You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-08-13.
Commerce City building permits
VerifiedCommerce City, Colorado — as published 2026-08-13.
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), Resolution 2026-068, effective 18 May 2026 |
| 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 | Directory of City Fees, Section 2: Building Permit Fee Schedule (Table 1-A), item A(3), p. 6 |
| 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 | Directory of City Fees, Section 2: Building Permit Fee Schedule (Table 1-A), item A(6), p. 6; the base figure is printed there as $1285.10, without the thousands separator |
| 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 | Directory of City Fees, Section 2: Building Permit Fee Schedule (Table 1-A), item A(8), p. 6 |
| 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 | Directory of City Fees, Section 2: Building Permit Fee Schedule (Table 1-A), item A(3), p. 6 |
| 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. That is a genuine local variance from the general rule, so do not assume a permit is needed if you are used to jurisdictions that require one.
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 | Directory of City Fees, Section 2: Building Permit Fee Schedule, item B, p. 6 |
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… Show full citationHideCity 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), Resolution 2026-068, effective 18 May 2026 |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | Applies only where plan review is required, i.e., Level 3 (DC fast) installations |
Commercial Building Permit (New Construction / CNEW)
VerifiedRequired for new commercial construction in Commerce City: new apartment buildings, condominiums, foundation-only construction, mixed-use buildings, core-and-shell buildings and other new commercial structures (eTRAKiT permit type CNEW). New or altered apartments and condominiums are always treated as commercial projects. Reviewed against the 2021 IBC as adopted by the City of Commerce City Building Code (C3BC) plus Local Design Criteria, entirely electronically through the eTRAKiT portal, by the Building Safety Division with parallel review by Planning and Public Works and separate submittals to outside agencies (South Adams County Fire Department, Adams County Health, South Adams County Water and Sanitation District).
Verified 2026-08-02 · Source
Requirements
- Commercial New Construction (CNEW) permit type in eTRAKiT covers new apartment buildings, condominiums, foundation-only construction, mixed-use buildings, core and shell buildings and other new commercial structures; apartments/condos are always commercial projects
- Plans reviewed against the 2021 IBC as adopted/amended by the C3BC (including Appendix Chapters C, E, F, G, H, I, J, K and N) and the Local Design Criteria: 35 psf ground snow load, 115 mph Vult wind speed, Seismic Design Category B, 36-inch frost line depth
- All submissions must be electronic via the eTRAKiT portal (ePlans); an incomplete submission package delays acceptance of the application
- Building plans must be electronically signed and sealed as required
- A Development Plan approval letter from the Planning Division is a minimum submission document — the land-development entitlement track (Development Plans/PUD Development Permits: 4-6 months administrative, 6-12 months public hearing) is upstream of and separate from the building permit
- Fire plan review is handled directly by the South Adams County Fire Department (303-288-0835) as a separate submittal
- Contractors must apply using the eTRAKiT account tied to their current Commerce City contractor license (Unlimited General Class A $120); a lapsed license delays issuance at the Pre-Issuance Review step
- Deferred submittals (e.g., trusses) must be submitted to the Building Division after permit issuance but prior to erection/installation, and must be approved before a Certificate of Occupancy
- Elevator installations require a separate submission to the Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety; a Certificate of Operation from that division is a CO prerequisite
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Plans (signed and sealed)Full plan set per the New Commercial Buildings checklist: occupancy group(s) and construction type(s), occupant load analysis, building height and area analysis, exits/means of egress analysis, elevations (all sides), fire-resistance design numbers for rated assemblies, IECC building-envelope compliance, plus structural (foundation plan, framing plans, wind/snow/seismic design data), electrical (panel schedules, riser diagrams, load calculations), plumbing (riser diagrams, fixture schedules, water pipe calculations) and mechanical (duct layout, equipment schedules, ventilation calculations) sheets
- RequiredGeotechnical ReportRequired minimum submission document for new commercial buildings
- RequiredStatement of Special Inspections / Special Inspections and Testing Agreement (SITA)City SITA form (PDF) identifying required special inspections and the testing agency; the companion Special Inspections Final Certification Report must be uploaded before a Certificate of Occupancy
- RequiredSite-Related PlanShowing location of construction, landscaping and utility connections
- RequiredDevelopment Plan Approval LetterFrom the Commerce City Planning Division, documenting the approved land-use entitlement for the project
- RequiredConstruction Cost BreakdownIncluding materials and labor; used for the valuation-based fee calculation
- OptionalEvaluation Report for Unique Materials or ProductsReport from a nationally recognized listing agency (e.g., ICC-ES) certifying code compliance of unique products such as EIFS, adjustable columns or plastic composites
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (Table 1-A, valuation-based) | $30.41 to $7,257.12+ depending on valuation | Directory of City Fees Section 2 (Resolution 2026-068, effective 18 May 2026): $1-$500 = $30.41; Show full citationHideDirectory of City Fees Section 2 (Resolution 2026-068, effective 18 May 2026): $1-$500 = $30.41; $501-$2,000 = $30.41 + $3.95/$100 over $500; $2,001-$25,000 = $89.60 + $18.11/$1,000; $25,001-$50,000 = $506.24 + $13.07/$1,000; $50,001-$100,000 = $832.94 + $9.06/$1,000; $100,001-$500,000 = $1,285.10 + $7.25/$1,000; $500,001-$1,000,000 = $4,184.13 + $6.15/$1,000; $1,000,001+ = $7,257.12 + $4.72/$1,000 over $1,000,000. Foundation-only permits are also fee'd based on valuation. |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | $150 flat per identical plan if identical plans are submitted |
| Commercial Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) / TCO Extension | $512 each | Residential equivalent is $256; Code Modification and Board of Building Code Appeals are $512 each |
| Re-inspection / Re-review Fees | $75 first re-inspection; $112 second; then doubling. $320 first re-review; $640 second; then doubling | Additional plan review for changes/revisions $75/hr; inspection outside normal business hours $75/hr; reinstating a lapsed commercial permit $640; work without a permit = double permit and plan fees |
Commercial Tenant Improvement Permit (Commercial Alteration / CALT)
VerifiedCommerce City runs tenant improvements through the distinct Commercial Alteration (CALT) permit type, backed by its own dedicated Tenant Improvements design guide with a lighter submission list than new commercial construction. CALT covers tenant improvements, systems furniture installations, condo remodels, asbestos remediation, commercial reroofs, foundation repairs, changes of occupancy, metal stud work, common area improvements and other alterations to existing commercial buildings. Fees and review timelines follow the same commercial schedule as new construction (Table 1-A valuation-based fees; 21-day initial commercial review).
Verified 2026-08-02 · Source
Requirements
- Commercial Alteration (CALT) permit type in eTRAKiT covers tenant improvements, systems furniture installations, condo remodels, asbestos remediation, reroofs, foundation repairs, changes of occupancy, metal stud work, common area improvements and other alterations to existing commercial buildings
- Minimum submission documents per the Tenant Improvements design guide are lighter than new construction: building plans, evaluation report for unique materials/products (when applicable), and a construction cost breakdown including materials and labor — no geotechnical report, SITA or development-plan letter appears on the TI minimum list
- Plans must state the occupancy group(s) and construction type(s) of the EXISTING building and include occupant load analysis, exits/means of egress analysis, fire-resistance design numbers where rated assemblies are required, and accessibility requirements
- Structural sheets are required only when applicable (design loads, existing and proposed framing plans, connection/reinforcement details for RTUs or hoods)
- Electrical plans must distinguish new construction (bold) from construction to be removed (dashed), with revised load calculations when loads are added or removed
- All submissions electronic via eTRAKiT (ePlans); fire-protection systems go through South Adams County Fire District; food establishments must contact the health department (listed as Tri-County Health on the city page) for plan submission requirements; elevator installations require a separate submission to the Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety
- A tenant space cannot be occupied after alteration until a Certificate of Occupancy or TCO is issued via a separate CO permit linked to the parent CALT permit
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding PlansPer the Tenant Improvements checklist: architectural plans with dimensions and use of all rooms, occupant load and egress analyses, partition and door/hardware schedules, floor-to-ceiling heights; structural sheets when applicable; electrical, plumbing and mechanical sheets showing new vs. existing work (demolition plans, riser diagrams, fixture/equipment schedules, load and air-balance calculations per ASHRAE 62.1)
- RequiredConstruction Cost BreakdownIncluding materials and labor; used for the valuation-based fee calculation
- OptionalEvaluation Report for Unique Materials or ProductsICC-ES or similar report when using unique products or materials
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (Table 1-A, valuation-based) | $30.41 to $7,257.12+ depending on valuation | Same Table 1-A schedule as all Commerce City permits (Directory of City Fees Section 2, Resolution 2026-068, effective 18 May 2026) — e.g., a $150,000 tenant finish = $1,285.10 + $7.25 per $1,000 over $100,000 = $1,647.60. No separate TI-specific fee schedule is published. |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | $150 flat per identical plan if identical plans are resubmitted |
| Commercial TCO / TCO Extension | $512 each | Applies if the tenant needs to occupy before all CO prerequisites are complete |
Sign Permit
VerifiedRequired before any sign is erected, moved, re-erected, constructed, altered, or enlarged in Commerce City, except signs specifically exempted under Land Development Code (LDC) Article VIII, Section 21-8210. Governed by LDC Article VIII (Sign Regulations, Municipal Code Chapter 21), fully re-enacted by Ord. No. 2432 on December 19, 2022. Only freestanding MONUMENT signs are permitted citywide — freestanding pole signs are prohibited outright. Shopping centers and multi-tenant/multi-building commercial, industrial, or office developments must file a single Comprehensive Sign Program covering all signs on site rather than individual permits per sign. Commerce City's fee schedule does not itemize a dollar figure specifically labeled "sign permit" for a standalone permanent sign; the Directory of City Fees lists a $25.00 Zoning Construction Permit and a separate $25.00 Temporary Sign Permit line under Community Development General Service Fees.
Verified 2026-08-13 · Source
Requirements
- A sign permit is required to erect, move, re-erect, construct, alter, or enlarge any sign, except as exempted under Sec. 21-8210; a separate sign permit is required for each sign (Sec. 21-8200(1))
- "Alter" means changing a sign's size, shape, height, construction material, or adding lighting; copy changes alone do not require a new permit, and a sign removed for maintenance may be replaced on the same support without a new permit (Sec. 21-8200(1))
- No sign permit shall be issued for a permanent sign on private property without written consent of the property owner or the owner's authorized agent (Sec. 21-8400(3))
- Only freestanding MONUMENT signs are permitted; freestanding POLE signs are prohibited citywide (Sec. 21-8425(1)(a))
- Shopping centers and multi-use/multi-building commercial, industrial, or office developments (or redevelopments) must employ a single Comprehensive Sign Program covering all signs on site, addressing architectural/visual compatibility, unified informational/way-finding signage, illumination, materials, and placement (Sec. 21-8220)
- Other than signs on single-family residential property, only a contractor licensed with the City of Commerce City may obtain a sign permit or install a sign requiring one (Sec. 21-8200(9))
- A building permit may additionally be required for signs incorporating structural elements or attached to a building; an electrical permit is required for illuminated signs or signs with electrical components (Sec. 21-8200(10))
- A sign permit expires, and a new permit is required, if construction is not completed within six months of issuance (Sec. 21-8200(5))
- Signs may only be placed in or over a public right-of-way with prior approval of the City Engineer via a separate revocable permit, in addition to the sign permit (Sec. 21-8200(8))
- Numerous sign types are exempt from a permit if they meet general and type-specific standards: yard signs, temporary window signs, fabric/banner signs, historical commemorative plaques, address/building-identification signs (max 2 per building), handheld signs up to 20 sq ft, incidental signs up to 3 sq ft, interior signs not visible from adjacent property, holiday displays, utility-location signs, vehicle signs meeting use limits, and nameplates up to 2 sq ft (Sec. 21-8210)
- Flags and flagpoles are largely exempt, but installing a flagpole itself requires a building permit; flagpole height/flag size are capped by building height (e.g., 20 ft pole / 3x5 ft flag for a 1-story building, up to 35 ft pole / 6x10 ft flag for 5+ stories); non-residential lots may have up to 3 flagpoles, residential lots up to 1 (Sec. 21-8210(2)(p))
- Temporary fabric/banner signs are limited to any number of consecutive days up to 30, not to exceed 60 total days per calendar year (90 days/year/tenant for commercial multi-tenant); inflatable signs are limited to 7 consecutive days, not to exceed 14 total days per calendar month (Secs. 21-8500, 21-8510, 21-8520)
- The City's eTRAKiT portal has been the mandatory application channel for permits and licenses citywide since May 8, 2023; sign permit applications are otherwise made in writing on forms furnished by the Director per Sec. 21-8200(2)
- All permitted commercial/industrial signs are subject to number, area, and height limits by property size (e.g., freestanding commercial/industrial signs on sites under 2 acres are capped more tightly than sites over 10 acres); properties of 10+ acres with monument signs over 8 ft must set back 175+ ft from residential district boundaries; solar-powered monument signs get a 20% sign-area bonus; properties fronting I-76 or I-270 get a 25% area/height bonus (Sec. 21-8425)
Required documents
- RequiredSign Permit ApplicationApplication made in writing on forms furnished by the Director (Community Development); submitted via the City's eTRAKiT portal per the citywide May 2023 eTRAKiT mandate
- RequiredWritten Property Owner ConsentRequired before a sign permit may be issued for any permanent sign on private property, per LDC Sec. 21-8400(3)
- OptionalComprehensive Sign Program SubmittalRequired in lieu of individual sign permits for shopping centers and multi-use/multi-building commercial, industrial, or office developments, per LDC Sec. 21-8220
- OptionalBuilding and/or Electrical Permit ApplicationRequired in addition to the sign permit for signs incorporating structural elements, attached to a building, or illuminated/electrically powered, per LDC Sec. 21-8200(10)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign Permit | $25.00 | Directory of City Fees, Section 5: Community Development, General Service Fees, item A(5) — the city's own fee-schedule PDF (c3gov.com). |
| Zoning Construction Permit | $25.00 | Directory of City Fees, Section 5, item A(4) — the general LDC-issued zoning/construction permit fee line; Show full citationHideDirectory of City Fees, Section 5, item A(4) — the general LDC-issued zoning/construction permit fee line; the fee schedule does not itemize a separate line explicitly labeled "permanent sign permit," so a standalone permanent sign permit most plausibly bills under this line, though the source documents reviewed do not cross-reference this fee line to LDC Sec. 21-8200 by section number |
| Building/Electrical Permit Fee (Table 1-A) — only if a building or electrical permit is separately required | $30.41 minimum ($1-$500 valuation), scaling per the same Table 1-A schedule used for all other Commerce City trade permits | Directory of City Fees, Section 2: Building Permit Fee Schedule (PDF), Resolution 2026-068, effective 18 May 2026 |
Fire Sprinkler and Fire Alarm System Permit
VerifiedFire sprinkler, fire alarm, clean agent system, kitchen-hood suppression, paint/spray booth suppression, standpipe, and fire-pump plan review and permitting for Commerce City is conducted by South Adams County Fire Department (SACFD), an independent fire protection district headquartered within Commerce City itself (6050 Syracuse St.) -- NOT by the city's own Building Safety Division. SACFD's own Plan Review and Construction Permit Application includes a "Building Dept" checkbox for either "Adams County" or "City of Commerce City," confirming it serves both. A base building permit is still filed with the City of Commerce City via eTRAKiT (referencing SACFD's plan review), but fire sprinkler/alarm/suppression plans are submitted, reviewed, and inspected entirely separately by SACFD under its own Fire Prevention Bureau application, fee schedule, and (per the existing localAmendments and residential-building-permit entry) portal. Per the already-documented local nuance, not every Commerce City parcel is served by SACFD -- some fall instead under Brighton Fire Rescue District depending on location, so applicants should confirm which district has jurisdiction before submitting.
Verified 2026-08-13 · Source
Requirements
- Fire sprinkler (new, modification, scope-of-work), fire alarm (new, modification, scope-of-work), fire pump, standpipe, clean agent system, commercial-kitchen hood suppression, and spray/paint booth suppression installations require a separate plan review and construction permit issued directly by South Adams County Fire Department's (SACFD) Fire Prevention Bureau (6050 Syracuse St., Commerce City, CO 80022; 303-288-0835; planreview@sacfd.org) -- not the Commerce City Building Safety Division
- Applicants submit SACFD's own Plan Review and Construction Permit Application (Revised 7/25), selecting the project type: New Building, Building Addition, Tenant Finish, Water Plan, Fire Alarm, Sprinkler, Clean Agent System, Kitchen Hood, Radio Amplification (BDA), High Pile Storage/Racking, Temporary Structure (Tent), Paint Booth, City Referral, County Referral, Operational Permit/Conditional Use, or Other; the form requires the Commerce City Building Department Permit # of the associated base building permit
- SACFD's own current Plan Review and Construction Permit Application (Revised 7/25) states: "All plan submittals will be a Minimum of a Thirty (30) business day review process." SACFD's separate live Plan Review webpage (sacfd.org/plan-review) instead states plan review "will be a minimum of sixty (60) business days after the plans meet our submittal requirements and the minimum fee is paid" -- a genuine, unreconciled discrepancy between two of the department's own current published sources as of the last verification
- All sprinkler submittals must include a General Information Sign to be accepted, per sacfd.org/plan-review
- The minimum plan review fee is due at time of submittal; SACFD accepts check or credit card, with a 3.5% credit card transaction fee applied to all fees (per the 2024 fee schedule, effective January 1, 2024; the July 2025-revised application form separately notes the 3.5% card fee starts February 1st)
- For permits submitted after April 16, 2026, SACFD uses its updated SizeUp FirstDue portal rather than its prior contractor Permit Portal, per sacfd.org/plan-review
- Performing sprinkler or alarm work without a permit or approval results in a fee of double the original permit fee
- SACFD's finaled fire sprinkler/alarm permit approval must be logged and closed out before Commerce City will finalize a building's Certificate of Occupancy -- consistent with the Commercial Building Permit and Commercial Tenant Improvement Permit entries, which already document that "South Adams County Fire Department...conduct their own inspections; all applicable agency finals must be approved before a CO"
- SACFD separately administers an annual/recurring Operational Permit program (launched January 1, 2024, confirmed to cover Commerce City) for high-pile storage/racking, spray/dipping operations, hazardous materials use/storage, hot work, mobile food preparation vehicles, fireworks, and marijuana establishments -- a distinct permit type from the one-time sprinkler/alarm construction permit documented here
- IMPORTANT: per the residential-building-permit entry and localAmendments, not all Commerce City parcels are served by SACFD -- some require fire review through Brighton Fire Rescue District instead, depending on location; confirm the correct district before submitting a fire sprinkler/alarm plan review
Required documents
- RequiredSACFD Plan Review and Construction Permit Application (Revised 7/25)Submitted directly to South Adams County Fire Department's Fire Prevention Bureau; requires project type, occupancy group, construction type, valuation, and the associated Commerce City Building Department Permit #
- RequiredFire Sprinkler/Alarm Shop Drawings and SpecificationsPlans for the fire protection system, reviewed independently by SACFD
- RequiredGeneral Information SignRequired to accompany all sprinkler submittals per SACFD's own plan review guidance
- RequiredCity of Commerce City Building Permit Application (eTRAKiT)Base/parent building permit referenced on the SACFD application via the Building Department Permit # field
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Sprinkler System -- New Installation (any square footage) | $0.05 per sq ft of system coverage | South Adams County Fire Department Plan Review, Inspection, and Permit Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2024 (PDF); includes plan review, one rough and hydro inspection, and one final inspection |
| Fire Sprinkler System -- Scope of Work (up to 10 devices) | $100.00 | Includes plan review, one rough and hydro inspection, and one final inspection |
| Fire Sprinkler System -- Modification (1-1,500 sq ft) | $250.00 | Modifications over 1,500 sq ft or 10+ devices: $250.00 plus $0.75 per device |
| Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems (P2904 multipurpose and NFPA 13D, one- and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes) | $350.00 flat | Includes plan review, one rough, and one final inspection |
| Fire Pump in Sprinkler System | $500.00 per fire pump | Includes plan review, one inspection, and testing |
| Fire Alarm System -- New (all other, not water-flow-monitoring-only) | $0.05 per sq ft | Water flow monitoring without a fire pump: $0.025 per sq ft instead |
| Fire Alarm System -- Scope of Work (up to 10 devices) | $100.00 | South Adams County Fire Department Plan Review, Inspection, and Permit Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2024, Fire Protection System Plan Review and Inspection Fee Schedule, p. 3; includes plan review, one rough inspection, and one final inspection and test |
| Fire Alarm System -- Modification (1-1,500 sq ft) | $250.00 | Modifications over 1,500 sq ft or 10+ devices: $250.00 plus $0.75 per device |
| Standpipes | $250.00 per system | Fee is waived if the standpipe is part of a combination fire sprinkler/standpipe system |
| Hood and Duct, Paint Booth, Spraying Room, and Mixing Room Fire Protection Systems | $500.00 per system | South Adams County Fire Department Plan Review, Inspection, and Permit Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2024, Fire Protection System Plan Review and Inspection Fee Schedule, p. 3; includes plan review and one inspection and final testing |
| Private Water Supply / Fire Sprinkler Service Lines | $250.00 | Includes plan review and inspections |
| Re-Inspection | $120.00 per hour per inspector (2-hour minimum) | South Adams County Fire Department Plan Review, Inspection, and Permit Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2024, Miscellaneous Construction Plan Review and Inspection Fee Schedule, p. 5 |
| Additional Plan Review (changes/revisions to previously approved plans) | $120.00 per hour (2-hour minimum) | South Adams County Fire Department Plan Review, Inspection, and Permit Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2024, Miscellaneous Construction Plan Review and Inspection Fee Schedule, p. 5 |
| Work Without a Permit or Approval | Double the original permit fee | South Adams County Fire Department Plan Review, Inspection, and Permit Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2024, Miscellaneous Construction Plan Review and Inspection Fee Schedule, p. Show full citationHideSouth Adams County Fire Department Plan Review, Inspection, and Permit Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2024, Miscellaneous Construction Plan Review and Inspection Fee Schedule, p. 5, where it reads "Double the permit fee"; assessed regardless of whether a Stop Work order was issued |
| Credit Card Processing Fee | 3.5% of total amount due | Per the 2024 fee schedule; SACFD's July 2025-revised application form separately references the 3.5% fee "starting February 1st" |
Change of Use / Change of Occupancy
VerifiedCommerce City does not publish a single named "change of use" or "change of occupancy" permit type -- confirmed against the existing commercial-tenant-improvement-permit entry, whose FAQ already states "Changes of occupancy are explicitly listed under the Commercial Alteration (CALT) permit type," and against eTRAKiT's three permit categories (Commercial/Residential/Other) documented in the localAmendments, none of which include a distinct change-of-use code. Where a use/occupancy change is accompanied by construction, remodeling, or reconfiguration, it is processed under the existing CALT permit type. Where NO construction accompanies the change, the practical mechanism running through real, distinct City fee lines is: a Business License (new General Business License, $30.00), a Zoning Verification review ($75.00), and, where Building Safety Division review of the license application is triggered, a separate Business License Review fee ($128.00) -- all confirmed in the city's own Directory of City Fees.
Verified 2026-08-13 · Source
Requirements
- No standalone "Change of Occupancy" or "Change of Use" permit type/code exists among eTRAKiT's Commercial, Residential, and Other permit categories documented elsewhere in this record; a use/occupancy change accompanied by construction, remodeling, or reconfiguration of space is processed under the existing Commercial Alteration (CALT) permit type, whose own FAQ in this record already confirms changes of occupancy are explicitly covered
- Every business operating within Commerce City must hold a Business License, filed via eTRAKiT with the City Clerk; per the city's own Business Licensing & Permitting guidance, the license is "issued...contingent on occupancy compliance," meaning City staff confirm zoning verification in connection with issuing it
- A Zoning Verification review ("Zoning Verification/Marijuana Verification," $75.00, Directory of City Fees Section 5.F.5) confirms the newly proposed use is allowed within the property's zoning district; obtaining this before signing a lease or filing a business license application avoids committing to a use the zoning district doesn't allow
- Where Building Safety Division review of a business license application is required, a separate Business License Review fee ($128.00, Directory of City Fees Section 2.C.1(u)) applies -- distinct from, and in addition to, the $30.00 New General Business License fee itself (Directory of City Fees Section 4.B.1)
- Under the C3BC as adopted (incorporating the 2021 IBC by reference per the codesAdopted), a new building or commercial tenant space cannot be occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) is issued, per the city's own Certificate of Occupancy guidance; the CO/TCO/CC/TCC permit is always filed in eTRAKiT linked to a "parent" permit (e.g., the CALT permit for any construction/alteration accompanying the use change)
- Prerequisites to CO/TCO issuance include approval of all final inspections on the parent permit -- including, when applicable, South Adams County Fire Department, South Adams County Water and Sanitation District, Public Works, Health Department, and Planning -- per the city's own Certificate of Occupancy page
- A change of use confirming legal nonconforming status (rather than a newly permitted use) is billed under a separate Directory of City Fees line, "Non-Conforming Certificates," $1,250.00 (Section 5.F.6)
- If the change of use is accompanied by construction or tenant-improvement work, the Commercial Tenant Improvement Permit (CALT) entry applies instead of the construction-free path documented here -- its own requirements list already states plans must reflect a change of occupancy where applicable, including heating/cooling load calculations for existing equipment reused under the new occupancy
Required documents
- RequiredBusiness License Application (eTRAKiT)Filed with the City Clerk via eTRAKiT; required of any business operating within Commerce City, issued contingent on occupancy/zoning compliance
- RequiredZoning Verification RequestConfirms the newly proposed use is allowed within the property's zoning district; billed via the $75.00 Zoning Verification/Marijuana Verification fee line rather than itemized as a separate standalone eTRAKiT document type in the sources reviewed
- OptionalBuilding Permit Application (Commercial Alteration / CALT)Required only where the change of use is accompanied by construction, remodeling, or reconfiguration of space; not required for a use change involving zero physical work
- OptionalCertificate of Occupancy/Completion (CO/TCO/CC/TCC) Permit Application (eTRAKiT)Filed as its own eTRAKiT permit record, linked to the parent CALT (or other) permit; required whenever the CO on file no longer matches the building's actual use
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New General Business License | $30.00 | Directory of City Fees, Section 4: Business Licensing, item B(1) — cited from a Wayback Machine archival capture of the city's own fee-schedule PDF (c3gov.com) |
| Zoning Verification / Marijuana Verification | $75.00 | Directory of City Fees, Section 5: Community Development, Miscellaneous Land Development Fees, item F(5) |
| Business License Review | $128.00 | Directory of City Fees, Section 2: Building Permit Fee Schedule, Other Inspections and Fees, item C(1)(u) -- charged when the Building Safety Division must review a business license application for… Show full citationHideDirectory of City Fees, Section 2: Building Permit Fee Schedule, Other Inspections and Fees, item C(1)(u) -- charged when the Building Safety Division must review a business license application for code/occupancy compliance; distinct from and in addition to the New General Business License fee itself |
| Non-Conforming Certificates (only if applicable) | $1,250.00 | Directory of City Fees, Section 5, item F(6); applies when confirming a property's legal nonconforming-use status rather than a newly zoning-compliant use |
| Building Permit Fee and Plan Review Fee (only if construction/TI work accompanies the change of use) | $30.41 minimum, scaling per Table 1-A, plus 65% Plan Review Fee | Follows the Commercial Tenant Improvement Permit (CALT) fee basis; not charged for a use change involving zero construction |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-13.
Fee schedules
Applications & forms
Checklists & handouts
Codes & ordinances
Department & other records
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.