Before You Build in Colorado Springs, CO: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Colorado Springs requires all pools and spas deeper than 24 inches to be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches (5 feet) tall with self-closing and self-latching gates under the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code as adopted. Gate latches must be 54 inches above grade. Power safety covers compliant with ASTM F1346 may substitute for a barrier around hot tubs.

Retaining walls in Colorado Springs require a building permit from Pikes Peak Regional Building Department when over 4 feet in exposed height measured from bottom of footing, or over 2 feet if supporting a surcharge such as a driveway, structure, or slope. Engineering stamp is required above 4 feet and for any wall in geologically hazardous terrain.

Fences under 7 feet generally do not require a permit in Colorado Springs. Fences over 7 feet require a building permit from the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department along with a site plan and engineered drawing.

In Colorado Springs, front-yard fences are limited to 4 feet in height. Side and rear-yard fences may be up to 6–7 feet without a permit. Fences over 7 feet require a building permit and are classified as accessory structures.

Colorado follows the Good Neighbor Fence Law (C.R.S. §35-46-112), which does not prescribe statewide height limits but requires shared fence costs if both neighbors benefit. Colorado Springs has no additional neighbor-notification requirement for standard residential fences.

In-ground swimming pools and spas in Colorado Springs require a building permit from Pikes Peak Regional Building Department. Above-ground pools over 24 inches deep also require permits. Plans must include structural engineering, electrical bonding, compliant barriers, and drainage. Fees range from 200 to 800 dollars depending on size and construction type.

Hot tubs and spas in Colorado Springs over 24 inches deep require a building and electrical permit through Pikes Peak Regional Building Department. They must have either a compliant barrier (60-inch fence) or a locking rigid safety cover meeting ASTM F1346. Electrical work must comply with NEC Article 680 bonding and GFCI requirements.

All swimming pools in Colorado Springs require a building permit, electrical permit, and gas/mechanical permit as applicable. Multiple inspections are required during and after construction. Above-ground pools must also comply with barrier requirements.

Swimming pools in Colorado Springs require a 4-foot minimum barrier (fence) meeting International Pool and Spa Code requirements. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. A building permit is required before installation.

Above-ground pools in Colorado Springs require a building permit and must meet the same barrier/fencing requirements as in-ground pools. The pool walls may serve as part of the barrier if they meet height requirements.

Converting a garage to living space or an ADU in Colorado Springs requires a building permit from PPRBD. The project must meet IRC residential standards and may require replacing lost off-street parking. ADU conversions require separate ADU compliance.

Colorado Springs now allows one ADU on any lot with a single-family detached home citywide (except WUI wildfire zones) following Ordinance 25-45 (April 8, 2025) implementing state HB 24-1152. ADUs are limited to 1,250 sq ft or 50% of primary home, whichever is less.

Tiny homes on foundations in Colorado Springs must comply with the full International Residential Code as adopted, including a minimum 120-square-foot habitable room under IRC Appendix Q (tiny house appendix) where adopted. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are treated as recreational vehicles and cannot be permanently occupied as primary residences in most residential zones.

Carports in Colorado Springs require a building permit from Pikes Peak Regional Building Department. They are permitted as accessory structures in all residential zones with setbacks of 5 feet from side and rear lot lines, 25 feet from front. Maximum height is 15 feet and structures must be designed for the Front Range 115-mph wind and 30-psf snow load.

Accessory structures (sheds, workshops, detached garages) in Colorado Springs require a building permit if they exceed 200 square feet or are over 1 story. Smaller sheds may be built without a permit but must meet setback and zoning requirements.

Recreational fire pits are allowed in Colorado Springs under the 2021 International Fire Code with specific size, clearance, fuel, and attendance requirements. Open waste burning is banned — fire pits must meet code standards.

Open burning (burning waste, debris, yard material outdoors) is completely prohibited within Colorado Springs. Only recreational fires and bonfires meeting specific fire code requirements are allowed, and subject to burn restrictions.

Colorado Springs generally does not require a permit to remove trees on private property, except for trees in designated preservation areas or impacting public rights-of-way. No heritage tree protection ordinance exists citywide.

Colorado Springs does not have a specific city ordinance requiring property owners to trim trees on private property, except where branches or vegetation obstruct public rights-of-way, sidewalks, or sight lines at intersections.

Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) Water-Wise rules (effective December 2019) permanently limit outdoor irrigation to 3 days per week, with no overhead watering between 10 AM and 6 PM from May 1–October 15. Violations carry $100 fines.