Before You Build in Aurora, CO: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Aurora requires a minimum 5-foot barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates around all swimming pools and spas over 24 inches deep, per the adopted International Residential Code. Barriers must prevent unsupervised child access.

Aurora requires a building permit for any retaining wall over 4 feet tall (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) or any wall supporting a surcharge. Engineered drawings are required for walls over 4 feet.

Aurora does not require a permit for most residential fences under 7 feet on private property. Fences over 7 feet, fences in easements, retaining walls over 4 feet, and pool barriers all require permits from the Building Division.

Aurora has no spite-fence statute, but shared boundary fences fall under Colorado common law. Owners must locate fences on their own property, face the finished side outward, and cannot block required sight triangles or drainage.

Aurora's UDO limits fence height to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards for residential zones. Corner lots have triangular sight-distance restrictions. Fences over 7 feet require a building permit.

Aurora requires a building permit and electrical permit for all in-ground pools and for above-ground pools over 24 inches deep. State Public Pool rules (CRS 25-1.5-209) cover shared pools.

Hot tubs and spas in Aurora require a building and electrical permit. A locking safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 may substitute for a 4-foot barrier under the ISPSC.

All pools and spas over 24 inches deep in Aurora must be surrounded by a 4-foot barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates per the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.

Aurora pools must meet ISPSC barrier, anti-entrapment, and alarm requirements. Public and HOA pools follow Colorado Public Swimming Pool rules including lifeguard and water-quality standards.

Above-ground pools over 24 inches deep require a building permit, a 4-foot barrier (or lockable ladder with 48-inch wall), and electrical permit for pumps or heaters.

Aurora allows accessory dwelling units on single-family lots per UDO Section 146-4.7.6, with owner-occupancy and size caps tied to the primary dwelling.

Converting a garage to living space in Aurora requires a building permit, habitable-space code compliance, and replacement off-street parking under the UDO.

Tiny homes on foundations are treated as ADUs or primary dwellings in Aurora; tiny homes on wheels are generally limited to licensed RV parks.

Aurora treats carports as accessory structures subject to setbacks, height limits, and building permits when attached or over 120 square feet.

Aurora allows residential sheds under 120 square feet without a building permit, but zoning setbacks and height limits apply under the Unified Development Ordinance.

Open burning of trash, leaves, and yard waste is prohibited in Aurora, and recreational fires must use approved containers with limits on size and fuel.

Gas and charcoal fire pits are permitted in Aurora under normal conditions. Wood-burning fire pits are allowed for recreational use but may be restricted during elevated fire danger. Aurora Fire Rescue monitors conditions and can impose additional restrictions including banning all open flames.

Removal of trees in the public right-of-way requires a permit from the Aurora City Forester. Private yard trees generally do not require a permit unless part of a landscape plan or EAB quarantine.

Aurora requires property owners to keep trees pruned to provide 8 feet clearance over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets. The City Forester enforces standards and manages public right-of-way trees.

Aurora Water enforces year-round watering rules: no outdoor watering 10am-6pm, up to 3 days per week in summer, none November through April. Drought stages can tighten this to 1 day per week or less.