Community Development Department  Building, Planning, Zoning & GIS
The Old Courthouse / 203 Eureka Street, 2nd and 3rd Floors / P.O. Box 661 / Central City, CO 80427
Phone: 303-582-5831 / Fax: 303-565-1796
Jim Simpson, Building Inspector, 303-582-5831 ext.2 

Building Division Information & Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a building permit?
Gilpin County requires a building permit for all free-standing structures over 120 square feet, and for all additions to existing structures, no matter what size. The building permit application is called the Joint Application Form & Routing Sheet.

Do I need a permit to build or add on to a deck?
Gilpin County requires a building permit if the deck will be 30 inches or higher above the ground – square footage does not matter. Use the joint application form and routing sheet.

Do I need a permit to remodel or finish my basement?
Gilpin County requires a building permit for basement structural or plumbing work. Use the joint application form and routing sheet. A Colorado State electrical permit must be attained for basement electrical work (call 303-894-2985 for the state electrician). State electrical application forms are available in the Community Development Department.

Do I need a plumbing permit?
A building permit is required to install plumbing; the plumbing permit is contained within the building permit. Use the joint application form and routing sheet.

Do I need a roofing permit?
A permit is not required when adding only a second layer to the roof. A building permit is required when replacing a layer (only two layers are permitted). This permit allows for roof deck and ice & water shield inspections. Use the joint application form and routing sheet.

Do I need a grading permit?
A building permit is required to move more than 50 cubic yards. An engineering plan including existing and proposed contours must accompany the submittals in the joint application form and routing sheet.

What Building Code does Gilpin County use?
IBC / IRC 2006. Your design engineer or contractor should be familiar with and have access to the code details.

I am a contractor. Do I need a Gilpin County Contractor’s License?
Gilpin County does NOT require a contractor’s license.

What are the snow and wind loads for Gilpin County?
As cited in the building permit application (joint application form & routing sheet), all structural plans must conform to county wind and snow loads. Gilpin County wind load is 130 mph, may vary, please call 303-582-5831 for specifics. Snow loads vary throughout the county from 60 to 125 pounds per square foot. A snow load map is on display in the Community Development Department, or at the following link  Snow and Wind load Map

Once I have my permit, what needs to be complete to obtain a certificate of occupancy/completion?
Final access, final sanitation, final electric, a heat source, a water supply, usable kitchen area, at least one working bathroom, weather proofing, basic safety (railings, door bolts, etc.).  Finishing work such as cabinetry, carpeting, tiling, trim, and paint is not required for a c/o or c/c.

What is the frost line?
30 inches or bedrock, whichever appears first.