This is PermitBase’s published record for Brighton as of 2026-07-06. It has since been superseded — see the current record. A historical record reflects what PermitBase had verified at that time; it may not capture a real-world change the jurisdiction had made but PermitBase had not yet verified, and it includes any errors we later corrected. Snapshots are never edited retroactively.
Brighton building permits
VerifiedBrighton, Colorado — as published 2026-07-06.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new construction of single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes in the City of Brighton. Reviewed under the 2021 IRC/IBC as locally adopted plus the City's published Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (35 psf ground snow load, 107 mph wind design speed, 36-inch frost line depth). Issued by the Community Development Department, Permitting Division, via one of three tracks: Master Plan Review, Production Home Permit Review, or Construction Permit Review for Custom Builds.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plans must comply with the 2021 IRC/IBC as adopted, and meet the City's Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria: 35 psf ground snow load, 107 mph wind design speed (Seismic Design Category B), 36-inch minimum frost line depth (ice barrier underlayment NOT required per the City's design criteria sheet)
- Master Plan Review track requires stamped engineered structural drawings with design criteria, architectural drawings, IECC energy compliance construction documents, and Manual D and Manual J calculations
- Production Home Permit Review track (site-specific spec already mastered) requires a plot plan stamped by a State of Colorado Registered Land Surveyor or Licensed Engineer, a site-specific engineer-stamped foundation print set with no extraneous options depicted, a site-specific engineer-stamped soils report, an approved Erosion and Sediment Control/Stormwater Permit prior to application, and receipts for Water Resource pre-payment and School/Metro District fees where applicable
- Construction Permit Review for Custom Builds requires everything above plus a Residential Design Standards (RDS) approval letter
- All General, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing contractors performing work must be licensed or registered with the City of Brighton (Municipal Code Chapter 15, Articles 15-12 and 15-16)
- Receipt of the Brighton Fire Rescue District Emergency Services Impact Fee required prior to permit issuance
- Applications submitted via the City's OpenGov/ViewpointCloud online portal
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted through the City of Brighton OpenGov/ViewpointCloud portal
- RequiredPermit Checklist: Residential — New ConstructionMaster Plan Review, Production Home Permit Review, or Construction Permit Review for Custom Builds document sets, per the City's published residential checklist
- OptionalResidential Design Standards (RDS) Approval LetterRequired for Custom Build track; fees must be paid prior to release of review comments and/or building permits
- RequiredErosion and Sediment Control Permit (Stormwater)Must be approved prior to building permit application
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | $23.50 | 2026 Community Development Fee Schedule (Attachment 4), City of Brighton |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $501.00 to $2,000.00 | $23.50 for the first $500 plus $3.05 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof, to and including $2,000.00 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $2,001.00 to $25,000.00 | $69.25 for the first $2,000 plus $14.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000.00 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $25,001.00 to $50,000.00 | $391.25 for the first $25,000 plus $10.10 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $50,000.00 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $50,001.00 to $100,000.00 | $643.75 for the first $50,000 plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $100,000.00 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $100,001.00 to $500,000.00 | $993.75 for the first $100,000 plus $5.60 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $500,000.00 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $500,001.00 to $1,000,000.00 | $3,233.75 for the first $500,000 plus $4.75 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $1,000,000 | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1,000,001.00 and up | $5,608.75 for the first $1,000,000 plus $3.15 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | — |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | Exception: new Residential Housing that has been previously mastered pays a flat $189.00 plan review fee instead |
| Plan Review Deposit (due at application submittal) | $200.00 for New Custom Residential Housing or Residential Housing Master Plan Review | Applied toward the final plan review fee due at permit issuance |
| Construction Use Tax | 3.75% of 50% of total project valuation | City of Brighton Adopted Fee Regulations / Use Tax page |
| Residential Design Standards (RDS) Processing Fee | $50.00 per unit | Assessed and paid with the building permit; applies to Residential Housing units |
| Credit Card Processing Fee | 2.9% of total amount due | Applies to all permitting, plan review, and impact fee payments made by credit card |
Residential Addition / Interior Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired for additions and interior remodels to existing single-family, duplex, and townhome structures in Brighton. Reviewed under the 2021 IRC as locally adopted, using the same valuation-based Building Permit Fee schedule as new construction.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plans must comply with the 2021 IRC as adopted by the City of Brighton
- Additions involving structural work or new foundations require stamped engineered structural drawings, foundation plans, and a soils report; interior remodels not affecting structural elements require a lighter document set (floor plan, framing plan only if walls are removed)
- All General, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing contractors must be licensed or registered with the City of Brighton
- Applications submitted via the City's OpenGov/ViewpointCloud portal
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted via the City of Brighton OpenGov/ViewpointCloud portal
- RequiredPermit Checklist: Com, Ind, MF or Residential (as applicable to scope)City-published checklist matching the addition or remodel scope
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (same valuation-based schedule as new construction) | $23.50 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the 2026 Community Development Fee Schedule | 2026 Community Development Fee Schedule (Attachment 4) |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of Permit Fee | — |
| Construction Use Tax | 3.75% of 50% of total project valuation | — |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation, alteration, or repair of electrical systems in Brighton. Governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted (Municipal Code Article 15-12). The City of Brighton is its own certified electrical permitting and inspection authority — it does NOT defer electrical permits to the Colorado State Electrical Board. Electrical contractors register with the City under Article 15-12 ('Electrical Code registrants') rather than the general Class A-E contractor license ladder, and must separately hold applicable Colorado state electrical licensure to perform the work.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted by the City of Brighton (Municipal Code Article 15-12); Article 15-12-40 substitutes the Chief Building Official of the City of Brighton for 'authority having jurisdiction' throughout the Code
- Electrical contractors must register with the City pursuant to Article 15-12 ('Electrical Code registrants') — this is explicitly carved out from, and distinct from, the general Class A-E/P/M contractor license scheme under Article 15-16
- Article 15-12-30 replaces all NEC references to permit, inspection, grading, and certificate-of-occupancy fees with 'the current City of Brighton Fee Resolution'
- Billed under the City's single unified valuation-based Permit Fee schedule (not a separate state-anchored fee table)
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Permit ApplicationSubmitted via the City of Brighton OpenGov/ViewpointCloud portal
- RequiredCity of Brighton Electrical Code RegistrationRequired for all electrical contractors performing work in the City, per Municipal Code Article 15-12
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit Fee (same unified valuation-based schedule as Building/Plumbing/Mechanical) | $23.50 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the 2026 Community Development Fee Schedule | Brighton does not publish a separate state-anchored electrical fee table (unlike some peer Colorado jurisdictions) — electrical work is billed under the same unified Permit Fee schedule as Building/Plumbing/Mechanical |
| Residential Housing Electrical Inspection | $126.00 per unit | 2026 Community Development Fee Schedule, Miscellaneous Inspections and Fees; the 2025-87 amendment adds an exception for accessory structures |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the permit fee (if plan review is required) | — |
| Re-inspection Fee | $100.00 | Per established policy authorized by the Building Official |
| Construction Use Tax | 3.75% of 50% of total project valuation, applied only where a taxable materials valuation applies | — |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation, alteration, or repair of plumbing systems in Brighton. Governed by the 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) as adopted. Brighton is its own certified plumbing permitting authority via a full City Class P Plumbing Contractor license (Municipal Code Article 15-16), issued to an individual or a business entity employing a current Colorado State Master Plumbing License holder in a supervisory capacity — it does NOT defer plumbing permits to the Colorado State Plumbing Board.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Governed by the 2021 IPC as adopted by the City of Brighton
- Contractors must hold a City of Brighton Class P Plumbing Contractor license (Municipal Code Article 15-16-50(6)); the license must be held by, or issued to a business entity supervised by, an individual holding a current and valid Colorado State Master's Plumbing License
- $15.00 City registration fee in addition to the $75.00 Class P license fee (2026 fee schedule)
- General liability insurance certificate required ($100,000/$300,000/$50,000 minimums) naming the City as required by Article 15-16-60
Required documents
- RequiredPlumbing Permit ApplicationSubmitted via the City of Brighton OpenGov/ViewpointCloud portal
- RequiredCity of Brighton Class P Plumbing Contractor LicenseRequired for all contractors performing plumbing work; the license holder or a supervised employee must hold a current Colorado State Master Plumbing License
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Permit Fee (same unified valuation-based schedule as Building/Electrical/Mechanical) | $23.50 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the 2026 Community Development Fee Schedule | 2026 Community Development Fee Schedule (Attachment 4) |
| Class P Plumbing Contractor License Fee | $75.00 | Plus a separate $15.00 registration fee; license valid 12 months |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of Permit Fee (if plan review is required) | — |
| Construction Use Tax | 3.75% of 50% of total project valuation | — |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment installation or replacement in Brighton. Governed by the 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) as adopted. Contractors must hold a City of Brighton Class M Mechanical Contractor license (or Class MP combination license).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Governed by the 2021 IMC and 2021 IFGC as adopted by the City of Brighton
- Contractors must hold a City of Brighton Class M (Mechanical Contractor) or Class MP (Mechanical/Plumbing Combination) license (Municipal Code Article 15-16-50)
- As of November 1, 2025, all high-efficiency fuel-burning appliances require a limestone (condensate-neutralizer) filter on the condensate line, per the City's Permitting page
Required documents
- RequiredMechanical Permit ApplicationSubmitted via the City of Brighton OpenGov/ViewpointCloud portal
- RequiredCity of Brighton Class M or MP Contractor LicenseRequired for all contractors performing mechanical work
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Permit Fee (same unified valuation-based schedule as Building/Electrical/Plumbing) | $23.50 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the 2026 Community Development Fee Schedule | 2026 Community Development Fee Schedule (Attachment 4) |
| Class M Mechanical Contractor License Fee | $75.00 | Plus a separate $15.00 registration fee; Class MP Combination license is $100.00 plus $15.00 registration |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of Permit Fee (if plan review is required) | — |
| Construction Use Tax | 3.75% of 50% of total project valuation | — |
Roofing Permit (Re-Roof)
VerifiedRequired for re-roofing work in the City of Brighton. Governed by the 2021 IRC/IBC as adopted. Brighton's published design criteria sheet does NOT require ice barrier underlayment (unlike many mountain Colorado jurisdictions), reflecting the city's lower-elevation Front Range climate.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Governed by the 2021 IRC/IBC as adopted by the City of Brighton
- Per the City's Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria sheet, Ice Barrier Required: NO — this is a materially lighter requirement than higher-elevation/mountain Colorado jurisdictions
- Contractor must hold an applicable City of Brighton contractor license (Class A, B, C, or E-Roofing specialty trade, per Article 15-16-50(5))
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application — Re-Roof scopeSubmitted via the City of Brighton OpenGov/ViewpointCloud portal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (valuation-based, same schedule as new construction) | $23.50 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the 2026 Community Development Fee Schedule | No separate flat re-roof fee is published; billed under the general unified valuation-based Permit Fee schedule |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of Permit Fee (if plan review is required) | — |
| Construction Use Tax | 3.75% of 50% of total project valuation | — |
Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
Required for rooftop solar PV installations in Brighton. Applied for through the City's OpenGov portal under a dedicated Solar category. Solar energy collection/conversion systems fall under the Class E Specialty Trades contractor license (Municipal Code Article 15-16-50(5)) unless performed by a broader-class licensed contractor.
Reviewed 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical work governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted
- Contractor must hold a City of Brighton Class E (Specialty Trades — solar energy collection/conversion systems) license, or a broader Class A/B/C license authorizing the work
- Rough inspection requires photo documentation uploaded directly (not as a link or zip file) showing: front of house and address, roof flashing, hold-downs, rail system, junction boxes, bonding, and any required structural upgrades
- Applications submitted through the dedicated OpenGov Solar category (new users must sign up and obtain a license before beginning the solar permitting process)
Required documents
- RequiredSolar/Electrical Permit Application — Photovoltaic scopeSubmitted via the City's dedicated OpenGov Solar portal category
- RequiredRough Inspection Photo SetFront of house/address, roof flashing, hold-downs, rail system, junction boxes, bonding, structural upgrades — uploaded directly, not as a link or zip file
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical/Building Permit Fee (unified valuation-based schedule) | $23.50 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the 2026 Community Development Fee Schedule | Brighton does not publish a solar-specific flat fee; billed under the general unified Permit Fee schedule based on installation valuation |
| Construction Use Tax | 3.75% of 50% of total project valuation | — |
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit
VerifiedRequired for construction of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) — a permanently constructed dwelling unit, detached or attached to the primary residence, with independent living/sleeping/eating/cooking/sanitation facilities and its own entrance. Governed by the City's January 2026 ADU Homeowner Guide and Land Use Development Code Articles 4 and 5. Notably, the City Council has waived impact and permit fees for ADUs that do not require increased utility service capacity.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- One ADU allowed per lot where the primary residence is a compliant detached house or duplex
- ADU generally may not exceed the living area of the primary residence or 1,200 sq ft, whichever is less
- Non-permanent structures, mobile homes, motorhomes, and RVs are NOT allowed as ADUs; HUD-certified manufactured homes and state-certified factory-built homes ARE allowed
- Must comply with all current applicable building codes (2021 IRC/IBC as adopted)
- Existing utility services must adequately serve the ADU, or must be upsized at owner's cost and associated fees
- Setback, height, and other zoning criteria per Land Use Development Code Articles 4 and 5 (confirm specifics with the department for the applicable zone district)
- Submittal requires: plot plan; engineer-stamped soils report and foundation plan if a new foundation is needed; architectural drawings; stamped structural drawings if the ADU is detached, an addition, or alters the existing structure; IECC energy compliance documents if applicable; and Manual D & J calculations if applicable
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application — ADU building typeSubmitted via OpenGov under the dedicated 'Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)' tile on the Residential category
- RequiredPlot PlanShowing ADU placement relative to the primary residence and lot lines
- OptionalEngineer-Stamped Soils Report and Foundation PlanRequired if a new foundation is needed
- RequiredArchitectural DrawingsRequired for all ADU submittals
- OptionalStamped Structural DrawingsRequired if the ADU is detached, an addition, or alters any existing structure of the building it is located in
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building/Impact/Permit Fees | Waived (approved by Brighton City Council) | Waiver applies PROVIDED the ADU does not require an increase in utility service capacity; if utility upsizing is needed, standard construction fees and costs apply to that scope |
| Construction Use Tax | 3.75% of 50% of total project valuation | Still due even when impact/permit fees are waived, per the City's ADU Homeowner Guide |
| School District Fee / Fire District Emergency Services Impact Fee | Still due even when impact/permit fees are waived | Per the City's January 2026 ADU Homeowner Guide |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition of a structure (whole building) or interior demolition in Brighton. A flat, non-valuation-based fee applies, distinct from the general Building Permit Fee schedule used for construction.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Authorized under Municipal Code Chapter 15 (Class A, B, or C contractor license holders may construct, alter, repair, OR demolish buildings/structures within their license class scope)
- Class D (Jobbing Contractor) license authorizes demolition of nonhabitable buildings/structures such as garages, carports, sheds
- Utility disconnects (water, sewer, gas, electric) must be coordinated prior to or concurrent with demolition per standard practice
Required documents
- RequiredDemolition Permit ApplicationSubmitted via the City of Brighton OpenGov/ViewpointCloud portal; specify Structure or Interior demolition scope
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demo Permit for Structure | $100.00 | 2026 Community Development Fee Schedule, Miscellaneous Inspections and Fees |
| Demo Permit for Interior | $50.00 | — |
| Dumpster Permit Fee | $50.00 | If a dumpster/roll-off is placed in conjunction with demolition |
Commercial Tenant Improvement / Nonresidential Permit
VerifiedRequired for commercial, industrial, retail, and other nonresidential building permits in Brighton, including tenant improvements (TI). Reviewed under the 2021 IBC as locally adopted. A higher plan review deposit applies for larger-scope commercial/industrial/multi-unit projects and TIs.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plans must comply with the 2021 IBC as adopted by the City of Brighton
- Permit Checklist: Com, Ind, MF document set applies
- $500.00 plan review deposit due at application submittal for new Commercial/Industrial/Multi-unit plan review or TIs greater than $25,000 in valuation
- Temporary Certificate of Occupancy available for commercial projects at $200.00, with $100.00 for each 30-day renewal
- Foundation Only Permit available for commercial projects at a flat $600.00
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application — Commercial/TI scopeSubmitted via the City of Brighton OpenGov/ViewpointCloud portal
- RequiredPermit Checklist: Com, Ind, MFCity-published checklist for commercial, industrial, and multi-family submittals
- RequiredCommercial CO ChecklistRequired for Certificate of Occupancy issuance on commercial projects
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (unified valuation-based schedule) | $23.50 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the 2026 Community Development Fee Schedule | 2026 Community Development Fee Schedule (Attachment 4) |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of Permit Fee | — |
| Plan Review Deposit — New Commercial/Industrial/Multi-unit Plan Review or TI's greater than $25,000 | $500.00 | Due at application submittal; applied toward final plan review fee |
| Foundation Only Permit (Commercial) | $600.00 | — |
| Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (Commercial) | $200.00, plus $100.00 for every 30-day renewal | — |
| Construction Use Tax | 3.75% of 50% of total project valuation | — |
Deck / Covered Patio Permit
VerifiedRequired for construction of decks, covered patios, and similar accessory structures in Brighton. Falls under the Class D (Jobbing Contractor) license scope, which explicitly covers patios among other nonhabitable structures.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Governed by the 2021 IRC as adopted by the City of Brighton
- Contractor must hold at minimum a City of Brighton Class D (Jobbing Contractor) license, which explicitly authorizes construction of private garages, carports, patios, sheds, swimming pools, fences, and signs (Municipal Code Article 15-16-50(4))
- Structural plans/footing details required for any deck attached to the primary structure or exceeding standard prescriptive framing limits
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application — Deck/Patio scopeSubmitted via the City of Brighton OpenGov/ViewpointCloud portal
- RequiredSite PlanShowing deck/patio location relative to property lines and setbacks
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (unified valuation-based schedule) | $23.50 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the 2026 Community Development Fee Schedule | No separate flat deck/patio fee is published; billed under the general Permit Fee schedule based on valuation |
| Construction Use Tax | 3.75% of 50% of total project valuation | — |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-06.
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Brighton building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.