Mission Statement

The mission of the Building Department is the protection of life, health, property, and public welfare through effective administration and enforcement of the building codes. In accomplishing this mission, we strive to maintain the highest level of fairness, professionalism, and ethical conduct toward the citizens of Archuleta County.

Description

The County Building Department is responsible for enforcing the Building Codes and investigating violations of those Building Codes. This is carried out by the review and approval of plans for new construction, additions, renovations, and the appropriate and periodic inspection of existing residential and commercial structures. Building Department personnel consists of a Chief Building Inspector, a Building Inspector/Plans Examiner, a Permit Technician, and an Office Assistant.

Core Services

• Enforcement of the adopted ICC 2015 Building Codes and Sub-Codes including:
  • ICC 2015 Building Code (IBC)
  • ICC 2015 Residential Code (IRC)
  • ICC 2018 IRC, Appendix Q – Tiny Homes
  • ICC 2009 Fire Code (IFC)
  • ICC 2015 Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
  • ICC 2006 Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
  • ICC 2015 Existing Building Code (IEBC)
• Inspection for and issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (CO’s)
• Inspections of Liquor and Marijuana Licensing locations for compliance

2023 Accomplishments

• Maintained improved communications with the Pagosa Fire Protection District (PFPD), Pagosa Lakes Property Owner’s Association (PLPOA), and other Associations that have come to us regarding plan reviews and the permit process in general.
• Processed most building permit applications within 15 business days.
• Regularly completed all requests for inspections within 2 to 3 working days.
• Added a full-time Building Inspector to better serve builders in the office and in the field.
• Improved enforcement of the IECC.
• Began enforcement of the proper frost-depth foundations for Manufactured Homes.
• Improved enforcement of IRC framing requirements.
• Improved Chief Building Official availability to public and internal departments.

2023 Challenges

• Clarifying roles and responsibilities of the Building Department in relation to other agencies.
• Adapting to changes in State regulations regarding Manufactured Homes, Modular Homes, and Tiny Homes.
• Improving our After-the-Fact Building Permit procedures to strike the appropriate balance between safety and cost.

2024 Goals

• Continue to improve our permitting intake and processing by implementing online permit options for the public.
• Continue to work effectively with inter-County departments and external districts to successfully move projects through the process of construction.
• Review and revise all building permit information packets to ensure focus on most valuable information.
• Process all building permit applications in a timely and efficient manner.
• Improve the effectiveness of all staff through outside training opportunities.