Residential Building Permit (New Construction) in Westminster, Colorado
Required for all new single-family attached or detached dwellings in Westminster. Reviewed against the 2021 IRC and 2021 IECC with Westminster amendments, plus the City's Design Criteria for Structures (wind, snow, seismic). Applications are submitted entirely online via eTRAKiT.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
When you need this permit
- Complete permit application via eTRAKiT for 'RESIDENTIAL NEW – Single Family Attached OR Detached'
- Plot/site plan stamped by a Colorado licensed professional engineer or land surveyor, per the Residential Lot Survey Program
- Site-specific foundation plans stamped and signed by a registered Colorado Professional Engineer
- Site-specific soils report signed and sealed by a Colorado Licensed Professional Engineer
- Architectural plans: floor plans, framing plans, building sections, and construction details (hold-downs, shear walls, flashing)
- Structural plans (if deviating from 2021 IRC prescriptive provisions) meeting the City's Design Criteria for Structures (30 psf snow load, Seismic Design Category B, City Map Wind Zone speed, 36-inch frost depth) and the Colorado Model Electric and Solar Ready Code's future-solar provisions
- Energy plans showing the proposed 2021 IECC compliance path plus Colorado Model Electric and Solar Ready provisions
- Electrical plans showing all interior/exterior lighting, receptacles, and equipment, including Electric/Solar Ready code items
- Fire sprinkler plans (separate permit from the Westminster Fire Department for NFPA 13D/13R systems; deferred submittals not accepted)
- Truss designs uploaded to eTRAKiT for staff review (a paper copy must also be provided to field inspectors on site)
Required documents
- Req
Building Permit Application (eTRAKiT)
Online application submitted through the City's eTRAKiT permitting portal
- Req
New Residential Plan Submittal Requirements
City of Westminster checklist for new single-family attached or detached construction
- Req
Plot/Site Plan (Residential Lot Survey Program)
Stamped by a Colorado licensed PE or land surveyor
- Req
Foundation Plans and Soils Report
Site-specific, stamped/signed/sealed by a Colorado Licensed Professional Engineer
- Req
Energy Compliance Documents
2021 IECC compliance path documentation including envelope, Manual J/S/D, and Colorado Model Electric and Solar Ready Provisions
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1 to $500 | $19.50 | City of Westminster Building Division Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $501 to $2,000 | $19.50 for the first $500 plus $2.65 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $2,001 to $25,000 | $59.25 for the first $2,000 plus $11.90 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $25,001 to $50,000 | $332.95 for the first $25,000 plus $8.55 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $50,001 to $100,000 | $546.70 for the first $50,000 plus $5.95 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $100,001 to $500,000 | $844.20 for the first $100,000 plus $4.60 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $500,001 to $1,000,000 | $2,684.20 for the first $500,000 plus $3.95 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | — |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1,000,001 and up | $4,659.20 for the first $1,000,000 plus $2.65 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | — |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | City of Westminster Building Division Fee Schedule (effective Jan 1, 2026) |
| Permit Trade Fees (mechanical, plumbing, electric) | An additional 15% of the Building Permit Fee for each trade involved, plus 15% of the Plan Review Fee for each trade | Westminster issues one project permit rather than separate trade permits; trade work is billed as a percentage add-on |
| Estimated Use Tax | 4.25% of 50% of Total Valuation | Effective January 1, 2026 |
Review timeline
~1–1 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Westminster building department
Inspection process
- 1
Foundation
Before concrete pour — footings must extend below the 36-inch frost line
- 2
Framing
After framing complete, before insulation or wall cover — includes shear wall/braced wall panel connections per Design Criteria wind zone
- 3
MEP Rough-In
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-in before walls closed
- 4
Insulation / Energy
Insulation and 2021 IECC compliance verification before drywall
- 5
Final
All work complete, ready for Certificate of Occupancy
Tips
- Westminster has used the 2021 I-Codes since June 1, 2024 — confirm your design uses 2021 IRC/IBC provisions, not an older or newer edition.
- The City's own Design Criteria for Structures (eff. 6/1/2024) sets 30 psf ground snow load, Seismic Design Category B, and 36-inch frost depth — use these values, not a generic statewide table.
- Wind design varies by City Map Wind Zone: Zone 1 (east of Sheridan Blvd.) = 131 mph, Zone 2 (Sheridan Blvd. to Wadsworth Pkwy.) = 142 mph, Zone 3 (west of Wadsworth Pkwy.) = 155 mph ultimate design wind speed — confirm your parcel's zone against the City's map before finalizing structural plans.
- Westminster bills mechanical/plumbing/electrical work as a 15%-per-trade add-on to the single building permit fee (and plan review fee) rather than issuing separate trade permits with their own fee schedule.
- Beginning May 1, 2026, the General Contractor plus any Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical subcontractors must all be registered with the City and signed onto the permit before the permit is released.
Frequently asked questions
- What building code edition does Westminster use?
- Westminster has used the 2021 International Codes (IBC, IRC, IFC, IPC, IMC, IFGC, IECC) with City amendments since June 1, 2024, plus the 2023 National Electrical Code (the City has announced the 2026 NEC will take effect August 1, 2026).
- Does Westminster charge separate permits for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work on a new home?
- No. Westminster issues one project-level building permit; mechanical, plumbing, and electrical trade work is billed as an additional 15% of the building permit fee and 15% of the plan review fee for each trade involved, rather than as separately issued trade permits.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.
- City of Westminster — Department of Community Development, Building Division — official building department
- City of Westminster — Building Division
- New Residential Plan Submittal Requirements (PDF)
- Design Criteria for Structures, effective June 1, 2024 (PDF)
- Building Division Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026 (PDF)
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 Westminster building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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