The purpose of Building Codes is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment.

The jurisdiction for the La Plata County Building Department includes all of the territory within La Plata County excluding the Town of Ignacio, Bayfield, the City of Durango, the reservation of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and State and Federal lands.

Personnel from the Building Department are charged with the enforcement of all building codes and land use regulations.

BUILDING CODES

Adopted by La Plata County
For Enforcement In the Unincorporated Areas Of
La Plata County

2003 International Building Code

2003 International Residential Code

2003 International Mechanical Code

2003 International Plumbing Code

2003 International Fuel Gas Code

2003 International Energy Conservation Code.

International Code Council web site

La Plata County Building Department
1060 E. Second Avenue - Durango, Colorado 81301
970 382-6250

A. SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS

Individual sewage disposal systems or central/municipal sewage.

Colorado law requires all habitable structures to be provided with some form of approved sewage system. Compliance with this requirement can be accomplished by the installation or construction of some type of individual sewage disposal system or by connection to a central or municipal sewage facility.

1. Individual Sewage Disposal Systems.

Because the Colorado State Laws require the permitting and inspection of all sewage disposal system installations, San Juan Basin Health Department must authorize and monitor the installation and construction of private sewage disposal systems. Prior to the issuance of Building Permits for all habitable structures this Department must receive written authorization from San Juan Basin Health indicating compliance with the State regulations. (This can be accomplished by submitting a copy of the San Juan Basin Health Departments Permit or by having the Building Permit signed by Health Department Officials.) This Department will withhold final inspection and issuance of a “Certificate of Occupancy” for habitable structures until the San Juan Basin Health Department has finalized and approved the installation of the system.

For further information contact:

San Juan Basin Health Department
Tri-Agency Building
289 Sawyer Drive - Suite 300
P.O. Box 140
Durango, CO. 81302
970 - 247-5702

2. Central or Municipal Sewage Disposal Systems.

Some parcels of land are situated in close proximity to central or Municipal type sewage treatment facilities. Some of these parcels of land are included in sanitation districts or in subdivisions that have central sewer systems. Because of the variation it is difficult for Building Department personnel to know just which case applies to your property. This Department has assembled information that may be helpful to you to determine what agency administers your central sewer system. If you believe you are on some sort of central system please ask the Building Department for information. The building Department must have written authorization from the agency administering the sewer system prior to the issuance of a Building Permit. Final approval by the agency administering must be received prior to final inspection and issuance of a “Certificate of Occupancy” for the permitted structure.

B. WATER SUPPLY

1. Individual Well

For those property owners that will be drilling a water well, using spring water or other sources, the Colorado Division of Water Resources administers the approval and use of water. Like the sanitation requirements, this department must receive written authorization from the Division of Water Resources for all domestic water users, prior to issuance of a Building Permit for all habitable structures 970-247-1845.

These signatures will not guarantee adequate supplies of water, but only insure compliance with application regulations.

2. Central/Municipal Systems

For those properties that have water service provided by a central or municipal water supply system the property owner must provide written authorization or “Approval of Use” of that water supply prior to issuance of a Building Permit for habitable structures. If you believe your property is served by a central system the Building Department may be able to provide you with information regarding who administers the water system.

C. OTHER PERMITS REQUIRED

1. Driveway Access Permits

Permits are required for any driveway installation or utility work that takes place in or next to a County road. For Driveway Permits contact:

La Plata County Engineering Department
1060 Main Avenue, Suite 104
Durango, CO. 81301
970 382-6363

For access from State Highways please contact:

Colorado Division of Highways
3803 Main Ave. - Suite 300
Durango, CO. 81301
970 385-1400 or 970 385-3626

2. Electrical Permits

The State of Colorado requires electrical permits on all electrical installations in the State of Colorado. Colorado law further allows the homeowner to do his own wiring for his primary place of residence. If the installation is done by someone other than the homeowner, that someone must be a Colorado Licensed Electrical Contractor and he must obtain the Electrical Permit. Permits and information can be obtained at State Electrical Inspection Offices located at :

Colorado State Electrical Inspector
1474 Main Avenue
P.O. Box 1946
Durango, CO. 81302
970 259-1300

3. Plumbing/Mechanical Permits

Plumbing and Mechanical Permits are required for new work and certain repairs. La Plata County Building Department issues Plumbing/Mechanical Permits.

4. Utility Notification

Colorado law requires notification of utility companies prior to excavation. The utility companies will locate and mark the location of underground utilities if you provide them with 48 hours of notice. For utility notification service call:

1-800-922-1987

D. BUILDING PERMITS

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this Code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.

1. Exempted work.

A building permit will not be required for the following:

Building:

1. One-story, detached accessory buildings used
as tool and storage sheds, play houses, and
similar uses, provided the floor area does not
exceed 200 square feet.

Unless otherwise exempted by this Code, separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical
permits will be required for the above exempted items.

Exemption from the permit requirements of this Code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this Code or any other laws or resolutions of this jurisdiction.

2. Agricultural Buildings

Buildings used for the sole purpose of providing shelter for agricultural implements, farm products, livestock, or poultry and that have no human occupancy are exempt from building codes. (The exemption does not apply to horse arenas). Agricultural buildings must comply with all “Land Use Regulations” pertaining to setbacks from property line, easements and rights-of-way as well as construction within flood plain areas.

E. PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Construction documents, and other data shall be submitted in two or more sets with each application for a permit. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required. Where special conditions exist, as determined by the building official, the building official is authorized to require additional construction documents to be prepared by a registered design professional.

Construction documents shall be dimensioned and drawn upon suitable material. Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this Code and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, as determined by the building official. The first sheet of each set of plans shall give the exact locations of the work to be done and the person who prepared such plans and specifications. The following are examples of required construction documents:

1. Site Plan.
The construction documents submitted with the application for permit shall be accompanied by a site plan showing to scale the size and location of new construction and existing structures on the site. In the case of demolition, the site plan shall show construction to be demolished and the location and size of existing structures and construction that are to remain on the site or plot.

2. Foundation Plan.
The construction documents submitted with the application for permit shall be accompanied by a foundation plan showing foundation footing and wall dimensions, materials used, (masonry or concrete) detailing reinforcing configuration for footing and walls, crawl space openings location, ventilation openings and any change in footing or wall height.

3. Floor Framing Plan
The construction documents submitted with the application for permit shall be accompanied by a floor framing plan showing the location, size and spacing of all joists, floor openings, and floor supports.

4. Floor Plan
The construction documents submitted with the application for permit shall be accompanied by a floor plan showing the room layout and dimensions, the location and size of all doors and windows, each room shall be identified as to use, and proposed finishes.

5. Roof Framing Plan
The construction documents submitted with the application for permit shall be accompanied by a roof framing plan showing the size and spacing of all roof members and their supports.

6. Exterior Elevations
The construction documents submitted with the application for permit shall be accompanied by four (4) exterior elevations showing the height of walls, roof pitches, exterior grading, window and doors and exterior finishes.

7. Cross Sections
The construction documents submitted with the application for permit shall be accompanied by one or more cross sections showing the building in section from the foundation through the roof. The cross section shall identify all framing elements, including foundation, floor members walls, and roof framing members.

8. Other Information
The plans or construction documents must indicate compliance with the Energy Code, either by conformance to prescribed insulation R-values or by conformance the submission of energy calc’s showing compliance with the Energy Code.

F. PERMIT APPLICATION AND PLAN REVIEW

The plans and application will be reviewed for completeness of design and conformance with adopted codes. This review process is normally completed within one week. No fees are collected at this stage.

G. APPROVAL OF CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS AND PERMIT ISSUANCE

When the building official issues a permit, the construction documents shall be approved, in writing or by stamp, as "Reviewed” One set of construction documents so reviewed shall be retained by the building official. The other set shall be returned to the applicant, shall be kept at the site of work and shall be open to inspection by the building official or his authorized representative. Fees are collected at permit issuance.

H. REQUIRED INSPECTIONS

Footing
Foundation wall
Under slab plumbing
Nailing
Framing
Rough plumbing
Rough mechanical
Thermal envelope
Gas yard line
Final plumbing
Final mechanical
Building final

I. DESIGN INFORMATION

1. Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria

Required minimum roof live load (Snow Load) See TABLE 301.2.(2) Attached.
Wind speed- 90 MPH (3 sec. gust) Exposure B or C applies
Seismic Design Category - C
Weathering-Severe
Frost depth - 32 inches
Termite - Moderate
Decay - None to slight
Winter design temperature 4 degrees F.
Air freezing index-2000
Flood Hazard - Community NO. 080097 Date of FIRM 12-15-81
HDD - 6930
Climate Zone 15

TABLE 301.2.(2)
SNOW LOADS-ELEVATIONS AND GEOGRAPHIC AREAS

S=32/k+12 x (A-K/2)2

S= Snow load in lb. per square foot
A = Altitude x .001
K = 3 or 4 (from SEAC map)

By using the above formula we have determined loads by elevation for each of the geographic areas.

2. Soils
Several portions of the County have expansive clay soils. These soils can generate extremely high pressures on a buildings foundation. If your site has expansive clay soils the building official will require that you provide either a soils report or an engineered foundation.

3. Foundation Details
La Plata County has developed “Minimum Foundation Details” for use with single family residences and out-buildings. These details are to be used only where a professional design is not provided or required.

4. FEMA -

• National Flood Insurance Program Elevation Certificate and Instructions

Building Permit Application Form (.pdf)