Building codes have been established to safeguard public health, safety, and welfare related to occupancy and use of buildings and structures. These objectives are met by regulating and controlling the design, materials, and construction criteria for all buildings and building service equipment.

The Uniform Building Code is used throughout Pueblo County. Building permits are required for all construction, installation, alteration, repairs, and demolition of any building or building service equipment in Pueblo County. Separate permits are required for electrical and plumbing work. Some 11 types of work may be exempt from permit requirements, but generally any and all construction or demolition activities will require a permit. You need to contact the Pueblo Regional Building Authority to determine permit requirements.

When applying for a permit, individuals need to provide a description of the type of activity, location and projected cost. If major construction or demolition is taking place, you may be required to submit plans, drawings and specifications. Fees are charged for plan reviews and permits. These fees must be paid prior to issuing of the permit. Fee schedules for plan reviews and permits are available from the Pueblo Regional Building Authority.

Once a permit is issued the activity is subject to inspection by county officials. The purpose of these inspections is to ensure that the applicable codes are being followed. Construction work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved. The Pueblo County Building Inspector will make progress inspections of the structure at certain key points of construction, as specified within the Pueblo County Building Code. The individual contractors should make application to the City/County Health Department for plumbing inspections and to the Pueblo County Building Inspector for electrical and building inspections. It is the duty of the applicant or his contractor to advise the other appropriate agencies 24 hours in advance when the structure is ready for inspection.

All reputable contractors in South Central Colorado carry contractors' license and insurance. When selecting a contractor, make sure he is licensed and insured. Always ask for references, obtain bids from several sources, know the full cost of the finished job and never pay for services or materials that have not been provided.

Driveway access Permits No person shall construct any access providing direct movement to or from any Pueblo West maintained roadway to or from property adjoining the roadway without an approved access permit issued by the Pueblo West Engineering Department.

Access permits shall be issued only in compliance with this Article. In no event shall an access be allowed or permitted if it is detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare.

Easements and Parcels A large number of easements were set aside for the installation of utilities, drainage and equestrian use. Easements for installation and maintenance of utilities and drainage facilities are reserved as shown on the recorded plat. Within these easements, no structure, planting or other material shall be placed or permitted to remain which may damage or interfere with the installation and maintenance of utilities, or which may change the direction and flow of drainage channels in the easements, or which may obstruct or retard the flow of water through drainage channels in the easements. The easement area of each lot and all improvements in it shall be maintained continuously by the owner of the lot, except for those improvements for which the public authority or utility company is responsible.

Parcels were set aside for specific use by the District for uses benefiting the public. These uses included drainage, equestrian, utilities, buffers, parking in common, civic improvements and open space. These parcels may not be used by a property owner for their sole benefit.

Vehicle access is limited in these areas to maintenance vehicles and is not for the use of or by property owners to access their properties or travel between dedicated right-of-ways. There are a very limited number of alleys within the District. They are in the B-4 zoned areas.

Right-of-Ways Each road within the district has a dedicated right-of-way, which is shown on the recorded plat. The width of each right-of-way varies with the classification of the street, from 50 feet to 110 feet. Within these right-or-ways no structure, planting or other material shall be placed or permitted to remain which may damage or interfere with vehicle travel, or which impedes the line of site, or installation and maintenance of utilities, or which may change the direction of flow of drainage channels in the right-of-way, or which may obstruct or retard the flow of water through the drainage channels in the right-of-way.

Excavation Permits are required for any excavation within the right of way by Resolution 1437. For further information regarding this, please contact the Pueblo West Engineering Department at 719-547-9801.

It is strongly urged that those intending to build structures in Pueblo West seek professional help in the preparation of plans and specifications. This will usually result in saving money as well as time in securing a building permit.