FAQs • Lafayette, CO • CivicEngage

What happens if I do work without a permit?: If you do any work without first obtaining a permit you can be subject to a Stop Work Order, double permit fees, having to demolish the work that was done, and possibly voiding your homeowner’s insurance in the event of damage or injury from unpermitted work.

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Building

1. Who can apply for a permit?: Property Owners or their authorized agents (such as an approved tenant or a contractor licensed with the City of Lafayette) may apply for a permit.

2. What projects require a permit?: Per IBC Code Sec. 105.1 Any owner or owner’s authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit. This includes all new construction, all commercial construction i.e.: remodels, tenant improvements, all additions, or alterations in or to an existing building or structure, any changes to electrical, plumbing, mechanical.

3. Does a storage shed require a permit?: All storage sheds that are 120 square feet or larger and accessory structures for all other uses of any size, meeting specific criteria require a permit. Learn more about Storage Sheds and Accessory Structures. (PDF)

4. Can I do the work myself or do I have to hire a contractor?: Homeowners may perform any work within their own home as long as it is their primary residence, is not intended for sale, resale, or rental, and they are doing the work themselves. Any work not specifically being completed by a homeowner shall be completed by contractors that are licensed with the City of Lafayette. All commercial work must be completed by contractors that are licensed with the City of Lafayette.

5. When does a permit expire?: Per ICC Code that has been adopted by the City of Lafayette every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days, or if the work authorized by permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced.

6. Can the owner change the contractor after the permit has been pulled?: Yes, the homeowner may change the contractor to another licensed contractor by notifying the building department by email to buildingpermits@lafayetteco.gov.

7. How are permit fees calculated?: Fees are based off the valuation of the project; some are calculated while others may be a fixed fee. You may find the Fee Schedule on the City of Lafayette’s website under Building Permits. Additionally, all permits are subject to City and County Use Tax. Use tax is calculated at 60% of the project valuation which is the total of all material and labor for all building (framing, insulation, interior and exterior wall and ceiling roof coverings, flooring, cabinets, etc.), electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire sprinkler, and fire alarm activities needed to complete the project. City Use Tax is calculated at 3.87% and County Use Tax is calculated at 1.185%.

8. How do I apply for a permit?: Quick permits only can be submitted online at https://web.mygov.us/ with a MyGov account. For all others download and complete the building permit application from the City’s website and submit with all required documents for the project to buildingpermits@lafayetteco.gov

9. What happens if I do work without a permit?: If you do any work without first obtaining a permit you can be subject to a Stop Work Order, double permit fees, having to demolish the work that was done, and possibly voiding your homeowner’s insurance in the event of damage or injury from unpermitted work.

10. What projects require an inspection?: All permits will require minimum of 1 inspection. Additional inspections may be required depending on the type of project. The inspection page will list the necessary inspections for the type of permit you have.

11. How do I schedule an inspection?: Inspections can be scheduled over the phone at 303-604-3822 or online in your MyGov account.

12. What do I need to do to prepare for an inspection?: All inspections will occur between 9am and 4pm. There must be someone over the age of 18 at the project address to provide access. You will need the building inspection record card and all approved field plans on site at all times and available for the inspector. Please ensure that pets are kept inside on any inspections that require access to the back of the property.

13. What happens during the inspection?: The inspector will review the plans, if applicable; verify that all required codes are met and either approve the inspection or provide a written list of code violations which will need to be corrected. Once all corrections have been completed, the inspection can be rescheduled. The inspector will sign the front of the permit record card when the inspection has been approved. Please read all notes that the inspector provides on the front or back of the permit card or on the yellow Lafayette Inspection tags.

14. How do I cancel my inspection?: Please call 303-661-1451 the morning of your inspection between 8:00-9:00am, or you may email buildingpermits@lafayetteco.gov to cancel.