WHEN IS A BUILDING PERMIT NEEDED? - Weld County

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES
BUILDING INSPECTION DIVISION
1555 N 17 TH AVENUE, GREELEY, CO 80631
(970) 353-6100 X3540
This information bulletin is made available to assist you in preparing for submitting a building permit and plans.
For information on current submittal standards, please call the Building Inspection Division at (970) 353-6100
ext. 3540.
WHEN IS A BUILDING PERMIT NEEDED?
In Weld County, a person, firm or corporation cannot erect, construct, alter, repair, move or demolish any
building or structure without first obtaining a building permit.
EXEMPTED WORK – PLEASE NOTE: SEPARATE PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL
PERMITS MAY BE REQUIRED FOR EXEMPTED ITEMS. CHECK
WITH THE BUILDING INSPECTION DIVISION BEFORE STARTING
CONSTRUCTION.
A building permit is NOT required for the following:
Public utility towers and poles.
One story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses
provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet.
Fences.
Oil derricks.
Non-fixed movable cases, racks, counters and partitions not over five feet nine inches high.
Retaining walls which are not over four feet in height, measured from the bottom of the footings to the
top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge of impounding flammable liquids.
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story
below. This exemption does not apply to any platforms, decks or landings attached to or placed
adjacent to any building or structure.
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the
exterior wall and do not require additional support.
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a single family dwelling in which the pools are less than
24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.
Buildings or structures on Agricultural-zoned property for the sole purpose of providing shelter for
agricultural implements, farm products, livestock or poultry. However, such structures over 120
square feet do require an Agricultural-Exempt Certificate of Compliance permit. See requirements in
this handout. The exemption does not apply in platted subdivisions or unincorporated towns filed and
recorded in the Weld County Clerk and Recorder’s office or on property approved as a Site Specific
Development Plan as defined by the Weld County Code, Chapter 23.

Re-roofing of single family dwellings and noncommercial detached accessory structures.
Residing of structures.
Replacement of existing gas or electric water heaters.
BUILDING CODES ENFORCED
Department of Planning Services, Building Inspection Division, is enforcing the following 2006 International
Codes in all areas of Unincorporated Weld County:
International Building Code
International Residential Code
International Mechanical Code
International Plumbing Code
International Fuel Gas Code
International Energy Conservation Code
Weld County is presently enforcing the 2008 National Electrical Code as well.
Amendments to all adopted codes may be found on the County website: www.co.weld.co.us. Click on the
Clerk to the Board, after that click on Policies and Ordinances.
START WITH AN APPLICATION
A permit application must be submitted for all projects. The Weld County Code, Chapter 29 requires that every
permit applicant supply specific information and certain declarations regarding the proposed work. Please
read and follow the directions that pertain to your particular permit application.
The property owners, licensed contractor or authorized representative can fill out the application. The following
describes each section of the permit form:
Project Information: The applicant must provide the address, legal description, existing use of the building
or property and description of work to be done.
Applicant: This is the name of the person submitting the application to the department.
Property owner and address: This is the name of the actual property owner and the property owner’s
mailing address.
Contractors: If the project is in a name other than an “owner/builder”, then the names and addresses of the
General Contactor, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Contactors shall be provided. In addition, the State
Contactor’s License Number for the Plumbing and Electrical Contractors shall be provided.
PLANS AND OTHER REQUIRED INFORMATION
Residential Project:
Two identical sets of plans are required for all residential buildings. Plans should include all of the items listed
on the following pages which apply to your particular project. Plans and specifications must be drawn to scale
on substantial paper or cloth and must indicate locations, nature and extent of the work proposed, and should
show in detail that it will conform to the adopted Weld County Code, Chapter 29. The recommended scale for
plans other than the plot plan is ¼” = 1’. Two plot plans showing distances from building to property lines and
other structures. The recommended scale for plot plans is 1” = 20’ (see Plot Plan Handout).
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If the project is an addition or remodel, be sure to clearly label all existing and all proposed construction.
The following information is required for full plan submittal:
1. Proof of Ownership: A copy of the recorded deed will be required to verify ownership of the property.
2. Foundation and Floor – Framing Plan: All foundations shall be designed and wet-stamped by an
architect or engineer licensed by the State of Colorado. Additionally, if a site-specific soils report is not
provided, an “open hole” inspection shall be conducted by an architect or engineer licensed by the
State of Colorado. Contact the Building Inspection Division for exceptions for an addition to an existing
residence. Foundation and floor framing plans must include the following information:
a. Location of continuous foundations and pier footings
b. Size and depth of footings
c. Thickness of concrete slabs
d. Size and spacing of girders
e. Size and spacing of floor joists
f. Location of crawl holes and vents
g. Size of stem walls
3. Floor Plan: Floor plans must show the following:
a. Exterior dimensions
b. Interior dimensions
c. Use of all rooms
d. Size of all windows and doors
e. Size of supporting headers above wall openings
f. Direction of joists and rafters
g. Location of all plumbing fixtures
h. Location and type of heating and air conditioning facilities
i. Location of smoke detectors
j. For additions to existing buildings, proposed rooms and all adjoining rooms
4. Elevation Views: This is a drawing or exterior view of each new wall. The drawing must include:
a. Doors, windows and other openings
b. Vertical dimensions
c. Exterior finishes
d. Wall bracing or shear panel location or means of obtaining required lateral bracing
5. Cross Section Views: The cross section views must include:
a. Interior and exterior finishes
b. Size, spacing and type of materials used
c. Insulation, type, location and “R” value
d. Typical connections
e. Complete roofing specifications
6. Energy Conservation Plans
a. Building thermal envelope location
b. Insulation type, R-value and location
c. Fenestration criteria, U-factors, glazed area square footage
d. Mechanical system calculations, heating and cooling
7. Roof Plan: The roof plans should include drawings of the following:
a. Hips, valleys, ridges
b. Any special framing at roof area
c. For additions to existing buildings, locations of bearing walls and slope of roof in existing
buildings
8. Soils Report: Please see #3 (Foundation and Floor-Framing Plan)
9. Zoning Compliance: You will need separate permits and approval from the Weld County Public
Works Department if the property is located in a flood plain or geologic hazard area. You will need
approval from Department of Planning Services if the property is required to have land use permits.
Your structure must meet all setback and offset requirements on the property.
10. Health Department Approval: Building permits will not be issued until the applicant provides written
documentation from Weld County Department of Environmental Health that the existing or proposed
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septic system is adequate. Contact the Weld County Department of Environmental Health located at
1555 N 17 Av, Greeley, CO 80631 (970) 304-6415 Ext. 2702, if any of the following conditions exists:
a. Existing septic system, but no septic permit on file
b. Increase in number of bedrooms
c. Adding dwelling onto existing septic system
d. New septic system required
11. Proof of Adequate Water: Submit a copy of an issued well permit from the Colorado Division of Water
Resources (303) 866-3581, or a copy of a paid water tap receipt from the public water district. Cisterns
must be approved by the Weld County Department of Environmental Health.
12. A deposit may be required with application.
Commercial Project:
Applicants are advised to meet with a County Planner on all commercial projects prior to submitting a building
permit application.
Plans must be stamped by a Colorado Licensed Architect or Colorado Registered Structural Engineer. All
plans are to be drawn to scale, such as ¼” = 1’ or ⅛” = 1’. The following information is required for full plan
submittal.
1. A copy of the recorded deed will be required to verify ownership of the property.
2. Two plot plans showing distances from building to property lines and other structures. (See Plot Plan
Handout)
3. Two sets of plans showing compliance with Chapter 5 International Energy Conservation Code.
4. Two sets of floor plans for each level. Indicate uses of all rooms or areas on floor plan.
5. Two sets of building section details showing all components of construction from bottom of footing to
top of roof.
6. Two sets of all wall framing/assembly details, showing all parts of the wall assemblies.
7. Code Analysis Data Sheet must be completed for all Commercial plans. Must show occupancy
classification, type of construction, fully sprinklered or non-sprinklered, square footage of each level and
provide calculations showing building area is in compliance with the Building Code requirements and
exceptions.
8. Two sets of floor and roof framing plans. Show all header and beam sizes, spacing, span and type of
joists and rafters. Includes engineered floor and roof truss layouts if trusses used. Indicate all design
loads used.
9. Two sets of section through stairway detail plans showing rise, run, headroom and graspable handrails
and their extensions.
10. Two sets of engineered foundation plans with section details indicating reinforcement and anchor bolts,
design information, etc. Indicate all design loads used.
11. * Two sets of detail drawings of all fire wall assemblies listing number of such assemblies. All such
assemblies require full inspection.
12. * Two sets of detail drawings of all roof/ceiling or floor/ceiling fire rated assemblies and number of such
assemblies. All such assemblies require full inspection.
13. Two sets of HVAC plans showing all duct sizes, fire/smoke damper locations (if required) and listed
BTU’s of all appliances. Show locations of all HVAC units and water heaters and provisions for outside
combustion air. Indicate on plans how outside air and ventilation requirements are to be satisfied.
14. Two sets of plumbing plans showing sizes of piping (DWV), cleanout locations and indicate type of
material to be used.
15. Two sets of gas piping plans showing sizes and lengths of run on all gas piping and list BTU’s of
appliances connected thereto.
16. Two sets of building elevation plans, all sides to be shown.
17. Two sets of ceiling plans showing locations of all Exit signs and Exit Illumination provisions. (These
items may be shown on the floor plans if so desired.)
18. Two sets of room finish schedules (floors, wall and ceilings).
19. For engineered steel buildings only. Provide two sets of wet stamped building plans or two wet
stamped Design Certification letters from the steel building manufacturer certifying that the building will
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comply with Weld County wind and snow loading requirements. Also provide anchor bolt setting plans
with the size, diameter and embedment depth of the anchor bolts called out. These are required in
addition to the other requirements in this listing.
20. If kitchen hoods are part of your project the following is required:
a. Two sets of plans for the hood. If Type I hood, two sets of fire extinguishing systems plans are
required.
b. Two sets of plans for the hood duct and shaft. For Type I hoods, provide detail plans of shaft
and listing number for the minimum 1 hour fire rating of the shaft.
21. * For wood working businesses, provide two full sets of engineered plans and calculations for the
entire dust collection system. See Product Conveying system provisions of the Mechanical Code as
well as the Fire Code. Dust collection systems must be interlocked with all dust producing machines.
22. * For tenant finish projects in “strip mall” or Condominium situations, provide a “Key” plan
showing the location of the tenant space being finished in the building AND the occupancy groups of
the tenants on each side and above or below such space being finished.
23. Notations or markings in red ink are not permitted on plans. “Red-lines” are reserved for Plan
Examiners’ review notes and corrections.
24. A deposit may be required.
* Special Note:
1. Concerning items 9 and 10, details of how penetrations in fire rated assemblies are to be protected are
required, along with the listing number of the material or system to be used. Approval of such systems
or material is required prior to actual use of such materials of systems. All such assemblies require
full inspection.
2. Specialty plans, such as those indicated in items 19 and 20, are required on such items that are not
typical to all types of Commercial construction. An example is Spray Painting operations using
flammable finishes which need approved paint booths and mixing rooms. Toilet room “blow-up” details
are always good to be sure those accessibility requirements are met.
Demolition Permit Application:
No building or structure regulated by this Building Code shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered,
repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate building permit for each
building or structure has been first obtained from the Building Inspection Division. Before any demolition
permits are issued, approval by the Department of Public Health and Environment may be required. Ask at the
time of application. (Weld County Code 29-3-10 Article III)
Residential demolition includes dwellings, manufactured or mobile homes, accessory buildings such as
detached garages, barns, storage, buildings, grain bins, silos and may be done by the property owner. An
Asbestos Certification letter from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment will be required.
(CDPHE – Asbestos Department 303-692-3100)
Commercial demolition includes any structure associated with a commercial use as defined in the Weld County
Code 23-1-90 Article I. An Asbestos Certification letter will be required from the Colorado Department of
Public Health & Environment.
Demolition permit applications must include:
1. Proof of property ownership such as a recorded deed.
2. Site map showing where proposed work is to be done, adjacent buildings or structures, any oil &
gas production facilities within 200 feet of the proposed demolition, location of driveway and street
or County Road accessing from.
3. Asbestos Certification letter from Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment – Asbestos
Department (303-692-3100).
Demolition Permit fees are usually $21 for each residential structure and commercial demolition is based on
the cost of the demolition project. Inspections are required to make sure all utilities are disconnected and
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capped and adjoining properties are protected from damage from the demolition process, such as
accumulation of water or blowing debris, and to ensure the demolition is complete, the area is free of debris
and any foundation holes are filled and leveled. (2006 IBC 3302, 3303)
Agricultural-Exempt Certificate of Compliance Permit:
Agricultural Exempt buildings are those buildings or structures on agricultural-zoned property constructed for
the sole purpose of housing farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock or other horticultural products.
An Agricultural Exempt building shall not be used for any purpose other than those stated above. There shall
be no parking of private vehicles within the structure. Such use reclassifies the structure as a garage, which
requires a building permit. Any change of use must be approved by Department of Planning Services, Building
Inspection Division.
This exemption does not apply in platted subdivisions or unincorporated towns filed and recorded in the Weld
County Clerk and Recorder’s Office, as defined by the Weld County Code, Chapter 24 (Subdivision
Ordinance). No fees or inspections are involved and no building plans are required for submittal. However, if
you decide to install electric and plumbing, a separate permit must be applied for and issued before any work
can be started.
The following information is required for submittal:
1. Completed application approved by Department of Planning Services, Building Inspection Division.
2. A copy of a recorded deed to verify ownership of the property.
3. A plot plan showing distances from proposed building to property lines and other structures. (See Plot
Plan Handout)
INSPECTIONS
After the permit has been issued and you have begun work, you or your contractor must request inspections at
certain times. To request inspections, call the 24-Hour Inspection Hotline at (970) 356-8016 inside the Greeley
area or 1-800-234-2534 outside the Greeley calling area. The Inspection Hotline operates 24 hours a day and
inspections requested before 3:00 pm on any WORKING day (Monday through Friday, except scheduled
holidays) will be done on the next WORKING day. The required inspections are marked on the forms you
receive with the building permit.
EXPIRATION POLICY
The applicant must comply with current expiration policy. Contact the Department of Planning Services,
Building Inspection Division with any questions on the policy.
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