Permits

When a Permit is Required
The Consequences of Unpermitted Work
The Homeowner as Contractor

A Permit is Required

A building permit is required for:

All commercial construction
New construction
Any addition or alteration in, or to, an existing building or structure
Any changes to the electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing services

Examples:

NEW BUILDINGS: dwellings, garages, carports, all commercial construction.

ADDITIONS: patios, sunrooms, decks, pergolas, swimming pools, accessory buildings greater than 120 square feet in area (accessary buildings 120 square feet or less in area must still meet setback requirements).

ALTERATIONS: re-roofing, drywalling, insulating, windows, converting a garage or sunroom to living space, basement finishing, re-siding, retaining walls over 48 inches, fences, etc.

ANY REPAIRS INVOLVING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS

APPLIANCES: fireplace or gas log installation, air conditioners and swamp coolers, hot tubs, water heaters etc.

ELECTRICAL: re-locating electrical receptacles, upgrading service, replacing panel, adding sub-panel, convert overhead to underground, re-locating meter, etc.

**Important information is needed on permit applications such as conversions of service, meter relocates, disconnects and reconnects please see link below

Click here to view the Electrical Permit Checklist

If you have questions about whether or not a permit is required, contact the Building Inspection Division, Development Services Center, 385 Kimbark St, (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.