Telephone service is available from Qwest. Contact the toll free number 1-800-244-1111 for your home, or 1-800-603-6000 for your business.
SANITATION:
Proof of sanitation will be required at the time you submit for a building permit. Proof consists of either an application for a septic system (including engineering design) or a letter from your sewer district stating that they will serve your needs for new construction. Currently most sewer districts will review your plans and stamp them with their authorization, which is preferred. As of this writing, the following sewer districts exist: Three Lakes Water and Sanitation; Silver Creek Water and Sanitation, Winter Park West Water and Sanitation; Granby Sanitation District, Kremmling Sanitation District, and the Tabernash Sanitation District. Your property may not be located in a sanitation district, or the district may not be able to serve you. Verify this before you proceed with plans for a septic system.
WATER:
Within most municipalities water service is provided. Check with the Town. In unincorporated Grand County water service is not always available. Check with the sanitation district serving your property. If a water system is not available to serve you, then you will need to apply to the State of Colorado for a well permit. If you are located East of Byers Canyon, please contact Neal Misbach, P.O. Box 1719, Fraser, CO 80442 (970-726-4267). If you are located West of Byers Canyon, contact Bill Thompson, Troublesome Route, Kremmling, CO 80459 (970)724-3853). They are the Water Commissioners for Grand County and must be contacted prior to well drilling. They can greatly expedite the well permit application process and will do an on-site location inspection. Well permit applications are available from the Building Department or the State of Colorado. A copy of an approved well permit or plans stamped by a water district must be submitted to the Building Department at the time you submit for a Building Permit. The State of Colorado Department of Water Resources has opened an office in Glenwood Springs. All Western Slope well applications SHOULD be sent to the Glenwood Springs office. Mailing address: P.O. Box 396, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602 Telephone: (970)945-5665
REQUIREMENTS:
(Building Permit Application forms are available at our office or at any of the Towns we serve, or can be downloaded from this website. Electrical permit applications are available through the State Electrical Inspector . We do not process electrical permit applications, nor do we perform electric inspections. Septic application forms and Septic Declaration of Covenants forms are available at our office or can be downloaded from this website.)
WE DO NOT ACCEPT FAXED PLANS
To apply for a building permit for a SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING provide the following:
Planning and Zoning Pre-Application Sign off (To schedule this meeting call (970)725-3347) A completed Building Permit application form.
All red numbered items must be completed. Property Owner, primary residence mailing address, legal description (Lot,Block, and Subdivision OR metes and bounds- section, township, range), If no architect, then N/A, and the same for engineer and lender if there are none. Contractor Verification Form: All red numbered items must be completed. 1-4 is the same as the Building Permit Application Form. 5-13 all contractors and their subs must be Licensed with Grand County and listed on this form with their Grand County License Number. Four sets of complete plans
Three plot plans.
Proof of Water. (two sets of plans stamped by water provider or a copy of well permit issued by the State)
Proof of Sewer. (two sets of plans stamped by sanitation district or a separate application packet for a septic system [requirements for this permit are discussed in following sections].
Fire Impact Fee Sign off. This sign off comes from either the EGFPD#4 or GFPD#1 which ever district your property is located in.
$50.00. This is a deposit and will be deducted from the total cost of the permit at the time the permit is issued. We accept cash or checks, sorry no credit cards.
The above items are mandatory. We cannot accept incomplete application
packets. All of the above must be presented at the time of application.
To apply for a SEPTIC PERMIT, provide the following:
Completed septic application form.
Septic *Declaration of Covenants form signed by all owners and signatures notarized.
$11.00 recording fee (cash or checks should be made payable to County Clerk &
Recorder.
One set of perc test results and septic engineering prepared by a Colorado registered professional engineer. Minimum requirements for percolation test reports:
A. Property owner’s name and mailing address
B. Location of property (Legal description, and physical address)
C. Location of maximum seasonal water table (if within 8 ft. of the Ground surface)
D. Location of bedrock (if within 8ft. of the ground surface)
E. Soil Classification: 1. Description of the types of soil encountered in the 8 foot boring.
2. A boring log, description key and water table indication.
3. The soil percolation rates of at least 3 test holes that can provide a field percolation rate, or indication that percolation rates are inside the range of 5 to 60 minutes minutes per inch.
F. Indication of the presence of unusual hazardous or mitigating geological conditions which may necessitate further study prior to selecting the type of system most suitable for use on the property.
G. Test hole location plan: 1. Location of soil identification hole and percolation test holes properly identified. 2. Location of existing or proposed buildings.
3. Location of existing or proposed well.
H. A brief opinion as to the suitability of the site for the construction of standard absorption field upon test results and other findings and any other comments or recommendations deemed appropriate.
I. Certification of the above report by a Colorado registered professional engineer
Plot plan showing the following:
A. Accurate boundary measurements.
B. Accurate location of buildings proposed and existing C. Proposed location of all components of individual sewage disposal system.
D. Location of soil identification hole and percolation test holes, properly identified.
E. Accurate location of streams, lakes, irrigation ditches, springs and other water courses or drainage areas on the property.
F. Accurate location of existing or proposed wells and water lines.
G. Area of land available for the proposed system
H. Accurate location of wells and individual sewage disposal systems on adjacent properties within 100 feet or common property lines only applicable if the proposed system will be within 100 feet of the same property line.
Plan setting forth type and design of individual sewage disposal.
A. Type and design of system MUST be in compliance with current regulations
in effect in Grand County pertaining to individual sewage disposal systems and
all applicable Colorado laws pertaining to sewage treatment and/or disposal.
B. System plan must include ALL pertinent sizes, dimensions, slopes and
other pertinent design criteria.
C. System plan MUST be accompanied by a declaration by the designer that:
1. The design is in compliance with all rules and regulations
pertaining to individual sewage disposal systems currently in
effect in Grand County.
Any additional information as may be required by the Grand County Building Department. Permit fee of $170.00. We accept cash or checks, sorry no credit cards.
Issuance of a septic permit shall not be deemed a representation that the proposed system will meet the needs of the applicant or that it will operate effectively on the applicant’s land. Proposed system plans are reviewed for compliance with regulations currently in effect ONLY. The designer of the system accepts sole responsibility for its failure to function properly.
*DECLARATION OF COVENANTS:
The Declaration of Covenants simply means that you must maintain the system so that the effluent from said system does not adversely affect the water quality in this county. The document also states that should a municipal disposal system (sewer line) ever be available – within 400 feet of the property line, you must hook up to the line and cease from using the individual sewage treatment system.
TESTS AND SURVEYS:
As noted in the amendments to the codes, soils tests of property (suitable alternatives) are required for grades greater than fifteen (15%) percent. Topographical maps at 2’ intervals showing all grade cuts are also required. A certified survey or acceptable substitute (property or subdivision plat) showing property lines, easements, access and internal road systems and unusual site characteristics is also required to be submitted. (Lot pins must be readily identifiable for inspection prior to footing inspection. Failure to comply could be cause for inspection rejection.)
SPECIAL DESIGN REVIEW AREA:
If your property is located in the "Three Lakes Area", which extends from the south end of Lake Granby north to Rocky Mountain National Park, and approximately 3 miles east and west of US Highway 34, you are in the US Forest Service design review area and there will be special requirements that will apply to you that do not apply in any other area of the County. Prior to any other inspections, the applicant must call the County Zoning Office for a separate zoning inspection where the location of the building footprint will be measured for setbacks and other design review area requirements will be determined.
Three Lakes Design Review Area:
The “Three Lakes Design Review Area”, extends approximately from the south end of Lake Granby north to Rocky Mountain National Park, and approximately 3 miles east and west of US Highway 34. If your property is located within the Design Review Area, there are special requirements that will apply for any new construction. A map of the Three Lakes Design Review Area can be found on the County Website: www.co.grand.co.us/planning or at the Department of Planning and Zoning.
Building plans for property located within the Three Lakes Design Review Area must include the following:
- Roof Color and Type
- Siding Color and Type
- Trim Color
- All Door Colors
- Foundation Covering Color and Type
Intent of Design Criteria
The key elements of design that are to be stressed are protection of significant views, preservation of native vegetation, building design and landscaping. In short, buildings are to be as unobtrusive as possible in the natural settings in which they are constructed. Illustrations of the intent of these regulations are attached hereto.
Site Planning
The proposed development shall be located, sited, and designed to protect and enhance the visual quality of the surrounding environment. Structures should be located so they do not tower above ridge lines, and do not compete with the visual dominance of the hillsides, open meadow, lake waters, or other features of the natural terrain.
All structures (excluding boathouses and boat docks) shall be located no closer than one hundred fifty (150) feet from the high water mark of any lake, stream, creek, river, or ditch way unless it can be proven that water quality will be protected. Berms and other devices must be used, but in no case will the setbacks be less than thirty (30) feet.
will be maintained if located closer than one hundred fifty (150) feet to said state highway.
All structures (excluding boathouses on lands adjacent to a lake and boathouses extending over Grand Lake) shall be located no closer than one hundred fifty (150) feet from the high water mark of any lake, stream, creek, river, or ditch way unless it can be proven that water quality will be protected. Berms and other devices must be used, but in no case will the setbacks be less than 30 feet.
Architecture:
Roofs: Allowed roofing materials include shake shingles and imitations, treated wooden shake shingles, earth-tone composition shingles, and dark non-reflective metal roofing.
Exposed Facades and Sidings: Building architecture is to be compatible with location and the pastoral environment, rustic in nature, rough textured and harmoniously colored to blend in the with the surrounding vegetative cover. In forested areas, all exterior materials shall be of deep earth hues such as dark browns, greens and rusts. In grasslands or sagebrush areas, all exterior materials shall be of the same earth and vegetative tones as the predominant colors of the site. Highly reflective surfaces and colors are not allowed.
Windows: Outwardly reflective windows or coatings thereon are not allowed.
Lighting: Exterior lighting shall be minimized. Any outside lighting fixtures shall match the style of the structure it serves and shall be downward facing and hooded. Security lights on buildings or streets shall be of a subdued luminescence. No motion detector or spot lights shall be allowed.
Foundations: Foundations may be exposed no more than thirty-six (36) inches above ground level. Exception: foundations and building walls constructed of native stone. Exposed portions of poured or block concrete foundations must be painted an appropriate earth tone color or faced with native or imitation stone, brick or wood.
Fences and Screens: Fences are to be constructed of stone or wood in a style appropriate to the building architecture and the surrounding natural environment. They shall maintain an open (as in split rail fence) appearance. Perimeter fences are not allowed except for a welded wire type material for dog pens not to exceed seventy-five (75) perimeter feet per animal and only when such pens are screened from public view.
Retaining Walls: Retaining walls are intended to be an attractive addition to the overall design of the site plan and the structures on it. They should be made of natural wood or stone of low elevation. Retaining walls four (4) feet or higher require a separate building permit and must be designed by a professional engineer.
All the Three Lakes Design Review Criteria can be found in the Grand County Zoning Regulations at the Department of Planning and Zoning or online at: www.co.grand.co.us/planning
PLANS:
Four (4) copies of the project plans (drawings) and specifications are required. One (1) set will be retained for the files of the Building Department, one (1) set will be retained for the files of the Planning and Zoning Department, one (1) set will be returned to the applicant for his use, and one (1) set will be kept with the Building Permit in a weather-proof packet on the job site in a place that is easily available for the Building Inspector. The fourth set must remain on the job site until the project is completed. Required drawings shall be presented on substantial paper which is suitable for reproduction and in sufficient detail to clearly indicate the scope of the project. In the lower right corner of each page shall appear the legal description of the property (lot, block, subdivision or metes and bounds) and the name and address of the person preparing the drawings. Each individual drawing on each page shall be identified by name and scale: i.e., Floor Plan – 1/4" =1’.0", and so forth.
Please be advised that Section 1, Article 4, of Title 12, Colorado Revised Statutes 1973,1978 Repl. Vol. as amended, requires that the design and drawing be prepared by a Colorado licensed architect with the following exemption: one, two, three, and four family dwellings including accessory buildings commonly associated with such dwellings; garages, industrial buildings, offices, farm buildings, and buildings for the marketing, storage, or processing of farm products, and warehouses which do not exceed one story in height (exclusive of a one story basement), and which under applicable building code, or codes, are not designed for occupancy by more than ten persons. Additions, alterations, or repairs to the foregoing buildings which do not cause the completed buildings to exceed the applicable limitations set forth in this subsection. Nonstructural alterations of any nature to any building if such alterations do not affect the safety of the building.
MINIMUM DRAWINGS TO BE SUBMITTED ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Site Plan (Plot Plan), preferred scale 1"=20’.0". Plot plan must include all or any easements, utility or otherwise. Recorded plot plans can be found in the office of the Clerk and Recorder. Foundation Plan, preferred scale 1/4" = 1’.0". Floor Plan, preferred scale 1/4" = 1’.0". Typical Building Section(s), preferred scale 3/8" = 1’.0"; Building Elevations (minimum 2, 4 preferred), preferred scale 1/4" =1’.0"; Detailed plumbing, electrical and/or mechanical plans, preferred scale 1/4" = 1’.0" (exception: Single Family Residence).
PLAN PREPARATION HINTS:
By County Amendment, lofts are generally considered bedrooms whether there is a closet or not. Other rooms designated as "dens", etc. will be considered a bedroom if there is a closet in it. Septic systems are sized by the number of bedrooms, not bathrooms.
PROOF OF OWNERSHIP:
Any building permit application that is submitted for unplatted property less than 35 acres in size will require a copy of pre-1972 deed verifying the creation of the property. The copy of this deed must be submitted with the building permit application.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Three (3) sets of written specifications of the work to be performed, methods of construction to be used, and materials planned for use in the project shall be provided. (Exception: If specifications in sufficient detail are written in the drawings, they need not be submitted separately. The decision will be left up to the Building Department) Engineering details, stress diagrams, computations and the like to show correctness of the plans and designs therein may be required at the discretion of the Building Department. Special attention to snowload designs must be made. Snowloads for Grand County range from a minimum of 40 lbs. psf to 120 lbs. psf depending on the location. Check with the Building Department for the specific snowload (you will need to provide the legal description when you call). Any piece of property not described by a lot and block within a subdivision will require a copy of the deed of trust giving the complete legal description.
CHANGE ORDERS (PLAN CHANGES):
If, during the progress of the construction of the project, changes in the construction methods, materials, and/or designs are made or requested to be made, written approval of said change must be obtained from the Building Department PRIOR TO THE WORK ACTUALLY BEING DONE. Failure to comply with this regulation could result in stoppage of the work until such time as the change has been approved and inspected by this Department.
FEES:
Building permits and Plan check fees for Building Permits are calculated in accordance with the Internation Building Code. You will be advised as to fee costs upon completion of plan checking. All fees must be paid prior to issuance of the Building Permit. There will also be a prepayment fee which will later be applied to the permit and plan check fees at the time of permit issuance; this prepayment is non-refundable. Checks are acceptable, made payable to Grand County Building Department, and are subject to collection. We cannot accept checks with lien waiver endorsements or those drawn on foreign banks. Permit fee calculations are based on the square feet of the structure and a total valuation of the project.
FIELD INSPECTIONS:
The owner is responsible for obtaining all required inspections. The Codes require that the following minimum inspections of the work in progress be made: (1) Zoning, building should be staked out prior to any footings or concrete placement; (2) Footing, forms in place with tied steel in place prior to the placing of concrete (3) Foundation, if block foundation is used, block must be in place with Dur-a-wall in place and voids slushed and steel in voids. If wood foundation, all walls standing and waterproofed; (4) Rough framing and plumbing; (5) Sheet rock (drywall) applications; (9) Roofing; (10) Wood stoves and fireplaces (11) Final inspections, plumbing, built-in appliances, structural site cleaning and grading.
Inspection Requests: (970) 725-3300
Note: all electrical inspections are made by the State of Colorado Electrical Inspector. The State Inspector may be contacted by telephone at (970)725-9115.
Requests for inspection must be made before 3:00 P.M. to receive the inspection the NEXT business day. The issued hardcard permit is to be on the job site and in a noticeable, accessible place to the inspector with the third set of approved plans in the weatherproof packet supplied by the Building Department, or there will be a re-inspection fee charged as per the 2000 I.B.C. if the card is lost or misplaced.
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY:
A certificate of occupancy will be issued to the owner of the project only after a final inspection of the work is performed in the company of the Contractor or Owner (or authorized agents thereof), and when the construction site has been cleaned of debris and/or waste construction materials and equipment to the satisfaction of this Department. A Letter of Occupancy will be issued for R-3 (Single Family Dwellings) only. No certificates of occupancy will be issued for U-Garages, Fences, etc.
OCCUPANCY OF THE STRUCTURE SHALL NOT TAKE PLACE UNLESS AND UNTIL A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY HAS BEEN ISSUED, except the Department may, at its discretion, issue a letter of occupancy, good only under the conditions stated thereon, and for the time period specified.
"The basic function of the Building Department is the enforcement and interpretation of the Codes. Time will not permit lengthy conference discussions regarding design problems and/or material proposed for construction. Such matters should be discussed with a qualified designer, architect, or engineer in the particular field of concern. If conferences are requested, at least two days notice should be given and a definite appointment made with the Department. The Department may request conferences with the applicant on discrepancies found after the required plan reviews have been performed.
Approved as County Policy by the Board of County Commissioners on February 3, 1982."
FINAL INSPECTION AND ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
Single Family Owner-Built (R-3 Occupancy). Occupancy will be allowed at such time as all Health and Life Safety requirements are met, and the electrical has been signed-off by the State Electrical Inspector. Single Family Dwellings, Contractor-Owner Built (R-3 Occupancy). Occupancy will be allowed upon completion of the contractor’s contract and under the same provisions listed in item 1.
Single Family Dwelling, Contractor Built (R-3 Occupancy). Homes under full contract and speculatively built homes will be fully completed (turn-key) and occupancy will be allowed per the terms and conditions specified in item 1.
Two Family and Multi-Family Dwellings (R-1 and R-3 Occupancy). Occupancy will be allowed upon completions (turn-key) of a building or buildings provided all parking areas, walkways, exterior clean-up and grading is completed and other construction areas separated from those completed by physical barriers.
Commercial Buildings (Groups A-B-H of full or mixed occupancy). Commercial buildings will be fully completed and a Certificate of Occupancy issued prior to occupancy. Exceptions: Portions of buildings being sublet may remain unfinished until leased, although all adjoining walls, roofs or partitions must have full occupancy or area separations completed. At such time as a space is rented, let, sold, or leased, a permit for the finishing of that space will be required and inspections made. An occupancy permit will be issued upon final inspection and approval.
All buildings in Group A, E, H, and I Occupancy will be fully completed and a Certificate of Occupancy issued prior to occupancy. In Group A all unfinished tenant space must be separated by Physical Barriers and all required Fire Rated Walls necessary to maintain the integrity of the building must be completed.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OWNERS:
Under Colorado Law, suppliers, subcontractors, or other persons providing labor or materials for work on your residential property may have a right to collect their money from you by filing a lien against your property. A lien can be filed against your residence when a supplier, subcontractor, or other person is not paid by your contractor for his labor or materials. However, in accordance with the Colorado General Mechanics’ Lien Law, Sections 38-22-102 (3.5) and 38-22-113 (4), Colorado Revised Statutes, you have an affirmative defense in any action to enforce a lien if you or some person acting on your behalf has paid your contractor and satisfied your legal obligations.
You may also want to discuss with your contractor, your attorney, or your lender possible precautions, including the use of lien waivers or requiring that every check issued by you or on your behalf is made payable to the contractor, the subcontractor, and the supplier in order to avoid double payments if your property does not satisfy the requirements of Sections 38-22-102 (3.5) and 38-22-113 (4), Colorado Revised Statutes.
YOU SHOULD TAKE WHATEVER STEPS NECESSARY TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, AS PROVIDED IN COLORADO REVISED STATUTES, SECTION 38-22-106.
GRAND COUNTY AIR QUALITY REGULATIONS:
Adopted January 28, 1997
Definitions:
Approved non-solid fuel burning device is an appliance or device which burns a non-solid fuel such as natural gas, liquefied petroleum (LP), fuel oil, recycled motor oil or similar fuel in an appliance or device which has been approved by Underwriter’s Laboratory, American Gas Associates, other approved laboratories or the Grand County Building Official.
Approved solid fuel burning device is an appliance or device which is designed or intended to burn solid fuel and which is certified by the air pollution control division of the State Department of Health to meet the emission standards set forth in Section IV of regulation #4 of Volume 1 of the Standards of the State Air Quality Control Commission.
Solid fuel burning device is any fireplace, stove, firebox, or other device intended and/or used for the purpose of burning wood, coal, pulp, paper, pellets or other non-liquid or non-gaseous fuel.
LIMITATION ON THE NUMBER OF DEVICES
(a) Single Family Residences for which a building permit is issued after effective date of this amendment may have no more than one (1) approved solid fuel burning device per property.
(b) No solid fuel burning device shall be allowed in apartments, condominiums, town houses, hotels/motels, accessory buildings, commercial and industrial buildings.
Exceptions: Apartments, condominiums, town houses, Hotel/Motels, commercial and industrial buildings may have one (1) approved solid fuel burning device per lobby or other main common area.
(c) Any non-approved solid fuel burning device that requires replacement, Relocation or significant modification, must be removed and/or replaced with an approved solid fuel burning device, or approved non-solid fuel burning device. |
Building Codes
Lakes Design Review
Owners
