Apply, Track, Inspect and Close a Longmont Building Permit
Start with the correct route. Residential combination permits and fences can use Longmont’s Accela portal, while new commercial, multifamily and tenant-improvement packages currently follow the city’s PDF-and-email process.
This guide also covers the July 2026 code change, permit-fee calculations, use tax, contractor licensing, inspection cutoff, floodplain approval, utility coordination and permit closeout.
Choose the Exact Longmont Task
Longmont Building Services Address, Phone and Hours
Confirm the Property Is Inside Longmont City Limits
Use the City of Longmont when
- The property is inside city limits
- Accela returns the site address
- Longmont provides the utilities or city services involved
- The project is governed by Longmont zoning
Verify first when
- The mailing address says Longmont but the parcel is unincorporated
- The site is near the Boulder or Weld County boundary
- The parcel is outside the city map
- Accela cannot locate the property
Which Longmont Permit Route Fits the Project?
Project |
Start with |
Also check |
|---|---|---|
New single-family home or residential addition |
Residential combination permit |
Zoning, utility fees, impact fees, energy, drainage and floodplain |
Basement finish or residential remodel |
Residential remodel permit |
Egress, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and structural changes |
Deck, patio, pergola, sunroom or pool |
Residential building permit |
Setbacks, drainage, barriers, structural plans and utilities |
Accessory building over 120 square feet |
Accessory-building permit |
Setbacks and lot coverage; smaller structures still must meet zoning |
Fence |
Accela fence application |
Height, corner visibility, easements and property lines |
Reroof, windows, siding or retaining wall over 48 inches |
Building permit |
Structural repair, energy rules and product approvals |
Panel, service, HVAC, gas line, water heater or plumbing |
Trade permit |
Licensed subcontractor and LPC utility coordination |
New commercial or multifamily building |
Commercial email submittal |
Planning, fire, utilities, accessibility and plan-review payment |
Commercial remodel or tenant improvement |
TI application and emailed PDFs |
Asbestos report, occupancy, fire and accessibility |
Demolition |
2026 demolition application |
Asbestos, utility disconnects, historic review and air clearance |
Development in a special flood hazard area |
Floodplain Development Permit |
Approval is required before the construction permit |
Pod, excavation or obstruction in public right-of-way |
Right-of-Way Permit |
Insurance, traffic control and construction inspection |
Use the Correct Submission Method
Available through Accela
- Register or sign in to create available applications.
- The city’s portal guide specifically lists residential combination and fence applications.
- Search properties, permits, licenses and enforcement records.
- Schedule, cancel or reschedule inspections.
- View inspection results and pay eligible fees.
Commercial and multifamily route
- Download the correct city application and checklist.
- Complete every required document.
- Email the package to Building Services.
- Organize new-building files by design discipline.
- Submit commercial-remodel drawings as one complete PDF set.
- Send supporting reports as separate PDFs.
The city’s current commercial instructions say online commercial applications are not available.
Build a Review-Ready Permit Package
Confirm the property and zoning
Verify city jurisdiction, zoning, setbacks, legal use, easements and floodplain status before finalizing plans.
Write a complete project scope
Identify every building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas, utility and site component.
Prepare coordinated drawings
Make the application, plans, valuation, energy documents and contractor information describe the same project.
Use the correct application route
Use Accela for an available online record. Follow the email/PDF instructions for new commercial, multifamily or commercial tenant-improvement work.
Pay the plan-review amount when required
Commercial submittals require a project valuation and plan-review payment at application intake.
Respond to every correction
Upload or email coordinated revisions and an item-by-item response identifying the changed sheet or document.
Wait for formal permit issuance
Do not start based on “approved” or a completed plan review. Confirm issuance and pay the required permit fees.
Complete inspections and final closeout
Do not cover work before inspection. Pass every required inspection and save the final result or Certificate of Occupancy.
Prepare These Items Before Submitting
Property and zoning
- Exact project address
- Parcel number
- Zoning district
- Setbacks and easements
- Floodplain result
- Owner information
Project package
- Detailed scope
- Project valuation
- Site plan
- Floor plans and elevations
- Structural details
- Energy documents
People and approvals
- Contractor license
- Subcontractor details
- Insurance documents
- Utility coordination
- Fire review when required
- Planning approvals
Estimate the Building Permit, Plan Review and Use Tax
Enter the city-determined project valuation or a preliminary construction value. The calculator uses Longmont’s 2026 Primary Fee Schedule.
What the Permit Invoice May Include
Charge |
2026 rule |
Practical note |
|---|---|---|
Building permit |
Based on city-determined project valuation and the Primary Fee Schedule |
City may use ICC or RSMeans valuation rather than the applicant’s contract amount |
Residential plan review |
50% of building permit fee |
Separate from the permit fee |
Commercial plan review |
65% of building permit fee |
Payment required at commercial submittal |
Separate trade plan review |
50% of total permit fee |
Applies when not part of a combination permit |
Additional plan review |
$47 per hour |
Changes, additions, incomplete or changed submittal documents |
Estimated use tax |
50% of valuation × combined 4.865% city/county rate |
Pay at permit or elect the city’s pay-as-you-go process |
Reinspection |
$80 per hour |
Current 2026 Fee Manual amount |
Temporary Certificate of Occupancy |
$100 per TCO or extension |
$50 may be refunded when final CO is issued before expiration |
Credit-card payment |
2.95% SnapPay convenience fee |
Cash and check are also accepted |
Selected 2026 Building and Contractor Fees
Foundation-only permits
$200 one- or two-family
$300 multifamily
$500 commercial
Contractor licenses
$175 Class A
$125 Class B
$100 Class C
$75 Class D, plumbing or mechanical
Other permit costs
$100 floodplain application
$40 temporary construction power
$40 residential service change
$10 electrical sign permit added to sign permit
Schedule Before 4 PM for the Next Business Day
Online
Use Accela to schedule, cancel, reschedule and view results.
By phone
Call 303-651-8332.
Cutoff
Submit the request before 4:00 PM for next-business-day scheduling.
Have ready
- Permit number
- Phone number
- Inspection item number
- Project address
- Access instructions
- Requested day and time frame
Prepare the site
- Permit is active
- Approved plans are present
- Work is complete for the stage
- Required work remains exposed
- Animals are controlled
- Licensed subcontractors performed trade work
Longmont’s Code Changed on July 1, 2026
2024 International Codes
Longmont adopted the 2024 IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IPC, IEBC, Property Maintenance Code, Pool and Spa Code, Fire Code and Metro Cohort Model Code effective July 1, 2026.
Electrical code
The city’s current code page lists the 2023 National Electrical Code, effective July 24, 2024.
2026 NEC
Building Services is reviewing the 2026 NEC and will announce when an adoption ordinance goes to City Council.
Floodplain Approval Comes Before the Construction Permit
A floodplain permit is required for
- Construction or development in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
- Placement of a manufactured home in a flood-prone area.
- Other development regulated by Longmont floodplain rules.
Plans should show
- The current 100-year floodplain boundary.
- The effective FIRM or current Letter of Map Revision information.
- Project elevations and supporting documents requested by the Floodplain Administrator.
When a Building Permit Is Not the First Application
Situation |
Start with |
Current process detail |
|---|---|---|
Subdivision, rezoning or larger development |
Planning pre-application meeting |
Required before a formal development application; meetings are held Wednesdays at 9:30 and 10:30 AM |
Formal development application |
Planning submission |
Published weekly deadline is Thursday at 3:00 PM |
Work in street, sidewalk or right-of-way |
Right-of-Way Permit |
Insurance, work plan, traffic control and inspections may apply |
New or upgraded electric service |
Longmont Power & Communications |
City encourages early field-engineering contact before estimating costs or applying |
Temporary use or seasonal event |
Planning permit |
Different use, time and attendance limits apply |
Prepare the 2026 Demolition Package Before Disconnecting the Site
Asbestos
Interior demolition requires asbestos testing. When asbestos is present, provide the approved Colorado permit and air-clearance report before issuance.
Utilities
Arrange every utility disconnect before final permit issuance. Utilities must be disconnected at least 24 hours before demolition.
Permit fee
The 2026 demolition application lists a $100 permit fee per structure.
Who May Pull and Perform the Work?
Licensed contractors
- Anyone performing contracting work in Longmont must hold the appropriate city license.
- Class A, B, C and mechanical applicants must meet testing requirements.
- Longmont does not offer reciprocal contractor licensing with other jurisdictions.
- Electricians and plumbers submit current Colorado master and contractor licenses.
- All contractors provide general-liability insurance.
Homeowner acting as contractor
- The property must be the homeowner’s primary residence when applying.
- It cannot be a rental or intended for resale or flipping.
- HVAC, electrical, plumbing and framing subcontractors must be licensed in Longmont.
- Electrical contractors must pull their own permits.
- The homeowner remains responsible for inspections and permit signoffs.
Search Longmont Permits Before Buying, Selling or Remodeling
Open the Building record search
Search without signing in when public search is available.
Search by permit number first
A complete record number is usually more accurate than an address.
Try site address, parcel or contractor
The Accela search supports site-address, contractor-license, parcel and record information.
Read inspections and final status
A permit appearing in search does not prove final approval. Check the inspection history and final result.
Contact Building Services when history is incomplete
Provide the property address, approximate work year and document or permit type needed.
What the Accela Status Means
Fix Common Longmont Permit Problems
Problem |
Best next action |
|---|---|
Accela will not accept the submission |
Save screenshots, reset the password if needed and contact Building Services before creating a duplicate record. |
Property does not appear |
Check city limits, parcel information and whether Boulder or Weld County has jurisdiction. |
Commercial application option is missing |
Use the city’s current commercial application/checklist and email the PDF package. |
Permit estimate is lower than the invoice |
Ask which city valuation, plan-review, tax, impact, utility, fire or trade fees were applied. |
Inspection cannot be scheduled |
Confirm the permit is issued, the correct inspection item is available and licensed trade permits are active. |
Work differs from approved plans |
Stop affected work and submit a revision before concealment or inspection. |
Open permit found during sale |
Obtain the inspection history and ask what current plans, corrections or final inspections are required. |
Unexpected payment email |
Check the sender’s domain, never wire funds and verify the invoice through Accela or the official phone number. |
What to Say When You Contact Building Services
Permit requirement
“I am planning [exact work] at [Longmont address]. Can you confirm city jurisdiction, the correct application route, required plans, trade permits, zoning or floodplain approvals, and the inspection sequence?”
Open permit
“Accela shows record [number] at [address] as [status]. Which correction, payment, trade permit, inspection or final document is preventing closure?”
Do Not Consider the Project Finished Until These Are Complete
- City jurisdiction confirmed
- Zoning and setback checks complete
- Floodplain permit approved when required
- Utility and right-of-way approvals complete
- Correct application route used
- Contractors properly licensed
- Permit formally issued
- Approved plans available on site
- Every inspection passed
- Trade permits finalized
- Certificate of Occupancy obtained when required
- Accela record saved as final or complete
Longmont Development Services Center Map
Open the Correct Longmont Resource
Longmont Building Permit Questions
Where do I apply for a Longmont building permit?
Use Longmont’s Accela Citizen Portal for available online applications. New commercial, multifamily and commercial tenant-improvement applications currently follow the city’s PDF-and-email submission process.
What are the Longmont Building Services hours?
The Development Services Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Payments are accepted until 4:30 PM. Building Inspection closes from 10:00–11:00 AM on the second and fourth Thursday for staff training.
What building codes does Longmont use in 2026?
Longmont adopted the 2024 International Codes effective July 1, 2026. The city’s current electrical-code page lists the 2023 National Electrical Code, while the 2026 NEC remains under review.
How do I schedule a Longmont inspection?
Schedule through Accela or call 303-651-8332. Requests submitted before 4:00 PM may be scheduled for the next business day. Have the permit number, phone number and inspection item number ready.
How much is a Longmont building permit?
The permit fee is calculated from the city-determined project valuation using the 2026 Primary Fee Schedule. Residential plan review is generally 50% of the permit fee and commercial plan review is 65%. Tax, impact, utility and trade fees may be additional.
What is Longmont’s construction use-tax calculation?
The 2026 Fee Manual calculates estimated use tax using 50% of the determined project valuation multiplied by the combined city and county rate of 4.865%, unless the approved pay-as-you-go option is selected.
Can a homeowner pull a permit?
A homeowner may act as the general contractor when the property is the primary residence and is not a rental or intended for resale or flipping. Licensed subcontractors are still required for covered trade and framing work.
Does a shed under 120 square feet need a permit?
The 2026 Fee Manual says accessory buildings of 120 square feet or less do not require a building permit, but they must still comply with zoning setbacks and other applicable requirements.
When is a Floodplain Development Permit required?
It is required before construction or development begins within a Special Flood Hazard Area. The floodplain approval must be completed before the associated construction permit is issued.
How do I check an old Longmont permit?
Use the Accela Building record search and search by permit number, site address, parcel or contractor. Open the inspection history and final status rather than relying only on the existence of a permit record.
Official Information Used
Building-Department.org is an independent guide and is not the City of Longmont.
This page was rebuilt using Longmont Building Services, Accela Citizen Access, the March 24, 2026 Fee Manual, the current inspection schedule, 2024 code-adoption page, contractor licensing resources, commercial-submission instructions, floodplain rules, right-of-way guidance, utility information and official scam and portal notices.
Last reviewed: July 22, 2026.
Portal availability, fees, application routes, code interpretations and inspection procedures can change. Confirm time-sensitive details with Building Services before submitting, paying or beginning work.
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.