Building Permits Issued
Building Permits & Information
To apply for a permit for residential construction such as a house, an addition, or a remodel, fences, sheds, decks, re-roof, and new lawn sprinkler systems, we will need the following information:
- A permit application (see links above)
- A site plan complete with lot and block number and/or address
- A scaled drawing for the floor plan of the new construction complete with dimensions and total square footage of the project
- Proposed foundation package with details
- Proposed insulation values for roof, walls, and floors
All commercial projects must be prepared by a Colorado licensed design professional. New commercial project plans require civil, architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and energy efficiency plans as part of the plan package. Upon receipt of plans, our offices will conduct a plan review to check for compliance with our locally adopted building codes.
To speed the process, all building plans need to have sufficient detail demonstrating code compliance. Please click on the following links that will explain what information is required for plan review and permitting: Building; Accessibility; Mechanical; Plumbing; Energy; Electrical.
In addition to permit and inspection services within the City limits, the Cortez Building Department works with the Montezuma County Planning Department. Montezuma County may require some projects to use the services of a qualified inspection agency to perform inspections during construction. Upon request, our department can provide these services for a fee. Please call us at Cortez City Hall at 970-565-3402, or the Montezuma County Planning Department at 970-565-2801 for more information.
2025 Common Building Permit Fees
Permit Fee: $30.00 *every permit comes with a $30 fee in addition to the task you are requesting a permit for.
| Fence Permit | $100 |
| Roof Permit (up to 5,000 sq ft) | $150 |
| Roof Permit (over 5,00 sq ft) | $150 + $0.05 per sq ft |
| Non-habitable portable structure permit (shed, carport, etc.) | $100 |
*fee schedule updated January 1, 2026
Sign Permit
A sign permit must be obtained before erecting, constructing, reconstructing, altering, painting, repainting, or changing the use of any sign in the City. Business or property owners within the central business and commercial highway districts may request designation for a historic sign. See section 5.6 of the city code for details about signs.
Other Permits
Burn Permit
Burn permits are request for burning yard waste or large bonfire within the City limits of Cortez. Burn permits are issued through the Planning and Building department located at 123 Roger Smith Ave., Monday - Thursday, 8 am - 4:30 pm. There is no fee for burn permits. For more information, call (970) 564 - 4016.
Burn permits alert City staff, Cortez Fire Department, and the Cortez Police Department of your intentions. This saves time and resources for our public officers, and a headache for property owners. If a neighbor, or other concerned citizen reports an burn into dispatch and authorities will are sent to investigate a ticket may be issued, if a burn permit was not obtained.
Small, backyard fires in authorized UL-listed appliances are not required to have burn permits, however you can always call for a FREE burn permit, if desired.
Right of Way Permit
A right-of-way construction permit must be obtained from the City Engineer prior to any construction, excavation, or staging materials within any public right-of-way except for services provided by the City of Cortez Public Works employees.