Chaffee County’s building department reported to commissioners July 16 that permit and inspection activity is busy: the department issued several commercial and residential permits, completed more than 1,000 field inspections in June, and is managing multiple commercial projects.

Director Sean (Building Department) said June was the busiest month so far in 2025 with 288 total permits and significant inspection volume (1,067 inspections in June; 6,144 year‑to‑date). Notable projects in permitting and review included a library expansion in Buena Vista (accessibility and elevator work), a permitted campground project that received its construction permit in June, Safeway and Walmart interior/parking improvements in Salida, and an accessory generator and flagpole projects. The department reported ongoing review and release of permits for EV charging stations at commercial properties.

Staff also reported personnel progress: the department’s recently hired electrical inspector, Gary Houston, passed residential and commercial electrical inspector exams and is moving into field inspection duties. The department continues to work with IT on implementation of an electronic permitting system and to coordinate code updates and regulatory matters such as the CDPHE/onsite wastewater changes and state resiliency/fire codes.

Commissioners asked about the timeline for larger subdivisions and long‑range activity; staff said several infrastructure projects are in progress and are expected to generate additional permits next year. Several compliance and dangerous‑building investigations were noted as active with town legal offices where jurisdiction overlaps exist. No formal board actions were taken; the report was informational.