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Colorado, Ouray County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Ouray County Plumbing Permit Requirements

Ouray County, Colorado, utilizes an online, paperless permitting system called CloudPermit for all building and septic permits. This system requires electronic submission of plans in PDF format and all payments are processed through CloudPermit via credit card or e-check. The county has adopted the 2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Code, and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code. For plumbing installations, the Colorado Plumbing Code, as adopted by the State of Colorado, applies. Separate permits are required from the State of Colorado for electrical and plumbing installations.

For properties in unincorporated areas, Ouray County has adopted the 2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Residential Code, 2018 International Mechanical Code, 2018 International Existing Building Code, and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code. These codes became effective in the unincorporated portions of Ouray County on April 1, 2020. In cases of conflict between the adopted Building Codes and the Land Use Code, the Land Use Code prevails.

Building & Safety Divisions

Ouray County's permitting and building oversight falls under the Land Use Department. They manage the CloudPermit system for applications, plan submissions, and payments. While the City of Ouray has its own building inspector and processes, Ouray County's jurisdiction covers unincorporated areas.

Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas

Properties in unincorporated areas of Ouray County are subject to the 2018 International Codes as adopted by the county. This includes specific requirements for building, mechanical, and energy conservation. The Ouray County Land Use Code also applies, and in instances where there's a conflict with the building codes, the Land Use Code takes precedence. Plumbing installations must comply with the Colorado Plumbing Code. Separate state permits are required for electrical and plumbing work.

Resources to Learn More

Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Colorado, including Ouray County.

Colorado Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

State-Level Plumbing Codes in Colorado

The State of Colorado establishes minimum standards for plumbing installations through the Colorado Plumbing Code. This code is primarily based on the 2021 editions of the International Plumbing Code (IPC), the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), and the plumbing provisions of the International Residential Code (IRC). The state adopts these model codes with specific state-level additions, revisions, and deletions, which are codified in the Code of Colorado Regulations (3 CCR 720-1).

Regulatory Authority

The primary agency responsible for setting and enforcing these standards is the Colorado State Plumbing Board, which operates under the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). The Board is responsible for licensing plumbers, registering apprentices and contractors, issuing permits for state-inspected areas, and conducting inspections to ensure compliance with the state-adopted codes. While the state sets these minimum standards, local jurisdictions may also adopt and enforce their own building codes, which can sometimes be more stringent than the state requirements.

Resources to Learn More

Select a City in Ouray County

If your project is located within incorporated city limits, you will likely need to follow municipal ordinances rather than county rules. Select your city below to view local regulations.

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