You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-01.
Aurora building permits
VerifiedAurora, Colorado — as published 2026-07-01.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for construction of new single-family homes and other R-3/R-4 occupancy residential structures in Aurora. Reviewed against the 2021 IRC with City of Aurora Amendments. Billed per square foot using the 2026 New Building Construction Fee Table rather than a valuation-based formula.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Application submitted via the Building Division (Aurora4Biz.org online portal or in person at the Permit Center)
- Plans must comply with the 2021 IRC with City of Aurora Amendments (Aurora City Code Chapter 22) and 2021 IECC
- Table R301.2(1) climatic and geographic design criteria must be shown on plans: 40 psf ground snow load, wind speed per Aurora's wind map/ASCE Hazard Tool, Seismic Design Category B, 36-inch minimum frost depth, 1°F winter design temperature
- Site-specific geotechnical report required for new homes (soil lateral/bearing design)
- Fee is calculated per square foot by occupancy group: R-3 (Single Family Homes) = $1.30/sq ft, plus a minimum state-mandated fee at the $5,000 valuation tier
- R-3 Master Plans (repeat single-family plan sets within a subdivision) are billed a flat $2,655 fee instead of the per-square-foot rate
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Aurora4Biz.org)Online application through the City of Aurora's Aurora4Biz permitting portal
- RequiredSite PlanProperty lines, setbacks, existing/proposed structures, utilities, drainage
- RequiredConstruction DrawingsFull plan set: foundation, floor, framing, roof, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, drawn to scale
- RequiredGeotechnical Soils ReportSite-specific report establishing soil lateral/bearing values for new home foundation design
- OptionalEngineering Design Criteria Reference (Form #A200)Aurora's published climatic and geographic design criteria for the 2021 I-Codes
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Building Construction Fee — R-3 Single Family Homes | $1.30 per square foot | City of Aurora 2026 New Building Construction Fee Table (Form #A176, Revised 01/2026); minimum fee applies at the $5,000 State Fees tier |
| R-3 Master Plans (flat fee) | $2,655.00 flat fee | Form #A176 — for repeat single-family plan sets within a subdivision |
| State Surcharge / Minimum Fee | Applied at the $5,000 valuation tier per Form #A176 | City will separately collect use tax based on materials cost; some projects may have additional parks/capital impact fees |
Residential Addition / Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired for additions, structural alterations, remodels, and basement finishes to existing single-family homes in Aurora. Reviewed against the 2021 IRC with City of Aurora Amendments. Basement finishes are a distinct flat-rate permit type.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Room additions, structural modifications, and basement finishes with framing/electrical/plumbing/mechanical work
- Plans must show scope, dimensions, structural details, and connection to existing structure
- Structural work must account for Aurora's 40 psf ground snow load, Seismic Design Category B, and applicable wind speed
- Applications submitted via Aurora4Biz.org or in person at the Permit Center
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Aurora4Biz.org)Online application through the City of Aurora's permitting portal
- RequiredSite PlanProperty lines, existing structures, proposed addition footprint, setbacks
- RequiredConstruction DrawingsPlans showing the addition/remodel scope including framing and MEP as applicable
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basement Finish (flat rate) | $536.00 | City of Aurora 2026 Flat Rate Fee Permits (Form #A175, Revised 01/2026) |
| Fire Damage Repair (flat rate) | $536.00 | Form #A175 |
| Additions/structural remodels not covered by a flat-rate category | Per square foot using the applicable occupancy-group rate on the 2026 New Building Construction Fee Table, or via the Permit Fee Calculator | Form #A176 / Aurora Permit Fee Calculator — confirm at application; Aurora's published tables cover new construction and a defined flat-rate list, not every remodel scope explicitly |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for electrical installations, alterations, and service changes in Aurora. The City of Aurora Building Division issues electrical permits and performs inspections in-house — Aurora does NOT issue a separate municipal electrical contractor license; electricians must hold a current State of Colorado (DORA) master electrician/contractor license on file with the Building Division. Governed by the 2023 NEC (transitioning to the 2026 NEC for applications received on/after August 1, 2026).
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Service changes and panel upgrades
- Residential Electrical Service Upgrade (flat-rate permit)
- Residential EV charger installation (flat-rate permit)
- Energy Storage System installation (flat-rate permit)
- Current State of Colorado (DORA) master's and contractor's license must be on file with the Aurora Building Division — Aurora does not issue its own separate electrical contractor license
- Applications received on/after August 1, 2026 are reviewed/inspected to the 2026 NEC (NFPA 70); applications before that date use the 2023 NEC
- Inspection requests via aurora4biz.org, email, or phone — Aurora's own Building Division inspectors perform electrical inspections (not a third party or the state)
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Permit Application (Aurora4Biz.org)Apply online via the City of Aurora's Aurora4Biz portal
- RequiredState of Colorado DORA License on FileCurrent master electrician/contractor license record maintained with the Building Division
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Electrical Service Upgrade (flat rate) | $190.00 | City of Aurora 2026 Flat Rate Fee Permits (Form #A175, Revised 01/2026) |
| Residential EV Charger (flat rate) | $99.00 | Form #A175 |
| Energy Storage System (flat rate) | $191.00 | Form #A175 |
| Gas Pipe Installation or Modification (flat rate) | $99.00 | Form #A175 — fuel gas work often paired with electrical/mechanical trade permits |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installations, alterations, and repairs in Aurora. The City of Aurora Building Division issues plumbing permits and performs inspections in-house — Aurora does NOT issue a separate municipal plumbing contractor license; plumbers must hold a current State of Colorado (DORA) master's/contractor's license on file with the Building Division. Governed by the 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) with City of Aurora Amendments.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Water heater installation or replacement (flat-rate permit)
- Tankless water heater installation (flat-rate permit)
- New fixture installations, re-piping
- Current State of Colorado (DORA) master plumber/contractor license must be on file with the Aurora Building Division — Aurora does not issue its own separate plumbing contractor license
- Inspection requests via aurora4biz.org, email, or phone
Required documents
- RequiredPlumbing Permit Application (Aurora4Biz.org)Apply online via the City of Aurora's Aurora4Biz portal
- RequiredState of Colorado DORA License on FileCurrent master plumber/contractor license record maintained with the Building Division
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Replacement (flat rate) | $99.00 | City of Aurora 2026 Flat Rate Fee Permits (Form #A175, Revised 01/2026) |
| Tankless Water Heater (flat rate) | $287.00 | Form #A175 |
| Furnace and Water Heater Replacement (flat rate combo) | $292.00 | Form #A175 |
| Furnace, Air Conditioner and Water Heater Replacement (flat rate combo) | $336.00 | Form #A175 |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, cooling, ventilation, and fuel gas installations in Aurora. Governed by the 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) with City of Aurora Amendments. Most common residential HVAC replacement scopes are flat-rate permits.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Furnace, air conditioner, evaporative cooler, boiler, or rooftop unit replacement
- Gas pipe installation or modification (flat-rate permit)
- Fuel storage tank installation (flat-rate permit)
- Life Safety permits (with or without plan review) available as flat-rate categories
- Applications via Aurora4Biz.org
Required documents
- RequiredMechanical Permit Application (Aurora4Biz.org)Online application through the City of Aurora's permitting portal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioner Replacement (flat rate) | $201.00 | City of Aurora 2026 Flat Rate Fee Permits (Form #A175, Revised 01/2026) |
| Evaporative Cooler Replacement (flat rate) | $201.00 | Form #A175 |
| Furnace Replacement (flat rate) | $201.00 | Form #A175 |
| Boiler Replacement (flat rate) | $300.00 | Form #A175 |
| Furnace and Air Conditioner Replacement (flat rate combo) | $300.00 | Form #A175 |
| Rooftop Unit Replacement (flat rate) | $336.00 | Form #A175 |
| Gas Pipe Installation or Modification (flat rate) | $99.00 | Form #A175 |
| Fuel Storage Tank Installation (flat rate) | $267.00 | Form #A175 |
| Life Safety Permits, no Plan Review (flat rate) | $201.00 | Form #A175 |
| Life Safety Permits, with Plan Review (flat rate) | $326.00 | Form #A175 |
Roofing Permit (Reroof)
VerifiedRequired for roof replacement (tear-off and reroof) on residential and commercial buildings in Aurora. Both residential and commercial reroofing are flat-rate permits under Aurora's 2026 fee schedule; residential also offers a combined roof-and-siding flat rate.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Complete roof replacement (tear-off and reroof)
- Single Family Residential Roof Replacement (flat-rate permit)
- Residential Roof and Siding Replacement (flat-rate combo permit)
- Commercial Roof Replacement (flat-rate permit)
- Must comply with the 2021 IRC/IBC with City of Aurora Amendments, including 40 psf minimum ground snow load design
Required documents
- RequiredRoofing Permit Application (Aurora4Biz.org)Flat-rate permit type — apply via the online portal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Family Residential Roof Replacement (flat rate) | $254.00 | City of Aurora 2026 Flat Rate Fee Permits (Form #A175, Revised 01/2026) |
| Residential Roof and Siding Replacement (flat rate combo) | $328.00 | Form #A175 |
| Residential Siding Replacement only (flat rate) | $99.00 | Form #A175 |
| Commercial Roof Replacement (flat rate) | $536.00 | Form #A175 |
Solar PV Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of rooftop or ground-mounted solar photovoltaic systems in Aurora. Solar and wind systems are permitted in all zone districts subject to underlying zone restrictions (Aurora Unified Development Ordinance Section 3.3.5/3.3.6, Table 3.2-1). Eligible residential systems can use SolarAPP+, the DORA-administered statewide instant electrical plan review tool. Residential and commercial solar are both flat-rate permits.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Rooftop or ground-mounted solar PV installation — residential and commercial
- Solar and wind systems permitted in all Aurora zone districts, subject to underlying zone restrictions (UDO Section 3.3.5/3.3.6)
- SolarAPP+ eligible for one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes under 3 stories, main service ≤400A, service disconnects/busbars ≤225A — provides instant compliance feedback against the 2023 NEC
- Licensed electrical contractor (State of Colorado DORA-licensed) required for the electrical connection
- Structural adequacy for roof-mounted systems must account for Aurora's 40 psf ground snow load and Seismic Design Category B
Required documents
- RequiredSolar Permit Application (Aurora4Biz.org)Flat-rate permit type; apply via the online portal or through SolarAPP+ if eligible
- RequiredSolar Photovoltaic Permits ChecklistCity of Aurora's submittal checklist for solar PV permit applications
- OptionalSolar Installation Inspection Fact Sheet (Residential)Aurora's inspection-readiness guidance for residential solar installs
- RequiredEquipment SpecificationsManufacturer spec sheets for panels, inverter, racking, and battery storage if applicable
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Solar PV System (flat rate) | $500.00 | City of Aurora 2026 Flat Rate Fee Permits (Form #A175, Revised 01/2026) |
| Commercial Solar PV System (flat rate) | $1,000.00 | Form #A175 |
| Energy Storage System (flat rate, if filed separately) | $191.00 | Form #A175 |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of a residential electric vehicle charging station (EVSE) in Aurora. Filed as an electrical permit and priced as its own distinct flat-rate line item — 'Residential EV Charger' — under the City of Aurora's 2026 Flat Rate Fee Permits schedule (Form #A175), separate from a general electrical service upgrade.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Residential EV charger installation (flat-rate electrical permit)
- Current State of Colorado (DORA) master electrician/contractor license on file with the Aurora Building Division
- Reviewed against the 2023 NEC (transitioning to the 2026 NEC for applications received on/after August 1, 2026)
- Applications via Aurora4Biz.org
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Permit Application (Aurora4Biz.org)Apply online via the City of Aurora's Aurora4Biz portal; EV charger is a listed flat-rate electrical permit category
- RequiredState of Colorado DORA License on FileCurrent master electrician/contractor license record maintained with the Building Division
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential EV Charger (flat rate) | $99.00 | City of Aurora 2026 Flat Rate Fee Permits (Form #A175, Revised 01/2026) — distinct line item from the $190 Residential Electrical Service Upgrade flat rate |
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit
VerifiedRequired for construction of a new detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on a residential property in Aurora. Aurora's Unified Development Ordinance (Section 3.3.6) is being updated to comply with Colorado HB24-1152 and HB24-1304, which require ADUs to be allowed administratively (without a Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing) on lots zoned for single-family detached dwellings.
Verified 2026-07-01 · Source
Requirements
- ADU must be accessory to, and detached from, a single-family detached dwelling — attached ADUs are not permitted under Aurora's UDO
- Only one ADU permitted per single-family dwelling
- Permitted only on lots (or contiguous combined lots) greater than 6,000 square feet
- Maximum ADU size: 650 square feet
- Maximum ADU height: 24 feet, regardless of the primary dwelling's height
- Minimum 360 square feet of usable private common open space must be provided for the ADU
- Detached ADU setbacks follow standard accessory-structure setbacks, except an ADU built atop an existing garage may use the garage's existing setback
- ADUs are administratively approved via required building permits — no Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing is required under the updated ordinance
- Per Colorado HB24-1152/HB24-1304, ADUs are being extended to R-R, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, OA-R1, OA-R2, MU-A, and APZ zone districts
- Submit via Aurora4Biz.org: ADU permit application form, site plan showing main dwelling and proposed ADU relative to property lines, architectural drawings with dimensions/utilities, proof of property ownership, and fee payment
Required documents
- RequiredADU Permit Application (Aurora4Biz.org)City of Aurora's building permit application for a new accessory dwelling unit
- RequiredSite PlanLocation of the main dwelling and proposed ADU relative to property boundaries and setbacks
- RequiredArchitectural DrawingsDesign, dimensions, and utility connections for the ADU
- RequiredProof of Property OwnershipRequired as part of the ADU application package
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — new construction (ADU classified as new residential construction) | $1.30 per square foot (R-3 occupancy group rate) | Aurora bills a new ADU as new residential construction: assessed per square foot using the R-3 (Single Family Homes) rate on the City's 2026 New Building Construction Fee Table (Form #A176, Revised 01/2026) — the same $1.30/sq ft rate and table applied to new single-family construction, plus the state-mandated minimum fee at the $5,000 valuation tier. This per-square-foot table is the grounded, published fee basis for an ADU; confirm the exact total at application via the Permit Fee Calculator or Building Division (303-739-7420). |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for full or partial demolition of a structure in Aurora. Billed as a single flat-rate permit type covering both full and partial building demolition.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Full or partial building demolition
- Utility disconnects must be verified/arranged prior to demolition
- Applications submitted via Aurora4Biz.org or in person at the Permit Center
Required documents
- RequiredDemolition Permit Application (Aurora4Biz.org)Flat-rate permit type; apply via the online portal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition (full or partial building) (flat rate) | $402.00 | City of Aurora 2026 Flat Rate Fee Permits (Form #A175, Revised 01/2026) |
Commercial Tenant Improvement Permit
VerifiedRequired for interior remodels and tenant improvements in existing commercial buildings in Aurora, ranging from minor non-structural alterations to extensive reconfigurations. Governed by the 2021 IBC with City of Aurora Amendments. Billed via the New Building Construction Fee Table by occupancy group, or the Permit Fee Calculator.
Verified 2026-07-01 · Source
Requirements
- Interior remodel/reconfiguration of existing commercial space
- Ranges from minor non-structural alterations to extensive space reconfigurations
- Applications and payment available via Aurora4Biz.org or the AnyPayment online system
- Reviewed against the applicable IBC occupancy group (A, B, E, F, I, M, R-1, S, U) under Aurora's 2021 IBC amendments
Required documents
- RequiredCommercial Building Permit Application (Aurora4Biz.org)Online application through the City of Aurora's permitting portal
- OptionalCommercial Tenant Improvement Permits Information PacketAurora Building Division's submittal guidance for tenant improvement projects
- RequiredFull Construction Drawing SetArchitectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical plans as applicable to the scope
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — by occupancy group (e.g., B/Business = $2.90/sq ft, M/Mercantile = $2.50/sq ft, A/Assembly = $3.55/sq ft) | Per square foot by IBC occupancy group | Aurora bills a commercial tenant improvement using the same per-square-foot, occupancy-group basis published on the City's 2026 New Building Construction Fee Table (Form #A176, Revised 01/2026), applied to the TI project's scope/area (e.g., B/Business = $2.90/sq ft, M/Mercantile = $2.50/sq ft, A/Assembly = $3.55/sq ft), plus the state-mandated minimum fee at the $5,000 valuation tier. This per-square-foot table is the grounded, published fee basis for TI work — Aurora does not publish a separate reduced TI-only rate table. |
Deck / Covered Patio Permit
VerifiedRequired for construction of decks and covered patio structures at single-family residences in Aurora. Both are flat-rate permit types under Aurora's 2026 fee schedule.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Single Family Residential Deck construction (flat-rate permit)
- Single Family Residential Patio Cover construction (flat-rate permit)
- Structural design must account for Aurora's 40 psf ground snow load and Seismic Design Category B
- Applications via Aurora4Biz.org
Required documents
- RequiredDeck/Patio Cover Permit Application (Aurora4Biz.org)Flat-rate permit type; apply via the online portal
- RequiredSite PlanProperty lines, setbacks, proposed deck/patio cover location and dimensions
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Family Residential Deck (flat rate) | $402.00 | City of Aurora 2026 Flat Rate Fee Permits (Form #A175, Revised 01/2026) |
| Single Family Residential Patio Cover (flat rate) | $402.00 | Form #A175 |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.
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 Aurora building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.