Permits - City of Longmont

Permits

When a Building Permit is Required

A building permit is required for:

  • All commercial construction
  • New construction
  • Any addition or alteration to an existing building or structure
  • Any changes to electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems

 

Examples of Work Requiring a Permit

New Buildings

  • Single-Family and multi-family dwellings
  • Garages and carports
  • All commercial buildings

 

Additions

  • Patios, sunrooms, decks, and pergolas
  • Swimming Pools and hot tubs
  • Accessory buildings over 120 square feet

(Accessory buildings 120 square feet or less must still meet setback requirements)

 

Alterations and Remodels

  • Re-roofing
  • Drywall installation or removal
  • Insulation
  • Window replacement
  • Garage or sunroom conversions to living space
  • Basement finish
  • Siding
  • Retaining walls over 48 inches
  • Fences

 

Structural Repairs

  • Any repair involving structural members

 

Appliances and Mechanical Systems

  • Fireplace or gas log installation

  • Air conditioners and evaporative (swamp) coolers

  • Hot tubs

  • Water heaters

 

Electrical Work

  • Relocating electrical receptacles

  • Electrical service upgrades

  • Panel replacement or adding a sub-panel

  • Converting overhead service to underground

  • Relocating electrical meters

 

Electrical Permit Requirements

Certain electrical projects require additional information on the permit application, including:

  • Service conversions

  • Meter relocations

  • Electrical disconnects and reconnects

View the Electrical Permit Checklist

 

 

Not Sure If You Need a Permit?

If you have questions about whether a permit is required, contact Building Services:

Development Services Center
385 Kimbark Street, Longmont, CO
(303) 651-8332

 

Unpermitted Work

The issuance of permits and subsequent inspections of the work performed ensures that all construction in the city is safe and in compliance with the City of Longmont Zoning and Building Codes. The primary purpose of these codes is to ensure a safe and healthy environment for the citizens of Longmont.

A permit is needed for relocation of the electrical receptacles, gas line and sink. Cabinet installation would not require a permit. All of this work could be covered by one permit and may require only one visit by the inspector.

 

CAUTION:

  • If you do work, or have any work done without obtaining a permit, you could be incurring liability in the event of a fire or accident related to the work. In some circumstances, your insurance could be invalidated.
  • If you wish to sell your home, potential buyers can check the permit history of your property and demand that unpermitted work be rectified. This is a complex potentially expensive process.
  •  A permit is needed for relocation of the electrical receptacles, gas line, and sink.  Cabinet installation would not require a permit.  All of this work could be covered by one permit and may require only one visit by the inspector.

 

Homeowner as Contractor

As a homeowner you can act as your own contractor and do the work without a contractor’s license on your own property. This Constitutes the owner’s residence that is intended for the owners personal use.  However, if you subcontract a project, electrical wiring for example, then the subcontractor must be licensed to work in Longmont. You may as a homeowner be issued a permit for subcontracted work; however, you are also responsible for inspections and sign-offs on the permit card.

Permits are reviewed and issued at the Building Inspection Division Office located at 385 Kimbark St. The office is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday – Friday, except holidays. You will be called or emailed when the plans are approved and the building permit is ready to be issued.

Regardless of the complexity of the application, the building permit fee, which is based on the estimated value of the work being done, is payable when the permit is issued.

 

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