Planning a roof replacement in Erie can feel like a lot, especially if you also have solar panels on the roof. The good news is that drone inspections can simplify the process, save time, and help you document everything you need for permits, insurance, and resale. In this guide, you will learn how to handle permits in Erie, what to ask from a drone operator, how to coordinate solar removal and reattach, and the timelines you should expect. Let’s dive in.
Permit basics in Erie, Colorado
Erie spans both Boulder and Weld counties, and properties can fall inside town limits or in unincorporated areas. Your first step is to confirm where your address is governed so you follow the right rules. For homes inside town limits, start with the Town of Erie Community Development and Building Division. If your property is outside town limits in unincorporated Weld County, check the Weld County Building and Planning resources.
Many Colorado towns require a permit for a full reroof and for work that replaces roof sheathing. Exact thresholds vary by jurisdiction, so confirm Erie’s current rules before you schedule any work. Ask whether PV removal and reinstallation need a separate permit or if they are noted on the roofing permit.
Here are key questions to ask the building desk:
- Does my address require a Town of Erie permit or does it fall under Weld County?
- What triggers a reroof permit vs a repair, and do sheathing or structural changes change the review level?
- Which documents are required at submittal, such as roof plan, shingle specs, flashing details, and a PV removal and reinstall plan?
- What is the expected permit review time and are expedited options available for insurance-driven work?
- Which inspections will be required, such as roofing and electrical for PV reconnection, and how do I schedule them?
Plan for permit review times that can range from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on workload and complexity. Fees and timelines change, so confirm the current schedule with the Town or County.
Step-by-step workflow you can follow
If you are replacing a roof in Erie, this typical sequence will keep your project organized:
- Initial assessment. Use visual or drone imagery to understand damage, scope, and whether a full reroof is needed.
- Confirm permits. Contact the Town of Erie or Weld County to verify thresholds, submittal items, and inspections.
- Coordinate solar. If you have PV, schedule removal with your solar installer and agree on reattach timing and inspections.
- Apply for permits. Submit required documents and plan for inspections.
- Replace the roof. Your licensed, insured roofing contractor completes the work.
- Reattach PV. A qualified solar electrician or installer reconnects the system and handles electrical inspections.
- Close out. Collect final inspection sign-offs and share documentation with your insurer and keep it for resale.
Drone inspections made simple
Why use a drone
Drone inspections offer a fast, safe way to evaluate your roof without someone climbing onto it. They can produce accurate measurements for material orders and provide high-quality documentation for insurers and buyers. For many Erie homeowners and sellers, drones speed up decisions and reduce risk.
Follow the rules
If you hire a drone operator, make sure they are FAA Part 107 certified for commercial work. Ask to see their certificate and proof of insurance. Operators must follow FAA airspace and safety rules, including staying below regulated altitude limits and avoiding flight over people. You can read more in the FAA UAS resources. For inspection limitations and best practices, review the InterNACHI guidance on drone roof inspections.
Local ordinances can add restrictions, so check for any Town of Erie or Weld County rules before scheduling a flight. Skilled operators plan around weather, avoid sensitive infrastructure, and respect privacy.
What to request from your drone inspector
Ask for these deliverables so you have everything you need for claims, permits, and resale:
- High-resolution overview and close-up photos with date and time stamps for all roof sections and penetrations.
- Close-ups of missing shingles, lifted edges, flashing concerns, or damage at skylights and vents.
- A measured roof plan with pitch, eave-to-ridge lengths, total square footage, hips and gables, and material takeoff numbers.
- An orthomosaic or stitched roof image that shows the full roof in one view.
- A short report that links photos to findings and lists recommended next steps.
- Optional thermal imagery if the operator is trained to interpret it.
Know the limits
Drones cannot confirm hidden rot under shingles or assess shear strength. Thermal images can create false positives if not read by trained professionals. FAA or local restrictions can limit flight windows. Ask for sample reports and references so you know what quality to expect.
Solar panels: removal and reattach
Who should do the work
PV systems should be removed and reinstalled by the original installer, if possible, or a licensed solar contractor or electrician. This protects your roof, aligns with manufacturer procedures, and helps keep warranties intact. Electrical disconnect and reconnection must comply with the National Electrical Code and local inspection requirements.
For standards and industry context, review Solar Energy Industries Association best practices.
Permits and inspections to expect
Your electrical inspector will need to sign off on reconnection and system compliance. Mounts and penetrations at PV racking should be flashed and sealed according to the roofing manufacturer’s instructions and local code. Ask the Town of Erie if a separate PV permit is required or if PV work is documented on the roofing permit.
Timelines and costs
- PV removal usually takes half a day to a full day, depending on array size and access.
- Roof replacement often takes 1 to 3 days, depending on size and any sheathing or substrate replacement.
- PV reinstallation and inspections typically add 1 to 3 days, including scheduling the electrical inspection.
- Plan for an added 2 to 7 business days to coordinate PV, some of which can overlap with roofing.
Solar removal and reinstallation are often billed separately by the solar contractor. Small, simple systems may cost a few hundred dollars, while larger or more complex arrays cost more. Get written quotes and ask how the work affects equipment and workmanship warranties.
Tips to avoid delays
- Notify your solar installer and insurer early and share the solar scope with your roofer.
- Request a sequencing plan and a joint site visit before work starts.
- Keep a complete file with photos, permit numbers, and inspection sign-offs.
Insurance and resale benefits
Insurers often prefer or require a permit and final inspection for roof work, especially after hail or wind. Drone imagery is widely accepted to document condition before and after the event, but carriers may also request contractor invoices and final inspection records. The Insurance Information Institute claim documentation tips outline what adjusters commonly expect.
For resale, buyers and home inspectors will ask for permits and final sign-offs on recent roof work. If your PV system was removed and reattached, provide the electrical inspection paperwork and any proof that manufacturer warranties remain valid. Completing these steps before listing helps avoid delays and strengthens buyer confidence.
Sample timeline for Erie projects
Every project is unique, but this outline will help you plan your calendar:
- Day 0: Gather quotes. Confirm permit triggers with the Town of Erie. Contact your solar installer.
- Days 1 to 7: Submit permits. Schedule the drone inspection and a PV removal date.
- Days 3 to 10: Drone inspection and report delivery, usually within 24 to 48 hours of the flight.
- Work window: PV removal takes a half to one day. Roof replacement takes 1 to 3 days, with roofing inspections as scheduled.
- Final steps: PV reinstallation takes 1 to 3 days including the electrical inspection. Close out with the final roofing sign-off.
Total elapsed time commonly ranges from 1 to 3 weeks, depending on permit review times, weather, and contractor schedules. Always confirm current timelines with the Town of Erie and your contractors.
Owner prep checklist
Use this checklist to keep your project moving:
- Property details and address verification for jurisdiction.
- Existing PV documents, inverter serial numbers, and installer contact.
- Roofing contractor contact and proof of licensing and insurance.
- Permission and access instructions for contractors and the drone operator.
- Coordination plan to protect vehicles, patios, and landscaping.
- Insurance claim number and adjuster contact if applicable.
- Permit number and inspection scheduling info.
Local resources and standards
- Town permits and inspections: Town of Erie Community Development and Building Division
- Unincorporated addresses: Weld County Building and Planning
- Drone rules and Part 107: FAA UAS resources
- Reroofing best practices: National Roofing Contractors Association reroofing guidance
- Drone inspection practices: InterNACHI guidance on drone roof inspections
- PV industry standards: Solar Energy Industries Association best practices
- Insurance documentation: Insurance Information Institute claim documentation tips
Before you schedule work, confirm current Town of Erie requirements and your insurer’s documentation rules, since local codes and timelines can change.
Get guidance tailored to Erie
If you are preparing to sell or planning a major upgrade, the right permits and documentation can protect your claim, your timeline, and your resale value. If you have questions about how a roof replacement or PV reattach could affect your sale in Erie, my team is here to help you plan a smooth path to market. Request a free home valuation from Unknown Company.
FAQs
What permits do I need for a roof replacement in Erie, CO?
- Start by confirming whether your address is inside Town of Erie limits or in unincorporated Weld County, then verify reroof thresholds, submittal items, and inspections with the appropriate building office.
Are drone roof inspections legal for hire in Erie?
- Yes, when performed by an FAA Part 107 certified remote pilot who follows FAA rules and any local restrictions; ask for proof of certification and insurance.
What should I ask a drone inspector to deliver?
- Request time-stamped photos, close-ups of damage, a measured roof plan, an orthomosaic image, and a short report with findings and next steps; thermal imaging is optional.
Who should remove and reinstall my solar panels for a reroof?
- Use your original installer if possible or a licensed solar contractor or electrician who follows NEC requirements and local inspections, and confirm any warranty requirements.
How long will a reroof with solar reattach usually take?
- Plan for 1 to 3 weeks overall, including permit review, 1 to 3 days for roofing, and 1 to 3 days for PV reinstallation and inspections, depending on schedules and weather.
What documents should I keep for insurance and resale?
- Save permits, final inspection sign-offs, contractor invoices, drone photos and reports, and if PV was disturbed, the electrical inspection paperwork and warranty confirmations.
