Codes, exemptions & field inspections
This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.
Regulatory framework
N/A for a specific 2026 IRC/IBC edition. The County's 2026-revised Zoning Resolution governs development and building requirements in unincorporated Custer County, including zoning permits before excavation, construction, reconstruction, or square-footage-increasing remodels; the reviewed materials do not identify a separate technical building-code edition.
Inspection lane
For compliance inspections, the applicant calls the Planning and Zoning Office after the applicable criteria are met and the office schedules the inspection. The County's 2026 Zoning Resolution authorizes inspections for suspected violations and requires septic systems to have a prior septic permit; septic permits include inspections, with additional septic inspection trips charged at $75 when the system is not ready or fails inspection.
Minor-work playbook
The 2026 Planning and Zoning fee schedule states that an accessory building under 100 sq. ft. does not require a permit. Other work may still require zoning, septic, floodplain, or state permits; the Zoning Resolution requires a zoning permit before excavation, construction, reconstruction, or remodeling that increases square footage or changes use. Confirm any other minor or cosmetic exemption with Planning and Zoning because the County's documents are under review.
Field rule
A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.
Inspection pipeline
Request with lead time
For compliance inspections, the applicant calls the Planning and Zoning Office after the applicable criteria are met and the office schedules the inspection. The County's 2026 Zoning Resolution authorizes inspections for suspected violations and requires septic systems to have a prior septic permit; septic permits include inspections, with additional septic inspection trips charged at $75 when the system is not ready or fails inspection.
Preserve access
Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.
Close the record
Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.
Contractor verification
Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.
Planning reference
A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.
Open planning reference ↗Source trail
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Custer County Planning and Zoning Office is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact (719) 783-2669; Planning and Zoning email: pz@custercounty-co.gov.
N/A for ordinary building or zoning-permit review; the County publishes no standard review timeline on its current building-permits page. Complex planned developments can involve scheduled Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners actions.
For compliance inspections, the applicant calls the Planning and Zoning Office after the applicable criteria are met and the office schedules the inspection. The County's 2026 Zoning Resolution authorizes inspections for suspected violations and requires septic systems to have a prior septic permit; septic permits include inspections, with additional septic inspection trips charged at $75 when the system is not ready or fails inspection.
N/A for a specific 2026 IRC/IBC edition. The County's 2026-revised Zoning Resolution governs development and building requirements in unincorporated Custer County, including zoning permits before excavation, construction, reconstruction, or square-footage-increasing remodels; the reviewed materials do not identify a separate technical building-code edition. The 2026 Planning and Zoning fee schedule states that an accessory building under 100 sq. ft. does not require a permit. Other work may still require zoning, septic, floodplain, or state permits; the Zoning Resolution requires a zoning permit before excavation, construction, reconstruction, or remodeling that increases square footage or changes use. Confirm any other minor or cosmetic exemption with Planning and Zoning because the County's documents are under review.
Field sequencing matters
Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.
When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.
Closeout file
Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.