Colorado Springs, CO Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 7.5.503(B)(1)
- Trigger
- Any work requiring a permit under RBC105.1
- Enforcing agency
- Pikes Peak Regional Building Department
- Penalty
- Up to $500 fine, up to 90 days jail
- Emergency work grace period
- Permit application due within 72 hours
- Occupancy rule
- No occupancy before Certificate of Occupancy
Summary
Colorado Springs requires a building permit before any work covered by Section RBC105.1 of the Pikes Peak Regional Building Code begins; doing the work first is unlawful under City Code § 7.5.503. New construction, additions and reconstruction also need the lot platted, replatted, or administratively approved before the Building Official issues the permit, and no structure may be occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
B. Applicability: 1. It shall be unlawful to perform any work for which a building permit is required under Section RBC105.1 of the Regional Building Code without first obtaining a building permit. ... 4. It is unlawful to commence occupancy of a structure unless a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Code current through: Ord. 26-23, passed June 9, 2026).
Full Breakdown
1 of the Regional Building Code without first obtaining that permit from the Building Official. 1404. 509, the work is limited to an interior remodel or exterior repair such as roofing, windows, siding, decks, or porch covers, or, for a Lot of Record, the addition is no larger than 50 percent of the principal structure's gross floor area (100 percent for a detached accessory structure, deck, or patio cover). 515, it must be submitted with the permit application, and no permit issues until applicable utility and subdivision fees are paid. 503(B)(4). 1401) the owner must apply for the required permit within 72 hours of starting the emergency work.
Violations & Fines
Working without a required permit is a misdemeanor under RBC101.8 as adopted at City Code § 7.5.1401: conviction carries a fine up to $500, up to 90 days in the City or County jail, or both, with each day the unpermitted work or use continues counted as a separate offense. The Building Official may also order the work stopped in writing under § 7.5.1403 and halt occupancy until the property complies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to add on to my house in Colorado Springs?
What happens if I build without a permit in Colorado Springs?
Can I start emergency repairs before getting a permit?
Can I move into a new home before it's finished?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Colorado Springs
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