Building Permits & Inspections

The Town of Bayfield Building Division is responsible for the permitting and inspection of all construction, and private and public development projects within the town limits of Bayfield.  The Building staff are committed to safeguard the public health, safety, and the general welfare of the citizens and guests of Bayfield.

Before You Apply

Before applying for a building permit, please take the following information into consideration:

 A building permit must be obtained prior to the start of any work within Town limits.  If the project does not require a building permit, requirements of the Bayfield Land Use Code still apply.  

Adopted Building Codes:  On May 16, 2023, the Town of Bayfield adopted the 2018 International Building Codes through Ordinance 487.  The adopted I-Codes include:

• 2018 International Building Code (IBC);
• 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC);
• 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC);
• 2018 International Fire Code (IFC);
• 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC);
• 2018 International Residential Code (IRC);
• 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC);
• 2018 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC);
• The Current National Electric Code (NEC);
• 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC); and
• 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)

Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria for the Town of Bayfield

• Ground Snow Load – 73 pounds
• Roof Snow Load – 51 pounds per square foot
• Wind Speed – 110 miles per hour
• Seismic Design Category – B
• Frost Line Depth – 32 inches
• Termite – Slight to moderate
• Winter Design Temp – 1 degree
• Ice Shield Underlayment Required – Yes
• Flood Hazard – Per Town Ordinance
• Air Freezing Index – 2,500
• Mean Annual Temp – 45 degrees

Contractor Requirements: Contractors, including all sub-contractors, must have a valid Town of Bayfield Business License to do any work within the Town limits.

Submittal Documents: For a building permit submittal the following documents are required:

• A completed building permit application depending on the type of project you are doing:
  • Single-Family/Duplex/ADU Permit Application Packet
  • Commercial/Multi-Family Permit Application Packet
  • Mobile Home/Tiny Home Permit Application Packet
  • Solar Permit Application Packet
• Digital plans are preferred
• Digital plan submittals are required for all New Residential projects, and all Commercial/Multi-Family projects
• Email plans to nkillian@bayfieldgov.org

Fees/Deposits: Deposits are due at the time of submittal of the building permit application.  Fees are due when the permit is issued and all applicable reviews are completed. See the Building Permit Fee Schedule for current fees/deposits. 

Review Time: Please allow a minimum of 20 business days for all reviews.  Resubmittals will extend this timeline.

Inspections: The Town of Bayfield uses a contract Building Inspector and Plumbing Inspector who also have outside jobs.  Therefore, you should call 48 hours ahead to schedule an Inspection. For Electrical Inspections, contact the State Electrical Inspector.  See the Contact Info for Inspectors. 

Demolition: A State of Colorado Demolition Permit is required for any structural demolition.  Proof of an approved state permit is required prior to the issuance of a Town of Bayfield demolition permit.  Please visit the State of Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment's website for more information on their permitting process, or contact them at asbestos@state.co.us or 303-692-3100.

Upper Pine River Fire Protection District (UPRFPD): All multifamily and commercial projects must provide UPRFPD with a complete Fire Code Plan Review submittal.  Submittals for plan review need to be submitted directly to the UPRFPD at: 515 Sower Drive, Bayfield, CO 81122. For more information contact UPRFPD at (970) 884-9508 or visit their website.  

Public Works Department Review
The Public Works Department will review building plans for compliance with the Construction Specifications and Infrastructure Design Standards. Public improvements including water lines and connections, sewer lines and connections, backflow prevention, driveways, and stormwater drainage are among many items the Public Works Department reviews and inspects. Repair, replacement, or installation of public improvements (sidewalk, curb and gutter, etc.) may be required of the applicant as a result of ANY building permit submittal.

Community Development Department Review
Requirements of the Land Use Code (zoning, height restrictions, setbacks, landscaping, etc.) apply to all building permit applications. Additional Planning processes may be required before a building permit application can be submitted. Please contact the Community Development Department for more information.

Plumbing and Electrical
Homeowners can complete their own plumbing and electrical work, however, if a plumber or electrician is used they must be licensed by the State of Colorado. Commercial property owners must use a licensed plumber and electrician. 

Electrical permits are issued by the State of Colorado.

A plumber who has a master plumber's license from the state and a business license from the Town shall be duly qualified to do plumbing work within the Town limits.Section 2 of HB 19-1086 took effect January 1, 2020 and Section 1 took effect on January 1, 2022.  Please visit the Colorado General Assembly website for more information.  The signed bill can be viewed here.