FAQs

Why do I need a building permit?: Building permits ensure that construction adheres to local building codes and safety regulations, maintaining a safe and aesthetic environment for all residents.

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Community Development

1. Do I need an asbestos report?: Asbestos is regulated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Additional information may be found by contacting them at (303) 692-3100.

2. Do I need a building permit?: Building permits are required for new constructions, alterations, or repairs of existing buildings. Also, concrete work, landscaping, and other exterior alterations. Please download our Building Permits Helpful Information handout. If unsure, please email comdev@greenwoodvillage.com, and we'll gladly verify.

3. Do I need an inspection?: Inspections are required as part of the permit process.

4. How can I obtain building plan copies?: Depending on the specific type of plan and the zoning area it pertains to, different plans have varied retention periods. To access a copy of any of our plans, we recommend submitting a public records request through the Online Services page on our website.

5. How do I find my property lines?: Obtain a copy of your property's legal description (if you don't have a copy, you may be able to get this from the Arapahoe County Assessor's office or copy of the plat map for your subdivision). You may also want to hire a surveyor to reestablish your property corners and property lines for you.

6. How do I find out my property's zoning?: The easiest way to find out your property's zoning is to email Community Development at comdev@greenwoodvillage.com or call 303-486-5783 and request to speak with the day's planner.

7. How do I look up a property's permitting history?: Some public information and most permitting information may be found by using our online tool, Property and Building Permit History.

8. How do I schedule an inspection?: For more information on scheduling an inspection please click here.

9. How long does the permit process take?: For most projects, each review cycle can last around ten business days, making it essential to ensure everything is submitted correctly the first time. Additional details may be found by visiting the Community Development web page and selecting Building Permits and Inspections.

10. How much does a permit cost?: The building permit fee is based upon the total value and type of project. Our staff can provide you with a written estimate simply by emailing comdev@greenwoodvillage.com or by calling (303) 486-5783.

11. What are building setbacks? What are the setbacks for my property?: Setbacks require minimum distances between a building and the related front, side, exterior, or rear property line. These distances determine how far construction must be set back from the property line. Setbacks for your particular property may be determined by calling the Planning Division at 303-486-5783.

12. What are the construction hours?: Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday / Holidays: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

13. What is a subdivision plat?: A subdivision plat is a survey of property, prepared by a licensed registered surveyor, describing the dimensions and location of lot lines, streets, and easements. A plat also establishes the lot, block, and subdivision name used in real estate transactions. A plat is a legal document complete with:
A drawing of the property boundaries
A written description of those boundaries
All easements and right-of-ways described by distance
A dedication statement
An owner’s certification statement

14. What is an easement?: An easement is a legal right that allows a person or organization to use part of a property owned by someone else for a specific purpose, such as for utilities, access roads, or pathways. It is a common provision in real estate agreements and municipal planning, granting certain usage rights while the property owner retains ownership of the land.

15. When do I pay for my permit?: Typically, fees are paid at the time of permit issuance. Although a few exceptions exist for projects valued over $1,000,000 and Telecommunications.

16. When does my permit expire?: Projects must commence within six months from the date the permit was issued. Work on the project may not be abandoned for more than six months at a time. Extensions may be requested by completing a request via our web page.

17. Where do I get a survey plat for my property?: Plats are initially drawn by surveyors who provide a copy to the purchaser at the real estate closing for a property. If a survey was completed before a real estate sale, a survey plat may be attached to the deed for property in Arapahoe County. It should be available from the Clerk and Recorder's office. The Village does not maintain surveys of private property.

18. Who owns the property next to me?: Information on property ownership can be obtained on the Arapahoe County Online Parcel Search or by calling the Arapahoe County Assessors Office at 303-795-4600.

19. Why do I need a building permit?: Building permits ensure that construction adheres to local building codes and safety regulations, maintaining a safe and aesthetic environment for all residents.