Permitting Guide
Whether you handle permits yourself, work through your general contractor, or have NatMar manage the process on the Western Slope, this guide is here to help make the path forward more clear and efficient.
Before You Build
Requirements vary by county, municipality, building size, elevation, and intended use. A 1,200 sqf hay barn might be completely permit exempt in one area, but require a full permit in just one town over. Every building department follows a certain code year and has their own additional rules and regulations to go with it. But there is common information that you’ll want ready no matter where you’re building.
NatMar offers the option for us to handle the permit process on supply and build projects in the Western Slope. For those outside that area, get with your GC or use this guide to help you get it done yourself.
It is highly advised to wait to order your building until it is approved by your building department. It’s rare but sometimes building design adjustments need to be made, and it’s essential to make those adjustments before being put into production to avoid significant added costs.
By Building Type
Permit Prep
Most building departments will ask for some combination of these. Knowing them up front will save you weeks on the permit timeline.
Ground snow load (psf) for your site — varies dramatically by elevation and county. ASCE Hazard Tool is the standard reference.
Design wind speed (mph) and exposure category. Pulled from ASCE Hazard Tool for your address.
Any extra dead load on the structure: HVAC equipment, sprinkler systems, mezzanines, hoists. Affects engineering.
Maximum allowed building height for your zone. Some HOAs and view-corridor zones impose hard caps.
Required distance from property lines, easements, septic systems, and roads. Different per zone.
Maximum building footprint or total enclosed area allowed on your parcel.
Confirm intended use is permitted in your zoning district (residential, commercial, ag, mixed-use, etc.).
Our Process
What NatMar handles depends on your building location and project type. If you’re in the Western Slope of CO and we’re supplying and constructing your building, then we offer to do the permits for you. If you’re outside of Mesa, Montrose, or Delta counties, you’ll either need to handle the permits yourself or have your contractors handle them for you.
Every NatMar building ships with stamped engineered plans specific to your project. This document is essential for any building permit. Depending on the framing system, stamped foundation plans can also be included.
Preparing the site plan showing your building footprint in relation to property lines, setback distances, other structures, septic systems, and utility connections. Most counties require this with the application for all building types.
Every department has its own additional submittals they require. Call them and get all the paperwork you need, and expect to make some adjustments. Submit everything, wait for approval, and start building!
Local Knowledge
Our home base. We know the building department, the inspectors, and the turnaround times. Ag exemptions available on qualifying parcels.
Grand Junction and surrounding areas. Commercial and residential permits processed through Mesa County Building Department.
Montrose, Olathe, Nucla. County building department handles unincorporated areas. City of Montrose has separate requirements.
If you’re outside the Western Slope, use the Permit Guide to help out your GC or your own permit journey. Always be sure to check your local building department for anything they want or need.
Testimonials
“Nate and his experienced crew did a fantastic job erecting our 35' x 40' steel shop. I found NatMar through an internet search. I selected NatMar because they were local, displayed excellent expertise, and were competitively priced. Their communications and administration were flawless. The crew was always punctual, polite, and worked with care and attention to detail. We had some challenges along the way; however, everything was dealt with without any fuss or penny-pinching.”
“Nathan and his crew are top notch! They were able to fit in my small project between their bigger jobs which got me finished real quick. They do great quality work and I would highly recommend NatMar to anyone.”
“Complete project was good quality, on time, on budget and craftsmen were very professional. If I could find anything not perfect would be the screws scattered around post completion which is petty. Great job guys!”
“Nathan Margosian of NatMar Construction and his crew have been nothing but excellent. They have just completed a third building for me in the last year. Nathans customer service, punctuality at completion on time, and completing on budget is unmatched, all at a very fair and reasonable rate. I highly recommend Nathan and NatMar Construction for any of your needs for metal buildings.”
“NatMar Construction is the best in Western Colorado! Amazing customer service from first call through final build! Excellent company, highly recommend!”
“Nathan and Braden are working on a project of ours. Very impressive work! Nice to see such care taken on a construction project.”
“Excellent work and attentive to detail. Crew was cordial and easy to work with. Building is magnificent! Looking to build an "A" frame metal barndaminium. Fun!!”
“Great group of people! Their work is phenomenal & it truly shows they care. Would recommend to anyone for all metal building needs!”
“Thank you Nathan for your expertise and efficient building process. I look forward to doing business with you again.”
“Great assembly job and went quickly, even though it rained a couple of days. Good job, guys!!”
Ready?
Tell us what you’re building. We’ll get back with a custom quote.
