Aurora - Adams County portion, COLORADO Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Aurora issues permits within Aurora city limits, including the Adams County portion of Aurora; projects outside Aurora city limits fall to the applicable city or county.

Department

City of Aurora Building Division, Permit Center

Address

15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012

Phone

303-739-7420

Email

permitcounter@auroragov.org

Website

https://www.auroragov.org/business_services/building_division/permits

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm scope, code, and permit type using Aurora permit pages, building guides, and adopted code pages.
2. Apply online through Aurora4Biz or coordinate with the Permit Center for in-person support.
3. Upload plans, forms, and supporting documents required for plan review.
4. Respond to review comments and obtain all department approvals.
5. Pay permit fees and any tax amounts due.
6. Receive issued permit, keep approved plans on site, then schedule inspections.

Typical processing time: Not posted on the main Aurora permit page; inspection scheduling is next day if requested before published cutoffs.

Source: City of Aurora Building Division, Permit Center

General Requirements

Aurora requires permits for regulated construction and related work including building, sign, lawn and irrigation, chicken, and public improvement permits.

Required Documents

• Permit application
• Plans and drawings as applicable
• Specifications and calculations as applicable
• Building guides and forms
• Trade-specific supporting materials

Permit validity

Not clearly stated on the main public permit page; confirm current expiration rules with the Permit Center and adopted code.

Building code

2021 IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IFC, IPC, IEBC, IECC, ISPSC, and 2023 NEC.

Owner-builder

Aurora publishes DIY and owner-directed home-improvement guidance for homeowner work.

Contractor requirements

Aurora contractor license required for most contractor work; plumbing and electrical contractors rely on current Colorado master and contractor licenses on file with Aurora.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Flat-rate permits start at $95 on Aurora's 2025 flat-rate fee sheet.

Plan check fee

Included in applicable valuation-based calculations; some flat-rate permits bundle review.

Permit fee formula

Mix of flat-rate permit fees and valuation-based permit fee calculator plus use tax.

Payment note

Online and in-person payment options are available through Aurora4Biz and the Permit Center.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Aurora Building Division, Permit Center to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Aurora4Biz portal (online)
• inspectionrequests@auroragov.org (email)
• 303-739-7420 (phone)
• 303-739-7412 (fax)

Scheduling deadline

Online cutoff is 5:45 a.m. day of inspection; phone requests are taken Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Inspection hours

Online requests accepted at any time for next-day inspections

Typical inspection sequence: Permit issuance, staged trade/building inspections before concealment, final inspections, then CO/TCO if applicable.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IFC, IPC, IEBC, IECC, ISPSC, and 2023 NEC.
• Verify contractor license:
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Development Center - Inspections & CO
• License lookup guide: Colorado Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Colorado Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Colorado hub: Colorado Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Adams County