Permits & Codes by Town

Many steel buildings in Colorado need a building permit, and who issues it depends on where the building sits. If your property is inside a town's limits, that town sets the rules. If it's outside, the county does. Some towns run their own building department and some rely on the county, so one phone call to the county will tell you which applies.

Who do I call in my town?

Here are the 16 towns we serve and the county each sits in. Use it to find the right office, then ask them the questions in the next section.

What should I ask the building department?

• Does a building of this size and use need a permit here?
• Is there an agricultural exemption, and what proof do you need? See agricultural exemptions.
• What snow and wind loads must the building be designed for at my address? See snow and wind loads.
• Do you need stamped engineered drawings or a site plan? See stamped drawings.
• What setbacks apply from property lines, roads and other buildings? See setbacks and easements.
• Which inspections are required, and when do I schedule them?

What usually triggers a permit?

Size, use and location. An enclosed garage or shop is more likely to need one than an open carport, a building used for business can bring extra requirements, and adding power or water usually needs its own permits. Each county and town sets its own building rules: some adopt a building code with local changes, and some rural counties have few building requirements at all. That's why the answer differs from one place to the next.

What if I build without one?

An unpermitted building can mean a stop-work order, fines, being asked to modify or remove the building, trouble when you sell the property, and questions from your insurance company after a claim. It's cheaper to ask first.

How does Rocky Mountain Metal help?

We're licensed to pull permits in some counties and cities, not all. On the site visit, we'll tell you whether we can pull yours, and if we can't, we'll walk you through what your county requires and supply the building information the department asks for. Every building is engineered to your site's snow and wind loads. See how buying through a dealer works, then request a free quote.

This page is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules, fees and timelines change. Confirm current requirements with the town or county building department for your property before you order or build. Last reviewed October 6, 2026 by Micah Hostetler.