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1. What are the requirements to submit a building permit?

Please see our Build or Remodel page to learn about requirements and permits for building projects. In every case any Land Use approvals must be obtained before a building permit will be accepted. Submittal requirements checklists are available at the Building Development Department by the front desk.

2. When are building, plumbing, and mechanical permits required?

There are very few areas of new construction, repair or alteration that do not require permits. Each of the International Codes specifies that all work requires a permit and then provides exceptions to that rule. The safest course of action is to call the Building Department to determine if work that you propose to do requires a permit. A Permit Coordinator can be reached at 970-920-5090. Please see our Build or Remodel page to learn about requirements and permits for building projects.

3. What work is exempt from building permits?

Examples are:

• Carpet
• Installing tile
• Maintenance of mechanical equipment
• Painting
• Repairing leaky plumbing faucets
• Wall papering

Please see our Build or Remodel page to learn about requirements and permits for building projects.

4. What building codes are currently being enforced by Aspen / Pitkin County?

Please see the Building and Energy Codes page.  

5. What are the permit fees associated with a project?

If you require assistance in calculating estimated fees, our Permit Coordinator can be reached at 970-920-5090. Additional Information on fee schedules is available in our Resource Center.

6. How long does it take to complete the plan check process?

Processing of applications for new residential or commercial work in the City of Aspen is expected to take 6 to 10 weeks. These time frames assume complete application information and no unforeseen problems with referral department approvals.

7. What is the relationship between the value of the structure and the square footage as it is used to determine the cost of the permits?

City of Aspen adopts a standard "Building Valuation Table" published by the International Conference of Building Officials in the Building Standards Magazine. The square footage is multiplied by the value provided to obtain an assigned value for the proposed structure which reflects the cost of construction for this region. The permit and plan check fees are based on average of that estimated cost. Please see City of Aspen Valuation Policies for Residential (PDF) and Commercial (PDF) projects. If your project's valuation does not match our policy, please see the Valuation Adjustment Policy (PDF).

8. When do I call for an inspection?

You can request an inspection online on our inspections page. Inspections must be made while the work is accessible and visible. Requests made before 7 a.m. will be performed on the same day.

9. Do businesses relocating to and within the City of Aspen or Pitkin County need a new Certificate of Occupancy?

New buildings, or suites in buildings that were previously not occupied, require a Certificate of Occupancy. Also, significant changes in use of an existing building require a review culminating with a new Certificate of Occupancy. If, however, you propose to occupy a building or suite that was previously occupied by a similar use, a new Certificate of Occupancy is not required.

10. How many layers of roofing material are allowed on a structure?

For asphalt composition roofing material, the International Building and International Residential Code allows the application of one additional layer of roofing material for a total of two.

11. At what point does a building permit expire?

A building application expires if not issued within 180 days from the application date. A building permit expires 360 days after issuance if work has not begun or 180 days after work has been suspended or abandoned.

12. Can I get an extension on a permit that will expire soon?

The Building Official can grant two 90-day extensions on a permit prior to expiration. A letter outlining the reason for the extension must be received prior to expiration date. Please note that if a permit expires, it cannot be extended or renewed. A new permit must be applied for before starting construction.

13. When is Use Tax applicable to a building project?

Projects with a valuation of more than $100,000 are subject to paying a 2.1% City of Aspen Use Tax deposit on construction materials at the issuance of the Master Building Permit. The deposit is calculated as follows: [(Project Valuation - $100,000) x 50%] x 2.1%

All projects with the exception of those doing work under a fence, sign, awning or fire suppression permits are subject to paying a 0.5% Pitkin County Use Tax deposit at the issuance of the Master Permit. The deposit is calculated as follows: (Project Valuation x 50%) x 0.5%