How to Get a Shed Permit in El Paso County, CO (2026 Guide)
Everything you need to know about shed permits in El Paso County, CO, local requirements, fees, timelines, and how to apply.
By Joey, Founder · Last updated April 20, 2026 · How we research →
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Based on El Paso County's local building codes, you'll need a permit when:
Sheds over 120 sq ft require a building permit from PPRBD. Plans showing foundation (frost depth 30 in), framing, 42 psf ground snow load design, and setback compliance are required. In the Black Forest or Falcon WUI zones, Class A roof covering may apply.
Large accessory structures over 600 sq ft require a building permit with full construction plans, engineered snow-load design (42 psf ground), wind design per ASCE 7-16, and often an engineered foundation for expansive soils common east of the Front Range.
These shed projects are typically exempt in El Paso County:
Accessory structures (sheds) 120 sq ft or less that are not used for living or storage of hazardous materials are exempt from a building permit per 2023 PPRBC R105.2. Note: PPRBD uses 120 sq ft as the exemption threshold (stricter than the base IRC 200 sq ft). County zoning setbacks still apply and the shed must be anchored for wind loads.
Permit Fees in El Paso County
Contact Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) for current permit fee information. Fees are typically calculated based on estimated project value.
Here are typical fee ranges for shed projects nationally:
| Project Scope | Typical Permit Fee |
|---|---|
| Small shed (under 200 sq ft, storage only) | $50 – $150 |
| Medium shed (200–400 sq ft) | $100 – $300 |
| Large shed or workshop (400+ sq ft) | $150 – $500+ |
| Electrical permit (if adding power to shed) | $50 – $150 additional |
| Plumbing permit (if adding water) | $50 – $200 additional |
| Habitable conversion (ADU/tiny home) | $500 – $2,000+ |
How Long Does It Take?
In El Paso County, typical approval time for shed permits is about 2 weeks.
More complex projects requiring structural review or variances may take longer. Simple projects may qualify for expedited or over-the-counter review in some cases.
How to Apply for a Shed Permit in El Paso County
- 1 Check requirements: Use our free lookup tool or contact Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) to confirm your project needs a permit.
- 2 Gather documents: Prepare your application, site plan, construction drawings, and any other required documents.
- 3 Submit online: El Paso County accepts applications online at Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD).
- 4 Pay fees: Pay the applicable permit fees (Contact for pricing).
- 5 Wait for approval: Your application will be reviewed by El Paso County plan reviewers. Typical turnaround is about 2 weeks.
- 6 Begin work: Once approved, post your permit visibly at the job site before starting work.
- 7 Schedule inspections: Call Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) at (719) 327-2880 to schedule required inspections at each phase of the project.
El Paso County Building Department Contact
Required Documents for a Shed Permit in El Paso County
You'll typically need the following when applying for a shed permit in El Paso County:
- Permit application form, Property owner info, contractor info (if applicable), project description including shed dimensions and intended use, and estimated project cost.
- Site plan / plot plan, Must show all property lines with dimensions, all existing structures on the property, proposed shed location, distances from the shed to all property lines (to verify setback compliance), any easements, a north arrow, and scale. Usually 2–3 copies required.
- Construction drawings (site-built sheds), Floor plan with dimensions, elevation views of all four sides, foundation/footing details, wall and roof framing details, and materials specifications.
- Manufacturer specifications (pre-fab sheds), Engineering certifications, state approval documentation (where applicable), anchoring/tie-down specifications, and wind load ratings. These substitute for custom construction drawings.
- Foundation details, Type of foundation (gravel pad, concrete slab, concrete piers, or skids), dimensions, and depth. Even simple gravel pads should be documented.
- Separate trade permits (if applicable), If adding electrical or plumbing to the shed, these require separate permits with their own applications and inspections, a building permit does not cover electrical or plumbing work.
Requirements may vary. Contact Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) for the complete list of required documents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in El Paso County
Ignoring setback requirements
Most zones require sheds to be 5–10 feet from side property lines and 5–15 feet from rear lines. Corner lots often have stricter rules with two "front" setbacks. Building too close means forced removal or costly relocation, setback violations cannot be grandfathered in.
Building in an easement
Utility easements run along property lines and sometimes through mid-yard. They must remain clear of permanent structures. Easements override setback allowances, just because you're within setbacks doesn't mean you're clear of easements. Check your property survey or plat map before choosing a location.
Exceeding lot coverage limits
Your shed's footprint counts toward total lot coverage, which is typically limited to 30–50% in residential zones. This includes the house, garage, driveway, patios, and all accessory structures. Exceeding the limit can block your permit or trigger a zoning violation.
Not checking the HOA
HOAs often have rules stricter than municipal code: approved colors, materials, maximum sizes, placement restrictions, and sometimes a complete prohibition on sheds. HOA violations can result in daily fines and forced removal, even if you have a valid building permit.
Adding electrical without a separate permit
A building permit does not cover electrical work. Running power to your shed, even just a single outlet or light, requires a separate electrical permit and inspection. Unpermitted electrical work is a fire hazard and will be flagged during a home sale inspection.
Assuming pre-fab means no permit needed
Building codes apply based on size, location, and use, not construction method. A 12x16 pre-fab shed needs the same permit as a 12x16 site-built shed. The advantage of pre-fab is that manufacturer specs can substitute for custom construction drawings, simplifying the application.
Not getting a property survey
Guessing where your property lines are is a recipe for setback violations. Fences are frequently not on the actual property line. If you don't have a recent survey, invest in one before placing a shed near any property line, a $300–$500 survey is far cheaper than relocating a shed.
Forgetting about flood zones
If your property is in a FEMA flood zone, additional requirements apply even for small sheds: elevated foundations, flood-resistant materials, and potentially higher permit fees. Check your property's flood zone status before building.
Required Inspections in El Paso County
Most shed projects in El Paso County require inspections at each construction stage:
Foundation Inspection, Forms and reinforcing are in place, proper depth below grade, rebar size and spacing, anchor bolt placement, and soil conditions. For simpler foundations (gravel pads), this inspection may be combined with the final.
Framing Inspection (larger sheds), Lumber sizes and grades, connections and nailing patterns, hurricane ties and straps, header sizes over openings, and overall structural compliance with approved plans.
Final Inspection, Shed is in the correct location per the approved site plan, proper setbacks from property lines, adequate anchoring and tie-down, roof installation, door and window installation, drainage, and overall compliance with approved plans. If electrical was permitted, wiring and panel are checked separately.
Schedule inspections with Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) at (719) 327-2880 at least 24–48 hours in advance.
Pro Tips for Shed Permits in El Paso County
- Check zoning before buying a shed, know your setback requirements, lot coverage limits, and height restrictions before you commit to a size or placement. A 5-minute call to your local planning department can save you from an expensive mistake.
- Measure setbacks from the actual property line, not your fence. Fences are frequently not on the true property line. Use your property survey or hire a surveyor if you're unsure.
- Calculate your lot coverage before choosing a size. Add up all existing structures and impervious surfaces on your property, then see how much room you have left under your zone's coverage limit.
- Pre-fab sheds can simplify permitting, manufacturer specs satisfy the construction drawing requirement, which saves time and cost. But you still need a permit if the shed exceeds your local size threshold.
- Anchoring may be required even for exempt sheds. Many jurisdictions require shed anchoring and tie-down even when no building permit is needed, especially in high-wind areas. Common methods include concrete anchor bolts, ground auger anchors, and hurricane straps.
- Ask about over-the-counter permits. Many jurisdictions offer same-day approval for simple sheds, bypassing the multi-week plan review process. Bring complete documents and you may walk out with a permit.
- Consider future resale value. Unpermitted structures get flagged during home inspections and can complicate or delay a sale. Buyers' lenders may require resolution before closing.
- Take photos during construction, document the foundation, framing, and anchoring before they're covered. These are useful for inspections and valuable if questions arise later.
- Keep your permit and approved plans with your home records. You'll need them when you sell the house or if zoning questions come up in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you need a permit depends on the size and scope of your shed project. In El Paso County, some smaller projects are exempt while larger ones require a permit. Use our free lookup tool to check your specific situation.
Permit fees for shed projects in El Paso County typically range from Contact for pricing. Fees are usually based on the estimated project value.
Typical approval time in El Paso County is about 2 weeks. Complex projects requiring structural review may take longer.
In most cases, homeowners in El Paso County can pull permits and perform work on their own primary residence as an owner-builder. You're still responsible for meeting all code requirements and passing inspections.
Working without a required permit in El Paso County can result in fines, stop-work orders, required removal of completed work, and complications when selling your home.
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