Clear Zoning, Driveway and Septic Review Before Your Teller County Building Permit
A rural Teller County project can need three approvals before Building review moves forward: legal zoning and lot status, safe driveway access and an approved onsite wastewater system. High-country snow, wind, frost, wildfire and soils requirements can also change the foundation and site plan.
This guide replaces the outdated CityInspect instructions with Teller County’s current CDD Public Access portal, official applications, live fee calculator, permit search, inspection workflow and local requirements for homes, additions, decks, garages, roofs, septic systems, driveways and electrical service restoration.
Choose the Teller County Task You Need to Complete
Teller County Building Division Phone, Email, Address and Hours
A Teller County Mailing Address Does Not Always Mean County Jurisdiction
Use Teller County Community Development when
- The parcel is in unincorporated Teller County
- County zoning applies
- The County portal recognizes the address or parcel
- County Building is listed as the permit authority
Verify before applying when
- The property is inside a municipality
- The mailing city is Woodland Park, Cripple Creek or Victor
- The parcel is near a city boundary
- The County portal cannot locate the property
Clear These Three Items Before Expecting Building-Permit Issuance
Legal lot and zoning
Planning must be able to confirm the parcel, allowed use, setbacks and legal development status.
- Zoning district
- Lot legality
- Setbacks and building height
- Floodplain or overlay conditions
- Existing zoning violations
Driveway and legal access
The project must have approved access that meets County roadway and emergency-response requirements.
- Driveway application
- Proposed access marked with a white flag
- Posted property address
- Right-of-way permit when required
- Final access inspection
Septic or approved sanitation
A required OWTS permit must be obtained and existing septic violations resolved before Building can issue the related permit.
- OWTS file search
- Soil and site evaluation
- System design
- Septic permit
- Required Health inspections
Choose the Correct Teller County Application
Project |
Start with |
Prepare or verify |
|---|---|---|
New single-family home |
SFD application |
Zoning, legal access, septic, current soils report, engineered foundation, framing plans, energy documents and site plan |
Residential addition |
Addition application |
Existing/proposed plans, soils and foundation information where required, setbacks, septic capacity and structural design |
Interior remodel |
Interior remodel |
Existing/proposed floor plan, structural changes, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and energy scope |
Basement finish |
Basement finish |
Room use, emergency escape, smoke and CO alarms, insulation and trade permits |
Deck |
Deck application |
Site plan, footings, frost depth, framing, ledger, stairs, guards, wildfire exposure and setbacks |
Detached garage or accessory building |
Accessory structure |
Zoning placement, foundation, framing, snow load, wind design and utilities |
Manufactured or factory-built home |
Manufactured-home application |
State documents, foundation, site plan, access, OWTS, utilities and installation information |
Roof replacement |
Reroof permit |
Roof type, valuation, contractor information, ice-barrier requirements and existing deck condition |
Electrical work |
Electrical permit |
State license, service size, wiring scope and the 2023 NEC requirements |
Plumbing or mechanical work |
Trade permit |
County registration, equipment or fixture details and related building-permit number |
Solar installation |
Solar application |
Roof or ground location, structural loading, electrical documents, equipment and fire access |
Driveway or new access |
Driveway application |
White location flag, posted address, profile, drainage, grade, gate and right-of-way information |
Onsite wastewater system |
OWTS application |
Site evaluation, design, setbacks, existing records and current June 2026 OWTS requirements |
Floodplain development |
Floodplain permit |
FEMA zone, elevation data, site plan, No-Rise certification and substantial-improvement information |
Demolition |
Demolition application |
Utilities, septic, disposal, hazardous-material, site-restoration and related department approvals |
Shipping container for storage |
Planning check first |
The County currently states that shipping containers are not permitted as storage structures under existing Land Use Regulations |
Apply Without Confusing Public Search With Permit Submission
Confirm jurisdiction, zoning and legal lot status
Verify the parcel and allowed project with Planning before paying for final architectural or engineering work.
Complete driveway and septic pre-clearances
New rural homes and many additions cannot move cleanly through Building review without legal access and an approved sanitation solution.
Open the exact County application
Use the official application page for new homes, additions, decks, garages, remodels, trades, solar, floodplain, driveway or septic work.
Create a CDD portal account when the service requires one
Choose Contractor, Homeowner, Other Business or Government Agency and provide accurate account information.
Prepare one coordinated plan package
Use readable documents showing the property, access, septic, grading, foundation, structural framing, energy compliance and wildfire-related site work.
Submit through the application route shown by the County
Follow the instructions attached to the selected form. Direct online permit pulling is available only for selected permit types and account roles.
Complete departmental review
Zoning, Building, Engineering, Health, Fire, utilities or floodplain staff may each have an open item.
Pay fees and confirm formal issuance
Use the live fee calculator for planning and pay the final County invoice only after staff assigns the permit charges.
Prepare These High-Value Documents Before Plan Intake
Site and soils
- Current parcel survey or site plan
- Property corners marked
- Driveway and legal access
- OWTS location and setbacks
- Site-specific soils report
- Drainage and grading
Foundation and structure
- Engineered foundation plan
- Soil bearing information
- Floor-framing plan
- Roof-framing plan
- Structural calculations
- Stamped special details
Architectural and energy
- Floor plans
- Exterior elevations
- Building sections
- Door and window schedule
- 2018 IECC documents
- Smoke and CO alarm plan
Use Teller County’s Published Snow, Wind and Frost Criteria
Design item |
County criterion |
What it affects |
|---|---|---|
Ground snow load |
57 psf |
Roof engineering, drifting, framing and structural calculations |
Roof or flat-roof snow load |
40 psf |
Roof framing and connections; County table states no reduction |
Ultimate wind speed |
115 mph |
Main wind-force system, exterior components and equipment anchorage |
Wind exposure |
Exposure C minimum |
Design pressures and site-specific engineering in the special wind region |
Frost depth |
30 inches minimum |
Footings, piers, decks and foundation design |
Winter design temperature |
0°F |
Mechanical, plumbing, energy and freeze protection |
Weathering |
Severe |
Concrete durability, exterior materials and moisture protection |
Ice barrier |
Required for heated structures |
Roof-underlayment and eave detailing |
Air-freezing index |
1,500 |
Foundation and frost-protection analysis |
Mean annual temperature |
40°F |
Energy and climate assumptions |
Code Editions Listed by the Teller County Building Division
Building and residential
- 2021 International Building Code
- 2021 International Residential Code
- 2021 International Existing Building Code
- 2023 Teller County Building Code and amendments
Trade and energy
- 2021 International Plumbing Code
- 2021 International Mechanical Code
- 2021 International Fuel Gas Code
- 2018 International Energy Conservation Code
Electrical and fire
- 2023 National Electrical Code
- 2003 International Fire Code listed by the County
- Fire-district plan review where applicable
- Local amendments and project conditions
Mark the Driveway Location Before the County Site Visit
Submit the driveway application and fee
Use the current County Driveway and Access Guidelines and identify whether the work affects County right-of-way.
Place a white flag at the proposed access
Mark the intended driveway location clearly and post the property address where the inspector can see it.
Wait for site requirements
The County inspector reviews sight distance, grade, drainage, culvert needs and roadway conditions.
Use a properly licensed right-of-way contractor
Only a full EX licensed contractor may perform work within County right-of-way.
Provide advance notice and request the final
Give the inspector at least 24 hours’ notice before beginning permitted access work and request the final inspection when complete.
Driveway feature |
Published requirement |
|---|---|
Gate location |
At least 30 feet from the road edge and opening inward |
Residential opening |
Generally approximately 20 feet wide |
Right-of-way grade |
Maximum 4% with drainage away from the County road for at least 20 feet |
Long residential driveway |
Maximum 17% grade when the driveway exceeds 150 feet to a single-family dwelling |
Turn radius for structure up to 35 feet high |
At least 35-foot inside radius on qualifying long driveways |
Turn radius for structure above 35 feet |
At least 42-foot inside radius on qualifying long driveways |
Use the New Rules Effective July 24, 2026
Search existing records
Before designing an addition or replacement system, determine whether Teller County has an existing OWTS file for the property.
Confirm system capacity
Bedroom additions, new dwellings and use changes can require a larger system or evidence that the current system is adequate.
Use current applications
Teller County adopted updated onsite wastewater rules on June 9, 2026, with an effective date of July 24, 2026.
Prepare for OWTS review
- Property address and parcel number
- Existing septic file search
- Site and soil evaluation
- Proposed bedroom count
- Well and property-line setbacks
- Engineered design when required
- Installer information
- Final inspection and as-built records
Show Wildfire Mitigation on Mountain Site Plans
Mapped hazard areas
Projects in Moderate, Moderate-High, High or Extremely High wildfire-hazard areas may need landscape and mitigation information.
Defensible space
Show removal or management of hazardous vegetation around buildings, access routes and emergency-response areas.
Current restrictions
Outdoor burning, grinding, welding and slash work can be restricted separately from the building permit. Check current County fire restrictions before work.
Useful wildfire-site details
- Existing and retained vegetation
- Defensible-space zones
- Tree-removal areas
- Driveway width and turnarounds
- Emergency access
- Water supply or fire-protection information
- Roof and exterior materials
- Slash-management plan
Open Wildfire Plans and Regulations Check Current Fire Restrictions
Obtain Floodplain Approval Before Any Regulated Development
Development is broadly defined
Building, additions, clearing, fill, grading, mining, drilling, septic systems, roadways and drainage work can all trigger review.
Elevation requirement
For regulated structures, the lowest floor—including utilities—must generally be at least one foot above the Base Flood Elevation.
Floodway work
A No-Rise certification can be required for development in the regulatory floodway.
Use the Live Calculator and Add Project-Specific Charges
Best way to estimate the base fee
- Open the Teller County fee calculator.
- Select the correct project or permit category.
- Enter the complete project valuation and scope.
- Add separate trade permits.
- Ask whether Planning, Fire, Engineering, driveway, septic or flood fees apply.
Costs that may be separate
- Building-plan review
- Electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits
- Fire-district plan review
- Driveway and right-of-way permits
- OWTS application and inspections
- Floodplain-development permit
- Zoning or land-use applications
- Consultant or outside-agency charges
Additional service |
Published charge |
When it applies |
|---|---|---|
Change order |
$100 |
Plus applicable fees for added square footage, remodel work or other scope changes |
Reinspection |
$100 |
Work is incomplete, inaccessible, covered or not ready for approval |
Inspection outside normal hours |
$100 per hour |
Two-hour minimum |
Compliance inspection |
$100 |
Required for certain transfers, violations or after-the-fact situations |
Records research or unspecified service |
$55 per hour |
Staff research or service is not otherwise listed |
Permit transfer |
$100 |
A compliance inspection can also be required |
Work without a required permit |
2× normal permit fee |
A compliance inspection is required before the application proceeds |
Log In, Open the Permit and Request the Correct Inspection
How to request an inspection
- Sign in to CDD Public Access.
- Open the permit record.
- Select the Inspections option.
- Choose the correct inspection code.
- Select an available date.
- Submit the request before the portal’s morning cutoff.
- Check the permit on inspection day for the inspector and list position.
Before requesting
- Permit and approved plans are on site
- Address is clearly visible
- Property corners are marked
- Sanitary facilities are available
- Work is complete for the stage
- Construction remains visible
- Safe access is available
- Outside approvals are current
Do Not Cover Work Before the Required Approval
Inspection |
Site-readiness check |
|---|---|
Footing |
Excavation and forms are clean and dry, reinforcing is installed and a compaction report is available when fill was used |
Foundation |
Forms, reinforcement, dimensions and engineered details match the approved plans |
Foundation drain |
Drainage system is complete and visible before backfill |
Underground electrical or plumbing |
Piping, conduit, testing and bedding are visible before slab placement or backfill |
Framing |
Roof, windows, doors, blocking, bracing, sheathing, stairs, chimneys and rough trades are complete before insulation |
Insulation |
Insulation, air sealing and energy details remain visible before wall finishes |
Building final |
Project is ready for occupancy and all required trade and outside-department finals are approved |
How to Restore a Disconnected Electric Meter or Service
Contact the Building Division before energizing
Wiring disconnected because of fire, flood, unauthorized work, natural damage or a hazardous condition cannot be reconnected without County inspection and approval.
Use a licensed electrical contractor
Have the contractor inspect and correct damaged service equipment, grounding, conductors, panel work and related hazards.
Apply for the required electrical permit
Link the electrical work to the property and related building or repair permit where applicable.
Request the County electrical inspection
Keep all corrected work visible and provide utility, fire-damage or engineering documents when requested.
Confirm utility release
Ask Building staff how the approval or reconnect release will be transmitted to the serving utility before scheduling reconnection.
Verify Local Licensing Before the Application Is Submitted
Hiring a contractor
- Search the Teller County active-contractor list
- Confirm the license class covers the project
- Check Colorado electrical or plumbing licensing
- Verify insurance and workers’ compensation
- Match the company and qualifier to the contract
- Confirm Board of Review approval when required
Building as the homeowner
The owner of record must sign the permit and accept responsibility for code compliance, safety, subcontractors and inspections.
- Only one new-dwelling permit in a 24-month period
- No more than two new-dwelling permits in a 10-year period
- Additional ownership and occupancy rules apply to a second dwelling
- Owner-builder authority does not allow unlicensed contracting for others
Search Teller County Records Without Creating an Account
Open Public Access
Public permit searching does not require a login.
Search by permit number first
A permit number usually provides the most precise result. Address and parcel searches are useful when the number is unknown.
Open Permit Details
Review the owner, address, parcel, project description, attachments, open inspections and inspection history.
Check outside-department approvals
Review Zoning, Fire, Engineering, Health and utility inspection sections where displayed.
Verify final status
Look for approved building and trade finals plus the Certificate of Occupancy when the project requires one.
What Common Teller County Permit Stages Mean
Fix Common Teller County Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely reason |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
Old CityInspect link does not work |
The current County system is CDD Public Access |
Use the official Teller County CDD portal and update saved bookmarks. |
Portal does not offer the desired permit |
Only selected trade and roofing permits can currently be pulled directly online |
Open the official applications page and follow the project-specific plan-review route. |
Building permit cannot be issued |
Zoning, legal access, septic, Fire, floodplain or another violation remains open |
Ask which departmental clearance is blocking issuance and resolve that item first. |
New-home plan package is rejected |
Soils report, engineered foundation, framing plan or energy documents are incomplete |
Compare the package with the current SFD and Addition Requirements handout. |
Driveway inspection cannot be completed |
The location flag, posted address, grade, drainage or right-of-way details are missing |
Correct the site markers and request the required reinspection. |
Septic record cannot support an addition |
System size, bedroom capacity, condition or record documentation is inadequate |
Contact Septic Services for a file review and possible OWTS alteration or replacement permit. |
Inspection is not available in the portal |
Login, permit linkage, prerequisite inspection or morning cutoff issue |
Open Permit Details, confirm the preceding inspection and contact Building at 719-687-3048. |
Building final cannot pass |
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, Zoning, Fire, Health or Engineering final remains open |
Review every external inspection shown on the permit record. |
Permit fee doubled |
Required work began without a permit |
Stop work and arrange the required compliance inspection before applying. |
Electric meter cannot be reconnected |
County electrical approval or utility release is missing |
Use a licensed electrician, obtain the permit and pass the required service inspection. |
What to Say When You Contact Teller County Staff
“I plan to build [project] at [address and parcel number]. Please confirm County jurisdiction, zoning, legal-lot status, setbacks and any mapped flood or wildfire constraints.”
“Which zoning, driveway, septic, fire or utility approval must be completed before my residential building application can be issued?”
“Permit [number] at [address] needs the [inspection code] inspection. The portal does not allow the request. Which prerequisite or account issue remains?”
“The meter or electrical service was disconnected at [address]. Which permit, inspection and utility-release steps are required before reconnection?”
Do Not Consider the Project Finished Until These Are Complete
- County jurisdiction confirmed
- Legal lot and zoning verified
- Setbacks and site plan approved
- Driveway and legal access approved
- OWTS permit completed when required
- Floodplain permit completed when required
- Wildfire mitigation shown
- Current soils report submitted
- Engineered foundation approved
- Snow and wind criteria used
- Permit formally issued
- Approved plans kept on site
- Footing and foundation approved
- Foundation drain approved
- Rough trades approved
- Framing and insulation approved
- Electrical final passed
- Plumbing final passed
- Mechanical final passed
- Zoning, Fire, Health and Engineering finals completed
- Building final passed
- Certificate of Occupancy obtained when required
- CDD permit record shows final status
Teller County Building and Planning Division Map
Building and Planning: 719-687-3048.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM; closed 11:30 AM–12:30 PM.
Open the Correct Teller County Permit Resource
Teller County Building Permit and Inspection FAQs
Where do I apply for a Teller County building permit?
Start on the County’s Building Permit Applications page and use the application that matches the project. Teller County’s current online system is CDD Public Access. Only selected electrical, mechanical, plumbing and roofing permits can presently be pulled directly online.
What is the Teller County Building Division phone number?
Call 719-687-3048. The office is at 800 Research Drive, Suite 100-B in Woodland Park and is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM–4:00 PM, with a daily closure from 11:30 AM–12:30 PM.
Do I need an account to search Teller County permits?
No. Public permit searches can be completed without logging in. An account is required for eligible online permit applications, payments and inspection requests.
How do I schedule a Teller County inspection?
Sign in to CDD Public Access, open the permit, choose Inspections and select the required inspection code and available date. Submit before the portal’s morning cutoff and check Permit Details on inspection day for assignment information.
Which approvals are needed before a new rural home permit?
Most rural-home projects should confirm legal zoning and lot status, approved driveway access and an approved septic or OWTS system before expecting building-permit issuance. Fire, floodplain, utility and other reviews may also apply.
What snow, wind and frost values apply in Teller County?
The County publishes a 57-psf ground snow load, a 40-psf roof or flat-roof snow load with no reduction, a 115-mph ultimate wind speed with Exposure C minimum and a 30-inch minimum frost depth.
Does Teller County require a soils report for a new home?
Yes. The County’s current new-home and addition requirements call for a site-specific soils report signed and stamped by a Colorado-licensed engineer and dated within the previous 12 months.
Can a homeowner build a new house in Teller County?
An eligible owner of record may act as the homeowner-builder, but must sign the permit and accept full responsibility. The County limits a homeowner-builder to one new-dwelling permit in 24 months and no more than two in ten years, with additional conditions for the second dwelling.
How much does a Teller County permit cost?
Use the County’s live fee calculator because the total depends on permit type, valuation and required reviews. Current local charges include a $100 reinspection fee, $100 change-order fee and double the normal permit fee for work started without a required permit.
How do I reconnect a disconnected electric meter?
Contact the Building Division, use a licensed electrical contractor, obtain the required electrical permit and pass the County service inspection. Ask staff how the official reconnect release will be transmitted to the serving utility.
Official Information Used for This Guide
Building-Department.org is an independent informational website and is not Teller County.
This page was rebuilt using the Teller County Building Division, CDD Public Access portal and Help pages, Building Permit Applications, permit and contractor search, live fee calculator, County Building Code, new-home and addition requirements, Planning and Zoning Division, Driveway and Access Guidelines, Right-of-Way application, Septic Services, floodplain application, inspection codes and current wildfire planning resources.
Last reviewed: July 22, 2026.
Permit types, fees, inspection cutoffs, staff contacts, fire restrictions, OWTS rules, code amendments and portal services can change. Confirm time-sensitive details through the official County links before filing, paying, excavating, ordering materials or covering construction.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
Professional profile: View LinkedIn Profile
Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.
I inherited a house and the electric meter is gone. I am told by the utility company CORE that I need a meter inspection that when complete will be sent to them by you. How do I get this done?