Show All Answers

1. Do I need a permit to construct a shed?

No, as long as the shed is 120 square feet or less in size. However, regardless of size, your shed must observe a 10 foot setback from the rear lot line or 7.5 feet where there is no alley; and a 5 foot setback from the side lot line.

2. Do I need a permit for electrical or plumbing work?

Generally, yes. The Building Department issues permits for plumbing work. Electrical permits are issued by the State of Colorado on-line at the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) website.

To pull a plumbing permit, you must be a licensed plumbing contractor with the state (DORA) and must be registered with the City of Glenwood Springs (COGS). For more information about requirements, please review this document. 

3. Do I need a permit to replace windows?

Yes. You need to apply for a building permit to replace your windows. You also need to provide the Building Department with U-value of your new windows to ensure that they meet the current energy standards.

4. Do I need a permit to replace siding?

No, as long as you are only replacing the siding. However, if you are adding insulation at the same time, you will need to apply for a building permit for the insulation.

5. I need to replace my water heater or furnace. Do I need a permit?

Yes, you need to apply for a building permit to replace your water heater, furnace or boiler. Additionally, any work involving gas piping must be handled by a licensed plumber. If your water heater or furnace needs to be replaced in an emergency (on a weekend, for example), go ahead and install the new unit but make sure that you apply for your building permit on the next business day.

6. My friend and I want to put a new roof on my house. Do we need a contractor's license?

No. You, as homeowner, may have one unpaid assistant to help replace your roof. However, you do need to apply for a roofing permit.

7. What happens if I start a building project without a permit?

You will be required to obtain a permit and may be asked to remove flooring or drywall so that the Building Department can complete its inspection of your work. Additionally, the City's Building Official has the option of attaching a monetary penalty to your permit. Please also keep in mind that insurance companies, building appraisers, and realtors often contact us to verify that we've issued permits.

8. How do I schedule an inspection?

Call the City's Inspection Hot Line at 970-384-6432. You need to request an inspection 24 hours in advance. When calling, be prepared to provide-
*Project address
*Permit number
*Date for inspection
*Preference as to morning or afternoon inspection
*Contractor's name and contact person
*Phone number for contact person
The Building Inspector will contact you the morning of the inspection to set up a time.

9. What codes apply to construction work in Glenwood Springs?

On June 5, 2022, the City moved to the 2021 editions of the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, International Property Maintenance Code, International Existing Building Code, International Fire Code, International Fuel Gas Code, and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and of the 2020 editions of the National Electrical Code and National Electrical Safety Code. (The City of Glenwood Springs uses the State of Colorado for
our Electrical inspections, and defers to the current
edition as adopted and enforced by the State of Colorado.)

10. Do I need a contractor's license to work in Glenwood Springs?

Yes. If you are doing work within the city of Glenwood Springs you must be licensed. If you are working as a subcontractor but are not employed by that contractor, you also must be licensed to work in Glenwood Springs.

11. How do I find out if my contractor is licensed to work in Glenwood Springs?

You can call the Building Department at 970-384-6411. We will check both the license and insurance status for you.

12. What are the requirements to obtain a contractor's license?

Each city or town has its own contractor licensing requirements. In Glenwood Springs you must complete a license application which is available on the Building Department page or by visiting the Community Development Department, 2nd Floor, City Hall. Be aware that some license categories require that you have a BEST card; and, all licenses require that you show evidence of liability insurance at the time you submit your license application. Additionally, if you have employees, you are required to carry worker's compensation insurance.

13. What is a BEST card?

BEST is Board of Examiners Standardized Testing. A BEST card is evidence that you have passed a written test on the code that applies to your licensing category. The BEST card is recognized by cities and towns in the Roaring Fork Valley and west to the town of Silt.

14. When and where can I take a BEST test?

The City of Glenwood Springs gives the BEST test by appointment only. Call the Building Department at 970-384-6411 to schedule your appointment. Other cities and towns that give the BEST test are Aspen/Pitkin County, Snowmass Village, Basalt, Carbondale, and Silt.