Frequently Asked Questions

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

• 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)

The International Energy Conservation Code provides multiple pathways for compliance, the most common locally being the Prescriptive R-Value Alternative (Table R402.1.2) and Total UA Alternative (RESCheck).

The Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (table 301.2) for Alamosa County (PDF):

Table 401.1.2 Insulation requirements include:

• Wood Frame Walls: R-20 (cavity) + R-5 (continuous) OR R-13 (cavity) + R-10 (continuous)
• Ceilings: R-49
• Foundation wall: R-10 to 4 feet depth, AND R-5 required under heated slab

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

• County licensed OWTS installers/cleaners are listed.
• Manufactured Home contractors are licensed by the state. More information can be found on the DOLA website

Building permits 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. 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)