Building Department FAQ Building Department FAQ

What are some things people may not know about the Town Code? 

People are usually most surprised to learn that “there’s a permit required for that work?”.  Often, even minor improvements or changes to your home or business require filing for a  building permit with the Town.  Town Staff recommends you inquire with the Planning & Zoning Department to ask whether you will need a permit before beginning a home improvement project.  In addition, residents within Homeowner’s Associations must also inquire with their HOA. 

Do fences or decks need permits? 

Fences

Pursuant to Section 1.16.A and 3.05.E of the Wiggins Land Development Code, all fences require a building permit and must not exceed six foot-six inches (6'6") in height except in the Industrial Zoned District.

This height is measured from the adjacent grade, so in the event the fence is located on a slope, the fence would have to follow the contour of the slope. Included in the six foot-six inch height would be any lattice or other ornamentation. 

A fence taller than six feet six inches (6'6") would require a Variance from the Board of Adjustments and a building permit from the Building Department. Contact the Planning and Zoning Department at (970) 483-6161 for information regarding a Variance.

Tentative fence projects located on intersection corners must check with the Planning & Zoning Department regarding visibility and setback requirements

Decks    

Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point and are not attached to the building do not require building permits. These are free standing decks located away from the residence. Removing and replacing the decking of a deck is considered a floor covering and also does not require a building permit. New decks and all other degrees of work, including repairs, require plans and a building permit. The plans must include a site plan, pier plan, framing plan, and section detail showing guardrail configuration and points of connection, such as ledger and post and beam connections.

How do I locate a reliable licensed contractor? 

Ask friends and neighbors about positive experiences they have had with various contractors.  See if your local neighborhood association maintains a list of recommended contractors.  

Remember, an informed consumer is a smart consumer, so always try to get bids from at least three contractors.  Be sure to ask for references of work completed in the local area.  Verify that your contractor has an active certificate of liability insurance.  Make sure you get a written contract, and do not sign it until you fully understand the terms and conditions.

How do I schedule a building inspection?

 

Pursuant to the Wiggins Building Codes, construction which requires a permit shall be subject to inspection by a building inspector and shall remain accessible and exposed until the work is approved. See "Building Permits" for a complete discussion on what work requires a permit.

The Town of Wiggins has an online inspection request that allows the scheduling of inspections 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Here's what you need to know:

Click the following link to set up inspection requests: https://safebuilt.com/about/our-companies/procode

Inspection dates are offered in the AM or PM, Monday through Friday. Inspections requests made prior to 4 PM will be scheduled for the next business day or on the date of your choice.  Emergency Inspections are accepted for an extra fee. Please see the fee schedule for current rates.

How long does it take to get a building permit? 

The time line for review of construction plans varies according to the size of the project. Concurrently, concerned Town departments, such as Building and Planning and Zoning, have the following internal deadlines:

• same day to 3 days - fence and roof projects
• 7 to 10 days - for small & medium sized residential projects.
• 14 - 30 days for all new construction and large commercial projects.
• 10 - 14 days - for reviewing responses to plan check comments.

Some projects may require plan review and comments from outside organizations such as the Wiggins Fire District.  Additional time may be required to receive the additional review comments.

Is a building permit required for window replacement? 

A building permit IS required for the replacement of windows whenever the window size is increased. If the project is replacing a window with a like for like window or something smaller, then a building permit is NOT required. 

What is required for a bathroom remodel permit? 

Pursuant to the Wiggins Building Codes, a building permit through the Town may be required.  The electrical or plumbing portion of the project may require electrical and plumbing permits applied separately through the State of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. Electrical and Plumbing permits and inspections must be obtained through the State of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). 

DORA-Plumbing | DORA Electric or by Phone:  303-894-7800

What is required for a kitchen remodel permit? 

Pursuant to the Wiggins Building Codes, a building permit through the Town may be required.  The electrical or plumbing portion of the project may require electrical and plumbing permits applied separately through the State of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. Electrical and Plumbing permits and inspections must be obtained through the State of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

DORA-Plumbing | or by Phone:  303-894-7800

What types of construction require a building permit?

In accordance with the Wiggins Building Code, building permits are required in the Town of Wiggins to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, convert or demolish for each building or structure. In fact, permits are required for so many tasks that the Code lists those items that do not require a permit. They are:

One-story, detached accessory structures used as a tool and storage shed, playhouse, green house or similar use that do not exceed 120 square feet in floor area and the roof height does not exceed 10 feet in height and the structure is not on a permanent foundation. (Accessory structures less than 120 square feet may not require a building permit, but must comply with the Wiggins Land Development Code. Contact Planning and Zoning for more information on this matter.)

Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall and are not less than 12 inches from a public sidewalk, unless supporting a surcharge.

Replacement of driveways and sidewalks are exempt from building permits.

Shingle repair or replacement work not exceeding 100 square feet in area of covering per building.

Concrete form and pours that are not attached to a building or structure and are not for the construction of decks, awnings, pergolas, gazebos, or any other types of decking or porch structures.  Driveways do not fall under this category.

When does a retaining wall need a permit?

 

IRC Section 105.2 of the Wiggins Building Code requires a permit for retaining walls that are over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall and less than 12 inches from a public sidewalk, unless supporting a surcharge.

Why is it important to get a building permit?

 

Work performed without the required building permits can have several negative consequences. First and foremost, in the event the work was done contrary to the State building codes, serious fire and life/safety violations may exist that are a hazard to the occupants, neighbors and the structure. In addition, the portions of the building constructed without permits may be ignored by appraisers when seeking a bank loan. And finally, in the event future additions or alterations are desired, the non-permitted work will be revealed and may negatively impact the new project. 

The process for legalizing work that has been completed without the benefit of a building permit is the same as for new work; it requires the submittal of the building permit application, building plans, site plat (if applicable) structural and energy calculations. When approved, the work is inspected for conformance with the current state and local codes; removal of finished surfaces to reveal plumbing, electrical and mechanical installations is sometimes required. Contact the Wiggins Planning & Zoning Department at 970-483-6161 for additional information.