You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-07.
Federal Heights building permits
Federal Heights, Colorado — as published 2026-07-07.
Reviewed 2026-07-06 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family homes and similar new residential construction in Federal Heights ('New Building' category on the City's Building Permit Application). Reviewed under the 2021 IRC/IBC as adopted by Ordinance 23-02 (effective April 15, 2023), with the 2018 IECC retained for energy compliance. Issued by the City Building Department.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plans must comply with the 2021 IRC/IBC as adopted and locally amended per Ordinance 23-02, and the 2018 IECC for energy compliance
- Classification of Work on the application must mark 'Residential' and category '1. New Building'
- All contractors must complete a City of Federal Heights Contractor Registration; subcontractors must be recorded via a Subcontractor License Form ($14.00 fee each)
- Plans requiring a design professional's stamp must meet the City's published Architect/Professional Engineer Seal Specifications
- A zoning-district-specific Plot Plan (R-1, R-4, or R-5 template) is required as part of submittal
- Multi-agency sign-off required on the application: Building, Public Works, Fire Dept., Storm Water, Engineering, and Zoning
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (City of Federal Heights, 2022 fillable PDF)Available in English and Spanish; classification of work marked 'Residential' / '1. New Building'
- RequiredPlot Plan (zoning-district-specific template: R-1, R-4, or R-5)Corner or interior lot template matching the parcel's zoning district
- RequiredConstruction Plans (Architect/Engineer-sealed where required)Must meet the City's published Seal Specifications for design-professional stamps
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | $23.50 | City of Federal Heights Building Fees schedule |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $501.00 to $2,000.00 | $23.50 for the first $500 plus $3.05 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $2,001.00 to $25,000.00 | $69.25 for the first $2,000 plus $14.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $25,001.00 to $50,000.00 | $391.75 for the first $25,000 plus $10.10 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $50,001.00 to $100,000.00 | $643.75 for the first $50,000 plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $100,001.00 to $500,000.00 | $993.75 for the first $100,000 plus $5.60 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $500,001.00 to $1,000,000.00 | $3,233.75 for the first $500,000 plus $4.75 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1,000,001.00 and up | $5,608.75 for the first $1,000,000 plus $3.65 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | — |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of Building Permit Fee | — |
| Building Use Tax | 4% of estimated materials cost (materials estimated at 50% of total valuation; effective ~2% of total valuation) | Exempt for religious organizations, charitable entities, and the City itself |
| Subcontractor Fee | $14.00 per subcontractor | — |
Residential Addition / Alteration / Tenant Finish Permit
VerifiedCovers additions, alterations, and interior remodels ('Repair or Replace' and 'Alteration or Tenant Finish' categories) to existing residential structures in Federal Heights. Reviewed under the 2021 IRC as adopted by Ordinance 23-02. The City publishes dedicated Building Guides for common sub-scopes: Residential Addition, Detached Garages, Basement Finish, and Pole Barns.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Classification of Work marked 'Residential' with category '2. Addition', '3. Repair or Replace', or '4. Alteration or Tenant Finish' as applicable
- Additions follow the City's Residential Addition Building Guide; detached garages, basement finishes, and pole barns each have their own dedicated Building Guide
- All contractors must complete City Contractor Registration; subcontractors recorded via Subcontractor License Form
- Plans requiring a design professional's stamp must meet the City's Architect/Professional Engineer Seal Specifications
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application — Addition/Repair/Alteration scopeCity of Federal Heights fillable PDF, English or Spanish
- RequiredApplicable Building Guide (Residential Addition, Detached Garage, Basement Finish, or Pole Barn)Project-specific scope and submittal guidance published by the Building Department
- OptionalPlot Plan (zoning-district template)Required for additions that change the building footprint
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (same valuation-based schedule as new construction) | $23.50 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the City's Building Fees schedule | — |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of Building Permit Fee | — |
| Building Use Tax | 4% of estimated materials cost (~2% of total valuation) | — |
Electrical Permit (State-Administered)
VerifiedElectrical work in Federal Heights is NOT permitted or inspected by the City. Per the City's own Building Department page, 'The State of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) administers all electrical permits and inspections' for Federal Heights — this is the Colorado State Electrical Board, reached via the DORA/DPO Electrical and Plumbing Permits portal.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permits must be obtained directly from the Colorado State Electrical Board (DORA/Division of Professions and Occupations), not from the City of Federal Heights
- Contractors must hold a current Colorado Electrical license; the state permit and inspection process governs, per statewide licensure statutes (CRS Title 12, Article 23)
- The City of Federal Heights performs no separate local electrical permitting, plan review, or inspection function for this trade
Required documents
- RequiredColorado State Electrical Permit ApplicationFiled directly with DORA's Division of Professions and Occupations (Electrical and Plumbing Permits portal), not with the City of Federal Heights
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Electrical Permit Fee | Set by the Colorado State Electrical Board per CRS 12-23-117(3); not collected by or set locally by the City of Federal Heights | The City's own Building Fees schedule contains no electrical line item — electrical is fully state-administered for this jurisdiction, unlike many home-rule Colorado municipalities that run their own program with a local surcharge |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation, alteration, or repair of plumbing systems in Federal Heights, including water heaters ('Plumbing (i.e. Water Heaters)' category on the City's Building Permit Application). Issued locally by the City under the 2021 IPC as adopted by Ordinance 23-02, but subject to contemporaneous State Plumbing Board (DORA) license verification at application and inspection.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Classification of Work category '7. Plumbing (i.e. Water Heaters)' on the City's Building Permit Application
- Governed by the 2021 IPC as adopted and amended by the City via Ordinance 23-02
- A Plumbing Contractor (PC) and a full-time current State Licensed Master Plumber (MP) must be listed on the permit application; the City verifies both directly against the Colorado DORA licensing database
- Inspectors may fail an inspection at their discretion, pending license verification, and report violations to the State Plumbing Board, per the City's Contemporaneous Review of Plumbing Work policy
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application — Plumbing scopeCity of Federal Heights fillable PDF; Plumbing Contractor and Master Plumber license numbers required
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Permit Fee (same valuation-based schedule as Building) | $23.50 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the City's Building Fees schedule | Plan review fee is waived for water heaters per the City's Building Fees page |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of Permit Fee | Waived for water heater replacements specifically, per the City's published fee-waiver list |
| Building Use Tax | 4% of estimated materials cost (~2% of total valuation) | — |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment installation or replacement in Federal Heights ('Mechanical (i.e. Furnace/AC Unit)' category on the Building Permit Application). Governed by the 2021 IMC and the 2018 IFGC as adopted by Ordinance 23-02 (DRIFT FIX 2026-07-23: the IFGC was previously mis-stated as '2021' in this file; verified directly against the Ordinance 23-02 text and the current Municode codification, both of which read 'International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 Edition' — the IFGC was retained at 2018 alongside the IECC, not elevated to 2021 with the IMC).
Verified 2026-07-23 · Source
Requirements
- Classification of Work category '8. Mechanical (i.e. Furnace/AC Unit)' on the City's Building Permit Application
- Governed by the 2021 IMC and the 2018 IFGC as adopted by the City
- All contractors must complete City Contractor Registration
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application — Mechanical scopeCity of Federal Heights fillable PDF
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Permit Fee (same valuation-based schedule as Building) | $23.50 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the City's Building Fees schedule | Plan review fee waived for furnace and air conditioning replacements per the City's Building Fees page |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of Permit Fee | Waived for furnace/AC replacements specifically |
| Building Use Tax | 4% of estimated materials cost (~2% of total valuation) | — |
Re-Roof Permit
VerifiedRequired for re-roofing work in Federal Heights ('Re-roof' category on the Building Permit Application). The City publishes a dedicated Roofing Guide. Governed by the 2021 IRC/IBC as adopted by Ordinance 23-02; plan review fee is waived per the City's Building Fees page.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Classification of Work category '9. Re-roof' on the City's Building Permit Application
- Follow the City's published Roofing Guide (English/Spanish) for material and installation requirements
- Contractor Registration required for the roofing contractor
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application — Re-roof scopeCity of Federal Heights fillable PDF
- OptionalRoofing Guide complianceCity-published guide covering material and installation standards
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (valuation-based, same schedule as other building work) | $23.50 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the City's Building Fees schedule | No separate flat re-roof fee is published; billed under the general valuation-based schedule |
| Plan Review Fee | Waived for roofing per the City's Building Fees page ('roofing, and similar projects not requiring plan review') | — |
| Building Use Tax | 4% of estimated materials cost (~2% of total valuation) | — |
Solar Permit
VerifiedRequired for solar installations in Federal Heights ('Solar' category, item 10, on the Building Permit Application). The electrical interconnection portion of any solar installation is administered by the State of Colorado DORA Electrical Board, not the City, consistent with the jurisdiction's general electrical-permitting posture.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Classification of Work category '10. Solar' on the City's Building Permit Application, for the structural/roof-mounting portion issued by the City
- Electrical interconnection and PV wiring must be separately permitted through the Colorado State Electrical Board (DORA), since the City does not administer any electrical permits
- Contractor Registration required for the installing contractor
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application — Solar scopeCity of Federal Heights fillable PDF, for structural/mounting review
- RequiredColorado State Electrical Permit (DORA)Separate state permit required for the electrical/PV interconnection scope
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (valuation-based, structural/mounting scope) | $23.50 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the City's Building Fees schedule | Covers the City-administered structural/roof-mounting portion only |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of Permit Fee | Not explicitly listed among the City's plan-review fee waivers (water heaters/furnaces/AC/roofing); treated as standard unless the Building Department indicates otherwise at application |
| State Electrical Permit Fee (DORA) | Set by the Colorado State Electrical Board, not the City | Covers the electrical/PV interconnection portion, filed separately with DORA |
| Statewide aggregate fee cap on active solar energy system installs | $500.00 maximum (residential) / $1,000.00 maximum (commercial), per Colorado C.R.S. 24-48.5-113 (enacted by HB21-1284) | Statutory cap on the aggregate of ALL governmental fees/charges related to installing an active solar energy system under 2 megawatts DC — the statute's own text applies to 'the state or any agency, institution, authority, or political subdivision of the state,' which reaches both the City's building/plan-review fees AND the State DORA electrical fee combined, not just one or the other. Repealed effective December 31, 2029 unless renewed. |
Demolition Permit (Wrecking and Moving)
VerifiedRequired for demolition ('wrecking') or structure relocation ('moving') in Federal Heights ('Demolition' category, item 6, on the Building Permit Application). Fees are set by a dedicated Wrecking and Moving Fee Schedule distinct from the general valuation-based Building Permit Fee table. All demolitions additionally require an asbestos-related Demolition Notification.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Classification of Work category '6. Demolition' on the City's Building Permit Application
- An Asbestos Demolition Notification packet must be completed and submitted for all demolitions, per the City's published Asbestos Demolition Information document, consistent with Colorado APCD Regulation No. 8 statewide asbestos requirements
- Fees are billed under the dedicated Wrecking and Moving Fee Schedule (by square footage), not the general valuation-based Building Permit Fee table
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application — Demolition scopeCity of Federal Heights fillable PDF
- RequiredAsbestos Demolition Notification / Permit ApplicationRequired for all demolitions per Colorado asbestos abatement/notification regulations
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wrecking Fee — under 2,500 sq ft | $55.00 maximum | City of Federal Heights Wrecking and Moving Fee Schedule |
| Wrecking Fee — over 2,500 sq ft | $110.00 maximum | — |
| Moving Fee — under 500 sq ft | $30.00 maximum | — |
| Moving Fee — over 500 sq ft | $75.00 for the first 500 sq ft plus $30.00 for each additional 500 sq ft or fraction thereof | — |
Commercial Alteration / Tenant Finish Permit
VerifiedCovers commercial tenant improvements and alterations ('Alteration or Tenant Finish' category on the Building Permit Application, Commercial classification). Reviewed under the 2021 IBC as adopted by Ordinance 23-02. Plan review fees are collected for projects with valuation greater than $25,000 at time of application submission.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Classification of Work marked 'Commercial' with category '4. Alteration or Tenant Finish' (or '2. Addition' / '3. Repair or Replace' as applicable to scope)
- Governed by the 2021 IBC as adopted and amended by the City via Ordinance 23-02
- Plans requiring a design professional's stamp must meet the City's Architect/Professional Engineer Seal Specifications
- Plan review fees for projects valued over $25,000 are collected at time of permit application submission
- Fire Dept., Storm Water, Engineering, and Zoning sign-off blocks apply on the same multi-agency Building Permit Application form
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application — Commercial Alteration/Tenant Finish scopeCity of Federal Heights fillable PDF
- RequiredConstruction Plans (Architect/Engineer-sealed)Must meet the City's published Seal Specifications
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (valuation-based, same schedule as residential) | $23.50 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the City's Building Fees schedule | — |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of Permit Fee; collected at application submission for projects valued over $25,000 | — |
| Building Use Tax | 4% of estimated materials cost (~2% of total valuation) | — |
Deck / Patio Cover / Carport Permit
VerifiedCovers uncovered decks/porches and patio covers/carports ('Patio Cover/Carport' category, item 5, on the Building Permit Application, plus uncovered decks under 'New Building' or 'Addition' as applicable). The City publishes dedicated Building Guides for each: Uncovered Decks and Porches (standard and manufactured-home variants), Patio Covers and Carports (standard and MFG-home variants), and Enclosing Patios.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Classification of Work category '5. Patio Cover/Carport' for covered structures; uncovered decks/porches follow the Uncovered Decks and Porches Building Guide
- Manufactured-home lots use the MFG-home-specific variant of each guide (Uncovered Decks and Porches for MFG Homes; Patio Covers and Carports for MFG Homes)
- A zoning-district Plot Plan (R-1, R-4, or R-5 template) showing the structure's location relative to setbacks is required
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application — Patio Cover/Carport or Addition scopeCity of Federal Heights fillable PDF
- RequiredApplicable Building Guide (Uncovered Decks and Porches, Patio Covers and Carports, or Enclosing Patios)Standard or manufactured-home variant matching the project
- RequiredPlot Plan (zoning-district template)Showing setbacks and structure placement
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (valuation-based) | $23.50 minimum, scaling per the valuation tiers in the City's Building Fees schedule | — |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of Permit Fee | Not listed among the City's explicit plan-review fee waivers (water heaters/furnaces/AC/roofing); confirm treatment for smaller deck/patio projects directly with the Building Department |
| Building Use Tax | 4% of estimated materials cost (~2% of total valuation) | — |
EV Charger / Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permit (State-Administered)
VerifiedFederal Heights has no dedicated EV charger permit — like all electrical work, an EV charging station (Level 1/2 EVSE) circuit is NOT permitted or inspected by the City. Per the City's own Building Department page, 'The State of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) administers all electrical permits and inspections' for Federal Heights, exactly as documented in the electrical-permit entry. The City's standard Building Permit Application does not list electrical/EV charging as a category at all.
Verified 2026-07-23 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permits for EV charger/EVSE circuits must be obtained directly from the Colorado State Electrical Board (DORA/Division of Professions and Occupations), not from the City of Federal Heights
- Contractors must hold a current Colorado Electrical license; the state permit and inspection process governs, per statewide licensure statutes (CRS Title 12, Article 23)
- The City of Federal Heights performs no separate local electrical permitting, plan review, or inspection function for EV charger installation, same as for any other electrical scope
- If the EV charger installation is paired with a solar/battery project, the roof/racking portion still goes through the City (Category 10 on the standard Building Permit Application) while the electrical interconnection portion goes to the State — see rooftop-solar-pv-permit and electrical-permit entries
- DISCOVERED 2026-07-23: separately from the electrical permit itself, the City now regulates WHERE and under what zoning conditions an EVCS may be sited, per Ordinance No. 25-17 (adopted 12/16/2025), codified as Chapter 70, Article XVII, Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, of the Federal Heights Municipal Code (enacted per Colorado HB24-1173). Level 1/2 EVCS (accessory or primary use) are permitted-by-right or require a Conditional Use Permit depending on zone district (R-1 through R-5, C-1, I-1) and are exempt from Site Development Plan and Landscape Plan review, subject only to Article XVII's own design standards plus the electrical/building permits described above; a NEW Level 3 (DC fast-charging) EVCS on a site without an existing Site Development Plan triggers an administrative SDP review, and adding Level 3 EVCS to an existing SDP site requires an administrative minor-SDP-modification submittal to the City (Sec. 70-470) — this is a real City-administered zoning approval step distinct from the DORA electrical permit.
Required documents
- RequiredColorado State Electrical Permit ApplicationFiled directly with DORA's Division of Professions and Occupations (Electrical and Plumbing Permits portal), not with the City of Federal Heights
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Electrical Permit Fee (applies to EV charger circuit; no distinct EV line) | Set by the Colorado State Electrical Board per CRS 12-23-117(3); not collected by or set locally by the City of Federal Heights | The City's own Building Fees schedule contains no electrical or EV-charger line item — electrical (including EV charging circuits) is fully state-administered for this jurisdiction |
Sources & verification
Key facts verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-06.
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Federal Heights building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.