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

Denver limits front yard fences to 4 feet and rear/side yard fences to 6 feet in residential zones. Taller fences require over-height permits and must be less than 50% solid.

Denver requires a zoning permit for fences between 4–6 feet. Over-height (6+ ft) fences require an additional over-height fence permit. Historic properties require Landmark Preservation review.

Colorado's Good Neighbor Fence Act (C.R.S. §35-46-112) applies. Denver does not mandate cost-sharing, but neighbors may negotiate. Disputes over boundary fences go through Denver County Court.

Above-ground pools in Denver still require a building permit and must meet all barrier and safety requirements. Mesh fencing for above-ground pools has specific installation rules.

Denver requires pool barriers at least 60 inches (5 feet) high with self-latching, self-closing gates. Fencing must completely surround the pool. Complies with 2021 Denver Building Code (Appendix T).

Denver requires building permits for all new pools and spas. Inspections cover pool structure, electrical, bonding, gas, plumbing, and fence. Final inspection required before filling.

Denver allows garage-to-ADU conversions in most residential zones since the 2023 zoning update. Building permits required. Converted garages must meet ADU standards including fire safety and egress.

Denver allows ADUs by right in all residential zones since 2023 zoning updates. No owner-occupancy required as of state HB 24-1152 (effective June 2025). ADUs capped at 1.5 stories / 24 ft height.

Denver treats carports as detached accessory structures under Denver Zoning Code Article 11 and the Denver Building Code: they generally require a building permit, must sit in the rear 35% of the zone lot, and follow zone-specific height, setback, and lot-coverage limits.

Denver permits tiny homes as permanent dwellings only when built on a permanent foundation and meeting Denver Residential Code Appendix AQ (Tiny Houses), which defines a tiny house as 400 sq ft or less excluding lofts. Tiny homes on wheels are not allowed as principal dwellings in residential zones, but Temporary Managed Communities (the rebranded tiny home village rules under Denver Zoning Code Article 11) allow grouped tiny structures for transitional housing on approved sites.

All Denver sheds require a zoning permit. Sheds over 8 feet tall or over 200 sq ft also require a building permit. Each property is limited to one shed plus one accessory structure.

Denver bans open wood burning year-round without a permit. Propane and natural gas fire features are allowed. The metro area also bans all wood burning Nov 1–Mar 31.

Wood-burning fire pits illegal in Denver. Only gas-fueled (propane/natural gas) fire features permitted. Cooking devices (gas/charcoal grills) exempt from permit requirement but charcoal banned on balconies.

Denver Water enforces mandatory outdoor watering restrictions May 1–Oct 1 yearly. Residential customers may water 2 days/week before 10 AM or after 6 PM. Stage 1 drought declared in 2025.

Denver property owners must maintain street trees in the right-of-way per DRMC §57-18. Branches over sidewalks must be trimmed to 8 feet clearance; over streets, 13.5 feet clearance.

Street trees in Denver's right-of-way require a City Forester permit to remove. Private trees generally don't require a permit unless under construction. Removing protected trees without a permit incurs fines equal to tree value.