Residential Construction Permits
 Questions? Minimize
Contact the Residential 
Permit Counter - Community Planning and Development
phone: 720-865-2710 
 
Permit Questions:
 
 
 
 Print   

LOCATE IT!
Find city services near your home or business.
 
DECK: Permit Application Checklist

Minimize

Residential Permit Counter - Community Planning and Development

Webb Municipal Building, 2nd floor
201 W. Colfax Ave
Denver CO 80202

Phone:  720-865-2710

For directions to our office, click here.
 
This checklist provides a general overview of the permit application process to build a new deck attached or adjacent to your house at the same grade, a new multi-level deck or a new deck which is above grade. For questions concerning the policies, procedures, and laws governing permits, please come in person to the Permit Counter at the address above, call 311, or follow the links provided below. 
 

Click here to refer to Building Advisory on Accessory Structures.


 
Verify Property and Zoning Information
 
Before you begin designing your project, check to make sure your project is in compliance with your neighborhood zoning, historic district guidelines, planned unit development specification and homeowner's covenants. To research special guidelines that may apply to your property, choose from the links below:
 

Required?

Verify my property Lot Number, Legal Address and Proof of Ownership

R

Verify neighborhood zoning restrictions

R

Verify historic district status

No

Verify planned unit development or planned building group specifications  

No

Verify designated parkway setback restrictions

No

Verify designated view preservation area restrictions

No

Verify if my property sits above underground utilities? If your project involves excavation or expansion of the footprint of an existing structure, or the addition of a new structure, you must contact the Utility Notification Center of Colorado to mark underground utilities for your project. Please call 1-800-922-1987
  

R
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

R

 
Determine Who Will Do the Work
 
If you have been living at your primary address for more than one year, you may complete several types of projects yourselfwithout hiring a contractor—by passing a homeowner exam offered by the City and County of Denver. See below for more details.
 

Who Can do the Work?

Required Licenses / Homeowner Exams

Homeowner
R

* Electrical Test (if installing outdoor electrical service)


* Gas Pipe Installation Test (if installing outdoor gas fireplace)
 
* Plumbing Test (if installing outdoor sink)
Contractor

R

Class C Residential Contractor License

or a combination of:

Class D License–Open Deck Installer License or Framing License

* Heating and Ventilating License (if installing outdoor gas fireplace)


* Plumbing License (if installing outdoor sink)
 
Electrical License (if installing outdoor electrical service)
 
Friends/ Family
helper
only
Must file designated worker form
About Selecting a  Contractor
 
Selecting a contractor is an important decision for all consumers.  Construction contractors are required to be licensed in Denver to ensure qualified individuals perform work in accordance with Denver's Building Code.  You should also insist on proof that the contractor is insured and bonded. Check with the insurance company that the contractor's policy is current. Beware of unscrupulous contractors that suggest you, as the homeowner, secure the permit in your name. The permit holder is legally responsible for the completion of the job to code standards.
 
Application Process
 
Applications and payments must be submitted in person Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m to the above address.  
 
Due to high volume, we advise that you begin the process before 3:00 p.m. in order to complete everything before we close. To speed processing, please submit documents with complete and accurate information.
REQUIRED PERMITS AND  FEES 
 
Option

Permit Type

Fee
Basic
(over 3ft high)
1R Permit: Alteration, Construction, Repair type work on Single Family Residences, Duplexes and Accessory Structures
Link
With installation of
outdoor electrical
service
#3 Permit: Electric Link
With installation of outdoor gas log fireplace #9 Permit: Gas Logs Link
With outdoor sink #4 Permit:  Plumbing Link
                                  Other Agency Permits
Zoning
(only if 12" high or taller)
Construction and Use Permit Link
 
DOCUMENTATION AND REQUIRED INFORMATION
 

Homeowner

Contractor

Property Address. Must supply a valid Denver address.

R

R

Proof of Ownership. Acceptable proof of ownership includes:  Recent Denver Property Tax Statement, recorded Deed, or if recently closed on a home--closing papers with settlement page showing recording fees paid.

R

Photo ID. Acceptable identification includes: a driver’s license or a non-driver’s ID issued by a State Department of Motor Vehicle

R

R

Proof of License. Must include one of the following:  Original Denver contractor's license (photocopy not accepted), license card, a company check, or a company credit card

R

Proof of Completed Homeowner Test. (If work is to be done by homeowner. For more information see section number 2 above on "Who Will Do the Work?"

R

Designated Worker Form. (If homeowner will get assistance from family or friends.)

R

 

Description of Work. A description of the work that includes square footage, length, sizes, etc of materials being installed. 

Provide structural details for your project.   View the examples provided by the Colorado Chapter of the ICC for basements, garages, decks, roofs, additions, patio covers and enclosing a patio.  The examples based on the 2006 ICC Code are located at:  Building Guides

R

R

Fair Market Value of Project.  An amount a contractor might charge equal to labor, material, profit and overhead.

R

R

2 Copies of Site Plan.  A map of your site showing dimensions of your project or addition and its relationship to existing buildings or structures on the property and the distance to existing property lines drawn to scale.
Determine Size, Height, & Location as noted above in #1.

R

R

2 Copies of Floor Plan and Structural Details.

R

R

*If installing outdoor gas log fireplace
Make and Model of Gas Log Set

*

*

*If installing outdoor gas log fireplace
Copy of Manufacturer Documents.
Manufacturer instructions and documentation that log set has been tested.

*

*

 
 Approval Process
a. Estimated Processing Time: 30 - 60 Minutes

This project requires review of your drawings and permit application(s). Due to volume of applicants, you may experience extended wait times prior to application processing. 
 
Due to high volume, we advise that you begin the process before 3:00 p.m. in order to complete everything before we close. To speed processing, please submit documents with complete and accurate information.
 

Required?

Application Review

R

Plan Review and Drawings
(See "Documentation and Required Information" above.)

R

b. Payment and Issuance
 
Upon approval of your permit application, you will be required to pay fees at our Cashier’s Desk where your permit will be issued.  
 
c. Permit Display
 

Once issued, permits should be displayed in the front window of the property or other visible location where the inspector will have access.

 Required Inspections 
 
Required?

Rough-In

[100] Construction Footing Inspection 
After trenches are excavated, forms are in place and braced, but  prior to concrete being poured.
 

R

[112] Construction Frame Inspection 
After the roof, excluding permanent roof covering, wall, ceiling, and floor framing is complete.

R

* If installing outdoor electrical service
[303] Electrical Rough-In Inspection 

Prior to being covered by insulation and drywall.

*

* If installing outdoor gas log fireplace
[901] Mechanical Pressure Test
When the gas piping is installed and before it is connected to the supply or the log.  Pressure testing is done during rough inspection.  Line must be pressurized with compressed air before the inspector arrives.

*

* If installing an outdoor sink
[401] Plumbing Rough-In Inspection 
After pipes are installed and prior to being covered.

*

Final

[108] Construction Final Inspection

Schedule when all work is complete.

R

* If installing outdoor electrical service
[303] Electrical Final Inspection 
Schedule when all work is complete.

*

*If installing outdoor gas log fireplace
[901] Mechanical Final Inspection 

Schedule when all work is complete.

*

*If installing an outdoor sink
[401] Plumbing Final Inspection 
Schedule when all work is complete.

 

*

Automated Inspection Request System
 
Call our Automated Inspection Request System at 720-865-2501 to schedule an inspection 24-hours a day. Inspection requests received before 10:00 p.m. will usually be scheduled for the following work day. Occasionally an inspection is scheduled for a later date due to volume of workload. To schedule an inspection using the automated system you will need:

• The permit number which is printed on the bottom of your permit.
• Three-digit inspection code for the inspection type requested.  To determine which inspection code to use see above, or for additional inspection information see the Inspection Type Directory.
 At the end of your call, you will be given a verification number and the inspection date. To find out the approximate time of an inspection, contact our office the morning of the scheduled inspection between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m..
 
Fax Request System (Use only if automated system is down.)
 
You may also fax your inspection request to 720-865-2675. Each inspection request should be faxed separately. Indicate the contractor's name, type of permit, type of inspection to be performed (Frame, Foot, Found, W.S., Rough, Final, Partial, Service) and the exact address with unit or floor number. Also include the permit number and the name of the person requesting the inspection.
 Print   

 Most Requested Minimize
 Print   

3-1-1 Home