Greeley, CO Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Base code
- 2021 IRC, locally amended
- Exemption list
- Sec. 22-78, narrow categories only
- Late-permit penalty
- 200% of usual fee
- Issuing office
- Building inspection division
Summary
Most construction, alteration, and repair work in Greeley requires a building permit; Sec. 22-78 lists a narrow set of exemptions such as small accessory structures, low fences, and shallow pools.
R105.2 Work exempt from permit. Permits shall not be required for the following. Exemption from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
Building:
1.One-story detached accessory structures, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15 m 2 ).2.Fences not over seven feet (2,134 mm) high.3.Retaining walls that are not over four feet (1,219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.4.Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1.5.Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.6.Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.7.Swings and other playground equipment.8.Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches (1,372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.9.Decks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m 2 ) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by section R311.4.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 6 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Greeley adopts the 2021 International Residential Code with local amendments (Sec. 22-76). Under the amended R105.2 exemption list (Sec. 22-78), only specific minor work skips a permit: one-story accessory structures up to 120 sq ft, fences up to 7 feet, retaining walls under 4 feet, small water tanks, finish work like painting and flooring, shallow prefabricated pools, playground equipment, small window awnings, and small unattached decks. Everything else, additions, new construction, structural repairs, electrical, plumbing and mechanical work, requires a permit from the building inspection division before work begins.
Violations & Fines
Starting permit-required work before obtaining a permit doubles the standard fee, 200 percent of the usual permit charge, under Sec. 22-81, in addition to any stop-work order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What work does NOT need a permit in Greeley?
What happens if I start work without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Greeley
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