Building Permit Process

A building permit, when issued, is the legal notice to proceed with proposed construction. Follow the information below to learn more about the process of obtaining a building permit.

The entire building permit process is conducted electronically through the city’s permitting and land use portal called eTRAKiT. Instructions are provided to assist you in setting up an eTRAKiT account, uploading documents, responding to staff comments and printing your permit and city-approved plans.

1. Determine If You Need a Permit

Many small repairs and residential projects are exempt from requiring a building permit. Find out if your project qualifies. However, exemption from permit does not mean your project is exempt from meeting the building code.

2. Preparing Your Application

Most permits require documentation to be uploaded during application. All submitted documents must be in an electronic format and uploaded as attachments to your permit application. The largest document will most likely be your building plans; learn more about using electric plans (eplans) in eTRAKiT. Your submission packages must include the following, if applicable:

• Building plans
• Soils report (when a geotechnical investigation of the site was conducted)
• Statement of Special Inspections
• Certification forms
• Evaluation reports
• Site-related plan or plat if your project disturbs earth

Minimum required documents and building plan checklists are available for many project types on our Design Guide & Submission Requirements webpage. If you are unsure of what you need to submit, please contact the Building Safety Division at 303-289-3790 or via email for further assistance.

3. Permit Application

If your project requires a building permit, you must begin the process on the city’s eTRAKiT portal. Follow the instructions online to learn how to create or access your account. Contractors must apply for permits using the account associated with their license number.

When your account is established, click “Apply” under the “Permits” heading on the eTRAKiT homepage. Be sure to attach the required documentation listed above or as outlined on the Design Guide & Submission Requirements page. Please select, where indicated, if you are using the city’s typical details.

4. Pay Upfront Fees

Some permit types require an upfront payment prior to the advancement of your application. The eTRAKiT portal will provide you with payment options. Once payment is made, your application will be advanced to staff for a Gateway Review.

5. Gateway Review

The Gateway Review is conducted by our Permit Technicians to ensure your submission package is complete prior to advancing your application. If you are missing any of the essential attachments or if your documentation does not contain required information, you will be notified during this step.

6. Plan Review

Plan reviews are conducted to ensure your submission package meets the building code, land development code and other applicable laws and ordinances. The following agencies and departments conduct separate reviews depending on the complexity of your projects.

• Building Safety Division
• Planning Division
• Public Works

The following agencies are not part of Commerce City government. You must submit plans and other documentation to each agency separately.

• Adams County Health
• South Adams County Fire Department
• Brighton Fire Rescue District
• South Adams County Water and Sanitation District

If code violations are found in the plans during the review process, you will be notified via email that review comments are available on eTRAKiT. A plan correction, comment response and re-review will be required in order to advance the permit application.

6. Pre-Issuance Review

Once all review agencies have approved the plans, the city will conduct the Pre-Issuance Review. In this review, outstanding fees are added to the application and contractor licensing is verified. If the contractor’s license has lapsed or is not valid for the proposed work, permit issuance will be delayed until the license can be verified.

7. Pay Balance of Fees

Final permit fees, plan review fees and various impact fees are assessed in the Pre-Issuance Review and must be paid prior to permit issuance. You will receive an email notifying you of the outstanding fees, and payment must be made on eTRAKiT.

8. Permit Issuance

Once the outstanding fees are paid, the permit will be issued automatically. You will receive an email notifying you of permit issuance. Within 24 hours of that notice, your permit will be available for download and printing on eTRAKiT. The permit must be posted on the jobsite in a conspicuous location prior to the commencement of construction. In addition, the city-approved plans, if applicable, must be printed in full scale and available on the jobsite for city inspectors.

9. Plan Revisions After Permit Issuance

Revisions to building plans after construction commences must be reviewed by city staff for code compliance. Submit the Plan Resubmission Form and only those plan sheets that were revised. Learn more about what to include in your plan revision submission.

10. Construction and Occupancy

While not part of the permit application process, inspections and occupancy are two processes that require you to use eTRAKiT to accomplish. Learn more about when and how to request an inspection and how to apply for a Certificate of Occupancy.