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Building Permit Specifications

 

Requirements for Site and Construction Plans submitted with a request for a Building Permit in accordance with the 2003 International Residential and 2003 International Building Codes:

PLOT PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS:

With each application for a Building Permit and when required by the Building Official for compliance of any provisions of
Town Ordinances, plot plans shall be submitted as follows:

Commercial New Structures 6 Identical Sets
Commercial Additions 6 Identical Sets
Commercial Exterior Remodels 3 Identical Sets
Commercial Interior Remodels Not Required
Residential New Single Family Dwellings 5 Identical Sets
Residential Additions, Garages, Decks 2 Identical Sets

Before Submitting Plot Plans for new construction or construction involving the addition of water or electric meters, the
applicant should contact:

*Light & Power Department to determine the service hook up point and meter locations.
*Water Department for availability of water to the site, tap location and meter/read out location.

Minimum Plot Plan Specifications:  click here for a printable PDF version of the plot plan checklist

CONSTRUCTION PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS:
With each application for a Building Permit and when required by the Building Official for compliance of any provisions of Town Ordinances, construction plans shall be submitted as follows:

Commercial Structures                                                             4 Sets (When Wet Stamp is required)
Commercial Structures 2 Sets (When Wet Stamp is not required)
Residential Single Family Dwellings 2 Sets
Residential Multi-Unit Dwellings 4 Sets

Note: A Wet Stamp/Seal is required with a Residential Building that has more than 4 attached units or Short Term Residential Buildings                 regulated by the IBC, regardless of number of units.

Note: A Wet Stamp/Seal is required with a Commercial Building that is more than one story, having an occupant load of more than 10,
structural alterations of non-exempt buildings, installation of a Type 1 Hood, projects that include accessibility requirements (ANSI standard),          Change of Use, and alterations affecting the life safety of occupants, including but not limited to the following systems: HVAC, Plumbing,                 Electrical, Elevator, Fire Resistance Rated Construction, Fire Protection Systems (Sprinklers and Alarms) and Exiting.

All plans must show the name, address and business telephone number of the person who prepared them.  When applicable, an architect
or engineer, registered in the State of Colorado, shall prepare the plans and specifications for and shall supervise the construction,
alteration, addition, remodeling or repairs of all structures when required by the Building Official.  One set of plans will remain on file.  One
set will be included in the permit package to be kept on the job for contractor and inspector use.  All other remaining plans will be returned
to the applicant after issue of the permit. Plans for alterations, repairs or re-submittals need pertain only to work to involved, but must be
complete enough to demonstrate that they comply with Zoning Ordinances as well as the Building Code.

Plans prepared by an architect or engineer shall have the stamp or seal of the architect or engineer responsible for preparation of the plans, applied directly to: 1)  each sheet of the reproduced drawings, 2)  addenda and revisions, 3)  the cover, title page, and table of contents of specifications, and 4)  the title page of engineering reports.  Through the seal shall appear the signature of the architect or engineer and the      date of signature.  PLANS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED THAT HAVE BEEN MARKED WITH A RED MARKER OR RED PEN.

CONSTRUCTION PLAN REQUIREMENTS:

Commercial Plans: (Minimum requirements for Stamped/Sealed Plans)

  • Code analysis: Square footage, Occupancy classifications, Type of construction, Occupant loads, Existing requirements, Fire
    resistant construction details, Fire suppression systems, Zoning, Hazard identification, Handicap accessibility.                                         

          click here for a printable PDF version of the 2003 IBC Minimum Code Analysis requirements                                                  

  • Climatic & Geographic Design Criteria: Frost line 30 inches below grade; wind speed 105 MPH/ 3 second gusts/Exposure C;
    40 lb snow load on roofs at 7000-7999 elevation, 50 lb on roofs at 8000-8999 elevation, 70 lb on roofs at 9000+ elevation; seismic
    design Category B.

  • Structural Calculations (design loads)

  • Foundation Plan

  • Section View (structurals, floors, walls, roofs, decks, balconies, appendages)

  • Floor Plan

  • Elevation View (North, South, East & West)

Residential Plans:

  • Foundation Plan

  • Section View (structurals, floors, walls roofs, decks, balconies, appendages)

  • Floor Plan

  • Elevation View (North, South, East & West)

 

      Foundation Plan:
   

A.   Show footing size, depth and location, pad sizes and location, foundation wall detail (size & heights), cross section include reinforcing size, grade & spacing.  Show SOG locations and thickness.  Dimension all elements.
   

B.   If decks are proposed, show pier size and spacing dimensions.
   

C.   Identify graphic scale used (Scale must be 1/4”=1’ or larger). Legible.

     Maximum paper size accepted 24” x 36”, Directional Arrow – North.
 

    Floor Framing Plan:
   

A.   Show size, spacing, species and grade of lumber to be used for floor joists.  All beam and header sizes are to be noted on the plans. (For a simple one story house these may be noted on the floor plan) For ‘I’ Joists show size, series, spacing and manufacturer of joists.  Dimension bearing points for beam spans.
   

B.   Provide plan for each level.
   

C.   If decks are proposed, show all requirements of (A) above, including deck covering, ledger size and attachment.
   

D.   Identify graphic scale used (Scale must be 1/4”=1’ or larger). Legible.

     Maximum paper size accepted 24” x 36”, Directional Arrow – North.
 

     Roof Framing Plan:
   

A.   Show size, spacing and species and grade of lumber to be used for the rafters.  For ‘I’ rafters show size, series, spacing and manufacturer of rafters.  Show beam and headers sizes.  Dimension beam spans.  If using engineered trusses, truss layout plans and details from the truss manufacturer are required.  Show bearing points, beams, and header sizes for trussed roofs.  (For a simple one story house with only engineered trusses, the truss layout and details can be submitted for the roof framing plan.  Show bearing points on the floor plan)
   

B.   Include design snow load for project location and adopted wind speed.
   

C.   If deck roofs are proposed, show all requirements of (A) above.
   

D.   Identify graphic scale used (Scale must be 1/4”=1’ or larger). Legible.

     Maximum paper size accepted 24” x 36”, Directional Arrow – North.
 

     Floor Plans:
   

A.   Label use of each room and show window sizes and type, door swings and sizes, plumbing fixture placement, kitchen cabinets, appliances, stairways, fireplaces, water heater and furnace location, etc.  Provide dimensions
   

B.   Provide plan for each level.
   

C.   If decks are proposed, show size (dimensions) and location.
   

D.   Identify graphic scale used (Scale must be 1/4”=1’ or larger). Legible.

     Maximum paper size accepted 24” x 36”, Directional Arrow – North.
 

    Elevations:
   

A.   Show all sides.  Show roof pitch, roofing material, and window placements, window types, finish material, existing and proposed grades.  Show finished floor lines and grade line at building.
   

B.   Identify graphic scale used (Scale must be 1/4”=1’ or larger). Legible.

     Maximum paper size accepted 24” x 36”

        Energy Conservation Documentation:
   

A.   Submit the Town of Estes Park prescriptive package handout with option to be used or submit REScheck documentation.

        Frame Section:
   

A.   Show from bottom of footing to highest point of roof.  Include all levels of building.  Show bearing height for each floor.  Show details   of construction such as footing, foundation wall, plate size, attachment to foundation, stud size and spacing, sheathing material, moisture and air barriers, siding, inside finish for wall and ceilings, top plates, wall to roof attachment, insulation from slab to roof, roof rafters, roof sheathing, roof material, roof ventilation, soffit detail, etc.  Identify on plans location of section.
   

B.   Identify graphic scale used (Scale must be 1/2”=1’ or larger). Legible.

     Maximum paper size accepted 24” x 36”

        Stair Section:
   

A.   Show framing details, rise, run, headroom height, and handrail height.  Include under stair protection if required.
   

B.   Identify graphic scale used (Scale must be 1/2”=1’ or larger). Legible.

     Maximum paper size accepted 24” x 36”

        Detail Sections:
   

A.   Show critical construction points or special structural items, including decks, porches, and unusual construction details. (ICF foundations, heavy timber connection details, etc.)
   

B.   Retaining walls over 4 feet in height from bottom of footing to top of wall require a Colorado Registered Structural Engineer’s stamp on the design plans.
   

C.   Identify graphic scale used (Scale must be 1/2”=1’ or larger). Legible.

       Maximum paper size accepted 24” x 36”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energy Compliance Documents required on all new structures and major remodels.
click here for a printable PDF version of the energy code compliance handout and worksheet

Plumbing Fixture Unit Value Worksheet required when adding or demolishing plumbing fixtures.
click here for a printable PDF version of the plumbing fixture worksheet

RE-SUBMITTALS:

A re-submittal must be done when making changes to your plans that change the structure, such as moving beams or changing beam
size or header size, enlarging windows or doors, changing floor joist type size or direction.  Two sets of plans are required.  Minor changes,
such as moving a same size door or window a few feet on the same wall or moving a non-bearing wall usually do not require a re-submittal. 
The Building Official will help determine if you need to resubmit plans.  If square footage is added or if the structure is relocated on the
property, three additional plot plans are also required with the re-submittal.  To avoid these additional costs and possible delay of your
project, it is best to have your structural issues and building placement resolved before submitting for a building permit.

ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVALS:

Prior to Building Department review, the permit application and the plans and specifications are required to be reviewed and approved by
local governmental departments responsible for zoning, water and sanitation, fire protection, access roads and other improvements on
public property.  The Building Department reviews plans and specifications for conformance with adopted model codes and standards. 
The length of time required for plan review depends on the level of construction activity in the Town of Estes Park at the time of submittal. 
Upon completion or review the governmental department must sign and date the routing slip and each set of the submitted plans.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS RESPONSIBLE FOR REVIEWS:

Community Development Department - Planning Department or other individuals responsible will review the plans for zoning compliance
within the applicable land use zone (use, building height and setbacks to property lines, etc.).  The Planning Department should be
consulted for zoning requirements and restrictions prior to design work.  
Questions? contact us

Engineering Department - The Engineering Department will review the plans for compliance with requirements for access driveways
(less than 12% slope for erosion control), culverts, easements and site drainage facilities.  Please call Bob Goehring, Public Works &
Utilities Director (577-3607), or Greg Sievers, Engineering Manager (577-3586).

Water Department - The Water Department will review the plans and verify the location and size of the proposed water service lines. 
Will verify compliance with requirements for elevation (must be less than 7,850' or Thunder Mountain and Mary's Lake areas less than
8,120'), adequate service in areas (near a Town owned main or included in Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District) and check that
there is only one tap and service per lot.  Please call Jeff Boles, Water Superintendent (577-3608) or Cliff Tedder, Asst. Water
Superintendent (577-3622).

Light and Power Department - The Light and Power Department will review plans to verify the availability and location of electric service
lines in your area, and to verify requirements for the installation of electric service to your property.  They will also verify and approve an
acceptable location for electric meters.  Please call Mike Mangelsen, Public Works Manager (577-3583) or Todd Steichen, Line
Superintendent (577-3601).

Health Department - The Larimer County Environmental Health Department reviews plans for compliance with the State of Colorado requirements for food service establishments, installation of individual sewage disposal systems, and public swimming pools, spas and
hot tubs.  Please call Chris Manley, Senior Environmental Health Specialist (577-2050). 

Sanitation Department- The Estes Park Sanitation District or the Upper Thompson Sanitation District reviews plans to verify the availability
and location of sewer lines as well as sewer service. click here for additional Sanitation District information and phone numbers.