Denver building permits
Building permits in Denver are issued by the Community Planning and Development (CPD), Building Permitting and Inspections Services Agency1. You can apply and request inspections online through aca-prod.accela.com2.
On this page
- Building department contacts
- Do you need a permit in Denver? Common projects
- Building codes in force in Denver
- Denver building permit fees
- How to get a building permit in Denver
- Permit expiration and extensions
- Inspections in Denver
- Building without a permit in Denver
- Doing the work yourself (owner-builder)
- Colorado rules that also apply in Denver
- Sources
Building department contacts
Community Planning and Development (CPD), Building Permitting and Inspections Services Agency1
Building permits
- Website
- denvergov.org3
- Apply online
- aca-prod.accela.com2
- Phone
- (720) 865-27004
- [email protected]4
- Address
- 201 W. Colfax Ave., Dept. 205, Denver, CO 80202 (Webb Municipal Building, 2nd floor)4
- Hours
- Phone line Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.4
- Inspections
- Online via e-permits (aca-prod.accela.com/DENVER); inspections completed within 2 business days5
CPD Residential permits (Detached Homes and Duplexes)4
Building permits
- Phone
- (720) 865-27104
- [email protected]4
CPD Inspection Administration5
Building permits
- Phone
- (720) 865-25055
- [email protected]5
- Hours
- Inspector office hours Monday-Friday 7:30-11 a.m., 201 W. Colfax Ave., 2nd floor5
Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) Permit Operations (SUDP / right-of-way)6
Public works and right-of-way
- [email protected]5
To look up permits already issued for an address (useful before you buy, or to check a contractor's work), use the city's official permit search: aca-prod.accela.com4.
Do you need a permit in Denver? Common projects
Each project below has its own page with Denver's exact rule, the official wording, fees and inspections.
| Project | Permit needed? | Key limit in the city rule |
|---|---|---|
| Fence | Depends on size or scope | Exempt up to this height: 4 feet7 |
| Shed | Depends on size or scope | Exempt up to this area: 200 square feet8 |
| Roof | Depends on size or scope | Roof area that can be replaced without a permit: 10% of roof square footage or two roof squares, whichever is smaller (buildings under 25,000 sq ft)9 |
| Pool | Yes | Pools exempt below this depth: 24 inches1 |
| Water heater | Yes | Like-for-like replacement exempt? No1 |
Building codes in force in Denver
These are the model codes Denver enforces, with the edition and the date it took effect. Plans are reviewed and work is inspected against them. For the state framework, see Colorado building codes.
| Code | Title as adopted | Model edition | Effective | Adopted by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Residential Code (IRC) | 2025 Denver Residential Code (DRC)1 | 202410 | Required for complete construction documents first submitted after December 31, 2025 (2025 DBC could be used from adoption on June 13, 2025)11 | City and County of Denver (City Council), D.R.M.C. Sec. 10-16; adopted June 13, 202510 |
| International Building Code (IBC) | 2025 Denver Commercial Building Code (DCBC)1 | 202410 | Required for complete construction documents first submitted after December 31, 2025 (2025 DBC could be used from adoption on June 13, 2025)11 | City and County of Denver (City Council), D.R.M.C. Sec. 10-16; adopted June 13, 202510 |
| International Existing Building Code (IEBC) | 2025 Denver Existing Building Code (DEBC)1 | 202410 | Required for complete construction documents first submitted after December 31, 2025 (2025 DBC could be used from adoption on June 13, 2025)11 | City and County of Denver (City Council), D.R.M.C. Sec. 10-16; adopted June 13, 202510 |
| International Plumbing Code (IPC) | 2025 Denver Plumbing Code (DPC)1 | 202410 | Required for complete construction documents first submitted after December 31, 2025 (2025 DBC could be used from adoption on June 13, 2025)11 | City and County of Denver (City Council), D.R.M.C. Sec. 10-16; adopted June 13, 202510 |
| International Mechanical Code (IMC) | 2025 Denver Mechanical Code (DMC)1 | 202410 | Required for complete construction documents first submitted after December 31, 2025 (2025 DBC could be used from adoption on June 13, 2025)11 | City and County of Denver (City Council), D.R.M.C. Sec. 10-16; adopted June 13, 202510 |
| International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) | 2025 Denver Fuel Gas Code (DFGC)1 | 202410 | Required for complete construction documents first submitted after December 31, 2025 (2025 DBC could be used from adoption on June 13, 2025)11 | City and County of Denver (City Council), D.R.M.C. Sec. 10-16; adopted June 13, 202510 |
| International Fire Code (IFC) | 2025 Denver Fire Code10 | 202410 | Required for complete construction documents first submitted after December 31, 2025 (2025 DBC could be used from adoption on June 13, 2025)11 | City and County of Denver (City Council), D.R.M.C. Sec. 10-16; adopted June 13, 202510 |
| Energy code, residential | 2025 Denver Energy Code (DEC)1 | 202110 | Required for complete construction documents first submitted after December 31, 2025 (2025 DBC could be used from adoption on June 13, 2025)11 | City and County of Denver (City Council), D.R.M.C. Sec. 10-16; adopted June 13, 202510 |
| Energy code, commercial | 2025 Denver Energy Code (DEC)1 | 202110 | Required for complete construction documents first submitted after December 31, 2025 (2025 DBC could be used from adoption on June 13, 2025)11 | City and County of Denver (City Council), D.R.M.C. Sec. 10-16; adopted June 13, 202510 |
| National Electrical Code (NEC) | Electrical Code as adopted by the State of Colorado1 | 202610 | – | State of Colorado electrical code, enforced by Denver10 |
Transition rules. Projects designed under the 2022 DBC accepted if complete construction documents were submitted by December 31, 2025 11:59:59 PM11.
Denver building permit fees
Fees come from the Building and Land Development Fees (CPD webpage) / Building Code Associated Fees Policy (ADMIN 125 and 138)12, effective 13.
How valuation is set. Higher of ICC Building Valuation Data or applicant-stated value13.
Each line is worded as in Denver’s schedule; formulas are not added up into a total (how permit fees work).
| Fee | Type | As the schedule states it |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee, valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | Flat fee | $1.00 to $500.00 $20.00 012 |
| Building permit fee, valuation $501.00 to $2,000.00 | Flat fee | $501.00 to $2,000.00 $35.00 012 |
| Building permit fee, valuation $2,001.00 to $25,000.00 | Based on project valuation | $2,001.00 to $25,000.00 $35.00 for the first $2,000.00 plus $8.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000.00 50%12 |
| Building permit fee, valuation $25,001.00 to $50,000.00 | Based on project valuation | $25,001.00 to $50,000.00 $220.00 for the first $25,000.00 plus $8.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $50,000.00 50%12 |
| Building permit fee, valuation $50,001.00 to $100,000.00 | Based on project valuation | $50,001.00 to $100,000.00 $420.00 for the first $50,000.00 plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $100,000.00 50%12 |
| Building permit fee, valuation $100,001.00 to $500,000.00 | Based on project valuation | $100,001.00 to $500,000.00 $770.00 for the first $100,000 plus $5.60 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $500,000.00 50%12 |
| Building permit fee, valuation $500,001.00 to $1,000,000.00 | Based on project valuation | $500,001.00 to $1,000,000.00 $3,010.00 for the first $500,000.00 plus $4.75 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $1,000,000.00 50%12 |
| Building permit fee, valuation $1,000,001.00 and over | Based on project valuation | $1,000,001.00 and over $5,385.00 for the first $1,000,000.00 plus $3.65 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof 50%12 |
| Plan review fee | Plan review | 50% of permit fee (valuation over $2,000; $0 for $1-$2,000)12 |
| Same Day Plan Review Fees | Plan review | 20% of permit fee, minimum $100 for projects valued over $2,00012 |
| Solar panel or photovoltaic project | Flat fee | $50 flat fee12 |
| Reinspection / after-hours / non-customary inspections | Re-inspection | $100.00 per hour of inspection12 |
| Reinspection Fee | Re-inspection | $10012 |
| Temporary Certificate of Occupancy | Flat fee | $200.0012 |
| Permit Change of Contractor | Flat fee | $100.0012 |
| Over-height Fence (zoning) | Flat fee | $10012 |
| Zoning Construction Permit Fee, valuation $1 to $500 | Based on project valuation | $1 to $500 $1012 |
| Zoning Construction Permit Fee, valuation $501 to $2,000 | Based on project valuation | $501 to $2,000 $2512 |
| Zoning Construction Permit Fee, valuation $2,001 to $50,000 | Based on project valuation | $2,001 to $50,000 $35 plus $0.50 per $1,000 in valuation or fraction thereof12 |
| Zoning Construction Permit Fee, valuation $50,001 to $100,000 | Based on project valuation | $50,001 to $100,000 $100 plus $0.50 per $1,000 in valuation or fraction thereof12 |
| Zoning Construction Permit Fee, valuation over $100,000 | Based on project valuation | Over $100,000 $150 plus $0.50 per $1,000 in valuation or fraction thereof12 |
| Credit/debit card service fee | Technology surcharge | 2.5 percent12 |
| Quick permit valuation: residential shingle roofs | Per square foot | $5.25 per sq ft valuation (used to compute permit fee via Table No. 1)13 |
How to get a building permit in Denver
- Check property zoning, landmark status and floodplain on the Development Services map14
- Gather documents (site plan, drawings; Certificate of Appropriateness if landmark)15
- Apply online in e-permits: Building Log for plan-reviewed work, Quick Permits for trade/roofing work15
- Pay fees (plan review fee at submittal; permit fees after approvals)13
- Schedule inspections in e-permits once permit status is issued5
- Pass final inspection (108 - Final) to obtain CO where required5
- Apply online
- Yes4
- Over-the-counter permits
- Quick permits (trade, roofing/siding, water heaters) issued without plan review6
- Posting the permit
- Permit displayed or available on job site; address, contractor and permit number posted visible from street1
Permit expiration and extensions
- How long a permit lasts
- Permit may be voided if work not commenced within 60 days, suspended/abandoned 60 days, or no inspection requested for 60 days1
- Extensions
- No extensions for expired applications1
Inspections in Denver
Denver’s inspection stages, in order. Do not cover work until the stage has passed (how inspections work).
- Foundation Inspection (footings, walls, waterproofing)1
- Frame Inspection1
- Insulation Inspection1
- Final Inspection1
- Roofing inspections: 205 pre-inspection, 206 mid-roof/other, 201 final (one- and two-family asphalt shingles: final required, pre-inspection not)5
- How to schedule
- Online via e-permits; completed within 2 business days5
- Re-inspection fee
- $10012
- After the final inspection
- Certificate of Occupancy for new IRC dwellings / changes of occupancy; otherwise final inspection approval or Certificate of Compliance1
Building without a permit in Denver
| Consequence | Applies to | As the city states it | Way to fix it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher permit fee 2025 Denver Commercial Building Code § 138.2 (D.R.M.C. Sec. 10-16 amendments) | Work started without a permit1 | Double the standard permit fee, minimum $1001 | After-the-fact permit reviewed as new construction under current code; late and investigation fees apply1 |
| Investigation fee 2025 Denver Commercial Building Code § 138.3 (D.R.M.C. Sec. 10-16 amendments) | Work commenced without first obtaining a permit1 | Investigation fee equal to the late permit fee1 | Late fees and investigation fees charged on after-the-fact permits1 |
| Criminal penalty 2025 DCBC § 107.3; D.R.M.C. Sec. 1-13 | Any violation of the Denver Building Code without a specific penalty1 | Fine and/or imprisonment within D.R.M.C. Sec. 1-13 limits; each day a separate violation1 | After-the-fact permit reviewed as new construction1 |
| Permit revoked 2025 Denver Commercial Building Code § 131.8 (D.R.M.C. Sec. 10-16 amendments) | Permits issued in error, misrepresentation, violations, dangerous work1 | Suspension or revocation; unlawful to proceed after notice1 | – |
For how unpermitted work is usually legalized, see how to legalize unpermitted work.
Doing the work yourself (owner-builder)
- Homeowner may pull a building permit
- Yes (single-family home owner-occupier only; not ADUs, townhomes, condos or duplexes)15
- Homeowner electrical work
- Yes, after passing a homeowner exam (state license may substitute)15
- Homeowner plumbing work
- Yes, after passing a homeowner exam (state license may substitute)15
- Owner and occupancy requirement
- Must own and occupy for at least 12 months after completion1
- Sale or rental limits
- 5-year wait before a homeowner permit at a separate address1
- Affidavit or declaration
- Signed notice of requirements for owner-occupier permits form15
Colorado's statewide owner-builder and licensing rules are on the Colorado permit guide.
Colorado rules that also apply in Denver
- Deadlines for permit decisions and inspections in Colorado
- Contractor licensing in Colorado
- Selling a home with unpermitted work in Colorado
- Private plan review and inspections in Colorado
Sources
- 2025 Denver Building Code (2nd Printing, November 2025)City and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentPublished November 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- City and County of Denver | ePermit online (Denver's Permitting and Licensing Center)City and County of DenverChecked November 7, 2026
- Community Planning and Development - City and County of DenverCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
- Contact us - Community Planning and DevelopmentCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
- Building Inspections - City and County of DenverCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
- Quick Permits - City and County of DenverCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
- Fences and Walls - City and County of DenverCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
- Residential Sheds - City and County of DenverCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
- Roofing Guide and ChecklistCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentLast updated April 11, 2024Checked November 6, 2026
- Building and Fire Codes - City and County of DenverCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 6, 2026
- Building Permit Policy 25-DCBC 131.2: Code Transition Rules & Application ExpirationCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentEffective December 1, 2025Checked November 6, 2026
- Building and Land Development Fees - City and County of DenverCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
- Building Permit Policy ADMIN 125 and 138: Building and Related FeesCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentRevised May 21, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
- Apply for Permits Online - City and County of DenverCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
- Applying for Permits as a Homeowner - City and County of DenverCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026