Applying for Permits as a Homeowner

woman building house Pexels Photo by Mikael BlomkvistOwners of single-family homes in Denver have the option of applying for residential permits without a contractor. Before you decide on a path, please review the requirements on this webpage to see if doing-it-yourself is the route for you.

General Rules

  • The permit(s) must be for a single-family home (may include a garage). A homeowner cannot obtain a permit for work in accessory dwelling units (ADUs), townhomes, condos, or duplexes, even for the unit where you live.

  • You must be the legal owner and resident, and must show a photo I.D. matching the Assessor’s database to verify property ownership. Permits cannot be issued to trusts, LLCs, or corporations.

  • You will need to pass an exam before doing electrical, plumbing, or mechanical/HVAC work. A state license may substitute for electrical or plumbing exams. No exam is needed for general construction or roofing/siding.

  • You must occupy the home for at least one year after work is complete.

  • Homeowners can only receive a permit to construct a new single-family home once every five years. This does not apply to renovations or additions.

  • You are responsible for ensuring work is completed in accordance with all relevant zoning and building codes. 

Choose Your Path

General Contracting

About This Path

Many homeowners want to retain control over their project by acting as their own general contractor. In this case, homeowners who meet the above eligibility requirements can apply for the residential general construction permit and can hire licensed subcontractors, each of whom then apply for their own trade-specific permits. The permit holder bears responsibility for the work covered by the permit.

Process and Documentation

Step 1.Gather Required Documents

  • A written letter of request to act in the capacity of general contractor. The letter must include:
    • name(s) of the property owners,
    • the property address,
    • a statement that you intend to live in the property for 12 months after construction is complete, and
    • a statement that you will hire contractors who are licensed in the City and County of Denver to perform any work you are not doing yourself.
  • A valid Colorado driver’s license or photo I.D. that matches the property owner name listed in the Denver Assessor’s database, which you must show in order to pick up your permit(s).
  • Landmark Preservation Certificate of Appropriateness (if applicable).
    • All projects potentially affecting the exterior of a local landmark or historic district property must receive a Certificate of Appropriateness prior to submitting a permit application, unless the project is a minor interior remodel with NO exterior modifications. See landmark design review information. 

Step 2.Apply Online

  • Register for an e-permits account.
  • Once you are signed in, select "Apply for a permit" under "Development Services."
  • When prompted to select a permit type, select "Building Log" under "submit building plans for review."
  • Follow the prompts to fill out your application and upload all required documents listed above.

Note: Do not submit separately to wastewater (SUDP). SUDP reviews will start automatically when a building permit application is received.

Go to e-permits

Need help? View e-permits tutorials and FAQs

Doing the Work Yourself

About This Path

Unless you have submitted a request in writing to act as your own general contractor and hire licensed subcontractors, the homeowner who applies for the permit must be the person who performs the work covered on the permit. There is an option to use a designated worker (described below).

Process and Documentation

Step 1.Gather Required Documents

  • A valid Colorado driver’s license or photo I.D. that matches the property owner name listed in the Denver Assessor’s database, which you must show in order to take an exam and to pick up your permit(s).
  • Landmark Preservation Certificate of Appropriateness (if applicable).
    • All projects potentially affecting the exterior of a local landmark or historic district property must receive a Certificate of Appropriateness prior to submitting a permit application, unless the project is a minor interior remodel with NO exterior modifications. See landmark design review information. 

Step 2.Take Homeowner Exam (if needed)

If you plan to do electrical, plumbing, or mechanical/HVAC work that will require a permit, you need to either:

  • be a licensed contractor in that field, or
  • pass an exam verifying that you are equipped to do this work. If you are using a designated worker to assist with the work, this individual can also assist with the exam.

Exams are not needed for residential construction or roofing/siding permits.

Homeowner exam times and location

Note: Exams are only available in English at this time.

Step 3.Apply Online

First, register for an e-permits account. Once you are signed in, select "Apply for a permit" under "Development Services." When prompted to select a permit type, use the following guide:

Quick permits

This is for work that does not require a review, and is only inspected in the field. Learn more.

Homeowners obtaining permits in their name (instead of using a licensed contractor) cannot apply for a quick permit using e-permits. Instead, email a copy of your photo I.D. with the required permit application (below). We will process your application and send you an email with instructions on how to use e-permits to pay for the permit. Once you pay online, the permit will be emailed to you.

Email your quick permit

Submit building plans for review > Building Log

"Building log" is the correct choice for most projects. 

  • Register for an e-permits account.
  • Once you are signed in, select "Apply for a permit" under "Development Services."
  • When prompted to select a permit type, select "Building Log" under "submit building plans for review."
  • Follow the prompts to fill out your application and upload all required documents listed above.

Note: Do not submit separately to wastewater (SUDP). SUDP reviews will start automatically when a building permit application is received.

Go to e-permits

Need help? View e-permits tutorials and FAQs

Do I Need a Permit?

Most home construction or repair projects on single-family and duplex structures require a permit. You do not need a permit for the following work:

  • Painting (interior and exterior), papering, tiling, floor coverings, refinishing wood floors, countertops, carpeting, cabinets, curtains, or drapes
  • Replacing like-for-like electrical fixtures, such as lights and fans
  • Replacing like-for-like plumbing fixtures, such as faucets and sinks
  • Reconnecting furnaces, air conditioning units, boilers, or electric water heaters
  • General repairs that do not involve altering or changing the existing plumbing or electrical system
  • Drywall, if patching or replacing one sheet no larger than 4 feet by 8 feet
  • Installing entertainment centers and bookcases, provided that no new electrical outlets are involved

Note: A wastewater, zoning, or fire permit may be required even if a building permit is not.

Important Documents

Tips for Hiring a Contractor

What to consider
  • Get three bids in writing from different contractors.
  • Ask for references.
  • Check their Better Business Bureau listing.
  • Make sure the contractor's insurance policy is current.
  • Verify that your contractor has a current Denver contractor's license.
  • Check that addresses and phone numbers are legitimate on business cards.
  • Make sure you agree to the terms of the contract, including the written scope of work, payment schedule, estimated start and finish dates, and termination clause.
What to avoid
  • Never pay cash.
  • Don't make final payment until building inspections have been approved.
  • Avoid contractors demanding full payment before doing any work.
  • Avoid contractors who will work without a written contract.
  • Avoid contractors who want you to secure permits in your name rather than the contractor’s name. The permit holder is legally responsible for the completion of the job to building code standards.

Related Information

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