When Do I need a building permit?

The following projects (not all inclusive) require a permit, either a 1 Stop Permit or a Plan Review Permit.

1-Stop Permits A 1-Stop permit does not require drawings to be submitted for a plan review. Some examples are: Air Conditioning System Demolition Electrical Service Amp Change Furnace Replacement Gas Fireplace Gas Line to Patio Lawn Sprinkler System Reroof Siding/Stucco Water Heater Replacement Water/Sewer Line Repair/Replacement Window/Patio Door Replacement An application is required for a 1-Stop permit. You will need to know the total value of the work to be performed to complete the application.

Plan Review Permits Various projects will require you to submit drawings for a plan review. Some examples are: Additions Basement Finish Carport Deck Fences over 6 feet in height Patio Cover/Pergola Pool/Hot Tub Remodel Plan review permits require 2 identical drawings. Drawings must show all structural components and be to scale. Residential additions require 2 foundation drawings stamped by a Colorado licensed engineer or architect. A site plan is required for any addition or structure that will be added to the home, or property.

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How do I calculate the value of the work to be performed?

The value of the work performed is the total of:

1. material cost
2. labor value. Homeowners doing the project themselves should assign a fair market value to their own labor.

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What is a site plan?

A site plan is a scaled drawing of your property. You must show placement of all additions to the property. Give dimensions of the house, dimensions of any other structures on the property, and dimensions from each structure to all property lines.

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What is Use Tax?

Use tax is a means of guiding your tax dollars to the city and county where you live, where the goods are "used". Your contractor (or you as the homeowner) will present your permit to the building supply stores to acquire the materials for the job. The retailers will not charge city and county sales tax on the material purchases- you (or your contractor) already paid that tax to the city when the permit was acquired. Save your receipts and be careful to make purchases for just the permitted project. Should you be audited, the auditor will compare the use tax paid at the time of the permit application with the tax not charged to you on the materials purchased. There should be no difference if the value of the project was estimated correctly on the permit application.

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Where do I get a permit application?

Permit applications are available on line at www.castlepinesgov.com under the forms tab, or at the City offices.

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Why are all contractors (the electrician, the plumber, the general contractor, etc.) required to be licensed in the City?

Licensed contractors have provided proof of competency and proof of insurance to the city. This protects the homeowner from incurring costs due to damage by uninsured contractors, and it protects the homeowner from contractors who do not have adequate knowledge of the City adopted building codes. A permit will not be issued until all contractors being used to complete the project are licensed. Homeowners doing their own work do not need to be licensed.

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What does a permit cost?

1-Stop Permit Costs:

• Permit Fee - Based on the value of the project-see Table 1A
• Douglas County Use Tax - 1% of 50% of the value of the project
• Castle Pines Use Tax - 2.75% of 50% of the value of the project

Plan Review Permit Costs:

• All of the above plus-
• Plan Review Fee - 65% of the permit fee
• Electrical Permit Fee - based on the square feet of the project (residential)
  based on value , (commercial)- see Table 2
• Zoning Fee - $10

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What forms of payment do you take?

We can only take checks or cash at this time. No online pay is available.

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May I mail my permit application, plans (if applicable), and check to the city?

Certainly. Call the building department and we will calculate the fees. Mail the permit application and check to the City, and we will immediately issue 1-Stop Permit applications and mail the permit to you. For Plan Review Permit applications, be sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope for us to mail back the permit with the plans.

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What is the time frame for the permit process?

1-Stops are issued when the fees are paid (assuming all contractors are licensed). Most Plan Review permits take 3-5 days from the time of submittal. New residential or commercial permits take two weeks.

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How do I schedule an inspection?

Call the City building department at 303-705-0227 before 4 pm for a next business day inspection.

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May I request a specific time for an inspection?

We understand the need, but no, we can't give a specific time. Our inspection request form is picked up by the inspectors at 4:00pm so they are able to plan their next day. They will notify the city with a two hour ETA-estimated time of arrival- by 8:20 the day of the inspection. Call the City building department after 8:20 to get the ETA.

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How do I contact an inspector during the day if I need clarification on his requirements?

Call the City building department between 8AM and 4:30PM and we will contact the inspector to have him/her call you.

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Do permits expire?

Permits are valid for 180 days after issuance. Call to renew if you will not complete the project in that timeframe.

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