Shed Permit Requirements in El Paso County, CO
Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) is the building authority for unincorporated El Paso County and several incorporated cities in the region (Colorado Springs, Fountain, Woodland Park, Manitou Springs, Monument, Green Mountain Falls, Palmer Lake). PPRBD reviews plans, issues permits, and performs inspections for building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas, and roofing across the entire region. Codes in force: 2023 Pikes Peak Regional Building Code (PPRBC), based on 2021 IRC with local amendments effective June 30, 2023. Local amendments include 42 psf ground snow load, 30 inch frost depth, Climate Zone 5 insulation (R-49 attic / R-20 walls per 2021 IECC), ASCE 7-16 wind design, Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Class A roof and ignition-resistant siding for Black Forest and Falcon areas, and radon-resistant construction per IRC Appendix F. PPRBD uses a valuation-based fee calculator at pprbd.org/Information/FeeCalculator rather than published flat fees. North office at 3939 Cordera Crest Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80924. Septic / OWTS permits handled by El Paso County Public Health at (719) 578-3199. Zoning, ADU verification, and driveway access on county roads handled by El Paso County Planning and Community Development at (719) 520-6300. Plumber and electrician licensing by Colorado DORA. Owner-builder permits allowed for owner-occupied primary residence.
By Joey, Founder · Last verified April 20, 2026 · How we research →
When you don’t need a Shed permit 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.
When you need a Shed permit in El Paso County
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.
What Makes El Paso County Different
Here's how El Paso County's shed rules stack up against the standard IRC baseline that most of the country follows.
Stricter Than the IRC
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.
More Lenient Than the IRC
El Paso County sets the square footage threshold at 200 sq ft, the IRC standard is 120 sq ft. That gives you more room before a permit kicks in.
Shed Permit Costs: El Paso County vs. Nearby
| City | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| El Paso County | N/A |
| Denver | $100 – $500 |
| Colorado Springs | $50 – $300 |
| Aurora | $90 – $450 |
Fees shown are estimates based on local building code data. Actual fees may vary based on project scope and valuation. See all El Paso County permit costs →
Zoning & HOA Considerations
Sheds may be subject to zoning setback requirements and lot coverage limits. Placement near property lines or in front yards may require zoning approval.
If you live in an HOA community: many HOAs restrict or prohibit outbuildings. Check your CC&Rs for rules on shed size, placement, materials, and appearance before purchasing or building.
Estimated Project Timeline in El Paso County
Here's a typical timeline for a shed project in El Paso County, CO:
Timeline is based on El Paso County's typical about 2 weeks permit processing time. Actual timelines vary by project complexity, completeness of application, and current department workload.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Contact El Paso County's building department for current Shed permit fee information. Fees typically vary based on project scope and valuation.
It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Shed projects may be exempt from permit requirements, while larger ones typically require a permit. Use our free lookup tool to check your specific situation.
Working without a required permit in El Paso County can result in fines, stop-work orders, being required to remove completed work, and complications when selling your home. It's always best to check first.
Typical approval time for Shed permits in El Paso County is about 2 weeks. More complex projects may take longer if plan review is required.
If you live in an HOA community, you may need architectural review approval in addition to a building permit. HOA rules and city building codes are separate, you may need to satisfy both. Review your CC&Rs and submit to your HOA's architectural review committee before starting work.
Learn More About Shed Permits
Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.
Read Shed Guide →