Do you need a permit for a pole barn? The answer is generally yes, but some towns and cities might waive this requirement if the structure is small enough, like a shed. Always contact your local building department for information about building permits, electrical codes, and zoning. 

If you live in Calhan, Colorado Springs, Fountain, Green Mountain Falls, Manitou Springs, Monument, Palmer Lake, and Ramah, the El Paso County Planning and Community Development Department reviews building plans for Land Use and zoning requirements. The Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) issues permits to these areas and collects the fees for these permits. The PPRBD further serves the unincorporated El Paso County communities and the City of Woodland Park in Teller County. 

There is value in understanding the permits required for pole barns, and we discuss three aspects. 

Zoning regulations 

A devoted barn permit might be declined if the zoning regulations disallow its construction. Check with your local zoning board if your planned structure is allowed before making financial and time investments. But what is zoning? 

Zoning divides a municipality into residential, commercial, and industrial districts (zones). Within each zone, there are regulations that state what can and cannot be built, and these regulations can often be very detailed. Examples of this are:

  • Specific requirements on the type of buildings allowed.
  • Location of utility lines
  • Restrictions on accessory buildings, building setbacks from the streets and other boundaries
  • Size and height of buildings
  • Number of rooms in a building.

In areas of historic or cultural significance, zoning regulations might require certain features to be preserved. It even dictates parking, signage, frontage, landscaping, and drainage, to name but a few items. 

Covenants   

Building a pole barn without a permit is illegal in many cities and towns. Your property might also be subject to covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). CC&Rs are the developer’s restrictions placed on a property when it is first constructed, and enforcement is the responsibility of a Homeowners Association or Property Association.    

A covenant is a written agreement between two or more parties for the performance of some action, and these are additional rules to zoning regulations. Many developments have restrictive covenants that aim to “preserve, protect and enhance property values”. Before erecting a pole barn, check whether there are covenants governing it. Restrictive covenants are achieved in two ways:

Architectural and maintenance restrictions. A development is given a more standard appearance, and owners must seek approval before making changes such as additions to dwellings. 

Use restrictions. Use restrictions relate to things such as pets, parking, noise, and trash. It intends to enhance the peaceful enjoyment of residents’ use of their properties. 

Building codes    

Do you need a building permit for a pole barn? When you enquire with your local building department, they will advise on the permits and building codes applicable to pole barn construction. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), building codes are regulations that determine the design, construction, and materials used in building, based on agreed safety standards within a specific area.

In the State of Colorado, local towns adopted the following building codes:

  • 2012 International Building Code (IBC)
  • 2015 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
  • 2014 National Electric Code (NEC)
  • 2015 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC).

The Biden-Harris Administration recently announced a National Initiative to Advance Building Codes. The aim is to have the latest, current building codes and standards adopted to make communities more resilient to hurricanes, flooding, wildfires and other extreme weather events. 

When you choose Peak Pole Barns and Manufacturing of Colorado Springs for your pole barn project, your money stays in the Colorado community. We custom design the building for you, source all the materials, and do the construction. Do you want more details about a permit for a pole barn? Contact Peak Pole Barns and Manufacturing today.