Architectural Designs

Can I put a 2nd floor on my house, Colorado Springs, CO?

I live in El Paso County, Colorado. On my side of the street, all the homes are ranch style. There are 2 story homes on the other side of the street. My husband and I would like to put a second floor on our home to be our master suite. I've called the city zoning board, the planning board, the city clerk. No one knows if we'd be allowed to di this!! I've searched everywhere on line and can't find a thing. Does anyone happen to know if we'd be able to or where I could find the information? I'm getting very frustrated.

Public Comments

1. You may want to talk with a contractor about the permitting process. Typically they know what has to be done and how to do it. As long as there are no deed restrictions or home owner association rules against it, you probably can do it. You also need to be sure your foundation can handle the second story. Another good reason to talk with a local contractor about your plans.
2. talk to a local residential building engineer before you talk to your builder the engineer will work with the builder to ensure the first floor is up to taking the extra wait of the new second floor, contrary to most people beliefs most builders don't have the experience in that type of additions, i have had to fix a couple of homes from falling down because the owner didn't do enough home work in this area and the builder, although they were good carpenters they weren't experienced enough in structural weights.