City Building Permits

Arvada, COLORADO Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Arvada, Colorado. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Colorado Jefferson County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Applies within Arvada city limits, including Jefferson County portions of the city. Separate right-of-way, utility, fire, or planning approvals may apply depending on project type.

Department
City of Arvada Building Services / Building Inspection Division
Address
8101 Ralston Road, Arvada, CO 80002
Phone
720-898-7620
Website
https://www.arvadaco.gov/332/Building-Permits

Online Permit Portal

Open Arvada Permits

Platform: eTRAKiT • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Check the project-specific permit page and determine whether online submission is available.
  2. Create a public account or contractor login at arvadapermits.org.
  3. Submit the application online through eTRAKiT, or email/drop off paper materials if that permit type is not offered online.
  4. Upload plans and attachments where required; permit valuation is reviewed against city valuation tables.
  5. Respond to plan review comments in the permit site if review is required.
  6. Pay permit, plan review, use tax, and any trade/inspection fees.
  7. Once status is Issued, schedule inspections online or via the automated inspection line.

Typical processing time: Permits without plan review are typically issued within 1 business day of a complete submission; major projects like new single-family and commercial projects may take 4 to 6 weeks for first plan review.

Source: City of Arvada Building Services / Building Inspection Division

General Requirements

The city publishes project-specific permit pages and notes that permits are required for a wide range of residential and commercial work; for example, exterior structures, decks, additions, detached accessory structures over threshold size, pools, and most trade replacements.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Plans and attachments as required by permit type
  • Valuation
  • Project-specific documentation such as engineering letters, soils reports, or system documentation where applicable
Permit validity
Public permit pages reference expired permits but do not clearly publish a general expiration rule on the main permit page; verify at issuance or on the adopted code page.
Building code
Arvada is operating under its current adopted building code set pending a 2026 update; the city directs applicants to its Building Code Adoption resources for the active code set.
Owner-builder
Owner-occupants may apply for residential permits on structures they occupy; commercial permits must be obtained by a licensed contractor.
Contractor requirements
Contractors working in Arvada must hold the appropriate City of Arvada license; homeowners performing work on their own owner-occupied residence are not required to hold a contractor license.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$34.00 valuation-based minimum; many simple permit types also have flat fees, such as $45 for certain residential solar and retaining-wall permits
Plan check fee
Charged where required; examples on permit pages include $32.50 for certain simple online permits; full schedule varies by permit type
Permit fee formula
Permit fee plus plan check if required plus use tax and trade/inspection fees; valuation is based on actual contract value or the city building valuation table, whichever is higher
Reinspection fee
Inspection fees are part of total permit cost; project-specific extra fees may apply
Penalty (no permit)
Project-specific extra fees may apply; check the administrative fee schedule and permit type page
Payment note
Fees may be paid online, in person, or by phone; city accepts cash, check, and major credit cards.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026 administrative fee schedule).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Arvada Building Services / Building Inspection Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Scheduling deadline
Schedule until 6 a.m. of desired inspection date
Inspection hours
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Time windows
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Varies by permit type; required inspections are listed in the permit record and commonly include footing/foundation, rough trades, framing, insulation, and final.

Someone age 18 or older must be available during inspection; weather events may affect next-business-day completion.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Arvada Building Services / Building Inspection Division before applying.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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