Building Permits & Inspections

Application Process

Step 1

Access our Online Access Portal to create a new application.

Step 2

Create a new application and attach your documents.  Make sure all files and drawings meet our naming convention and format (below):

Accepted File Naming Convention and Format

• Combine all plans into a single Portable Document Format (PDF) file.
• Drawings must be submitted as a flattened PDF (no PDF portfolios or alternate file formats).
• Name your file using your application number as follows: 
  "Application Number & Version Number" 
  Example: CD-22-00000 v1
• Reference material can be uploaded as individual files to the "Related Documents" section/attachments of the application.

Step 3

Once your plan review is complete, you will receive an email requesting additional information or providing instructions on accessing your invoice.

Do I Need a Permit?

The best way to determine if you need a permit is to contact Community Development. Our staff will help you with your project and advise if a permit is needed.

A permit is generally required for any new building, addition, alteration, repair, or change in use of an existing building or structure, as well as site improvements.

Permits are typically not required for painting, floor coverings, similar finish work, or kitchen cabinet installation (although a plumbing permit may be necessary to reinstall fixtures). If you have questions about whether a permit is needed, please contact us before you begin any work.

Examples of residential projects that require a permit include:

• Back-up generators
• Basement finish
• Concrete or asphalt work over 100 square feet
• Decks
• Electrical work
• Fences
• Interior remodels
• Landscaping
• Low-voltage electrical wiring
• Patio covers
• Plumbing work
• Re-roofs/Repairs over a certain size
• Water heater replacement
• Window replacement

All new commercial projects must provide a complete digital plan set for initial review. Incomplete submittals will be returned without review to avoid delays in the plan review process. Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature, and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of the code and relevant laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations.

Plan Requirements

The initial plan submittal must include:

Stamped Plans

• Construction plans stamped by a Colorado-licensed design professional, as applicable under the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)
• Structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) plans must be stamped by a Colorado-licensed engineer (PE) when required by scope
• Foundation plans (if applicable) must be stamped by a Colorado PE

Code Summary & Building Information

• Construction type
• Occupancy classification
• Occupant load
• Sprinklered or non-sprinklered
• Energy code compliance (IECC 2018)
• Deferred submittals declared at initial submission

Architectural & Engineering Sheets

• Architectural site plan
• Floor plans
• Elevations and sections
• Structural drawings and calculations
• Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing sheets
• Fire protection drawings (as applicable)
• Geotechnical report (if required)

 External Agency Requirements

 Proof of submittal to the following agencies must be included as applicable:

• South Metro Fire and Rescue
• Local Sanitation District (varies by project location)
• Health Department for food service, hospitality, childcare, and similar uses
• Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) for asbestos-related work
• ACC/HOA Architectural Control Committee, where required by business park, HOA, or private covenants

External approvals do not replace Village plan review requirements and may be required prior to permit issuance.

Digital Submission Standards

All commercial plans must be submitted digitally through the Online Access Portal.

Digital Format Requirements

• All documents must be submitted in Portable Document Format (PDF) only
• Files must be unlocked or flattened
• Bookmarks required using the sheet number and title
• All sheets must be oriented correctly

Roofing Requirements

Commercial roofing projects must follow Greenwood Village’s roofing standards and guidelines.  Applicants should review the official Roofing Guidelines (PDF) prior to submission.

Standard Plan Review:

10 Business Days

No Plan Review Required:

3 Business Days

Residential-Single Family and Additions:

15 Business Days

Elevator New & Alterations:

15 Business Days

Commercial Core & Shell:

Dependent on Project Complexity

Mid/High-Rise Buildings:

Dependent on Project Complexity

Fees for obtaining a permit are calculated based on the project's type, size, and valuation.

Building Permit Fees calculations are adopted in the City's Fee Schedule (PDF).

The total cost of a standard permit typically includes:

• Permit Fee
• Plan Review Fee
• Use Tax
• Arapahoe County Open Space and Use Tax
• Electrical Fees (if applicable)

Building permit fees are based on the value of work covered by the permit.  The City treats carpet (carpet only, not other flooring types), interior paint, and cabinet replacements as finish work when limited to standalone cosmetic improvements.  When these items do not involve structural, electrical, plumbing or mechanical modifications, they are not included in the building permit fee calculations.

This treatment applies only to building permit fees.  Building Materials Use Tax and applicable local taxes remain due on materials that become permanently affixed to the structure. 

Use our Building Permit Fee Estimate Calculator tool

Requesting Inspections

Request an inspection on the Online Access Portal up to seven days in advance, subject to availability.  

Inspection hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Inspectors will call 30-60 minutes prior to arriving, if a contact number is provided.

You must provide an accurate phone number when scheduling.  If the call is unanswered and the project is inaccessible, the inspection may fail, requiring you to reschedule for the following day.

Important to Remember

• An adult (18 years or older) must be present for all interior inspections.
• Have a hard copy of the city-approved color drawings available to the inspector.
• Display a hard copy of your permit card, ideally visible from the public right-of-way.

Holiday Closures

Inspections are unavailable on most Federal Holidays.

All new residential projects must provide a complete digital plan set for initial review. Incomplete submittals will be returned without review to avoid delays in the plan review process. Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature, and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of the code and relevant laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations.

Plan Requirements

Stamped Plans

• Construction plans stamped by a Colorado-licensed design professional, as applicable under the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)
• Structural plans stamped by a Colorado-licensed engineer (PE) where required
• Non-conventional construction (materials or methods outside the IRC) must be designed and stamped by a licensed design professional

Zoning Compliance

• Lot coverage and impervious coverage calculations per zoning requirements
• Setbacks, height, and other dimensional standards must be reflected on the site/plot plan

Site, Grading, and Drainage

• Site/plot plan showing utilities, easements, and access
• Grading and drainage plan addressing water quality and discharge

Building Plans

• Floor plans
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections and details
• Roof plan and roof framing (Read our guidelines for roofing PDF)
• Foundation plan and details
• Soils/Geotechnical report (as required)
• Residential fire sprinkler systems are required for new homes with a total floor area of 7,700 square feet or greater

MEP + Energy

• Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing sheets (as applicable)
• Equipment locations
• Energy code compliance documentation for the adopted residential energy code

External Agency Requirements

Proof of submittal to the following agencies must be included as applicable:

• Local Water & Sanitation Districts for water and sewer services
• Health Department for septic or on-site wastewater systems
• South Metro Fire Rescue for fire access and water supply
• CDPHE for asbestos-related work involving demolition or renovation
• HOA/ACC approvals where required by covenants

External approvals do not replace Village plan review requirements and may be required prior to permit issuance.

Digital Submission Standards

All residential plans must be submitted digitally through the Online Access Portal.

Digital Format Requirements

• All submittals must be in Portable Document Format (PDF) only
• Files must be flattened or unlocked
• Bookmarks are required using the sheet number and title
• Correct sheet orientation required

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