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Community Development

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1. How Do I Contact Community Development

Please call 303-486-5783.

2. Do I need a building permit?

Commercial and residential remodeling and construction including all additions, structural changes and garage conversions to houses require a building permit. A building permit is also required for fences, retaining walls, and landscaping. Most plumbing, mechanical and electrical work require permits.

The best way to find out if you need a permit is to call us at 303-486-5783. The Building and Planning staff will assist you with your project and help determine if a permit is required. If a permit is required, it must be obtained prior to starting work on the project. Below is a sample list of projects requiring a permit.

A permit is required for:
New residential and commercial construction
Attached or detached garages
Additions to any structure
Interior remodeling which involves any change or modification/addition to framing or the mechanical, plumbing or electric system (including service upgrades)
Lawn sprinkler / irrigation systems
Replacing cabinets with framing modifications
Porches and decks
Concrete or flatwork (Including steps, porches, patios) - call for verification of proposed work
Swimming pools, hot tubs and spas
Windows
Accessory structures including sheds and fire pits
Fences, dog runs, gates and entry monuments
Changing existing plumbing fixtures
Roofing or repairs to an existing roof (in excess of 100 square feet)
Siding
Signs
Commercial telecommunications equipment including antennae and satellite dishes
Temporary uses - permits required for tents, portable generators, temporary signs, etc.
Driveway
Water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners
Changes to HVAC systems

A permit is not required for:
Painting, carpeting, tile or hardwood floors
Changing cabinet faces
Replacing cabinets with no framing modifications
Changing existing light fixtures (If not being relocated)
Changing ceiling tiles
Normal installation of household appliances
Gutters and downspouts

3. Why do I need a building permit?

Permits are required by state law to protect owners and the general public. The permit process ensures that the contractor is adequately licensed and the improvements are completed as indicated on the plans and in compliance with code.

4. How long does the permit process take?

If all of the required elements are submitted with a completed building permit application and the appropriate fee, it normally takes three to five business days. Projects requiring a written plan review could take approximately two weeks.

5. How much does a permit cost?

The building permit fee is based upon the total value of the project.

6. When do I pay for my permit?

Plan check fees for projects valued at $1,000,000 and greater are required to be paid upon submittal of the permit. All other permit fees are due when the permit is issued.

7. 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 submitting a written request to the chief building official.

8. How do I know if a permit has been issued for construction projects in our neighborhood?

If a building permit has been obtained, it should be posted so that it is clearly visible from the front of the house or commercial project. If no permit is posted, you may call Community Development at 303-486-5783 with the address of where the work is taking place to verify that a permit has been issued.

9. Do I need an inspection?

Inspections are required as part of the permit process.

10. How do I schedule an inspection?

For more information on scheduling an inspection please click here.

11. 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.

12. How can I obtain building plan copies?

Structural plans for commercial buildings are retained in Community Development. A request for information form can be completed in person, faxed to 303-773-1238 or mailed to 6060 South Quebec, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111. Plans for commercial tenant finishes and residential buildings are only retained for six months.

13. Do I need an asbestos report?

Buildings or those portions of a building constructed prior to October 12, 1988, require an asbestos report.

14. How do I find out my property’s zoning?

The easiest way to find out your property's zoning is to either call the Community Development at 303-486-5783 or stop by our office.

15. 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.

16. 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

17. What is an easement?

Easements are areas of land under private ownership, which the other parties have a legal right to use for specific purposes. Easements frequently exist where public improvements such as utilities, drainage ways, emergency accesses, sidewalks, and bike paths cross private property.
In order to preserve their intended uses and to protect the improvements they contain, the city regulates construction in easements through contractor licensing and revocable permitting. Property owners are prohibited from locating structures in public easements and from otherwise obstructing access to or use of the easement.
Contractors installing utilities or other public infrastructure within an easement are subject to the same licensing and permitting requirements as would be applicable for work within a public right of way

18. Who owns the property next to me?

Information on property ownership can be obtained by accessing the Arapahoe County website or by calling the Arapahoe County Assessors Office at 303-795-4600.

19. Where do I get information about the Comprehensive Plan?

The Comprehensive Plan is available online. It can also be purchased for $30 at the Community Development counter.