Manitou Springs, CO Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- Pikes Peak Regional Building Code, 2023 Edition
- Administering agency
- Pikes Peak Regional Building Department
- Fee schedule authority
- set by City Council, PPRBC Appendix B
- Max penalty
- $500 fine or 90 days jail, or both
- Historic exception
- modified substantial-improvement threshold for Historic Structures
- Public records
- official code copies kept by city clerk
Summary
Manitou Springs adopts the Pikes Peak Regional Building Code, 2023 Edition, as its building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing code under City Charter section 5.11, per Municipal Code section 15.04.010. The Pikes Peak Regional Building Department reviews plans, issues permits and grants variances, and the city sets its own permit fee schedule under section 15.04.030.
The Pikes Peak Regional Building Code, 2023 Edition, together with Appendix A and Appendix B thereto, is adopted by reference pursuant to Section 5.11 of the City Charter and shall have the same force and effect as though it was set out in its entirety in this chapter, with amendments subsequently adopted by the City. ... Any person violating the Building Code, or any provisions of the Pikes Peak Regional Building Code, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned not more than ninety calendar days in the city or county jail, or both.
Full Breakdown
020. 2; RBC312's Enumerations Code section is deleted outright; and a new definition of Historic Structure ties into the National Register and certified local historic inventories, a detail that matters directly in Manitou Springs' National Historic District. The same amendment redefines Substantial Improvement as work costing fifty percent or more of a structure's market value, but exempts alterations to a Historic Structure that will not strip its historic designation, and exempts work solely needed to meet health, sanitary or safety code minimums. 040. 050: unlawful construction, alteration, or use in violation of the code is a misdemeanor, and the City Attorney can seek injunction, mandamus, or abatement in addition to criminal penalties.
Violations & Fines
Violating the Building Code or any Pikes Peak Regional Building Code provision is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars, imprisonment of not more than ninety calendar days in the city or county jail, or both, with each day the illegal construction, alteration, or use continues counted as a separate offense. The City Attorney may also pursue injunction, mandamus, or abatement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What building code applies in Manitou Springs?
Who issues my building permit and reviews plans?
What happens if I build without a permit or in violation of the code?
Does the historic district change what counts as a substantial improvement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manitou Springs
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Building Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in El Paso County handle building permits.