You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-15.
Commerce City building permits
VerifiedCommerce City, Colorado — as published 2026-07-15.
Verified 2026-07-13 · Source
Codes adopted
City of Commerce City Building Code (C3BC), also known as the 2021 edition of the C3BC — incorporates by reference: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), 2021 International Private Sewage Disposal Code (IPSDC), 2021 International Green Construction Code (IgCC), 2023 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC), 2021 International Fire Code, and 2021 International Property Maintenance Code. Source: Commerce City Municipal Code Chapter 5, Sec. 5-1 and 5-2, https://www.c3gov.com/Business-Development/Building-Permits-Inspections/Step-1-Project-Design/Building-Code-Provisions-in-the-Municipal-CodeCity of Commerce City Construction Code — the 2021 IBC as adopted, including Appendix Chapters C, E, F, G, H, I, J, K and N. Source: c3gov.com 2021 International Building Code page, https://www.c3gov.com/Business-Development/Building-Permits-Inspections/Step-1-Project-Design/2021-International-Building-CodeCity of Commerce City Residential Code — the 2021 IRC as adopted, including Appendix Chapters AH, AI, AJ, AK, AM, AQ, AR, AS, AT, AU and AW. Source: c3gov.com 2021 International Residential Code page, https://www.c3gov.com/Business-Development/Building-Permits-Inspections/Step-1-Project-Design/2021-International-Residential-CodeCity of Commerce City Commercial Energy Conservation Code and City of Commerce City Residential Energy Conservation Code — the 2021 IECC as locally amended (Sections C101.1/R101.1 renamed; C103/R103 construction-document amendments; C104/R104 fees deleted and replaced to reference Article VI, Chapter 5 fee schedule; C109/R109 stop-work order and C110/R110 board-of-appeals sections replaced to reference Commerce City Municipal Code Sec. 5-5007 and Sec. 5-21). For permit applications submitted prior to July 1, 2026, applicants may choose to comply with the 2018 IECC as amended by the city instead. Source: c3gov.com 2021 IECC page, https://www.c3gov.com/Business-Development/Building-Permits-Inspections/Step-1-Project-Design/2021-International-Energy-Conservation-Code2023 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC), adopted by reference per Municipal Code Sec. 5-2. Source: Commerce City Municipal Code Chapter 5, Sec. 5-2Construction for which a permit application is submitted six months after the effective date of the 2021 C3BC must comply with the 2021 C3BC; applicants during that six-month transition window could choose either the 2021 C3BC or the prior edition; IBC-designed permit applicants were permitted one year after the effective date to comply. Source: Commerce City Municipal Code Chapter 5, Sec. 5-4
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction / RNEW)
VerifiedRequired for new custom detached homes, duplexes, mobile homes, and detached houses/townhouses/duplexes built off a previously-approved master model within Commerce City. Reviewed against the 2021 IRC as adopted by the City of Commerce City Building Code (C3BC), plus Local Design Criteria. Issued by the Commerce City Building Safety Division.
Verified 2026-07-13 · Source
Requirements
- Residential New Construction (RNEW) permit type in eTRAKiT covers custom detached homes, duplexes, mobile homes, and detached houses/townhouses/duplexes permitted off a previously-approved master model
- Plans must comply with the 2021 IRC as adopted/amended by the C3BC and the Local Design Criteria: 35 psf ground snow load, 115 mph Vult wind speed, Seismic Design Category B, 36-inch frost line depth, ice barrier underlayment required
- Minimum submission documents: building plans, geotechnical report, site-related plan showing construction/grading/landscaping, RESCheck or equivalent energy certification, Manual J/D/S at Master Model or for custom homes, evaluation report for unique products/materials (e.g., pre-made sunrooms, EIFS, adjustable columns, plastic composites), and a fire receipt from South Adams County Fire District or Brighton Fire District
- All submissions must be in electronic format via the eTRAKiT portal (ePlans)
- Contractors must apply using the eTRAKiT account tied to their current Commerce City contractor license number
- Roof and floor truss shop drawings are not required at application but must be available to the inspector at the framing inspection
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding PlansFull plan set per the New Homes Building Plan Checklist: foundation/footing details, basement wall design, floor plans, structural framing plans, roof framing plan, wall bracing, insulation R-values/U-factors, exterior elevations, building cross sections, egress/escape openings, and more
- RequiredGeotechnical ReportRequired for all new home submissions
- RequiredSite PlanShowing location of construction, grading, and landscaping
- RequiredRESCheck or Equivalent Energy CertificationDocumentation of 2021 IECC (Commerce City Residential Energy Conservation Code) compliance
- RequiredManual J, D & SHVAC load calculations at Master Model or for custom homes
- RequiredFire District ReceiptFrom South Adams County Fire District or Brighton Fire District
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (Table 1-A) — valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | $30.41 | Directory of City Fees, Section 2: Building Permit Fee Schedule (PDF), effective as of December 16, 2024 |
| Building Permit Fee (Table 1-A) — valuation $2,001 to $25,000 | $89.60 for the first $2,000.00 plus $18.11 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit Fee (Table 1-A) — valuation $100,000 to $500,000 | $1,285.10 for the first $100,000.00 plus $7.25 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit Fee (Table 1-A) — valuation $1,000,001.00 and up | $7,257.12 for the first $1,000,000.00 plus $4.72 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | — |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | $150.00 flat fee if identical plans are re-submitted (per identical plan) |
Residential Addition / Alteration Permit (RADD / RALT)
VerifiedRequired for additions, garages, decks, patio covers, sunrooms, second-story additions (pop-tops), basement finishes, interior remodels, and similar work on existing houses in Commerce City. Reviewed against the 2021 IRC as adopted by the C3BC. Billed on the same valuation-based Table 1-A fee schedule as new construction.
Verified 2026-07-13 · Source
Requirements
- Residential Addition (RADD) covers additions, decks, garages, patio covers, barns, sunrooms, second-story additions (pop-tops), and additions that include interior alterations to existing areas
- Residential Alteration (RALT) covers basement finishes, interior remodels, truss repairs, foundation repairs, fireplaces, woodstoves, new stairways, and basement egresses
- Minimum submission documents: building plans, site-related/plot plan showing construction location and landscaping, evaluation report for patio covers or other unique materials, RESCheck printout if not using prescribed energy conservation measures, and a construction cost breakdown (materials and labor)
- Patio covers must be one story with a minimum of 65% of the longest wall and one adjacent wall glazed, screened, or open; less than 65% openings is treated as an addition subject to stricter wall-bracing requirements
- For garages: 1/2-inch drywall on walls and 5/8-inch Type-X on ceilings; 20-minute fire-rated door between an attached garage and house; detached garages within 3 feet of the house need the same fire separation as attached garages; garage outlets must be GFCI with at least one outlet and one switched ceiling light
- Maximum building height for additions/sunrooms/patio covers is 35 feet measured from grade to roof midpoint
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding PlansPer the Additions, Garages, Sunrooms & Patio Covers or Basement Finishes design guide checklist as applicable
- RequiredSite/Plot PlanShowing location of construction and landscaping
- RequiredConstruction Cost BreakdownMaterials and labor cost breakdown for the project
- OptionalEvaluation ReportRequired for patio covers or other unique products/materials (e.g., pre-made sunrooms, EIFS, adjustable columns, plastic composites) from a nationally recognized listing agency such as ICC-ES
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (Table 1-A) — valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | $30.41 | Same valuation-based Table 1-A schedule used for all permit types; Directory of City Fees, Section 2 (PDF) |
| Building Permit Fee (Table 1-A) — valuation $2,001 to $25,000 | $89.60 for the first $2,000.00 plus $18.11 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | — |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | $150.00 flat fee if identical plans are re-submitted |
Electrical Permit (RELEC / CELEC)
VerifiedRequired for new/replacement electrical service, wiring, solar electrical installations, EV charging circuits, and other electric-only work in Commerce City. Governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted by the C3BC. Residential Electrical (RELEC) and Commercial Electrical (CELEC) are the eTRAKiT permit types.
Verified 2026-07-13 · Source
Requirements
- Residential Electrical (RELEC) covers solar installations, service changes, temporary services, electric vehicle charging stations, meter restorations, and other electrical-only projects
- Commercial Electrical (CELEC) covers new/temporary services, solar installations, public EV charging stations, meter restorations, and other electric-only commercial projects
- Level 1 EV charging: no permit needed if plugging into an existing outlet; a permit (no plan submission) is needed if a new outlet is installed
- Level 2 EV charging: a permit (no plan submission) is required if installing a new circuit and outlet
- Level 3 EV charging: requires an electrical or building permit depending on complexity, with a full plan submission (electrical plans, building plans for foundation/canopy if applicable, site plan)
- For rooftop solar PV: a state-licensed journeyman or master electrician employed by a Commerce City-licensed electrical contractor must complete and upload a Residential Solar Installation Certification form to eTRAKiT within six months of project completion, certifying NEC-compliant wiring/grounding/bonding/equipment and IRC-compliant rooftop equipment fastening; failure to submit within six months can trigger a notice of violation
- New electric appliances require a permit per the 'When a Permit Is Required' list
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Permit Application (eTRAKiT)Applied for via the contractor's or homeowner's eTRAKiT account
- OptionalResidential Solar Installation CertificationPost-installation form certifying NEC/IRC compliance for rooftop PV; must be uploaded to eTRAKiT within 6 months of completion and made available onsite for the electrical inspector
- OptionalElectrical PlansRequired for Level 3 EV charging stations and other full-plan-review electrical projects
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building/Electrical Permit Fee (Table 1-A) — valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | $30.41 | Commerce City bills standalone electrical permits on the same valuation-based Table 1-A schedule as building permits; Directory of City Fees, Section 2 (PDF) |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | Applies when plan review is required (e.g., Level 3 EV charging, solar, service changes needing plan submission) |
Plumbing/Gas Permit (RPLMB / CPLMB)
VerifiedRequired for new plumbing fixtures, water heaters, boilers, backflow preventers, sewer repairs over 10 feet, and other plumbing/gas-only work in Commerce City. Governed by the 2021 IPC as adopted by the C3BC.
Verified 2026-07-13 · Source
Requirements
- Residential Plumbing/Gas (RPLMB) covers sewer repairs over 10 feet, boilers, water heaters, water softeners, backflow preventers, piping, and other plumbing-only projects
- Commercial Plumbing/Gas (CPLMB) covers the same categories for commercial buildings
- New plumbing fixtures require a permit per the 'When a Permit Is Required' list
- New and replacement backflow prevention assemblies require a permit
- Sump pumps require a permit
- Chemical dispensers connected to a water supply or plumbing fixture require a permit
Required documents
- RequiredPlumbing/Gas Permit Application (eTRAKiT)Applied for via the contractor's or homeowner's eTRAKiT account
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building/Plumbing Permit Fee (Table 1-A) — valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | $30.41 | Standalone plumbing/gas permits are billed on the same valuation-based Table 1-A schedule as building permits; no separate flat-fee plumbing schedule was found published. Directory of City Fees, Section 2 (PDF) |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | Applies where plan review is required |
Mechanical/Gas (HVAC) Permit (RMECH / CMECH)
VerifiedRequired for new/replacement HVAC equipment, gas appliances, furnaces, air conditioners, and ductwork in Commerce City. Governed by the 2021 IMC and 2021 IFGC as adopted by the C3BC.
Verified 2026-07-13 · Source
Requirements
- Residential Mechanical/Gas (RMECH) covers air conditioners, furnaces, gas appliances, ductwork, gas meter restorations, and other HVAC-only projects
- Commercial Mechanical/Gas (CMECH) covers air conditioners, furnaces, kitchen hoods, gas appliances, meter restorations, ductwork, and other HVAC-only commercial projects
- New and replacement HVAC equipment requires a permit per the 'When a Permit Is Required' list
- New and replacement telecommunications equipment requires a permit
Required documents
- RequiredMechanical/Gas Permit Application (eTRAKiT)Applied for via the contractor's or homeowner's eTRAKiT account
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building/Mechanical Permit Fee (Table 1-A) — valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | $30.41 | Standalone mechanical/gas permits are billed on the same valuation-based Table 1-A schedule as building permits; no separate flat-fee mechanical schedule was found published. Directory of City Fees, Section 2 (PDF) |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | Applies where plan review is required |
Roofing Permit (Commercial / Multi-Family Reroofs Only)
VerifiedIMPORTANT: Commerce City does NOT require a building permit for a residential reroof. A permit is required only for reroofs and roof-sheathing replacement in commercial and multi-family buildings, and for residential roof-sheathing replacement exceeding 256 sq ft. This is a notable local variance from most jurisdictions in this corpus.
Verified 2026-07-13 · Source
Requirements
- Residential reroofs do not require a building permit in Commerce City, per the city's own 'When a Permit Is Required' guidance
- Residential roof sheathing replacement of 256 sq ft or less does not require a permit, unless the decking being replaced was required at original construction to be fire-retardant-treated or otherwise protected to form a fire-rated wall termination
- Reroofs in COMMERCIAL and MULTI-FAMILY buildings DO require a building permit
- Roof sheathing replacement in COMMERCIAL and MULTI-FAMILY buildings DOES require a building permit
- Even where exempt from a permit, reroofing work must still meet the applicable building code (2021 IRC/IBC roofing provisions as adopted by the C3BC)
Required documents
- RequiredCommercial/Multi-Family Reroof Permit Application (eTRAKiT)Required only for commercial or multi-family reroofs and qualifying sheathing replacement; filed under the Commercial Alteration (CALT) permit type per the Permit Types guidance
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (Table 1-A) — valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | $30.41 | Commercial/multi-family reroof permits are billed on the same valuation-based Table 1-A schedule as building permits generally; Directory of City Fees, Section 2 (PDF) |
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit
VerifiedRequired for construction of an Attached, Contained, or Detached ADU on a single-family dwelling lot in Commerce City. Zoning/Land Development Code requirements and building code requirements (based on the IRC) are both published directly by the city's Building Safety Division.
Verified 2026-07-13 · Source
Requirements
- Only one ADU allowed per lot on a single-family dwelling lot
- ADU cannot exceed 75% of the floor area of the principal unit or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less; a 750 sq ft ADU is permitted regardless of the principal unit's size
- Water, sanitary service, and electrical utilities shall not be separately provided to an ADU -- they are shared with the principal dwelling
- The principal dwelling's address remains the same; the ADU is assigned a Unit designation by the city's GIS Department before application submittal (contact GIS@c3gov.com)
- Vehicular access to the ADU may not be separate from the principal dwelling's access, unless the ADU is alley-accessed and the principal dwelling is street-accessed
- Detached ADU must be sited so its front wall is behind the principal building's rear wall
- Maximum height: less than the principal building's height or 22 feet, whichever is less
- Setbacks: front setback same as principal building; 5 ft side setback; 5 ft rear setback; side-on-street setback same as principal building
- If the ADU includes a full kitchen (stovetop or oven), full bathroom, and bedroom together in the same space, specific ADU building-code rules apply, including an independent egress path that does not pass through the primary dwelling unit
- Adjoining ADUs require a 1-hour fire-resistance-rated wall/floor assembly, unless interconnected smoke and CO alarms activate in both units
- ADU must have a separate heating system, separate ducting, and separate climate controls, but may share the same potable water system with separate, accessible main shutoff valves
- ADU must have ready occupant access to the primary dwelling's service disconnect, overcurrent devices, shutoff valves, and appliance shutoff valves
Required documents
- RequiredAddress Unit DesignationObtained from the city's GIS Department (GIS@c3gov.com) before submitting the ADU application
- RequiredBuilding PlansFoundation plan (if new construction), floor plans, bathroom plan, roof/attic ventilation, structural details, insulation R-values, egress/rescue opening dimensions, and fire-resistive construction details where applicable
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (eTRAKiT)Standard building permit application submitted electronically
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (Table 1-A) — valuation-based | Same valuation tiers as new residential construction (e.g., $30.41 minimum up to $7,257.12 + $4.72/$1,000 over $1,000,000) | No ADU-specific fee variance was found published; Directory of City Fees, Section 2 (PDF) |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | — |
Demolition Permit (RDEMO / CDEMO)
VerifiedRequired for demolition of buildings/structures and building interiors in Commerce City. Residential Demolition (RDEMO) covers partial building demolitions, whole house demolitions, and interior element demolitions; Commercial Demolition (CDEMO) covers interior-only, whole-building, partial-building, or other commercial-related demolitions. Billed at a flat $75.00 fee rather than the general valuation-based schedule.
Verified 2026-07-13 · Source
Requirements
- Demolition of buildings and structures requires a permit per the city's 'When a Permit Is Required' guidance
- Demolition of building interiors requires a permit
- Any owner or owner's authorized agent intending to demolish a building or structure must first apply to the Building Official and obtain the required permit (C3BC Sec. 5-7)
- Residential Demolition (RDEMO): partial building demolitions, whole house demolitions, demolitions of interior elements
- Commercial Demolition (CDEMO): interior-only demolitions, whole building demolitions, partial building demolitions, or other commercial-related demolitions
Required documents
- RequiredDemolition Permit Application (eTRAKiT)Applied for via the contractor's or property owner's eTRAKiT account, under the RDEMO or CDEMO permit type as applicable
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition Fee | $75.00 | Directory of City Fees, Section 2: Building Permit Fee Schedule (PDF), item (x) under 'Other Inspections and Fees' -- a flat fee, not valuation-based |
Fence and Retaining Wall Permit
VerifiedFencing standards are set by Article VII of the Land Development Code (adopted 2009). Fences under specific height thresholds are exempt from a building permit; taller fences and retaining walls over 4 feet require a permit. Commerce City publishes a detailed 'Fences Facts to Know' handout with a full height/setback/style table by land use.
Verified 2026-07-13 · Source
Requirements
- Fences not over 72 inches (6 feet) in Groups R-3/R-4/R-5 (residential) do not require a building permit, unless the fence is a swimming pool barrier
- Fences not over 42 inches in all other (non-residential) groups do not require a building permit
- Retaining walls 4 feet and under (measured top of wall to bottom of footing), not supporting a surcharge, do not require a building permit per city guidance, but must still meet the Fence and Wall Standards table (height/setback)
- Retaining walls over 4 feet require a building permit
- Fence height is measured from the top of the fence to the highest finished grade of the lot directly under the fence
- Fence style is either Open (allows visibility) or Screen (opaque/concealing), or a Combination (masonry base up to 2 ft with decorative metal on top, counted as open style)
- Residential fence standards (Fences Facts to Know table): Front yard max height 42 inches, 30-inch setback, Open style only; Side yard max height 6 feet, no setback, Open or Screen; Rear yard max height 6 feet, no setback, Open or Screen; Side/rear yard along public right-of-way max height 5 feet, 5-foot setback, Open style only; along public/private open space or park max height 48 inches, no setback, Open style only
- Gates must be hinged to open into private property; gates across a driveway must be set back 20 feet (residential) from the public right-of-way
- Prohibited fencing materials: sheet plastic, sheet metal, plywood, inserts/slats in chain link, fabric screens on chain link, and razor wire
- Fences legally existing prior to 2009 that don't conform to current standards are non-conforming and cannot be altered, enlarged, replaced, or relocated unless brought into compliance
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Accessory Structure (RACC) Permit Application (eTRAKiT)Required only for fences over 6 feet or regulated retaining walls over 4 feet; filed under the Residential Accessory Structure (RACC) or Commercial Accessory Structure (CACC) permit type
- RequiredSite PlanShowing proposed fence height, style, location, distances to property lines, gate locations, and adjacent land uses
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (Table 1-A) — valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | $30.41 | Applies only when a permit is required (fence over 6 ft residential/42 in. non-residential, or retaining wall over 4 ft); no fence/wall-specific flat fee was found published. Directory of City Fees, Section 2 (PDF) |
Solar PV Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic systems in Commerce City. A Building Permit and an Electrical Permit are required, billed on the City's standard valuation-based Building Permit Fee Schedule (Table 1-A) — but capped by Colorado's statutory Fair Permit Act limit on solar fees. Commerce City's Building Safety Division also requires a Solar Installation Certificate (a self-certification form, Version 2021.0) to be completed by a state-licensed journeyman or master electrician employed by a Commerce City-licensed electrical contractor and uploaded to the City's eTRAKiT portal after installation.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Obtain a Building Permit and an Electrical Permit for a rooftop solar PV installation via the City's eTRAKiT portal
- Solar Installation Certificate (Version 2021.0, City of Commerce City Building Safety Division) must be completed by a state-licensed journeyman or master electrician employed by a Commerce City-licensed electrical contractor, certifying code-compliant installation of the solar panels and associated rooftop equipment/wiring
- The Solar Installation Certificate applies to rooftop installations on one- and two-story homes up to three stories
- A completed copy of the Solar Installation Certificate must be uploaded to the eTRAKiT portal and must also be kept onsite and available to the City's electrical inspector at the time of inspection
- The Solar Installation Certificate must be submitted within six months of project completion
- Under Colorado's Fair Permit Act (C.R.S. 24-48.5-113, enacted by HB21-1284), the aggregate of all City permit and plan-review fees for the installation is capped at $500 for a residential system and $1,000 for a commercial/nonresidential system producing less than 2 megawatts DC
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (via eTRAKiT)Online application through the City's eTRAKiT permitting portal
- RequiredElectrical Permit Application (via eTRAKiT)Required in addition to the Building Permit for the electrical/interconnection work
- RequiredSolar Installation Certificate (Version 2021.0, PDF)City of Commerce City Building Safety Division self-certification form; completed by a licensed journeyman/master electrician, uploaded to eTRAKiT after installation and kept onsite for inspection
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — Table 1-A, valuation-based, subject to the statutory solar fee cap | $30.41 for valuation $1-$500, scaling per Table 1-A (e.g., $89.60 for the first $2,000 plus $18.11 per additional $1,000 up to $25,000); the AGGREGATE of all City permit/plan-review fees for a solar installation is capped at $500 residential / $1,000 commercial under C.R.S. 24-48.5-113 (HB21-1284) regardless of the Table 1-A valuation calculation | City of Commerce City Building Permit Fee Schedule (Table 1-A), c3gov.com/files/assets/city/v/1/fd-finance-department/documents/city-fees/section-2-building-permit.pdf, combined with the statewide Colorado Fair Permit Act cap, which overrides the valuation-based calculation for solar specifically |
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 (DC fast) electric vehicle charging stations in Commerce City. The City publishes a dedicated Electric Vehicle Charging Station Design Guide (Step 1: Project Design) distinguishing requirements by charger level. Permitted as a Residential Electrical (RELEC) or Commercial Electrical (CELEC) permit in eTRAKiT — Level 3 installations may also require a building permit depending on complexity (foundation/canopy work) — billed on the City's standard valuation-based Building Permit Fee Schedule (Table 1-A); no distinct flat EV-charger fee line is published separately from the general electrical permit fee.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Level 1 EV charging: no permit needed if plugging into an existing outlet; a permit (no plan submission) is needed if a new outlet is installed
- Level 2 EV charging: a permit (no plan submission) is required if installing a new circuit and outlet
- Level 3 (DC fast) EV charging: requires an electrical or building permit depending on complexity, with a full plan submission (electrical plans, building plans for foundation/canopy if applicable, site plan)
- Applied for via eTRAKiT as Residential Electrical (RELEC) or Commercial Electrical (CELEC), the same permit types used for other electric-only work (service changes, solar, etc.)
- Public/commercial EV charging stations are explicitly listed under the Commercial Electrical (CELEC) permit-type description
- Governed by the 2023 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC) as adopted by the City of Commerce City Building Code (C3BC)
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Permit Application (eTRAKiT)Applied for via the contractor's or homeowner's eTRAKiT account under RELEC (residential) or CELEC (commercial)
- OptionalElectrical Plans / Building Plans / Site PlanFull plan submission required only for Level 3 (DC fast) chargers — electrical plans, building plans for any foundation/canopy structure, and a site plan
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit Fee (Table 1-A) — valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | $30.41 | Commerce City bills EV charger electrical permits on the same valuation-based Table 1-A schedule as other standalone electrical permits; no distinct EV-specific fee line is published separately. Directory of City Fees, Section 2 (PDF), effective as of December 16, 2024 |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | Applies only where plan review is required, i.e., Level 3 (DC fast) installations |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-13.
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 Commerce City building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.