Brighton, COLORADO Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Brighton issues permits within Brighton city limits, including the Adams County portion of the city.

Department

City of Brighton Community Development, Building Permitting Division

Address

500 S. 4th Avenue, Brighton, CO 80601

Phone

303-655-2017

Email

1stop@brightonco.gov

Website

https://www.brightonco.gov/1199/Permitting

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Create an OpenGov account for permits or contractor licensing.
2. Select the permit type and complete the online application.
3. Upload stamped plans, permit documents, and any supporting trade or site materials.
4. Respond to plan-review comments and provide any missing materials.
5. Pay fees through the portal.
6. Print the approved stamped plans and permit card from the portal and keep them on site for inspections.

Typical processing time: Building Division inspections are generally next day; the city does not post one single permit-turnaround number on the main permitting page reviewed.

Source: City of Brighton Community Development, Building Permitting Division

General Requirements

Brighton requires permits for regulated building work; emergency repairs and replacements for water heaters, heating systems, and water or sewer services can proceed first but the permit application must be made by the next business day and the work cannot be concealed.

Required Documents

• Online application
• Plan set
• Permit card
• Project-specific submittals
• Contractor-license documentation where required

Permit validity

Not clearly summarized on the public permit page reviewed.

Building code

Brighton municipal code Chapter 15 and current permit materials indicate city-adopted building and trade codes; verify exact current code package by permit date with the Building Official.

Owner-builder

Brighton code excerpts state an owner may perform work on his or her own personal residence and accessory buildings, but may construct only one personal residence within three consecutive years under that exception.

Contractor requirements

Brighton requires contractor licenses for general, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical contractors; applicants sign up in OpenGov and pay the required application fees; insurance is required.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$23.50 for valuation from $1 to $500

Plan check fee

65 percent of permit fee

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based building permit fee schedule plus plan review fees, use tax, and other adopted charges.

Penalty (no permit)

$350 review fee for change orders in land-use development materials

Payment note

Fees are paid through OpenGov; plans and permit cards must then be printed from the portal.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Brighton Community Development, Building Permitting Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Portal (online)
• Homeowner Inspection Line 303-655-2151 (phone)
• General inspection questions 303-655-2017 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Requests should be made before 4:00 p.m. for next-business-day inspection when available.

Inspection hours

For arrival windows call between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on inspection day; city hall and Community Development close at noon on Fridays.

Typical inspection sequence: Permit issuance, staged inspections before concealment, final inspection, and CO where applicable.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Brighton municipal code Chapter 15 and current permit materials indicate city-adopted building and trade codes; verify exact current code package by permit date with the Building Official.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Inspections
• Contractor Licensing
• Development Services
• 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