LAND USE > Department of Building Safety Building Permits

Building Permits are issued by Alamosa County Department of Building Safety to help guide homebuilders through out the building permit and inspections process. Becoming familiar with the procedures and requirements will minimize delays in obtaining your permits, prevent unnecessary construction delays, and allow us to more efficiently serve all builders.

Alamosa County Department of Building Safety administers permitting and inspections for all unincorporated areas of Alamosa County and the community of Mosca & the Town of Hooper.

Alamosa County has adopted the 2003 IBC, IRC, IMC, and 2006 IECC building codes.

Exception from permit requirements of the codes shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of the Codes or any other laws or ordinances of the jurisdiction.

Work Exempt from Building Permits

Except in those few instances specifically listed, such as minor repairs, maintenance, finish work and limited equipment replacement, all construction-related work requires a permit and is subject to subsequent inspections.

• One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet
• Fences not over 6 feet high
• Oil derricks
• Movable cases, counter and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high
• Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids
• Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1
• Platforms, walks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below
• Painting, papering and similar finish work
• Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery
• Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24" deep
• Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits will be required for the above-exempted items
• Exception from the permit requirement of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction
• Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54" from the exterior wall and do not require additional support

PLEASE NOTE: Whether or not a building permit is required by the code, all work must be done in accordance with the code requirements. It is important that the owners be responsible for proper and safe construction.

Last Modified: January 31, 2008