Building Department

Hard hat, architectural plans, and measuring tools on a white background.

Location & Contact Information

City Complex
102 E Parmenter St
Lamar, CO 81052

P: 719-336-2085
F: 719-336-2787

Office Hours

Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The Building Department is responsible for enforcing building, fire, plumbing and mechanical codes in a professional and unbiased manner. Our goal is to provide quality customer service through the permitting and inspection process. Current submittal standards and additional information can be acquired by calling the Building Department at 719-336-2085.

Building Permits

A building permit is required except when the type of work is considered to be aesthetic (e.g. painting, changing carpet).

Building Permit Application

A property owner, licensed contractor, or an authorized representative can complete the application. The following describes sections of the permit form:

Project information: The applicant must provide the address, proposed use of the building or property, and description of work to be done.
Applicant: This is the name of the person submitting the application.
Property owner and address: This is the name of the actual property owner and the property owner’s mailing address.
Contractors: If the project is in a name other than an “owner,” then contractor's name/s and phone number/s shall be provided.

See the current Rates and Fee Schedule: https://ci.lamar.co.us/financial-documents

Lamar Ordinances that require the use of building permits

LMC Sec. 6-2: No building or other structure shall be erected, moved, added to, or structurally altered without a permit thereof, issued by the administrative official.
LMC Sec. 6.5: Expiration of building permit: (a) If the work described in any building permit has not begun within 90 days from the date of issuance thereof, said permit shall expire and shall be cancelled by the administrative official, and written notice thereof shall be given to the persons affected.
(b) If the work described in any building permit has not been substantially completed with two years of the date of issuance thereof, said permit shall expire and be cancelled by the administrative official, and written notice thereof shall be given to the persons affected, together, with notice that further work as described in the cancelled permit shall not proceed until a new building permit has been obtained.

Access Permits

Properties located on US Hwy 287 (Main Street) or US Hwy 50 (East Olive or Main) require a State Access Permit for new construction or change in occupancy/use through the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT): Access Permits - Driveways & Curb Cuts

Building Codes Enforced

The Building Department is enforcing the following codes in the City of Lamar and for properties connecting/ed to City water/wastewater within a 3-mile radius of the City limits.

2018 International Building Code
2018 International Residential Code
2018 Mechanical Code
2018 International Plumbing Code
2018 International Fire Code
2018 International Fuel Gas Code
2018 International Existing Building Code
2018 International Energy Code
2015 Energy Conservation Code
2015 Swimming Pool and Spa Code
2010 Americans with Disabilities Act
2006 International Property Maintenance Code

Free access to International Code Council (ICC) Building Codes - Digital International Council Codes

Recommendations for a Successful Mural Project

Mural projects are an investment in cultural capital that go far beyond tourism, improved aesthetics, increased business traffic and building occupancy, and eradication of blight. Murals are an investment in our city’s unique identity and its cultural cohesiveness, and contribute to its public art.

The City of Lamar Community Development Department has identified best practices for mural creation by working with Lamar Partnership, Inc. (LPI) to pose questions and raise issues that should be considered at each stage of creating a mural: planning, artist/design selection, wall and surface preparation, painting, coating, and maintenance. Each recommendation has been considered both for mural commissioning organizations/agencies and for artists to address their particular needs and concerns.

Main Street Lamar (LPI) and the City suggest the following considerations for mural projects:

Creative themes that include but are not limited to: our heritage and Southeastern Colorado history, inclusive community, local sports, arts, or education – with an emphasis on their relevance to the specific area/neighborhood and to their contemporary relevance.
Appropriate thematic and other relationships to the surrounding environment.
Wall conditions, necessity for wall repair/prepping, paint selection, potential exposure to full sun.
Readability and appropriateness of scale.
Artist fees and other costs.
Use paint recommended for wall surface, i.e., mineral silicate (Kiem) paints for concrete, stucco, brick. Paint for Outdoor Murals - 25 things you should know
Maintenance and/or expected lifespan of mural.
Avoidance of signage or subject matter that could be construed as advertising or political messages.
Written permission from property owner to create a mural on his/her building wall if you are not the owner. Permission should include pertinent details, expectations/responsibilities, maintenance plans, and minimum length of time the owner will allow the mural to remain on wall.
Murals visible on East Olive Street (US Highway 50) or Main Street (US Highway 287-385) are subject to CDOT permitting if they have images that could be construed as off-premise advertising.

We can help with your mural!

If you are considering a mural project, the City and LPI can be available for technical and creative assistance and/or referrals. Depending on the location and subject matter of the prospective mural project, it may be eligible for a grant through LPI or the Lamar Redevelopment Authority if funds are available.

For assistance, contact Brenda May at 719-336-1445 or by email at brenda.may@ci.lamar.co.us. Or reach out to Anne-Marie Crampton at 719-336-1303 or by email at anne-marie.crampton@ci.lamar.co.us.

Contractor Licenses

Contractor License Application (NEW)Contractor License Application (RENEW)

Contractors must be licensed with the City of Lamar to perform work within City limits.

To obtain a contractor’s license the following must be submitted:

Proof of liability insurance for $100,000.00 (The insurance policy should also list the City of Lamar as a Certificate Holder for notification of any changes of policy coverage).
Proof of workman's compensation insurance, or copy of the Opt Out documents submitted to the State of Colorado’s Department of Labor & Employment as per their requirements.
City of Lamar contractor’s license application and supporting documents establishing the applicant’s competencies to perform the contractual work.
Paid annual contractor's license fee.
Paid City of Lamar Business / Sales Tax license.

Licenses are good for one year (January 1st through December 31st) and must be renewed annually.

CO Dept of Labor Rejection of Workman's Comp Form

Every Colorado employer must either carry workers’ compensation or file a rejection of coverage form. The Colorado Department of Labor & Employment Division of Workers’ Compensation (DOWC) is making it simpler for contractors and construction companies to comply with this lawby creating a digital rejection of workers’ compensation coverage form.
Complying with workers’ compensation requirements is critical to protecting workers, employers, and a healthy local economy. The DOWC's goal is to prevent uninsured workplace injuries by educating and empowering employers and contractors. For more information, contact Alex Reynolds at alex.reynolds@state.co.us.

Climate & Geographic Design Criteria

Ground snow load – 30 lbs.
Wind Speed – 110 mph
Seismic design category – B
Frost Depth – 36” inches
Live Load – 30 lbs.
Termites – Moderate to heavy
Ice barrier underlayment required – yes

Call *811 Before You Dig

Knowing where underground utility lines are buried before each digging project helps prevent injury, expense, and penalties. The depth of utility lines may vary with multiple utility lines existing in one area. Simple digging jobs can damage utility lines and disrupt vital services to an entire neighborhood, harm those who dig, and result in expensive fines and repair costs. Marked lines can show the approximate location of underground lines and help prevent undesired consequences.

A phone call to 811 begins the process of marking underground utility lines. Simple home improvement projects including those on private property need to be marked as well. Personnel will notify the utility companies who will send their crews to mark underground lines at no cost.

For further information please visit www.call811.com/