Do You Need a Permit for Your Project in Colorado? Here’s What Homeowners Should Know

Planning a remodel, hardscape, or landscaping project? One of the first questions that often comes up is: Do I need a permit for this?

In Colorado, the answer depends on both your county and the type of work being done. Permits can feel like an obstacle, but they’re an important part of protecting your home, your investment, and the long-term value of your property.

Why Permits Exist

Permits ensure projects meet building codes and safety standards. They protect you from costly mistakes, give peace of mind during resale, and help avoid fines or stop-work orders. While it may add steps up front, it’s often well worth it.

Who Pulls the Permit? Homeowners vs. Contractors

This is where things can get confusing.

• Contractor-Pulled Permits
  In most cases, your contractor should pull the permit under their license. This makes inspections smoother, keeps accountability clear, and reduces stress for the homeowner. Licensed contractors are used to the process and know what documentation to provide.

• Homeowner-Pulled Permits
  Homeowners in Colorado can pull their own permits. Some choose this route because it allows them to be the official “responsible party” for the work. This can have benefits, like feeling more in control of the process, or in rare cases, helping to reduce upfront costs.
  However, if you go this route, it’s still critical to hire a licensed and insured contractor to perform the work. Just because you’re the one applying doesn’t mean the contractor’s qualifications matter any less.

The Hidden Costs of Permitting

One thing many homeowners don’t realize is how much time and cost permitting can add to a project.

• Delays: Permits can add weeks — sometimes months — depending on the county’s backlog.

• Fees: Most counties charge permit application and inspection fees. Bigger projects like structural remodels or retaining walls typically cost more.

• Engineering Involvement: Some permits require stamped engineering drawings, especially for structural work, retaining walls over a certain height, or anything affecting grading and drainage. That means additional coordination and expense.

• Inspections: Multiple inspections may be required during the project, each one tied to the permit.

All of these factors can affect timelines and budgets. The earlier permitting is discussed and planned for, the smoother the project will go.

County by County: How Rules Differ Around Denver

• Denver County: Very thorough. Retaining walls over 4 feet, remodel work, and grading almost always require permits. Expect longer review times.

• Jefferson County: Similar to Denver but slightly quicker. Decks, patios with footings, and walls over 3 feet are common triggers.

• Douglas County: Heavy focus on drainage and erosion control. Engineering plans are often required.

• Arapahoe County: More flexible with landscaping, but remodels and structural hardscaping require permits.

• Adams County: Somewhat more lenient, but structural and utility changes are still tightly regulated.

• Boulder County: Some of the strictest requirements, with added environmental and floodplain considerations.

Don’t Forget About HOAs

Even if your county doesn’t require a permit, your HOA may. Many associations require design approval for exterior work, and ignoring that step can mean fines or forced changes.

Bottom Line

Permitting in Colorado varies widely, and while it can add time, cost, and extra steps, it’s ultimately there to ensure your project is safe, durable, and compliant.

Whether the permit is pulled by you or by us, the most important thing is making sure the work is performed by a licensed and insured contractor. At Terrain Bound Contracting, we handle permitting for most projects but are always open to guiding homeowners who prefer to take that role themselves. Either way, our goal is to make sure your project moves forward smoothly and passes every requirement along the way.