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Centennial, CO Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Deck/patio setback
Per LDC § 12-3-601
Max deck surface height
Second-floor level of house
Max patio coverage
60% of rear yard
Patio design condition
No added stormwater runoff

Summary

Centennial ties deck and patio placement to the residential setback table in LDC § 12-3-601, caps deck height at the second floor of the house, and limits patios to 60 percent of the rear yard with a no-added-runoff design condition.

Decks and balconies shall be set back as required by Section 12-3-601, Exceptions to Residential Setback Standards. No deck shall have a surface that is elevated higher than the level of the second floor of the principal building... Patios may occupy 60 percent of the rear yard, provided that they are designed so that they will not cause additional stormwater runoff onto adjacent properties compared to the conditions that existed prior to the development of the patio.

View official code

Full Breakdown

LDC § 12-3-604 governs decks, balconies, patios, and porches. Decks and balconies must meet the setbacks set out in § 12-3-601, and a deck's surface can't sit higher than the level of the principal building's second floor, though balconies may rise above it. Patios carry the same § 12-3-601 setback and can cover up to 60 percent of the rear yard, but only if designed so they don't send extra stormwater onto neighboring lots. Enclosed porches must meet the same standards as the building they're attached to, while open porches get limited setback encroachment allowances under § 12-3-601.

Violations & Fines

Building a deck or patio that ignores the § 12-3-601 setback, raising a deck above the second-floor line, or covering more than 60 percent of the rear yard with a patio violates LDC § 12-3-604 and can force a redesign.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much of my back yard can a patio cover in Centennial?
Up to 60 percent of the rear yard, and the patio must be designed so it doesn't send extra stormwater onto neighboring properties, per LDC § 12-3-604(B)(2).
How high can a deck be built in Centennial?
A deck's surface can't be higher than the level of the principal building's second floor; balconies are allowed above that line, per LDC § 12-3-604(A)(2).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Centennial

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsElectrical PermitsSome RestrictionsPlumbing PermitsSome RestrictionsCarbon Monoxide DetectorsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Wildfire ZonesSome Restrictions

All Centennial rules

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