When a Permit Is Required

Please note that the list below is not comprehensive of all project types; it is meant to provide general guidance for building owners, tenants, designers, and contractors. If your project is not listed or if you need help to determine if a permit is required, please email or call the Building Safety Division.

If your project is exempt from a permit, it is most often not exempt from the building code and planning setback requirements. Ensure your project meets the code even if you don't need a permit by researching the requirements online or by contacting the Building Safety Division. Learn more about your setback requirements by contacting the Planning Division at 303-227-8777 or via email.

A building permit is required for...

• New buildings, additions, and structures
• Interior alterations (including finished basements)
• Porches and decks (including alterations to existing)
• New and replacement gas appliances
• New and replacement HVAC equipment
• New and replacement telecommunications equipment
• New plumbing fixtures
• New electric appliances
• Retaining walls over 4 feet
• Reroofs in commercial and multi-family buildings
• Roof sheathing replacements in commercial and multi-family buildings
• New exterior stairs or stoops
• Demolition of buildings and structures
• Demolition of building interiors
• Sump pumps
• Electric vehicle charging stations when hardwired
• Changes of occupancy or group of a commercial space
• Movement of a lot line
• New and replacement backflow prevention assemblies
• Chemical dispensers connected to a water supply or plumbing fixture
• Sales trailers
• Electrical service for construction trailers
• New and replacement signs
• Class C interior finishes in Groups A, E, and I

A building permit is not required for...

• Fences 72 inches and under in residential occupancies (except those surrounding a swimming pool)
• Fences 42 inches and under in commercial occupancies
• Residential window or door replacements with no structural alterations
• Residential reroofs
• Residential roof sheathing replacements of 256 square feet and under (unless required to be fire-retardant)
• Residential residing
• Gutters
• Kitchen cabinets
• Playground equipment
• On-grade patios (including wood patios)
• Driveways
• Flagpoles 30 feet or less in height
• Temporary ramps serving residential dwellings that are no more than 30 inches high
• Low voltage (24 volts and under)
• Installation and replacement of floor finishes
• Replacement of interior finishes
• Non-structural, cosmetic repairs in residential occupancies
• Prefabricated residential swimming pools less than 24 inches deep, not greater than 500 gallons, and installed entirely above the ground
• Retaining walls 4 feet and under (measured from top of wall to bottom of footing) and not supporting a surcharge