Permit Requirements in Denver, CO: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Denver or are thinking about moving there, permit requirements are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Denver has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of permit requirements, and some of them might surprise you.

Shed & Outbuilding Permits

Denver exempts detached accessory structures under 200 square feet from building permits if they do not require a concrete foundation. Sheds over 200 square feet require a building permit from Community Planning and Development.

Key details: Permit Exempt: Under 200 sq ft, no concrete foundation. Setbacks: Must comply with zoning setbacks. Electrical: Requires separate trade permit. E-Permits: Online applications available.

Building without required permit: penalty fees plus retroactive permit costs. Non-compliant structures may require modification or removal.

Fence Permits

Most residential fences in Denver do not require a building permit. Standard fences 6 feet or under in side/rear yards and 4 feet or under in front yards are exempt. Masonry walls and retaining walls over 4 feet require permits.

Key details: Permit Exempt: Standard fences 6 ft or under. Front Yard: 4 ft max, no permit needed. Masonry/Concrete: Always requires permit. Retaining Walls: Permit required over 4 ft.

Fences exceeding height limits: notice to correct. Masonry walls without permit: fines and required retroactive permitting.

Denver is more permissive than most cities when it comes to fence permits. That said, there are still limits.

Deck & Patio Permits

Denver requires building permits for most deck construction, especially elevated decks. Patios at grade level generally do not require permits. Decks must comply with setback, lot coverage, and structural code requirements.

Key details: Permit Required: Yes for most elevated decks. Patios at Grade: Generally no permit needed. Guardrails: Required at 30 inches above grade. Online Permits: Available through e-permits.

Building without permit: retroactive permit fees plus penalty. Non-compliant structures may require modification or removal.

Renovation Permits

Denver requires building permits for most home renovations including structural changes, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical work. Minor cosmetic work like painting and flooring does not require permits. Denver offers online permitting through its e-permits system.

Key details: Structural Changes: Permit required. Cosmetic Work: Generally no permit. Express Permits: Available for simple projects. Penalty: Typically 2x permit cost for unpermitted work.

Unpermitted work: penalty fees (typically 2x permit cost), retroactive permit required. Concealed unpermitted work may need to be exposed for inspection.

The Bottom Line

Denver's permit requirements rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Denver is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Denver's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.