Permit offices by county

10-1.1 What could and couldn't be checked

Mesa County is the only local office whose pages could be read for this manual. Everything else on this list is unconfirmed. Don't take this table as saying those offices have no rules, or what their rules are.

We couldn't open those offices' pages when this was last checked, so ask each one directly. Any permit rule you have heard about Delta or Montrose from a neighbor or a search result remains unconfirmed here, and the office's answer is the one that counts.

10-1.2 How do you find the right office outside Mesa County?

Start with your own location, then go up a level. Use this order so you don't get a correct answer from the wrong office.

1. Check your property tax notice or ask the county whether the address is inside town limits.
2. If it is, ask the town whether it issues building, plumbing and electrical permits itself.
3. If it isn't, or if the town says no, ask the county the same three questions.
4. If neither runs a program for that trade, ask how to apply to the state. The state rule is in the next section.
5. Get the answer in writing if you can, with the name of the office and the date.

10-1.3 What happens when no local program covers the work?

The state does the inspection. Colorado's statutes, as published, say plumbing or gas piping work generally needs a state inspection, while towns, cities and counties may run their own program, and the state inspector handles work only where they don't. A permit comes before work starts, qualified applicants include homeowners working on their own homes, permits last 12 months, and the state inspector acts within 3 working days.

Electrical work has the same structure: the owner must have installations inspected, and you apply to the State Electrical Board unless a qualifying local building department handles it. A homeowner on their own home is a qualified applicant here too.

These are published copies, not the state's own site. The state plumbing pages and the legislature's site couldn't be opened, so have the current wording confirmed before you lean on it. Who may do the work is in §10-2.

10-1.4 What does Mesa County require?

Its building office takes electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits for Mesa County, the City of Grand Junction, Palisade, Collbran and DeBeque, at 200 S. Spruce St. That comes from a form dated April 2023. It asks for state license numbers for plumbers and electricians, and an HVAC contractor's city license only inside Grand Junction city limits.

The list is on the county's adopted codes page, along with ground snow loads (§1-3). It has no frost depth or winter design temperature, so ask for those.

The sample inspection card from May 2023 lists inspections for water heaters, boilers and furnaces, gas piping, venting, wood-burning appliances and gas fireplaces. A listed inspection doesn't state when a permit is required, so ask. It says no work may be concealed before inspection, and carries this notice: "Except for a residential homeowner, it is illegal to perform electrical and plumbing work except by those licensed to do so by the State of Colorado."

Outbuildings count as well. The county's FAQ says sheds, patio covers and similar need clearances and permits. Grand Junction contractor licensing runs through the same department and is required only in city limits.