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PermitRoadmap

Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Colorado Springs?

Permit may be required

It depends. Whether shed or accessory structure needs a permit in Colorado Springs comes down to the details of your project.

Colorado sets shed rules locally rather than through one statewide threshold, so the 200 square foot figure from the model International Residential Code does not govern here. Every Colorado jurisdiction we have checked uses 120 square feet instead: Aurora exempts a one-story detached shed or playhouse of 120 square feet or less, Arvada requires a permit above 120, and Wheat Ridge requires one above 120. In parts of Colorado a single regional building department serves a county and several cities at once, so confirm which office covers your address before you rely on any threshold. A building-permit exemption does not waive zoning setbacks or HOA rules, and running power to the shed still requires an electrical permit. Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) guidance treats a detached accessory structure as needing a building permit once it exceeds 200 square feet; smaller sheds can still need zoning review. PPRBD notes that within Colorado Springs a detached structure of 125 square feet or greater requires city zoning approval even when no building permit is needed, so check both PPRBD and City Planning before you build. Adding electrical, heating, or plumbing to a shed pulls the matching PPRBD trade permits, which are separate from the structure permit.

Get the checklist for your shed or accessory structure in Colorado Springs. A free check first, then a free printable Permit Prep Pack.

Documents you may need

  • Permit applicationLikely required
  • Site plan showing the structure and setbacks from property linesRequired
  • Foundation/anchoring and structural details for larger shedsSometimes required
  • PPRBD permit application when the detached structure exceeds the exempt sizeLikely required
  • Site plan showing the structure, dimensions, and setbacks from lot linesRequired
  • City of Colorado Springs zoning approval for structures at or above the local size thresholdSometimes required

Possible inspections

  • Setback/footing inspection where a foundation is required
  • Final inspection
  • Footing/setback inspection when a foundation and building permit are required
  • Final inspection where a permit is issued

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Colorado Springs?
It depends. Whether shed or accessory structure needs a permit in Colorado Springs comes down to the details of your project. The documents and inspections sections on this page list what the building department typically asks for.
Who issues the permit in Colorado Springs?
The local building department for Colorado Springs handles permitting. This page lists its contact details and online portal. Your mailing city is not always the permitting authority, so confirm the jurisdiction before you apply.
How do I find out the exact requirements for my project?
Run the free PermitRoadmap check for your specific project and answers. It returns the likely permits, documents, inspections, and next steps, each linked to its official source.

PermitRoadmap is an independent informational service and is not affiliated with any city, county, state agency, or permitting authority. Results are informational and do not replace confirming requirements with the local permitting authority.