Homeowner Builders

The sole owner of an individual property is allowed to construct, remodel or add to a detached single family residence as a homeowner builder. The residence is not allowed to be built for commercial or residential development or sale.

Homeowner builders are not allowed to obtain another permit within two years of the issuance of the certificate of occupancy (C.O.). View the complete definition of an authorized homeowner builder (pdf), per the 2018 code amendment package.

Homeowner Builder Test

To obtain building, plumbing, electrical and gas pipe permits, the homeowner must take a series of tests and pass with 80% or better. The owner must pass the exams on his or her first try or hire registered contractors to obtain the permits.

The test is available at the Summit County Building Department, is open book and is administered with no fee. Homeowners are required to bring their own 2018 IRC Code Book to the Homeowner Builder Test.

Resources and Forms

* Building permit application (pdf): Must be completed and submitted to acquire a building permit.
* Fees(pdf): The fee scheduled helps you calculate the costs associated with obtaining a permit.
* Permit submittal checklist (pdf): A list of required documents due at the time of your submittal for a building permit.
* Technical permit application (pdf): This application is required when applying for any technical permits, including mechanical, plumbing, fireplace, electrical, temporary power and photovoltaic permits.
* Building Inspection Department Matrix (pdf): The matrix lists external agencies, such as water and fire districts, involved in the building permit process. It also includes fire hazard mitigation requirements, frost depth, wind speed and snow load requirements.
* Work Without a Permit Complaint Form (pdf): If you suspect someone of conducting work without the required permit(s), complete the complaint form and submit to the Building Department.
Every new residential development and residential addition in the unincorporated areas of Summit County must comply with the Sustainable Building Code.
* Voluntary Housing Allowance Restrictive Covenant Form and Voluntary Housing Allowance Restrictive Covenant Routing Form: Affordable Housing Development Impact Fees are assessed on new construction and additions, as applicable. Property developers and owners have the option of avoiding the impact fee at the time of building permit issuance by voluntarily imposing a private transfer fee upon subsequent sale of the property.