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LUG - Building Department

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1. What can I build on my property?

This is actually a zoning question, in most cases vacant land must remain vacant until a principal permitted use is established. The Planning Department can be reached at 303-679-2436.

2. Can I build a cabin with no power, water or heat?

All dwellings must meet the minimum code requirements, which include light, heat, ventilation, kitchen, bath facilities, etc. These requirements can be found in Chapter 3 of the 2015 International Residential Code.

3. How small or large a residence can I build?

The Code has minimum requirements for residences, which include minimum room sizes and dimensions. The requirements can be found in Chapter 3 of the 2015 International Residential Code.

4. What work does not require a permit?

Please look under the section for Building Codes and then work exempt. This is for residential only. Work Exempt from Permit

5. Does the building permit cover all of the construction?

The building permits issued by Clear Creek County will include all of the plumbing, mechanical and framing for the construction described in the permit but does not include the electrical work, which is regulated, permitted and inspected by the State Electrical Department, www.dora.state.co.us/electrical or 303-894-2300.

6. How long is my building permit good for?

The permits for new construction, additions and remodels are good for 2 years. The mechanical, re-roof, re-siding and residential repair permits are issued for a term of 6 months.

7. How much will my building permit cost?

The building permit fee is determined by the size and scope of the proposed construction and is calculated when the permit is being processed. Please contact the Plans Examiner at 303-679-2343 if you need an estimate of this fee.

8. What do I need to have completed for a Certificate of Occupancy?

The construction must be complete and all other associated permits such as the driveway, defensible space, septic permits and the electrical permit must also be finaled.

9. Are contractors required to get a Clear Creek County license?

Clear Creek County does not require a county license for general contractors. Property owners are encouraged to get references and check with agencies such as the Better Business Bureau for background on any contractor they are considering hiring. The State requires all Plumbing and Electrical Contractors be licensed through the State.

10. What are the code requirements for my re-roof?

Chapter 9 of the 2009 International Residential Code or Chapter 15 of the 2015 International Building Code. Both codes were amended to require Class A rated roofing material or Class A rated assembly for roofing such as wood shakes or shingles, rolled roofing, membrane roofing, etc. that are not Class A rated materials. Other requirements are:
Complete tear off is required;
Drip edge on eave and rake;
Ice barrier from eave to minimum 24” up from exterior wall line;
Venting must be added where insufficient and when applicable;
Mid-roof inspection is required;

11. Can I, as the property owner, act as the contractor?

Property owners are allowed to act as the contractor for their own residence but if a subcontractor is hired for the plumbing or electrical installation, that subcontractor must hold a license from the State of Colorado.

12. What is my snow load?

The snow load varies depending on the elevation of the property  and this can be researched on ClearMap, the County online mapping service.

Once on ClearMap, follow these 5-steps to find your Snow Load:

1. Click the blue 'I Want To' and type in your address or parcel number or owner name.
2. Then Select 'Parcel Map Theme' Dropdown list and choose 'Snow Load"
3. On the map, right-click on the parcel
4. Select "Find Data on the Map'
5. On the side, Click Snow Load

Clear Map

13. What is my wind load?

Clear Creek County has 2 wind zones and this can be researched on ClearMap, the County online mapping service.

Once on ClearMap, follow these 5-steps to find your Wind Load:

1. Click the blue 'I Want To' and type in your address or parcel number or owner name.
2. Then Select 'Parcel Map Theme' Dropdown list and choose "Wind Load"
3. On the map, right-click on the parcel
4. Select "Find Data on the Map'
5. On the side, Click Wind Load

Clear Map

14. Do I Need a Contractor's License?

Clear Creek County does not require a county license for general contractors. Property owners are encouraged to get references and check with agencies such as the Better Business Bureau for background on any contractor they are considering hiring. The State requires all Plumbing and Electrical Contractors be licensed through the State.

15. How Do I Build a House?

Find out what your land is zoned for first, to determine what kind of house you are allowed to build, if any. You can call 303-679-2436 to find this out, or use our GIS ClearMap and use the Zoning Layer.  Once you've established you are able to build a residence in your zoning, hire an engineer to construct Grading, Excavation, and Erosion Control plans for your parcel (we do not make recommendations for engineers). Then, submit your plans,  and application documents to the Site Development Department.  Contact Excel Energy for electric if needed, and the State of Colorado to obtain a Well Permit if needed. You will also need a Leach Field if you are not in an area with sanitation (which very few areas are). Contact Environmental Health for information on septic permits if needed.

16. How to Schedule An Inspection with the Building Department

Please visit this website (opens in new tab) for inspection instructions and information.

17. How to Renew a Contactor's License

Clear Creek County does not require a county license for general contractors. Property owners are encouraged to get references and check with agencies such as the Better Business Bureau for background on any contractor they are considering hiring. The State requires all Plumbing and Electrical Contractors be licensed through the State.

18. What is my Zoning?

Clear Creek County has multiple zones and this can be researched on ClearMap, the County online mapping service.

Once on ClearMap, follow these 5-steps to find your Zoning:

1. Click the blue 'I Want To' and type in your address or parcel number or owner name.
2. Then Select 'Parcel Map Theme' Dropdown list and choose 'Zoning Designations"
3. On the map, right-click on the parcel
4. Select "Find Data on the Map'
5. On the side, Click Zoning

For your Zoning Regulations, click the Zoning Regulations link below your zoning and select your section for a list of uses.

19. Can I build my own deck?

Yes, you can be your own contractor. You still must meet all the same requirements outlined in the checklist.  All decks must meet the 2015 or later IRC code. All structural construction plans MUST be wet stamped, regardless of who is performing the work.  

20. Can I submit an ILC in lieu of a Site Plan?

Yes, as long as the ILC has all requirement components of a site plan, outlined in the checklist, we will accept an ILC.

21. Do I need a permit to cover my existing deck or add a roof over it?

Yes, we will need a complete application to process a permit

22. I want to make my roof into a rooftop deck, do I need a permit?

Yes, if the roof is not currently recognized as a deck by the building permit obtained to build the residence, then you will need a permit to turn it into a rooftop deck/entertaining area.

23. If I bought a home that has a deck, how can I tell if it has been permitted?

You can look up any previous or active permits for your property here. 

24. If I bought a home that has a deck, that I know was NOT permitted, what should I do?

First, you need to determine if you would like to keep the deck or demolish it. If you want to keep the deck, simply submit an application with any documentation you can find on the deck plans and an engineer's letter for the deck and we will work with you on next steps to legalize it. You will need a current Site Plan with the existing deck to be submitted if you plan to legalize. This process will require you pay the permit fee and proceed through the permit process for new decks.

25. Do I need an inspection for my deck?

Yes, you will need a county official to inspect the deck to finalize the permit. Your deck is not legal until you've passed your inspection. You will receive specific instructions when you are issued your permit with how to schedule these inspections, what inspections are needed, and our inspection process.

26. What work is exempt from needing a permit?

Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work