Aurora - Arapahoe County portion, COLORADO Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Applies inside Aurora city limits, including the Arapahoe County portion; not for unincorporated Arapahoe County.

Department

Building Division

Address

15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012

Phone

303-739-7420

Email

buildingdivision@auroragov.org

Website

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

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm permit type and gather forms/guides from the Building Division permit page.
2. Apply through Aurora4Biz or coordinate with the Permit Center by email/phone for building code and construction services.
3. City routes plans for review and comments as applicable.
4. Pay permit, plan review, and applicable city/county taxes.
5. Permit is issued; inspections are then requested through Aurora4Biz, email, or phone.

Typical processing time: Not clearly posted on the main public building pages reviewed.

Source: Building Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required before work, including demolition, can begin; permits generally cover building, renovation/improvement, signs, lawns/irrigation, and related structural work.

Required Documents

• Application forms
• Building guides
• Plan review requirements
• Project-specific documentation

Building code

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

Owner-builder

DIY and DIR home-improvement guidance is published, but detailed owner-builder conditions were not clearly stated on the pages reviewed.

Contractor requirements

Aurora licenses contractors locally; electricians and plumbers must have current Colorado state master and contractor licenses on file. Aurora does not issue a separate plumbing or electrical contractor license.

Fees

Plan check fee

Included as a component of permit costs; exact formula not stated on the main fee page reviewed.

Permit fee formula

Permit costs consist of permit fees, plan review fees, and applicable city and county taxes; Aurora provides flat-rate fees, new-construction fees, and a permit fee calculator.

Payment note

Online and in-person payments are supported through Aurora4Biz / the municipal center.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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

Scheduling deadline

Requests after 4:30 p.m. are not added to the next-day schedule.

Time windows

Inspections are typically available as soon as the next business day. Homeowners may request morning or afternoon windows.

Typical inspection sequence: Varies by scope; public guidance states inspections occur at specified stages and may include third-party/special inspections where required.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IFC, IPC, IEBC, IECC, ISPSC, and 2023 NEC
• Verify contractor license: Contractor Licensing and Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Adopted Building Codes
• Inspections & Certificate of Occupancy
• License lookup guide: Colorado Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Colorado Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Colorado hub: Colorado Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Arapahoe County