Frequently Asked Questions

All structures with human occupancy and all structures over 200 square feet need a permit as do fences over 6 feet, solar panels, demolition projects, re-roofing, stucco, siding, decks/patios, and onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS).

• Wind Speed: 115 mph
• Ground Snow Load: 30psf. up to 7880 feet elevation, 40psf over 7880 feet.
• Frost Depth: 36 inches from final grade. Note that final grade must slope away from the foundation and fall at least 6 inches in the first 10 feet

• 2018 International Building Code (IBC)
• 2018 International Residential Code (IRC)
• 2018 International Mechanical Code ( IMC)
• 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
• 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
• 2018 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)

Alamosa County is Climate Zone 6B in the 2018 International Building Codes. The minimum insulation values are:

• Wood Frame Walls: R-20 (cavity) + R-5 (continuous) OR R-13 (cavity) + R-10 (continuous)
• Ceiling: R-49
• Floor: R-30
• Slab: R-10 to 4 feet depth, AND R-5 under heated slab

Contractor licenses are not required in the county for construction except for OWTS Installers/Cleaners and Manufactured Home Installers.

Building permits for new construction, remodels, and additions are based on the valuation of construction costs which is calculated based on square footage. Alamosa County uses the ICC Building Valuation Data from February of the prior calendar year, and Appendix L of the IRC. See the current department fee schedule (PDF).

Other permit fees include:

• Roofing: $150 (per building)
  • Example: House with detached garage is $200 if re-roofing both the house and garage.
• OWTS Permit:$500
• Solar PV systems: $100
• Storage/Shipping Container Placement: $50
• Demolition Permit:$0 (Must provide permit documentation from CDPHE)