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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

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

The code baseline for San Juan County.

The official Building Department Requirements identify the 2015 IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, and IFC for the Town of Silverton/San Juan County building program, together with the latest National Electrical Code and Plumbing Code adopted by Colorado. Local requirements include 42-inch footing depth, 110-pound snow load (120 pounds above 10,000 feet), 110 MPH wind load, Seismic Design Category C, and specified insulation/roofing requirements; applicants must confirm later amendments with the Building Department.

Inspection lane

Call (970) 946-9031 or the inspector at (970) 880-0387 with the permit number, legal description, job address, inspection type, permit name, and approximate requested time. A minimum of 24 hours advance notice is required. Required stages include footings, stem walls/slabs, rough trades and framing, sheathing, insulation, drywall fastening, final trade inspections, and final occupancy compliance inspection.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

Improvement permits are required before building for projects over $2,000 including labor and materials or projects involving structural alterations. One-story detached accessory structures may be exempt depending on use and square footage, but the Building Official must be notified. No broad cosmetic-work exemption list was published; State electrical and commercial plumbing permits remain separately required where applicable.

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

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    Call (970) 946-9031 or the inspector at (970) 880-0387 with the permit number, legal description, job address, inspection type, permit name, and approximate requested time. A minimum of 24 hours advance notice is required. Required stages include footings, stem walls/slabs, rough trades and framing, sheathing, insulation, drywall fastening, final trade inspections, and final occupancy compliance inspection.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

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.

No verified lookup link

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

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

Official sources for this profile

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.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Application instructionsOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for San Juan County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

San Juan County Building Division (shared building official with the Town of Silverton) is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.

How should I begin an application?

Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact Building inspections/information: (970) 946-9031; Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer Bevan Harris: (970) 880-0387 direct; Town office (970) 387-5522; fax (970) 387-9920..

How long might review take?

N/A; no standard plan-review or issuance timeline was published. New houses and major additions have a two-year permit expiration, with extensions potentially available for additional fees.

How are inspections scheduled?

Call (970) 946-9031 or the inspector at (970) 880-0387 with the permit number, legal description, job address, inspection type, permit name, and approximate requested time. A minimum of 24 hours advance notice is required. Required stages include footings, stem walls/slabs, rough trades and framing, sheathing, insulation, drywall fastening, final trade inspections, and final occupancy compliance inspection.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

The official Building Department Requirements identify the 2015 IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, and IFC for the Town of Silverton/San Juan County building program, together with the latest National Electrical Code and Plumbing Code adopted by Colorado. Local requirements include 42-inch footing depth, 110-pound snow load (120 pounds above 10,000 feet), 110 MPH wind load, Seismic Design Category C, and specified insulation/roofing requirements; applicants must confirm later amendments with the Building Department. Improvement permits are required before building for projects over $2,000 including labor and materials or projects involving structural alterations. One-story detached accessory structures may be exempt depending on use and square footage, but the Building Official must be notified. No broad cosmetic-work exemption list was published; State electrical and commercial plumbing permits remain separately required where applicable.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

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.