City and County of Denver, CO - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Quick Start

Permit Authority

Denver is a consolidated city-county. Building permits for property inside Denver city-county limits are administered by CPD through Denver Development Services. Depending on project type, permit review may also include other Denver agencies such as DOTI, Denver Fire Department, Denver Parks and Recreation, Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, Excise and Licenses, Climate Action Sustainability and Resiliency, and Housing Stability.

Department

City and County of Denver, Community Planning and Development (CPD), Plan Review, Permits and Inspections / Denver Development Services

Address

Wellington E. Webb Municipal Building, 201 W. Colfax Ave., Dept. 205, Denver, CO 80202

Phone

720-865-2700

Email

developmentservices@denvergov.org

Website

https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Community-Planning-and-Development/Plan-Review-Permits-and-Inspections

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm project scope, zoning, and permit path. Denver notes that permits are required for most construction, alteration, or repair work on private property. Determine whether the project is a full plan review permit, a same-day or quick permit, a zoning permit only, or a homeowner permit.
2. Verify applicant eligibility. If using a contractor, confirm the contractor holds the required Denver contractor license for the work. If applying as a homeowner, confirm owner-occupier eligibility and exam requirements before applying.
3. Create or sign into an E-permits account and prepare the application package. Denver commonly requires address and scope information, project valuation, construction drawings, and a site plan for residential regulated work, plus any discipline-specific forms or agency approvals that apply.
4. Submit the application and upload plans in E-permits. Denver performs a completeness check first. Incomplete applications or plans can be returned for corrections before substantive review begins.
5. Pay plan review fees when invoiced. The project is then routed for concurrent or sequential review by CPD and any other required city agencies or utilities. Review comments are issued through E-permits and the applicant resubmits revised plans until all reviews are approved.
6. After approvals, satisfy issuance requirements. This can include attaching the licensed contractor to the permit record if required, resolving final conditions, and paying permit and related fees.
7. Permit is issued electronically through E-permits. The permit holder proceeds with construction, keeps the permit record available on site, and schedules required inspections before concealment of work and before final occupancy/use.

Typical processing time: Denver does not publish one fixed permit turnaround. CPD publishes a live Average Plan Review Times dashboard based on current 90-day averages and notes that E-permits due dates may not reflect actual current workload. For a recent dated benchmark, CPD stated on January 19, 2024 that single-family and duplex residential reviews were averaging about 2 to 4 weeks at that time.

Source: City and County of Denver, Community Planning and Development (CPD), Plan Review, Permits and Inspections / Denver Development Services

General Requirements

Denver states permits are required for most construction, alteration, or repair work on private property. Under the 2025 Denver Building Code, an owner or authorized agent must first obtain the required permit before erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, improving, removing, converting, demolishing, equipping, using, occupying, or maintaining a building or structure, or installing, altering, repairing, removing, converting, or replacing regulated building service equipment.

Required Documents

• Application data
• Scope of work
• Valuation
• Architectural and structural plans
• MEP plans as applicable
• Site plan for buildings and structures regulated by the Denver Residential Code
• Energy documentation
• Engineering reports or calculations when required
• Related approvals such as zoning, landmark, sewer use and drainage, floodplain, forestry, or fire/life-safety reviews

Permit validity

Application expiration is generally 180 days after the most recent agency review if no permit is issued, with limited extensions possible by written request; the application also expires if the plan review fee is not paid within 45 days after notice. For issued construction permits, Denver code states a permit becomes null and void if work is not commenced within 60 days from issuance, if work is suspended or abandoned for 60 days after commencement, or if no inspection request is made for 60 days. Demolition permits have shorter commencement and inactivity limits.

Building code

The operative code set as of March 25, 2026 is the 2025 Denver Building and Fire Codes, adopted June 13, 2025 and effective December 31, 2025. Denver states these codes incorporate the 2024 International Codes except the Energy Code, which incorporates the 2021 IECC. Denver also notes that it follows the 2023 NEC adopted at the state level.

Owner-builder

Denver allows homeowner permits only for owner-occupiers of one-family dwellings and accessory structures, subject to strict limits. Homeowner permits are not available for ADUs, townhomes, condos, or duplex units under the homeowner path described by Denver. The owner-occupier or authorized agent must obtain the permit, pass required homeowner exams for certain trades, and perform the permitted work unless approved to act as the general contractor and hire licensed Denver contractors. Denver's current homeowner permit policy also imposes a one-address-in-five-years limitation and requires the owner to own and occupy the dwelling or agree to do so for at least 12 months after completion.

Contractor requirements

Denver contractor licensing is local. Denver states contractor licensing is a two-step process: the applicant must hold a supervisor certificate or a state electrical or plumbing license, or employ someone who does, before applying for a Denver contractor license. Electrical contractors must submit a current State of Colorado Electrical Contractor card with their Denver application. Denver states plumbing contractors must renew their state contractor card and master plumber card with DORA before renewing the Denver plumbing contractor license. Except where a valid owner-occupier permit applies, Denver directs that licensed Denver contractors obtain permits and perform the work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$20.00 for valuation from $1.00 to $500.00; $35.00 for valuation from $501.00 to $2,000.00

Plan check fee

Standard plan review fee is generally 50 percent of the calculated permit fee for valuation-based building permits over $2,000. Express or same-day reviews and demolition projects are assessed a 20 percent plan review fee with a $100 minimum. Master plan reviews are charged at 50 percent of the calculated permit fee for each unique master plan, and type-approved permits are charged at 10 percent of the permit fee.

Permit fee formula

Primarily valuation-based for building permits. Current published schedule shows permit fees escalating by valuation bracket, for example $35 for the first $2,000 plus $8 per additional $1,000 or fraction from $2,001 to $25,000, then lower marginal rates at higher valuation bands. Denver's fee policy states total valuation includes labor, materials, profit, overhead, finish work, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, elevators, fire-extinguishing systems, and other permanent equipment.

Reinspection fee

$100.00 per hour. After-hours inspections must be prepaid and have a two-hour minimum charge.

Payment note

Denver allows many fees to be paid online through E-permits by credit card or electronic check. CPD cashier counter payments are also accepted in person at 201 W. Colfax Ave., second floor, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Denver's E-permits FAQ states that beginning December 9, 2025, online credit and debit card payments incur a 2.5 percent convenience fee, while electronic check payments do not incur a fee.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet, except utility sheds, pool houses, structures accessory to Group E occupancies, and structures accessory to mercantile occupancies
• Fences not over 4 feet high and not over retaining walls; fences over 6 feet may still require a zoning permit
• Retaining walls not more than 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, if not supporting a surcharge and not impounding certain liquid materials
• Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade, not over a basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route
• Painting, papering, tiling, cabinetry, countertops, floor coverings, and similar finish work
• Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery
• Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancies that are less than 24 inches deep, under 5,000 gallons, and installed entirely above ground
• Playground equipment for detached one-family and two-family dwellings
• Window awnings in Group R-3 and Group U occupancies when projecting no more than 54 inches and not requiring additional support, if not projecting into the public right-of-way
• Movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high
• Ramps that comply with Denver Building Code Section 11A.1.3 or Denver Residential Code Section AJ501
• Temporary structures associated with an active permit, when the temporary structure permit is submitted with the related construction permit
• Police camera poles

Inspections

How to Schedule

• E-permits portal (online)
• Inspection administration at 720-865-2505 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at 201 W. Colfax Ave., second floor

Time windows

Denver states inspections will be completed within 2 business days. After-hours or same-day inspections can be requested for additional fees where available.

Typical inspection sequence: Denver Building Code Section 136.2 lists required inspections as applicable, including footing and foundation; lowest floor elevation in flood hazard areas; concrete slabs and under-floor inspections; frame and masonry; lath and gypsum board; fire-resistant penetrations and joints; energy-efficiency items such as wall and ceiling envelope and duct systems before concealment; electrical, mechanical, plumbing, elevator and fire system inspections by the applicable discipline; special inspections where required; and final inspection before occupancy or certificate issuance. Denver's construction inspection page also notes that COs and TCOs are processed only after required final inspections and agency approvals are recorded on the permit.

Additional Resources

• Building code: The operative code set as of March 25, 2026 is the 2025 Denver Building and Fire Codes, adopted June 13, 2025 and effective December 31, 2025. Denver states these codes incorporate the 2024 International Codes except the Energy Code, which incorporates the 2021 IECC. Denver also notes that it follows the 2023 NEC adopted at the state level.
• Verify contractor license: Contractor Licensing
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Denver Zoning Code
• Zoning Map
• Building and Fire Codes
• 2025 Denver Building Code PDF
• Contact CPD
• Permit Office
• Average Plan Review Times
• License lookup guide: Colorado Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Colorado Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Colorado hub: Colorado Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

City and County of Denver Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in City and County of Denver, CO?

Denver states permits are required for most construction, alteration, or repair work on private property. Under the 2025 Denver Building Code, an owner or authorized agent must first obtain the required permit before erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, improving, removing, converting, demolishing, equipping, using, occupying, or maintaining a building or structure, or installing, altering, repairing, removing, converting, or replacing regulated building service equipment.

How much does a building permit cost in City and County of Denver, CO?

Building permit fees in City and County of Denver, CO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $20.00 for valuation from $1.00 to $500.00; $35.00 for valuation from $501.00 to $2,000.00. Fees are calculated as: Primarily valuation-based for building permits. Current published schedule shows permit fees escalating by valuation bracket, for example $35 for the first $2,000 plus $8 per additional $1,000 or fraction from $2,001 to $25,000, then lower marginal rates at higher valuation bands. Denver's fee policy states total valuation includes labor, materials, profit, overhead, finish work, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, elevators, fire-extinguishing systems, and other permanent equipment.. Plan check fee: Standard plan review fee is generally 50 percent of the calculated permit fee for valuation-based building permits over $2,000. Express or same-day reviews and demolition projects are assessed a 20 percent plan review fee with a $100 minimum. Master plan reviews are charged at 50 percent of the calculated permit fee for each unique master plan, and type-approved permits are charged at 10 percent of the permit fee..

How do I apply for a building permit in City and County of Denver, CO?

To apply for a building permit in City and County of Denver, CO, follow these steps: 1. Confirm project scope, zoning, and permit path. Denver notes that permits are required for most construction, alteration, or repair work on private property. Determine whether the project is a full plan review permit, a same-day or quick permit, a zoning permit only, or a homeowner permit. 2. Verify applicant eligibility. If using a contractor, confirm the contractor holds the required Denver contractor license for the work. If applying as a homeowner, confirm owner-occupier eligibility and exam requirements before applying. 3. Create or sign into an E-permits account and prepare the application package. Denver commonly requires address and scope information, project valuation, construction drawings, and a site plan for residential regulated work, plus any discipline-specific forms or agency approvals that apply. 4. Submit the application and upload plans in E-permits. Denver performs a completeness check first. Incomplete applications or plans can be returned for corrections before substantive review begins. 5. Pay plan review fees when invoiced. The project is then routed for concurrent or sequential review by CPD and any other required city agencies or utilities. Review comments are issued through E-permits and the applicant resubmits revised plans until all reviews are approved. 6. After approvals, satisfy issuance requirements. This can include attaching the licensed contractor to the permit record if required, resolving final conditions, and paying permit and related fees. 7. Permit is issued electronically through E-permits. The permit holder proceeds with construction, keeps the permit record available on site, and schedules required inspections before concealment of work and before final occupancy/use.

How long does it take to get a building permit in City and County of Denver, CO?

Building permit processing times in City and County of Denver, CO typically run Denver does not publish one fixed permit turnaround. CPD publishes a live Average Plan Review Times dashboard based on current 90-day averages and notes that E-permits due dates may not reflect actual current workload. For a recent dated benchmark, CPD stated on January 19, 2024 that single-family and duplex residential reviews were averaging about 2 to 4 weeks at that time.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

What work is exempt from building permits in City and County of Denver, CO?

Not all construction work requires a permit in City and County of Denver, CO. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet, except utility sheds, pool houses, structures accessory to Group E occupancies, and structures accessory to mercantile occupancies; Fences not over 4 feet high and not over retaining walls; fences over 6 feet may still require a zoning permit; Retaining walls not more than 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, if not supporting a surcharge and not impounding certain liquid materials; Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade, not over a basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route; Painting, papering, tiling, cabinetry, countertops, floor coverings, and similar finish work; Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery; Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancies that are less than 24 inches deep, under 5,000 gallons, and installed entirely above ground; Playground equipment for detached one-family and two-family dwellings; Window awnings in Group R-3 and Group U occupancies when projecting no more than 54 inches and not requiring additional support, if not projecting into the public right-of-way; Movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high; Ramps that comply with Denver Building Code Section 11A.1.3 or Denver Residential Code Section AJ501; Temporary structures associated with an active permit, when the temporary structure permit is submitted with the related construction permit; Police camera poles. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

How do I schedule a building inspection in City and County of Denver, CO?

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in City and County of Denver, CO via: E-permits portal, Inspection administration at 720-865-2505.