How Do You Get a Building Permit in Hinsdale County, Colorado?

You complete three forms, submit them to the Hinsdale County Building Department, and then call the Building Official to continue the process. The county's page warns that building cannot begin before the permit is approved and fees are paid. Projects inside Lake City town limits pay permits to the Town, and use tax is always paid to the county.

This post summarizes the Hinsdale County Building Department page I reviewed October 27, 2026. Details, forms and fees can change, so confirm with the county. This is general information, not legal advice.

What are the steps?

According to the county's Building Department page:

1. Complete three forms: the Project Development Checklist, the Building Permit Application and the Use Tax Declaration.
2. Submit them by mail, email, fax or in person at the building department in Lake City.
3. Call the Building Official at 970-944-2225 (ext. 104) to continue the process.
4. Wait for approval. The page says building cannot start before the Building Official approves the permit and fees are paid.

Who do I contact?

The Hinsdale County Building Department is at 311 Henson St., Lake City, CO 81235 (PO Box 277). The phone is 970-944-2225, ext. 104, and the email is building@hinsdalecountycolorado.us. Office hours are listed as Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How do I pay?

Permits and use tax can be paid through the county's online payment portal linked on the page. Permits for projects inside Lake City town limits are paid to the Town of Lake City, while use tax is always paid to Hinsdale County. The page does not list fee amounts, so ask the department for a fee estimate.

What building code does the county use?

The page states that Hinsdale County has adopted the 2015 International Building Code. Codes get updated, so confirm what is currently in effect when you plan a project.

What about electrical and plumbing?

Electrical and plumbing permits are handled through the State of Colorado, not the county. The county's page lists state inspectors for each trade. Ask your contractor to coordinate them.

What about septic systems?

If your project involves an onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS), also called a septic system, you submit an OWTS permit application to the building department. The forms listed are the OWTS Permit Application, Permit Guidelines and Permit Checklist. State rules are in 5 CCR 1002-43, and the county points to the Silver Thread Public Health District for more information. The county's page does not mention water well requirements, so ask the department and the Colorado Division of Water Resources about wells.

What if the property is in a floodplain?

You may need a floodplain development permit, with a Floodplain Application and checklist, according to the county. Ask during due diligence whether any part of a lot you are considering is in a floodplain.

What should I read before planning a build?

The county lists these pre-construction documents: the Construction Planning Guidelines, the Building Permit Guidelines, the Building Plan Submission Guidelines and the County Design Criteria. It also points to the Hinsdale County Zoning and Planning Regulations. Read them with your builder or designer before you finalize plans.

What should I check before buying land in Lake City?

• Is the parcel in town or in the county? It determines who issues the permit and which rules apply.
• Is there legal, maintained access? Ask who plows in winter.
• What are the water and wastewater options? Confirm septic feasibility and ask about wells.
• What does zoning allow? Read the regulations and ask staff.
• Are there covenants or a historic district? Parts of Lake City are in a historic district, per the visitor site I cited last week, which can add design review.
• What are the taxes? See my post on Hinsdale County mill levies.
• How long is the building season? Winter limits construction, so plan your timeline with a local builder.

Can I build myself?

The county page does not address owner-builders, so ask the department what is allowed and which inspections you will need. I would not assume anything until you hear it from the Building Official.

What is the bottom line?

The Hinsdale County process is simple to describe: three forms, a call to the Building Official, approval and payment before you build. The real work is in the details, such as septic, floodplain, zoning and access. Talk to the department early, and build the answers into your due diligence if you are buying land. A local agent can help you ask the right questions.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a building permit in Hinsdale County?

Yes, the county's page says building cannot start before the permit is approved and fees are paid.

Where do I submit the forms?

To the Hinsdale County Building Department, 311 Henson St., Lake City, by mail, email, fax or in person.

Who handles electrical and plumbing permits?

The State of Colorado, not the county.

Who do I call?

The Building Official at 970-944-2225, ext. 104.

Connect with a great real estate agent in Lake City, Kelsey Loftis with Crystal Peak Properties.