Any work that involves construction, alteration, conversion, repair, enlarging, moving or demolishing and building or structure – or part of a structure – requires a permit. This includes, but is not limited to, any new commercial or residential building, re-roofs, solar panels, basement finishes, fireplaces, electrical service upgrades, gas pipe tests, sprinkler systems, signs, storage buildings, pergolas, sheds 120 square feet and over, pools, decks, patio covers and car ports.
Some exceptions to work requiring a building permit:
- Residential fences (please call 970-475-1120 for guidelines)
- Sheds under 120 square feet with no electric
- Concrete work, however, driveways require an access permit from our engineering department (please call 970-475-1169 for details)
- Interior cosmetic work such as cabinets and flooring

How do I apply for a permit?

As of January of 2022, contractors are required to set up an online account with Community Core and apply directly within the software. Access can be requested here.
- Contractors must have a valid business license with the City prior to applying for a permit or requesting Community Core access.
- Any commercial work must be completed by a contractor and related plans must be drawn up by a Colorado registrant.
Submittals from homeowners working without a contractor can be sent via email to NHS@evanscolorado.gov.
- One Stop applications cover re-roofs, siding, water heaters, furnaces, ac units, gas pipe tests, and electrical upgrades
- Residential Addition/Remodel applications cover solar panel installation, basement finishes, accessory structures such as detached garages or sheds, decks and patio covers, pergolas, gazebos, sunrooms, room or additional story add-ons, fire restoration, external features such as roof gables, and any interior remodel involving moving, removing or adding walls, windows, or other structural features. Blueprints showing the work to be done must be submitted with the application. Any change that adds square footage to the footprint of the home or any additional accessory structure will also require a plot plan.
- New Residential applications are specifically for new single family homes and duplexes. Please refer to submittal checklist for required documents.

How long will it take to process my permit? How long is my permit valid?

One Stop permits are processed within 3 business days
Residential addition/remodel and new residential applications have a 10 business day time frame to review for completeness, though it is usually completed in 1 to 3 business days; after that, our plan review team has 10 business days to complete their review; they may reach out to request additional information which can extend the process; a thorough application will help us process your submittal as quickly as possible
Commercial permits have a 10 business day time frame to review for completeness, though it us usually completed in 1 to 3 business days; after that our plan review team has up to 20 business days to complete their review; they may reach out to request additional information which can extend the process; a thorough application will help us process your submittal as quickly as possible
ALL permits are valid for 180 days, however an inspection will extend your permit for another 180 days; this can continue for a maximum of 2 years; permits that show no activity (inspections) for 180 will become invalid and may result in the applicant having to reapply and pay for another permit.

What if work has been completed without a permit?

If work is currently being done without a permit, a stop work notice will be issued and the property owner or contractor will be required to obtain a permit.
The cost of a permit for this type of work is twice the cost of what the permit would be regularly, as adopted by City ordinance.
Work that has already been completed without a permit will receive a violation notice and will be required to apply for a permit – a permit may be denied if work is not compliant with code and work may be required to be demolished or removed at the cost of the applicant/property owner; non-compliance with violation notices can result in fines, liens on property and special assessments on taxes.

How do I schedule an inspection?

Inspection requests can be made over the phone or via email at 970-674-1036, windsor@safebuilt.com
Requests made before 4pm will be scheduled for the following business day
Please leave your name, contact information, address, permit number and type of inspection needed
You may request a confirmation of your inspection and/or request an ETA for your inspection
Permits and related plans are required to be on site for each inspection
If you need to cancel, please call 970-674-1036 as soon as possible
Re-inspections for the same work may result in a $75 re-inspection fee
Inspections for re-roofs require a ladder to be set by the applicant
Inspection results will automatically be sent to the email on file with the permit; if an email was not provided, you will need to call 970-475-1120 for the results.

How do I know if I am working with a reputable contractor?

Check to see if they are licensed – Colorado law requires that plumbers and electricians are licensed with the state. ALL contractors, regardless of trade, must have a current Evans business license to do work within City limits
Ask for their insurance. In most cases, State law requires that they carry workers compensation insurance.
Ask for at least two references – and make sure to check each of them
Ask to see permit BEFORE the contractor begins work and check to see that all required inspections are requested and passed before making a final payment.

Building Department FAQ