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Building Division
2021 Code Adoption
The City of Lafayette has adopted the 2021 I-code package and the 2023 NEC effective August 1, 2023. All permit applications and accompanying documents need to comply with the 2021 I-Codes (International Building, Residential, Fire, Existing Building, Energy Conservation, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Plumbing, Swimming Pool and Spa, and Property Maintenance Codes) and the 2023 National Electrical Code.
A read-only version of all 2021 building codes adopted by the City of Lafayette can be viewed at https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes/i-codes/2021-icodes
About Us
The Building Division is responsible for reviewing building permit applications, issuing building permits, performing building inspections, issuing contractor’s licenses, enforcing building codes, and maintaining building records.
Building Mission
The Building Division protects the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Lafayette and the general public by ensuring that building structures in Lafayette are safe and conform to building codes.
Contact Us
Email our building staff at buildingpermits@lafayetteco.gov
You can also call our office at 303-661-1451.
- Who can apply for a permit?
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Property Owners or their authorized agents (such as an approved tenant or a contractor licensed with the City of Lafayette) may apply for a permit.
- What projects require a permit?
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Per IBC Code Sec. 105.2 Any owner or owner’s authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit. This includes all new construction, all commercial construction i.e.: remodels, tenant improvements, all additions, or alterations in or to an existing building or structure, any changes to electrical, plumbing, mechanical.
- Does a storage shed require a permit?
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All storage sheds that are 120 square feet or larger and accessory structures for all other uses of any size, meeting specific criteria require a permit. Learn more about Storage Sheds and Accessory Structures. (PDF)
- Can I do the work myself or do I have to hire a contractor?
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Homeowners may perform any work within their own home as long as it is their primary residence, is not intended for sale, resale, or rental, and they are doing the work themselves. Any work not specifically being completed by a homeowner shall be completed by contractors that are licensed with the City of Lafayette. All commercial work must be completed by contractors that are licensed with the City of Lafayette.
- When does a permit expire?
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Per ICC Code that has been adopted by the City of Lafayette every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days, or if the work authorized by permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced.
- Can the owner change the contractor after the permit has been pulled?
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Yes, the homeowner may change the contractor to another licensed contractor by notifying the building department by email to buildingpermits@lafayetteco.gov.
- How are permit fees calculated?
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Fees are based off the valuation of the project; some are calculated while others may be a fixed fee. You may find the Fee Schedule on the City of Lafayette’s website under Building Permits. Additionally, all permits are subject to City and County Use Tax. Use tax is calculated at 60% of the project valuation which is the total of all material and labor for all building (framing, insulation, interior and exterior wall and ceiling roof coverings, flooring, cabinets, etc.), electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire sprinkler, and fire alarm activities needed to complete the project. City Use Tax is calculated at 3.87% and County Use Tax is calculated at 1.185%.