by HB21-1284 (2021) |
| Building Permit Fee (SAFEbuilt valuation-based) | Equal to SAFEbuilt's own valuation-based fee — no dedicated solar/PV line item published locally; subject to the statewide cap above | Town of Windsor Fee Schedule (Updated 02.01.2026), Building Permit Fees section: 'Building Permit Fee — SAFEbuilt' with no dollar figure published locally |
| Windsor Administration Fee | 25% of the SAFEbuilt fee | Town of Windsor Fee Schedule (Updated 02.01.2026), Res 1992-18 |
| Use Tax | 3.65% of half the project's valuation | Town of Windsor Fee Schedule (Updated 02.01.2026), Ord 2002-1106 / Res 2014-51 |
EV Charger Installation Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of an EV charging station (EVSE) within the Town of Windsor. Building permit review and inspection is contracted to SAFEbuilt, the same third party that administers all other Windsor building permits; the electrical portion is governed by the 2023 NEC. Unlike Westcliffe and other small Colorado towns, Windsor's population (2020 Census: 32,716) exceeds the 10,000-population municipal threshold in Colorado's HB24-1173 (Electric Vehicle Charging System Permits Act), so Windsor is a COVERED jurisdiction required to have adopted the state model EV-charger permitting code, its own objective published standards, or its existing process by December 31, 2025, with a 3-business-day decision-notification requirement. The Town publishes no dedicated EV-charger permit page, checklist, or HB24-1173 compliance statement separate from its general Building Permits page — treat compliance as an open item rather than assumed either way. The Town's Fee Schedule (Updated 02.01.2026) shows Building Permit Fee = "SAFEbuilt" (no dollar figure published — set by SAFEbuilt's own external valuation-based schedule) plus the Town's 25% Administration Fee (Res 1992-18) and 3.65%-of-half-valuation Use Tax (Ord 2002-1106/Res 2014-51). No EV/electric vehicle/charging station line item exists anywhere in the current Fee Schedule PDF. The Colorado Energy Office's HB24-1173 Local Government EV Charging Permitting page provides guidance and a model code but publishes no jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction compliance tracker or list, so whether Windsor filed one of the three required compliance actions by the December 31, 2025 deadline (and the March 1, 2026 confirmation report) cannot be determined from any public source — ask the Town directly if it matters to your project.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for the EV charger circuit and any associated panel/service work, reviewed and inspected by SAFEbuilt under contract to the Town of Windsor
- Electrical permit required for the charger wiring/interconnection, governed by the 2023 NEC (effective for applications submitted on or after January 1, 2024); no separate Town of Windsor contractor license required, but the electrician must hold a current Colorado Electrical Board (DORA) license
- A building permit is additionally required if the installation includes a new canopy, carport, or other structural mounting component, reviewed under the 2024 I-Codes (effective January 1, 2026)
- Because Windsor's population (32,716 per the 2020 Census) exceeds the 10,000-population threshold in Colorado's HB24-1173 (Electric Vehicle Charging System Permits Act), the Town is a covered jurisdiction required to have adopted, by December 31, 2025, either the state's EV-charger permitting model code, its own objective local standards and administrative review process (including an applicant checklist), or a confirmation that its existing process already meets the Act's requirements — including a 3-business-day decision-notification turnaround; no Town-published page specifically documents which of these three paths Windsor chose
- Permit expires if work does not begin within 180 days of issuance, or if work is halted for 180 days, per the Town's general permit-expiration rule
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Electrical Permit ApplicationSubmitted to the Town's Permit Technician; SAFEbuilt performs plan review and inspections
- RequiredColorado Electrical Board (DORA) LicenseCurrent state license documentation for the installing electrician, submitted to the Town
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (SAFEbuilt valuation-based) | Equal to SAFEbuilt's own valuation-based fee — no dedicated EV-charger line item published | Town of Windsor Fee Schedule (Updated 02.01.2026), Building Permit Fees section: 'Building Permit Fee — SAFEbuilt' with no dollar figure published locally; unlike solar, EV-charger permits are not subject to any Colorado statewide fee cap |
| Windsor Administration Fee | 25% of the SAFEbuilt fee | Town of Windsor Fee Schedule (Updated 02.01.2026), Res 1992-18 |
| Use Tax | 3.65% of half the project's valuation | Town of Windsor Fee Schedule (Updated 02.01.2026), Ord 2002-1106 / Res 2014-51 |
Commercial / Industrial Building Permit (New Construction)
Required for new commercial, industrial, and multi-family shell construction in Windsor. Reviewed under the 2024 I-Codes by SAFEbuilt under contract to the Town; the Town of Windsor Planning Department is the issuing authority. A Town-approved Site Plan must already be in hand before plan submittal, and the project is subject to a distinct Road Impact Fee (by land-use category) and Water Plant Investment Fee (by meter size) not applicable to standard single-family residential permits.
Reviewed 2026-08-02 · Source
Requirements
- A Town of Windsor Approved Site Plan (all pages — title page, site plan, utility drawings, drainage plans, elevations, landscape plans) must be submitted electronically along with the building permit application, per the Town's 'New Commercial Plan Submittal Procedure' checklist
- Application must give description of project and square footage, total project valuation and electrical valuation, type of construction, and occupancy group
- Architectural Plans, Project Specifications, Structural Plans, Electrical Plans, and Mechanical/Plumbing Plans must each be stamped by a Colorado-licensed architect or engineer (per C.R.S. requiring an original seal unless exempted by section 12-4-112 C.R.S.); Fire Protection Plans stamped by a Colorado-licensed engineer are required if a fire protection system is part of the design
- Electrical plans must include load calculations, one-line diagrams, and fault current analysis; EV-ready, Solar-ready, and Electric-ready provisions are now required to be shown on plans
- A soils report (stamped by a Colorado-licensed soils engineer), structural calculations (stamped by a Colorado-licensed structural engineer), a list of special inspections required by the Building Code, and detailed drawings for fire-rated floor/ceiling, roof/ceiling, and wall assemblies must be submitted
- The cover sheet must include a building code summary and assumptions regarding occupancy, construction type, total allowable building area, exiting and occupant load, wind speed design, snow load, frost depth, and other pertinent information
- Restaurants and commercial kitchens have additional requirements: a grease interceptor sized per the adopted Plumbing Code (or engineer-designed) for grease-producing operations; an approved fire sprinkler system for liquor-serving restaurants over 5,000 square feet; the restaurant operator (not the Town) is responsible for obtaining all liquor licenses/inspections; Type I hoods for grease/smoke-producing equipment and Type II hoods for heat/steam-only equipment; two exits (not passing through a kitchen/storage area) for an occupant load of 50 or more, with panic hardware required at 100+ occupant load in an A Occupancy; Weld County or Larimer County health department approval (letter/email/fax) is required on-site before final inspection and is a condition of the Certificate of Occupancy; a seating plan is required for indoor or outdoor dining areas, and fenced patio gates must meet applicable door requirements
- Reviewed under the 2024 I-Codes (effective January 1, 2026); no separate Town of Windsor contractor license is required, but the licensed design professionals and installing trade contractors must hold current Colorado (DORA) credentials where applicable
- The approved job-site plan set must remain on site throughout construction (including final inspections) and must be identical to the Town-approved site plan; any change to the approved site plan requires Town approval before implementation
- A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) requires: all utility inspections passed (including water meter installation), SAFEbuilt's final construction inspection passed, Windsor-Severance Fire Rescue (WSFR) inspections passed, and closeout procedures completed (walkthrough/punch list, site grade certification, detention pond certification if applicable, and any development agreement items)
- A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) is available at the Town's sole discretion for commercial and industrial projects only (NOT for multifamily); all health/safety/welfare items (egress, fire protection, potable water, sanitary sewer, open excavations) must be complete, while non-critical items like landscaping may be deferred against a security (escrow check, performance bond, or letter of credit)
- Permits expire if work does not begin within 180 days of issuance, or is halted for 180 days, per the Town's general permit-expiration rule
- Windsor-Severance Fire Rescue (WSFR) impact fees, for permits received on or after June 26, 2026, are collected directly by WSFR and due within 30 days of permit issuance
- WSFR separately charges its own valuation-tiered Building Permit and Fire Protection Systems Permit plan review/inspection fee for any fire alarm, fire sprinkler, or other fire protection system scope. The full tiered fee table appears in WSFR's '2025 Windsor Severance Fire Rescue Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Charges, and Fees' PDF and is reproduced in the Fees section below. WSFR also separately states on its own website that 'Plan reviews may take up to 10 business days to be completed from the time of payment' — this figure is WSFR's own fire-system plan review turnaround specifically, not a Town/SAFEbuilt overall building-permit review timeline, and is not used as this entry's review-timeline figure for that reason
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationDescription of project and square footage, total project valuation and electrical valuation, type of construction, and occupancy group
- RequiredTown of Windsor Approved Site Plan (complete set)Title page, site plan, utility drawings, drainage plans, elevations, landscape plans, etc. — must already be Town-approved prior to building permit submittal
- RequiredArchitectural Plans, Project Specifications, Structural Plans, Electrical Plans, Mechanical/Plumbing PlansEach stamped by a Colorado-licensed architect or engineer (per C.R.S., unless exempted under section 12-4-112 C.R.S.)
- OptionalFire Protection PlansStamped by a Colorado-licensed engineer, required if a fire protection system is part of the design
- RequiredSoils Report and Structural CalculationsSoils report stamped by a Colorado-licensed soils engineer; structural calculations stamped by a Colorado-licensed structural engineer
- OptionalCommercial/Industrial Building Permit Fee Estimate (Required Information form)Submitted to the Town's Permit Technician (Robin Volner, rvolner@windsorgov.com) to obtain a project-specific fee estimate prior to permit submittal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | Equal to SAFEbuilt's own valuation-based fee | SAFEbuilt calculates this fee directly from project valuation; the underlying valuation-tiered table is not published on a Town of Windsor page. Town Fee Schedule (Updated 02.01.2026), Exhibit A, Building Permit Fees section, Res 1992-18 |
| Windsor Administration Fee | 25% of the SAFEbuilt fee | Res 2016-91 |
| Use Tax | 3.65% of half the project's valuation | Ord 2002-1106 / Res 2014-51 |
| Road Impact Fee — Retail/Commercial | $11,302.00 per 1,000 square feet | Town Fee Schedule, Road Impact Fees section, Chapter 17 (effective June 1, 2023), Res 2024-35 |
| Road Impact Fee — Office | $10,115.00 per 1,000 square feet | Town Fee Schedule, Road Impact Fees section, Res 2024-35 |
| Road Impact Fee — Public/Institutional | $4,214.00 per 1,000 square feet | Town Fee Schedule, Road Impact Fees section, Res 2024-35 |
| Road Impact Fee — Industrial | $5,300.00 per 1,000 square feet (Warehouse $1,899.00; Mini-Warehouse $1,608.00 per 1,000 square feet) | Town Fee Schedule, Road Impact Fees section, Res 2024-35 |
| Water Plant Investment Fee | By meter size, e.g. 3/4-inch $8,708.00, 1-inch $28,686.00, 1.5-inch $67,640.00, 2-inch $111,377.00, 3-inch $245,419.00 (4-inch and over priced individually) | Town Fee Schedule, Water Fees and Charges section, Code Sec. 13-2-70, Res 2027-76 — applies when a new commercial water tap/meter is required |
| WSFR Building Permit / Fire Protection Systems Permit Plan Review and Inspection Fee | Valuation-tiered: system valued $1-$4,000 = $65.00 for the first $500 plus $7.00 per additional $500 or fraction up to $4,000; $4,001-$25,000 = $114.00 for the first $4,000 plus $14.00 per additional $1,000 or fraction up to $25,000; $25,001-$50,000 = $408.00 for the first $25,000 plus $10.10 per additional $1,000 or fraction up to $50,000; $50,001-$100,000 = $660.50 for the first $50,000 plus $7.00 per additional $1,000 or fraction up to $100,000; $100,001-$500,000 = $1,010.50 for the first $100,000 plus $5.60 per additional $1,000 or fraction up to $500,000; $500,001-$1,000,000 = $3,250.50 for the first $500,000 plus $4.75 per additional $1,000 or fraction up to $1,000,000; $1,000,001+ = $5,625.50 for the first $1,000,000 plus $3.65 per additional $1,000 or fraction thereof. A separate Plan Review Fee equal to 65% of the Permit Fee is charged in addition. Kitchen Hood Systems are a flat $275.00; Underground Fireline Installation is a flat $150.00; Over-the-Counter/Scope Letter Submission is a flat $75.00. | WSFR '2025 Windsor Severance Fire Rescue Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Charges, and Fees.' Applies only to the fire alarm/sprinkler/fire-protection-system scope of a project, separately from and in… Show full citationHideWSFR '2025 Windsor Severance Fire Rescue Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Charges, and Fees.' Applies only to the fire alarm/sprinkler/fire-protection-system scope of a project, separately from and in addition to the SAFEbuilt/Town Building Permit Fee, Windsor Administration Fee, and Use Tax above. Fee is only 25% of Building Permit and Plan Review fees, and 100% of Fire Protection Systems Permit and Plan Review fees, for Town of Windsor/Town of Severance projects and Clearview Library District projects specifically — full price otherwise. Source: https://www.wsfr.us/files/c42088098/WSFR+2024+Consolidated+Schedule+of+Rates%2C+Charges%2C+and+Fees.pdf |
| WSFR Planning Project Development Review Fee | $250.00 for Overall Development Plan, Site Development Plan, Commercial Project, Residential Subdivision, or Mixed-Use Project (Commercial and Residential) reviews, including Major Amendments; $100.00 for all other Planning Project Development Reviews | A newly-confirmed, previously-undocumented fee: WSFR itself separately charges a flat fee to review Planning/Zoning development-stage submittals (e.g., the Town-approved Site Plan required before… Show full citationHideA newly-confirmed, previously-undocumented fee: WSFR itself separately charges a flat fee to review Planning/Zoning development-stage submittals (e.g., the Town-approved Site Plan required before commercial building permit submittal) for fire-access/hydrant adequacy, distinct from its Building Permit/Fire Protection Systems Permit fee above. Same source, same PDF, 'Planning and Zoning Review Fees' section. |
Commercial Tenant Finish / Remodel (Tenant Improvement) Permit
Required for interior remodel or tenant-finish work in existing commercial, industrial, or retail space in Windsor — e.g., new tenant buildout, change of use, or renovation within an existing building shell. Reviewed under the 2024 I-Codes and the 2024 IECC by SAFEbuilt under contract to the Town of Windsor.
Reviewed 2026-08-02 · Source
Requirements
- Application must give description of project and square footage, total project valuation and electrical valuation, use of surrounding spaces, type of construction, and occupancy group
- Architectural Plans (including floor plan, wall section details, building section, fire-rating details, and code summary), Structural Plans (required for structural changes such as removal of bearing walls, openings in bearing walls, or floor systems for storage), Electrical Plans (required for adding circuits, service upgrades, or emergency lighting, with load calculations, one-line diagrams, and fault current analysis), and Mechanical/Plumbing Plans (required for HVAC equipment changes/relocation/ductwork or refrigeration piping changes, and for any changes to sewers, drains, vents, water piping, roof drains, or gas piping) must each be stamped by a Colorado-licensed architect or engineer, per the Town's dedicated Commercial Tenant Finish Plan checklist
- Documentation showing compliance with the 2024 IECC (energy code) is a listed submittal item on the Town's dedicated Commercial Tenant Finish Plan checklist
- Restaurants and commercial kitchens have the same additional requirements as new commercial construction: grease interceptor, sprinkler system for liquor-serving space over 5,000 sq ft, Type I/II hoods, occupant-load-based exiting, health department approval before CO, and a seating plan — see the Town's Commercial Permit - Checklist
- The applicant will be contacted by SAFEbuilt for any additional information needed to complete plan review; the approved plan set must remain on the job site throughout construction, including final inspections
- No separate Town of Windsor contractor license is required, but licensed design professionals and installing trade contractors must hold current Colorado (DORA) credentials where applicable
- Windsor-Severance Fire Rescue (WSFR) impact fees, for permits received on or after June 26, 2026, are collected directly by WSFR and due within 30 days of permit issuance, per the Town's general building-permit impact-fee rule
- Whether a specific tenant-finish/change-of-use project separately triggers the Town's Road Impact Fee (as new commercial construction does) was not confirmed in any document reviewed — the Fee Schedule's Road Impact Fee table does not specify whether it applies only to new building square footage or also to a change of tenant/use within existing space; confirm applicability with the Planning/Engineering Department for a specific project rather than assuming either way
- If the tenant-finish scope includes a fire alarm, fire sprinkler, or other fire protection system (see the Fire Protection System Inspection entry under Inspections below), WSFR charges its own separate, valuation-tiered Building Permit/Fire Protection Systems Permit plan review and inspection fee — reproduced in full in the commercial-building-permit entry's fees section (WSFR 2025 Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Charges, and Fees); the same table applies regardless of whether the underlying permit is new construction or tenant finish
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationDescription of project and square footage, valuation, use of surrounding spaces, construction type, and occupancy group
- RequiredArchitectural PlansFloor plan, wall section details, building section, fire-rating details, code summary — stamped by a Colorado-licensed architect or engineer
- OptionalStructural PlansRequired for bearing wall removal/openings, floor systems for storage, or other structural changes
- OptionalElectrical PlansRequired for added circuits, service upgrades, or emergency lighting; load calculations, one-line diagrams, and fault current analysis required
- OptionalMechanical/Plumbing PlansRequired for HVAC or plumbing system changes
- Required2024 IECC Compliance DocumentationEnergy code compliance documentation, listed as a submittal item on the Town's Commercial Tenant Finish Plan checklist
- OptionalCommercial/Industrial Tenant Finish & Remodel Fee Estimate (Required Information form)Must be completed for each individual building; submitted to the Town's Permit Technician (Robin Volner, rvolner@windsorgov.com) for a project-specific fee estimate
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | Equal to SAFEbuilt's own valuation-based fee (not separately published for tenant-finish scope) | Town Fee Schedule (Updated 02.01.2026), Exhibit A, Building Permit Fees section, Res 1992-18 |
| Windsor Administration Fee | 25% of the SAFEbuilt fee | Res 2016-91 |
| Use Tax | 3.65% of half the project's valuation | Ord 2002-1106 / Res 2014-51 |
Sign Permit
VerifiedRequired for permanent and temporary signage in Windsor, including building-mounted signs, freestanding signs, banners, teardrops, and H-frame signs, under the Town's Land Use Code (Chapter 14, Article XVII and Sec. 15-17-10). Applications are reviewed by the Planning Department.
Verified 2026-08-14 · Source
Requirements
- All permanent and temporary signage requires a permit, regulated to 'keep the town's corridors free of clutter, provide an attractive streetscape for visitors, and maintain equitable advertising' per the Town's own Sign Permit page
- Permanent signs include building-mounted signs and freestanding structures, each with its own dedicated application form and guidance document
- Temporary signs include banners, teardrops, and H-frame signs — described as 'not of a permanent nature (not including those signs advertising the sale or lease of the property)'
- Governed by Windsor Municipal/Land Use Code Section 14: Land Use Code and Administration, Article XVII, and Section 15-17-10, per the Town's own Sign Permit page
Required documents
- OptionalBuilding Mounted Sign Permit ApplicationTown of Windsor application form for wall/building-mounted signs
- OptionalFreestanding Sign Permit ApplicationTown of Windsor application form for freestanding (ground-mounted) signs
- OptionalTemporary Sign Permit ApplicationTown of Windsor application form for banners, teardrops, and H-frame signs
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sign permit fee | $50.00 | Town of Windsor Fee Schedule (Exhibit A, Updated 02.01.2026), Code Section 14-2-170, Res 1998-28 |
Fire Sprinkler & Fire Alarm Permit
VerifiedRequired for new or modified fire alarm and automatic fire sprinkler systems in Windsor, permitted and inspected by Windsor Severance Fire Rescue's (WSFR) Community Risk Reduction Division, independent of the Town's own building permit process.
Verified 2026-08-14 · Source
Requirements
- Plan Reviews are submitted to WSFR via its Online Plan Review Application
- WSFR's published SLA: 'Plan reviews may take up to 10 business days to be completed from the time of payment'
- Fire alarm submittals must include: a valid contractor's license or equivalent certification; a completed permit application with correct address and valuation; three sets of plans (minimum 1/8-inch scale, digital accepted); a PE or NICET Level III stamp on all plans; material cut sheets, voltage drop calculations, battery calculations, symbol list, and riser diagram
- Fire sprinkler submittals must include: a valid contractor's license or equivalent certification; a completed permit application with correct address and valuation; three sets of plans (minimum 1/8-inch scale, digital accepted); a PE or NICET Level III stamp on all plans; material cut sheets and hydraulic calculations; water supply information including a flow test less than 1 year old
- Work completed without a permit is billed at double the original plan review and permit fee
- Fees must be paid in full prior to release of the permit
Required documents
- RequiredWSFR Plan Review Application (Online)Submitted through Windsor Severance Fire Rescue's online Plan Review Application portal
- RequiredStamped System PlansThree sets, minimum 1/8-inch scale (digital accepted), stamped by a PE or NICET Level III
- RequiredMaterial Cut Sheets and CalculationsFire alarm: voltage drop and battery calculations, symbol list, riser diagram. Fire sprinkler: hydraulic calculations and a water flow test less than 1 year old
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit and Fire Protection Systems Permit Plan Review and Inspection Fee — system valued $1 to $4,000 | $65.00 for the first $500, plus $7.00 for each additional $500 or fraction thereof up to $4,000 | WSFR 2025 Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Charges, and Fees (PDF), p.1 — image-verified due to multi-column PDF layout |
| System valued $4,001 to $25,000 | $114.00 for the first $4,000, plus $14.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof up to $25,000 | WSFR 2025 Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Charges, and Fees (PDF), p.1 |
| System valued $25,001 to $50,000 | $408.00 for the first $25,000, plus $10.10 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof up to $50,000 | WSFR 2025 Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Charges, and Fees (PDF), p.1 |
| System valued $50,001 to $100,000 | $660.50 for the first $50,000, plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof up to $100,000 | WSFR 2025 Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Charges, and Fees (PDF), p.1 |
| System valued $100,001 to $500,000 | $1,010.50 for the first $100,000, plus $5.60 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof up to $500,000 | WSFR 2025 Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Charges, and Fees (PDF), p.1 |
| System valued $500,001 to $1,000,000 | $3,250.50 for the first $500,000, plus $4.75 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof up to $1,000,000 | WSFR 2025 Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Charges, and Fees (PDF), p.1 |
| System valued $1,000,001 and up | $5,625.50 for the first $1,000,000, plus $3.65 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | WSFR 2025 Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Charges, and Fees (PDF), p.1 |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the Permit Fee | WSFR 2025 Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Charges, and Fees (PDF), p.1 |
| Requested After-Hours Inspection | $75.00 per inspection per hour, minimum 2 hours | WSFR 2025 Fee Schedule, p.3 (image-verified); doubled if the inspection occurs on a holiday or holiday weekend; applies outside 7:00 AM-5:00 PM Monday-Thursday or any time on weekends |
| Reinspection Fee | $75.00 | WSFR 2025 Fee Schedule, p.3 (image-verified): 'For the third and subsequent inspections for the same purpose' |
| Delinquent Permit Fee (work without a permit) | Double the original permit fee, up to $1,000 | WSFR 2025 Consolidated Schedule of Rates, Charges, and Fees (PDF), p.1 |
Change of Use / Change of Occupancy Permit
VerifiedRequired whenever a building's use changes in Windsor. The Town's own guidance states that a change of use is treated as new construction — the building must be upgraded to current code requirements for the proposed use, and a new Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained. Governed by the Town's adopted 2024 International Existing Building Code (WMC Sec. 18-9-10).
Verified 2026-08-14 · Source
Requirements
- Town of Windsor guidance (Accessory Dwelling Unit Application Packet, Site Plan Submittal Requirements): 'When there is a change of use for a building, it is treated as a new building and must be upgraded to current code requirements for the proposed use, and a Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained'
- WMC Sec. 18-9-10 adopts the 2024 International Existing Building Code, Chapters 1 through 16 inclusive, by reference as the Town's governing code for existing buildings, which the change of use must comply with
- Because a change of use is treated as new construction, the proposed use must meet current 2024 I-Code requirements (effective January 1, 2026) rather than the code in force when the building was originally permitted
- SAFEbuilt (under contract to the Town) administers plan review and inspection for any construction/upgrade work associated with the change of use; the Town of Windsor remains the permit-issuing authority
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationRequired for any upgrade/construction work needed to bring the space into compliance for the proposed new use
- RequiredCertificate of Occupancy RequestA new Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained once the structure meets current code requirements for the proposed use
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (upgrade/construction work for the new use) | Building Permit Fee = SAFEbuilt's own valuation-based fee (not separately published by the Town) + 25% Windsor Administration Fee + 3.65%-of-half-valuation Use Tax, per the Town's Fee Schedule; Show full citationHideBuilding Permit Fee = SAFEbuilt's own valuation-based fee (not separately published by the Town) + 25% Windsor Administration Fee + 3.65%-of-half-valuation Use Tax, per the Town's Fee Schedule; no separate flat 'change of use' fee is published. Contact the Town's Permit Technician, Robin Volner, rvolner@windsorgov.com, 970-674-2436, for a project-specific estimate. |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-06.
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 Windsor building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.