Do I need a (Denver) building permit?
You have a vision for your home improvement project, but do you need a building permit to carry out that work? A building permit is a legal document that allows you to carry out certain types of construction work on your property. It ensures that your project complies with local building codes, safety standards, and zoning regulations. However, not every project needs a permit, and the requirements vary from city to city. In this blog post, we will explain what work does and does not require a building permit in Denver, Colorado.
In general, any work on your home that isn’t purely aesthetic and deals with building codes, life safety, water management, or zoning requires a building permit, no matter how small.
You DO NOT need a permit in Denver for the following residential work:
Painting (interior and exterior), papering, tiling, floor coverings, refinishing wood floors, countertops, carpeting, cabinets, curtains, or drapes
Replacing like-for-like electrical fixtures, such as lights and fans
Replacing like-for-like plumbing fixtures, such as faucets and sinks
Reconnecting furnaces, air conditioning units, boilers, or electric water heaters
General repairs that do not involve altering or changing the existing plumbing or electrical system
Drywall, if patching or replacing one sheet no larger than 4 feet by 8 feet
Installing entertainment centers and bookcases, provided that no new electrical outlets are involved
You DO NOT need a building permit, but you MAY need a Wastewater Management, Zoning Administration, Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, or Fire Department permit for the following residential work:
One-story detached non-conditioned accessory buildings or structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, not to exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2) of projected roof area, an 8-ft (2438 mm) top plate height, nor 14-ft (4267 mm) maximum height to any point. Heights shall be measured from lowest adjacent grade to the accessory structure. A maximum of two lights and two receptacles are permitted with a valid electrical permit.
Fences of any type not over 4 feet (1220 mm) high. Posthole-dug fences up to 6 feet (2440 mm) high, such as chain link, cedar pine, redwood, and wrought iron. However, any fence providing a barrier for a swimming pool or spa requires a permit.
Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1750 mm) high
Retaining walls which are not over 4 feet (1220 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids. Permits shall be required through the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure for all retaining walls constructed in association with water detention or retention ponds.
Flatwork (hardscape) including sidewalks, ramps, and driveways less than 30 inches (760 mm) above grade, not over any basement or story below and not part of an accessible route.
Uncovered decks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by the Denver Residential Code.
Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets or scenery.
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of one- and two-family dwellings, townhouse units, Group R-3 and Group U Occupancies when projecting not more than 54 inches (1370 mm) over privately owned property and do not require additional support.
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to one- and two-family dwellings, townhouse units, and Group R-3 Occupancies that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons (18 925 L) and are installed entirely above ground.
Replacement of glass not in hazardous locations
Site development work including grading, water detention/retention ponds and soil erosion control. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will require permits for this type of work.
Tents, 200 sq. ft. or less and freestanding canopies with a covering of fabric or pliable material 400 sq. ft. (37 m2) or less, open on 3 or more sides
Membrane structures, including tents and canopies of any size, erected for a period of less than 180 days. The Fire Department will require permits for this type of work.
Illuminated and non-illuminated signs of the following types do not require a construction permit. Illuminated signs require an electrical permit. a. Cloth signs mounted directly on a wall. b. Wall signs not exceeding 200 sq. ft. (19 m2) in area. c. Ground signs not exceeding 150 sq. ft. (14 m2) in area, or not exceeding 6 feet in height to the top of the sign. d. Projecting signs not exceeding 2.5 sq. ft. (0.23 m2).
Replacement of awning fabrics
Replacement of windows with no structural alterations and no change in size of opening in one- and two-family dwellings and townhouse units.
Swings, playsets, slides, treehouses, and other playground equipment intended for children’s use whether premanufactured or custom-built.
You DO need a building permit for the following residential work:
New construction homes
New construction attached and detached garages
New additions
Adding an exterior entrance to your basement
Removing or adding walls
Renovations of bathrooms where the layout is changing
Renovations of the kitchen where the layout is changing
Enlarging existing windows
Adding a deck
Moving stairs
Converting existing space to a new use, such as converting a garage to living space.
You DO need a mechanical permit for work that involves disconnection and reconnection of any of the following:
Natural gas line (except replacement of gas valve with like unit)
Flue vent from fuel-fired appliance
Refrigerant line
Steam line or hot water line
Safety controls on high pressure boilers
You DO need an electrical permit for most residential electrical work unless the work is general repairs and replacement of like units.
You DO need a plumbing permit for most residential plumbing work unless the work is general repairs and replacement of like units.