Knowledge Base

What work requires a permit?

A permit is required in order to construct, alter, convert, repair, enlarge, move or demolish any building or structure or part thereof, or any appurtenances connected or attached thereto including, but not limited to fences, storage buildings, pools, decks, and patio covers.

• Furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, re-roofs, fireplaces, electrical upgrades, sprinklers, gas tests, and demolitions.
• Basement finishes, new residential and commercial buildings, decks, porches, patio covers, pergolas, carports, solar panels, sprinklers and signs.

What work can be done without a permit?

If not listed above please call 970-475-1120 for more information.

How do I get a permit?

There are different forms for different building permits. They are available at the City of Evans Administrative Offices in paper form or online.

Do I need a permit for a fence?

Please call 970-475-1120 for further questions.

How long is the permit valid?

• 180 days (6 months) from the date issued.
• In the event construction is not commenced within 180 days of this permit, then the same is automatically void. Cessation of work for a period of 180 continuous days shall also cause this permit to be void.  The building official may grant one or more extensions in writing for periods not more than 180 days each.  The extension shall be requested in writing (by the applicant) and with justifiable cause demonstrated.

What is the difference between a homeowner and a contractor obtaining the permit?

• Contractors are required to obtain a City of Evans to business license and to provide evidence of state certification (in the case of plumbers and electricians).   
• Homeowners must complete a Home Owner Affidavit form (which is on the permit application) and state whether or not he/she will be performing all the work on the project.
• If not, the homeowner needs to identify the sub-contractors that will be hired to do the job and to provide evidence of state certification (in the case of plumbers and electricians).  Building permits are not required to be signed by property owners unless they are personally performing their own work

How long will it take to process my permit?

• One stop permits can take up to 3 business days depending on workload.
• Sign permits can take up to 3 business days for face change only and new signs can take up to 5 business days.
• Manufactured housing location permit review and processing can take up to 5 business days.
• New residential construction, addition and remodel permit review and processing can take up to 10 business days depending on the type and scope of the permit.
• New commercial and industrial construction permit review and processing can take up to 20 business days depending on the type and scope of the permit.

How much will my permit cost?

Total permit costs vary depending on the type of permit applied for.  The most current building fee schedule is available online.  Keep in mind fees applied vary depending on the building permit.  Any fees that have “impact” mean the impact/use of the particular system it’s associated with.  For example, the street “impact” fee is how much a single family will be impacting or using the streets to get to and from their residence.  Valuations are provided by the applicant and checked against the adopted valuation table at the City.  The valuation table is available upon request.

How do I pay for my permit and where can I pick it up?

Acceptable payments are cash, check, money order, or charge.  Permits can be picked up at the City of Evans Administrative Offices, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Will you email/fax my permit to me?

Available upon request and payment has been paid made over the phone.

What will be the cost if the work was already completed without a permit?

• Work that begins prior to a permit being issued will be charged double the “construction fee” as adopted by city ordinance.
• If a permit is required and work has begun, a “stop work” order will be issued by a City official or designee on the property and remain until the permit is issued.
• Permit must be posted prior to the start of any work.

What if the property purchased had work completed without a permit?

Please call 970-475-1120 for more information.

Inspection Services:

What inspections are required?

Required inspections depend of the types and scale of the building permit. Inspections for each permit are listed on the permit card provided by the City at issuance of the permit.

How do I schedule an inspection?

• To request an inspection, call the 24-hour request line at 970-475-2211 or you may request an inspection online by clicking on the following link and filling out the inspection request form.  Online Inspection Form
• Inspections are typically conducted between 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Inspection requests must be received by 12:00 p.m. on the business day prior to the inspection.  Monday inspections must be requested by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, and inspections cannot be scheduled or completed on holidays.
• Please indicate if we need to call you prior to arriving at the location.
• Please leave the address, type of inspection requested, and the permit number with your message.  If this information is not provided or we are unable to understand it, the inspection cannot be scheduled.  Please leave your name and phone number in case the inspectors have questions or if we need to contact you for access to perform the inspection.
• This is a voicemail system and calls will not be returned unless you indicate that you want an inspection confirmed.

What do I do if I need to cancel an inspection?

Please call 970-475-1120 as soon as possible to cancel the inspection.

Is there a cost to have a re-inspection done?

When a re-inspection of a failed inspection is called into the inspection request line, the Community Development Technician will call the contractor/home owner to give a verbal warning that the first re-inspection is “free” and each additional re-inspection after that is $75.

Do I need a ladder set for roof inspections? Why?

Yes, inspectors do not carry a ladder.

How will I know the results of my inspection - or if it has been completed?

Results are recorded on the inspection cards that are posted on site.

Can I call the building inspector to see if he passed my inspection?

No, but you may call 970-475-1120.

Can I request a particular time of day for the inspection?

At this time, the City contracts with SAFEbuilt for inspections. Please coordinate schedules with SAFEbuilt at the time of request. 

Miscellaneous Questions:

How do I know if I am dealing with a reputable contractor?

• Are they licensed? Colorado law requires electricians and plumbers to be licensed. Do they have insurance? In most cases, state law requires that they carry workers compensation insurance. Ask to see a certificate of insurance.
• Ask to see some identification. Be sure you know the correct name of the individual you are dealing with, their address, and telephone number(s).
• Ask for at least two references - and check them out.
• Make absolutely sure they obtain the required building permits - and call for and pass the required codes inspections. Make sure the building permit is in hand before the work begins, and be sure you are furnished with a certificate of occupancy issued or evidence of completed permit by the City of Evans, before making final payment.

Who can I call for utility locates?

Dial 811 for a free locate

Who can I call for water meter sets?

Call 970-475-1120

Business Licenses:

Contractors are required to have a current business license to work in the City of Evans regardless of where the business is based out of.  For plumbing and electrical contractors, you need to furnish your state license number.

• Current license year: $25
• Penalty is assessed per year for not keeping license current: $25 per year
• Acceptable payments are cash, check, or money order made to the City of Evans.
• No payments can be made over the phone with a credit card.