An outdoor kitchen in Aurora typically requires a building permit when it exceeds 120 sq ft, includes a roof or pergola, or is attached to the house. Gas line extensions need a mechanical permit, electrical receptacles need an electrical permit, and any potable water and drain piping require plumbing permits. Detached accessory structures under 120 sq ft may sit within the required side and rear setbacks but must be at least 3 ft from any property line under Aurora UDO 146-4.2.3. Structures over 120 sq ft need 5 ft side and rear setbacks.
Aurora's Building Division handles outdoor kitchen permits at 15151 E. Alameda Parkway. The thresholds in Aurora City Code Chapter 22 (which adopts the 2021 International Residential Code) and UDO 146-4.2.3 work together: an accessory structure of 120 sq ft or less, one story, and freestanding may sit closer to property lines (minimum 3 ft) and may not need a building permit for the structural element itself, though plan review for siting is still recommended. Anything over 120 sq ft requires a building permit, must observe full 5 ft side and rear setbacks, and counts as an accessory structure under the lot's coverage allowance. Height is capped at the height of the primary building or 24 ft, whichever is less. Gas line extensions from the main house must follow the International Fuel Gas Code as adopted in Aurora, require a mechanical permit, and must pass a pressure test before being placed in service. Hardwired outlets must be GFCI-protected under NEC 210.8 and require an electrical permit. Sinks must drain to the sanitary sewer; Aurora Water does not permit greywater dispersal on small lots without a Tier 1 system permit under Aurora Water Regulation 11. Lots in HOA-controlled developments may need architectural-review approval in addition to city permits.
Construction without a required permit is a violation of Aurora City Code Chapter 22 prosecuted in Aurora Municipal Court with fines up to $2,650 per day under City Code 1-13. The Building Division typically issues a Stop Work Order, requires after-the-fact permitting at doubled fees, and may require unpermitted gas or electrical work to be exposed for inspection. Setback violations under UDO 146-4.2.3 can trigger a removal order issued through UDO 146-5.6.2.
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