You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-08-20.
Bow Mar building permits
VerifiedBow Mar, Colorado — as published 2026-08-20.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family residential construction in Bow Mar. Reviewed under the 2021 IRC as locally amended (Sec. 18-9), plus the Town's Table R301.2(1) design criteria (30 psf roof snow load, 110/140 mph wind speeds, 36-inch frost depth). Requires Design Review Board (DRB) approval before submittal, is administered day-to-day out of the shared Columbine Valley Town Hall office, and is issued under Bow Mar's own Municipal Code Chapter 18.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Design Review Board (DRB) approval required BEFORE building permit submittal for any exterior work — DRB meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM
- Plans must comply with the 2021 IRC as locally amended, and meet the Town's Table R301.2(1) design criteria: 30 psf roof snow load, 110 mph nominal / 140 mph ultimate wind speed, 36-inch frost depth, Seismic Design Category B, Severe weathering, 1 degree F winter design temperature
- Site-specific soils report by a Colorado-registered geo-technical engineer required with the application for all new habitable structures (amended R401.4)
- Two (2) sets of construction drawings (24"x36") required: plot plan, landscape/civil drawings, mechanical/electrical/plumbing drawings, structural drawings stamped by a Colorado-licensed professional engineer
- Drainage plan by a licensed engineer required for any new home, analyzing drainage effects on the subject property and adjacent properties
- All contractors (General Contractor and any subcontracted trades) must hold current Town of Bow Mar contractor registration; plumbers and electricians must additionally hold current Colorado state licenses
- Projects valued at $50,000 or more require a detailed line-item Schedule of Values submitted with the application
- A photometric (lighting) plan and permit required for new construction/major remodels valued over $250,000
- Application and plan sets submitted to the Town of Bow Mar Building Department office at 2 Middlefield Road, Columbine Valley, CO 80123 (shared office with the Town of Columbine Valley)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application with Plan ReviewSubmitted along with construction plans and specifications to the Bow Mar Building Department (shared Columbine Valley Town Hall office)
- RequiredTwo (2) sets of Construction Drawings (24"x36")Landscape/civil drawings; mechanical/electrical/plumbing drawings; structural drawings stamped by a Colorado-licensed professional engineer
- RequiredSite-Specific Soils ReportPrepared by a Colorado-licensed geo-technical engineer, required for all new habitable structures per amended IRC R401.4
- RequiredDrainage PlanPrepared by a licensed engineer, analyzing drainage effects on the subject home/addition and adjacent properties
- RequiredDRB ApprovalDesign Review Board approval of exterior design, materials, and site conformance, required before permit submittal
- OptionalSchedule of ValuesDetailed line-item valuation schedule, required for projects valued at $50,000 or more
- OptionalAsbestos ReportRequired if applicable, per Town of Bow Mar Building Procedures required-documentation list
- RequiredTown of Bow Mar Contractor RegistrationGeneral Contractor registration ($160/year) required for the contractor of record; subcontractors (Mechanical, Plumbing, Roofing) require their own $100/year registration
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1-$500 | $56 | Town of Bow Mar Building Permit Fees schedule (live page) |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $501-$2,000 | $56 for the first $500 plus $7.25 per additional $100 | Town of Bow Mar Building Permit Fees, project valuation fee schedule table |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $2,001-$25,000 | $164 for the first $2,000 plus $33.25 per additional $1,000 | Town of Bow Mar Building Permit Fees, project valuation fee schedule table |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $25,001-$50,000 | $930 for the first $25,000 plus $24.00 per additional $1,000 | Town of Bow Mar Building Permit Fees, project valuation fee schedule table |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $50,000-$100,000 | $1,530 for the first $50,000 plus $16.50 per additional $1,000 | Town of Bow Mar Building Permit Fees, project valuation fee schedule table |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $100,000-$500,000 | $2,361 for the first $100,000 plus $13.25 per additional $1,000 | Town of Bow Mar Building Permit Fees, project valuation fee schedule table |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $500,000-$1,000,000 | $7,684 for the first $500,000 plus $11.25 per additional $1,000 | Town of Bow Mar Building Permit Fees, project valuation fee schedule table |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1,000,000 and up | $13,325 for the first $1,000,000 plus $7.50 per additional $1,000 | Town of Bow Mar Building Permit Fees, project valuation fee schedule table |
| Transportation Utility Fee | 1% of Total Project Valuation | Applies to all projects of $10,000 and above, in addition to the Building Permit Fee; Show full citationHideApplies to all projects of $10,000 and above, in addition to the Building Permit Fee; allocated to the Town's local street maintenance/improvement costs. Example given on the Town's fee page: a $50,000 project totals $1,530 Building Permit Fee + $500 Transportation Utility Fee = $2,030. |
| General Contractor Registration (annual) | $160/year | Half-fee if registering after July 1 for the remainder of the calendar year |
| Independent Plan Review (if required) | Cost of independent engineer/architect review added to permit fee | Per Bow Mar Ordinance 18-5(b); applies when the Building Department engages independent review, and specifically when Schedule of Values figures are later found understated |
Residential Addition / Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired for additions and major remodels to existing residences in Bow Mar, using the same Building Permit with Plan Review track as new construction. Reviewed under the 2021 IRC/IEBC as locally amended, including the Town's amended residential-remodel energy table (Table N1102.1.3) and carbon monoxide alarm requirements for existing dwellings.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Design Review Board (DRB) approval required before permit submittal for any exterior work
- Governed by the 2021 IRC and 2021 IEBC (Existing Building Code) as locally amended
- Remodels affecting insulation/fenestration must meet the Town's amended Table N1102.1.3 residential-remodel energy values (e.g. fenestration U-factor 0.30, ceiling R-60, wood-frame wall R-20+5)
- Carbon monoxide alarms required per amended R315.3 for work in existing dwellings with attached garages or fuel-fired appliances, subject to listed exceptions (roofing/siding-only, most window/door replacement, porches/sheds/decks, certain exterior-only plumbing/electrical work)
- Drainage plan by a licensed engineer required for any addition, analyzing effects on the home and adjacent properties
- Projects valued at $50,000 or more require a detailed Schedule of Values
- All contractors must hold current Town of Bow Mar contractor registration
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application with Plan Review
- RequiredTwo (2) sets of Construction DrawingsStructural drawings stamped by a Colorado-licensed professional engineer where structural changes are proposed
- RequiredDRB ApprovalRequired before permit submittal for any exterior changes
- RequiredDrainage Plan
- OptionalSchedule of ValuesRequired for projects valued at $50,000 or more
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (same valuation-tiered schedule as new construction) | $56 minimum ($1-$500), scaling to $13,325 + $7.50/$1,000 above $1,000,000 | Town of Bow Mar Building Permit Fees schedule |
| Transportation Utility Fee | 1% of Total Project Valuation for projects $10,000 and above | Town of Bow Mar Building Permit Fees page, immediately below the project valuation table — an additional Transportation Utility Fee of one percent of total project valuation is added to the building… Show full citationHideTown of Bow Mar Building Permit Fees page, immediately below the project valuation table — an additional Transportation Utility Fee of one percent of total project valuation is added to the building permit fee for all projects of $10,000 and above, allocated to the Town's cost for future maintenance and improvement of its local streets. Ordinance No. 340, this permit type's other cited source, contains no valuation fee table and no transportation utility fee. |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedElectrical permitting in the Town of Bow Mar is fully deferred to the Colorado State Electrical Board (DORA Division of Professions and Occupations) — the Town does NOT run its own local electrical permit or inspection program. Bow Mar Municipal Code Sec. 18-6 explicitly directs permit holders to 'contact the State Electrical Board concerning the permits, inspections and fees.' Electrical work is still governed technically by the current NEC (National Electrical Code) as adopted by the State of Colorado, per Sec. 18-19.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Contact the Colorado State Electrical Board (DORA) directly for the electrical permit, inspections, and fee schedule — per Bow Mar Municipal Code Sec. 18-6
- Electricians must hold a current State of Colorado electrical license (master electrician or electrical contractor license) — the Town's Non-Structural Building Permit Application form requires proof of state licensing at time of registration
- There is no separate Town of Bow Mar Electrical Contractor registration fee category (unlike General, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Roofing contractors) — consistent with electrical work routing entirely to the state program rather than a Town-run track
- Governed technically by the current NFPA 70 National Electrical Code as adopted by the State of Colorado (2023 NEC, per the Town's own Non-Structural Building Permit Application form)
Required documents
- RequiredColorado State Electrical Board Permit ApplicationFiled directly with DORA's Division of Professions and Occupations, not with the Town of Bow Mar
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit Fee | Set by the Colorado State Electrical Board (DORA), not the Town of Bow Mar | Bow Mar Municipal Code Sec. 18-6 directs permit holders to the State Electrical Board for permits, inspections, and fees; no Town-level electrical fee is published or applicable |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedPlumbing permits ARE locally administered by the Town of Bow Mar Building Department (unlike electrical, which is deferred to the state). The Town's 2021 IPC (Sec. 18-11) governs the work; the Building Department issues the permit, lists required inspections on the permit card, and closes the job after a passed final inspection.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plumbing Contractor submits permit application directly to the Town of Bow Mar Office, including scope of work, State of Colorado plumbing license, and proof of liability insurance
- Payment of a flat $100.00 fee to the Town of Bow Mar, plus the applicable Permit Fee
- Contractor must be registered with the Town of Bow Mar as a Plumbing Contractor ($100/year registration fee) in addition to holding a current Colorado state plumbing license
- Governed by the 2021 International Plumbing Code as adopted (Sec. 18-11)
Required documents
- RequiredPlumbing Permit ApplicationSubmitted to the Town of Bow Mar Office (Columbine Valley Town Hall), including scope of work and proof of insurance
- RequiredState of Colorado Plumbing License
- RequiredProof of Liability Insurance
- RequiredTown of Bow Mar Plumbing Contractor Registration$100/year registration fee
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Town Plumbing Permit Fee | $100.00 flat fee to the Town of Bow Mar | Plus the applicable Permit Fee per project valuation, per the Town's Building Permits page |
| Plumbing/Mechanical/Roofing Contractor Registration (annual) | $100/year | Half-fee if registering after July 1 for the remainder of the calendar year |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for mechanical/HVAC installations and replacements in Bow Mar. Most common single-appliance replacements (furnace, boiler, air conditioner, swamp cooler) are processed under the Non-Structural Building Permit track using the Town's Flat Fee Schedule rather than the valuation-based table. Governed by the 2021 IMC as adopted (Sec. 18-10).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Non-Structural Building Permit Application used for like-for-like mechanical replacements not requiring plan review (furnace, boiler, air conditioner, swamp cooler, water heater, change to electric service, gas line)
- Governed by the 2021 International Mechanical Code as adopted (Sec. 18-10)
- All subcontractors must be registered with the Town of Bow Mar PRIOR to commencement of work
- DRB approval required if any exterior modification (e.g. exterior condenser unit placement) is involved; the Town will not process the permit without DRB approval for exterior changes
- Outdoor construction/installation limited to 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Saturday/Sunday/holidays
Required documents
- RequiredNon-Structural Building Permit ApplicationUsed for like-for-like mechanical replacements; requires owner/contractor info, project valuation, and a signed contract with the homeowner
- OptionalDRB ApprovalRequired only if exterior modifications are involved
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Furnace Replacement (Flat Fee) | $250 | Town of Bow Mar Flat Fee Schedule; cost of inspection added to this flat fee |
| Boiler Replacement (Flat Fee) | $275 | Town of Bow Mar Building Permit Fees, Flat Fee Schedule; cost of inspection added to this flat fee |
| Air Conditioner (Flat Fee) | $250 | Town of Bow Mar Building Permit Fees, Flat Fee Schedule; cost of inspection added to this flat fee |
| Swamp Cooler / Evaporative Cooler (Flat Fee) | $175 | Town of Bow Mar Building Permit Fees, Flat Fee Schedule; cost of inspection added to this flat fee |
| Mechanical Contractor Registration (annual) | $100/year | Half-fee if registering after July 1 |
Furnace / Water Heater Replacement Permit
VerifiedA distinct, genuinely flat-fee-schedule permit type in Bow Mar for like-for-like replacement of water heaters (gas or electric) and side-arm water tanks, processed via the Non-Structural Building Permit Application without full plan review.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Non-Structural Building Permit Application used (no plan review required for like-for-like replacement)
- All subcontractors must be registered with the Town of Bow Mar prior to commencement of work; plumbers/electricians performing related connection work must be Colorado state-licensed
- Signed contract with homeowner required as a supporting document
Required documents
- RequiredNon-Structural Building Permit Application
- RequiredSigned Contract with Homeowner
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater - Gas (Flat Fee) | $200 | Town of Bow Mar Flat Fee Schedule; cost of inspection added to this flat fee |
| Water Heater - Electric (Flat Fee) | $200 | Town of Bow Mar Building Permit Fees, Flat Fee Schedule; cost of inspection added to this flat fee |
| Side Arm Water Tank (Flat Fee) | $200 | Town of Bow Mar Building Permit Fees, Flat Fee Schedule; cost of inspection added to this flat fee |
Roofing Permit
A separate permit is required for roofing projects in Bow Mar, governed by the Town's own 'Code Requirements for Residential Roofs' page (which references IRC 2015-cycle section numbering R904-R907, alongside the Town's current 2021 IRC adoption) with several local amendments including drip-edge and ice-barrier requirements.
Reviewed 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Roofing Permit Application required for new roof installation or roof repairs
- If the roofing project includes structural changes to the roof, the Building Permit Application with Plan Review is ALSO required
- Mid-Roof Inspection required at 25% of installation completion
- Maximum number of layers: 1 layer shingle, 2 layers flat roofing material
- Minimum wind speed rating: 6-nail all, 90 mph (ASTM/UL D3161)
- Ice Barrier shall extend from the eave's edge to a point at least 24 inches inside the exterior (heated) wall line, for all new roof tear-offs
- Underlayment required: #15 felt up to 6/12 slope, #30 felt for 7/12 and above; 2 layers of underlayment required for slopes between 2/12 and 4/12
- Valley size minimum 18 inches, 90 lb. or metal permitted
- Solid sheeting (plywood/OSB) required over plank decking, meeting manufacturer specs to maintain material warranty
- Roof ventilation: total net free area not less than 1 sq ft of roof vents per 150 sq ft of roof area (soffit vents allowed)
- Locally amended drip-edge requirement (amendment to Sec. R903.2, adding new R905.2.2): drip edge required at eaves and gables of shingle roofs, minimum 2-inch overlap, extending 1.5 inches below sheathing and 2 inches back onto the roof, mechanically fastened at a maximum 12 inches on center
- A Cricket or Saddle required on the ridge side of any chimney greater than 30 inches wide, matching metal or roof-covering material
Required documents
- RequiredRoofing Permit Application
- OptionalBuilding Permit Application with Plan ReviewRequired in addition to the Roofing Permit if structural changes to the roof are included
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roofing Permit Fee | Not separately published on the Town's Flat Fee Schedule or Building Permit Fees page as of the last verification | The Roof Specifications page describes code requirements but does not state a specific roofing-permit fee; the general valuation-based Building Permit Fee table on the Building Permit Fees page likely applies but is not explicitly cross-referenced for roofing on that page |
Demolition Permit
Required if demolition of an existing structure is planned in Bow Mar. Uses a dedicated Demolition Permit Application distinct from the standard Building Permit with Plan Review or Non-Structural tracks.
Reviewed 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Demolition Permit Application required for demolition of any existing structure
- DRB approval required prior to demolition permit processing (demolition affects the exterior/site condition)
- Contractor must hold current Town of Bow Mar General Contractor registration
Required documents
- RequiredDemolition Permit Application
- RequiredDRB Approval
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition Permit Fee | Not separately published; likely assessed under the general valuation-based Building Permit Fee table | The Town's Building Permits page lists the Demolition Permit Application as a required document but does not publish a demolition-specific fee figure |
Deck / Patio / Fence Permit
Decks, patios, fences, sheds, gazebos, hot tubs, and similar accessory structures require a building permit in Bow Mar (per the Municipal Code's broad definition of 'structures' in Sec. 18-2(b), and the Town's own example list of work requiring permits). Processed via the Non-Structural Building Permit track for most such projects, with DRB approval required for any exterior visibility.
Reviewed 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- DRB approval required before permit submittal — the Town will not process the permit without DRB approval for any exterior modification
- Non-Structural Building Permit Application typically used for decks, fences, sheds, hot tubs, gazebos, garden sheds not involving full plan review
- 'Structures' subject to Chapter 18 explicitly include fences, swimming pools, tennis and pickleball courts, patios, decks, gazebos, sheds, antennae, solar panels/collectors, greenhouses, pillars/posts, and nonportable playground equipment (Sec. 18-2(b))
- Fences, signs, and awnings are exempt from Contractor Registration requirements (Sec. 18-23(b)(2)), though the property owner/contractor may still need the underlying permit
Required documents
- RequiredNon-Structural Building Permit Application
- RequiredDRB Approval
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (valuation-tiered) | $56 minimum, per the Town's general Building Permit Fee schedule based on project valuation | No separate flat fee is published specifically for decks/patios/fences on the Town's Flat Fee Schedule (which covers only AC, boiler, furnace, swamp cooler, and water heaters); the valuation-based table applies by default |
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedBow Mar has no separate solar/photovoltaic permit type; rooftop PV is permitted as a combined Building Permit (structural/racking, Town valuation-based fee table) and Electrical Permit (State of Colorado Electrical Board, since Bow Mar Municipal Code Sec. 18-6 directs applicants to the State Electrical Board for electrical permits, inspections, and fees rather than issuing them itself). As in every Colorado jurisdiction, the combined total of all governmental fees for the installation is capped by state law at $500 for a residential system and $1,000 for a commercial system (C.R.S. § 24-48.5-113, enacted by HB21-1284).
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Town Building Permit required for the structural/racking portion, billed under the Town's valuation-based Building Permit Fee schedule
- Electrical Permit for PV wiring/interconnection is not issued by the Town — Bow Mar Municipal Code Sec. 18-6 directs permit holders to the Colorado State Electrical Board (DORA) for electrical permits, inspections, and fees
- Work must comply with the 2023 NEC as adopted by Ordinance No. 340
- By statute (C.R.S. § 24-48.5-113 / HB21-1284), the aggregate of all permit fees and charges imposed by any Colorado governmental body (Town + State) for an active solar energy system installation is capped at $500 residential / $1,000 commercial
Required documents
- RequiredTown of Bow Mar Building Permit ApplicationFor the structural/racking portion of the solar installation
- RequiredColorado State Electrical Permit ApplicationObtained through the State Electrical Board (DORA), not the Town, per Bow Mar Municipal Code Sec. 18-6
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide aggregate solar permit fee cap — Residential | $500 (combined Town building + State electrical fees) | C.R.S. § 24-48.5-113, enacted by HB21-1284 (2021), extended through Dec. 31, 2029 |
| Statewide aggregate solar permit fee cap — Commercial | $1,000 (combined Town building + State electrical fees) | C.R.S. § 24-48.5-113, enacted by HB21-1284 (2021) |
| Building Permit Fee (structural portion) — valuation $1-$500 | $56 | Town of Bow Mar Building Permit Fees schedule (live page); no distinct solar/PV line item — subject to the statewide cap above |
| Electrical Permit Fee | Set by the Colorado State Electrical Board (DORA), not the Town of Bow Mar | Bow Mar Municipal Code Sec. 18-6 directs permit holders to the State Electrical Board for permits, inspections, and fees; no Town-level electrical fee is published or applicable |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit
VerifiedInstallation of an electric vehicle charger (EVSE) at a Bow Mar property is electrical work, and the Town of Bow Mar does not issue electrical permits at all — Municipal Code Sec. 18-6 directs all electrical permitting, inspection, and fees to the Colorado State Electrical Board (DORA), the same routing that applies to every other electrical trade permit in Bow Mar. There is no Town-issued EV-charger-specific permit or fee.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit obtained directly through the Colorado State Electrical Board (DORA), not the Town of Bow Mar, per Bow Mar Municipal Code Sec. 18-6
- Installation performed by a Colorado-licensed electrical contractor
- Dedicated branch circuit sized to EVSE manufacturer specifications, complying with the applicable NEC edition adopted by the State of Colorado
- If the EVSE installation involves any exterior structural work (e.g., a new dedicated equipment enclosure or mounting structure), a separate Town of Bow Mar Non-Structural or Structural Building Permit and Design Review Board approval may also be required for that portion of the work
Required documents
- RequiredColorado State Electrical Board (DORA) Electrical Permit ApplicationState-issued electrical permit application; Bow Mar has no local equivalent
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit Fee | Set by the Colorado State Electrical Board (DORA), not the Town of Bow Mar | Same routing as Bow Mar's general Electrical Permit — Bow Mar Municipal Code Sec. 18-6 directs applicants to DORA for permits, inspections, and fees; no Town-level fee applies to the EVSE circuit itself |
Sign Permit
VerifiedBow Mar has no standalone sign permit, sign ordinance, or sign-dimensional standards anywhere in its Municipal Code. Chapter 16 (Zoning), Article I (Secs. 16-1 through 16-21) contains no article or section addressing sign size, height, number, location, or permitting. The only 'sign' references anywhere in the Town's code are two procedural public-hearing-notice signs (for variance and rezoning applications) and a nuisance provision in Chapter 18 barring unauthorized posting on Town or others' property. Given Bow Mar's exclusively residential zoning and town-wide prohibition on commercial establishments (Sec. 16-11), the classic commercial/business signage scenario has no applicability here.
Verified 2026-08-13 · Source
Requirements
- No dedicated Article or Section addressing sign dimensional standards, sign permit applications, or sign fees exists anywhere in Chapter 16 (Zoning) Article I — confirmed by a full direct read of Secs. 16-1 through 16-21 (2026-08-13); the only 'sign' references in Article I are the applicant-posted PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE sign required for variance requests (Sec. 16-17(f): minimum 36" x 48", posted in a conspicuous location along each abutting public street for at least 21 days prior to the hearing) and the rezoning/subdivision notice sign (Sec. 16-19(2): minimum 4' x 4', posted at least 15 days prior to the hearing)
- Chapter 18 (Building Regulations, Ordinance No. 340) Sec. 18-32 ('Signs on property of others') is a nuisance/trespass provision: 'No sign, handbill, poster, placard or painted or printed matter shall be posted, pasted or otherwise attached in any public area including easements, or upon any fence, power pole, telephone pole, traffic sign, building or other structure without the permission of the owner, agent or occupant of the property upon which such sign is displayed' — written permission from the Town Clerk is required to post on Town-owned easements/rights-of-way specifically; this governs posting ON others' property, not a homeowner's own signage on their own lot, and creates no permit application, fee, or dimensional standard
- Ordinance No. 340, Sec. 18-23(b)(2) exempts persons who 'build, repair or maintain fences, signs or awnings' from the Town's Contractor Registration requirement — confirming signs are within Chapter 18's contemplated scope of buildable work, but this is only an exemption from contractor licensing, not an affirmative statement that a building or sign permit is separately required
- No 'sign' line item appears in the Town's published Building Permit Fees schedule, Flat Fee Schedule, or Sample List of Cost page
- No dedicated sign permit application form is published among the Town's downloadable forms (Building Permit w/ Plan Review, Demolition, Non-Structural, Roofing, Street Cut & Driveway) — checked townofbowmar.org directly
- Confirm any specific proposed sign directly with the Building Department (303-795-2063) or Building Inspector Terry Weis, since no sign-specific process is published to confirm against
Required documents
- OptionalNone publishedNo dedicated sign permit application, checklist, or fee schedule appears in Chapter 16, in Chapter 18, or on the Town's Building Permits/Fees pages. If a proposed sign involves new structural work, the Town's general Non-Structural or Building Permit with Plan Review application may apply instead — confirm with the Building Department.
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sign Permit Fee | GAP — no distinct fee exists because no distinct permit exists | No sign-specific fee line item was found on the Town's Building Permit Fees page, Flat Fee Schedule, or Sample List of Cost page after a direct, full-text check (2026-08-13). Show full citationHideNo sign-specific fee line item was found on the Town's Building Permit Fees page, Flat Fee Schedule, or Sample List of Cost page after a direct, full-text check (2026-08-13). If a proposed sign requires structural work, it would likely fall under the Town's general valuation-based Building Permit Fee table (see the residential-building-permit entry in this record) rather than carrying its own fee — not confirmed, not invented. |
Fire Sprinkler & Fire Alarm System Permit (South Metro Fire Rescue)
VerifiedRequired for installation, alteration, or modification of an automatic fire sprinkler system or a fire alarm/detection system anywhere in Bow Mar. This permit is issued and inspected by South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR), a separate fire protection district — NOT the Town of Bow Mar Building Department. Bow Mar's own Ordinance No. 340 amends the locally-adopted 2021 IFC (Secs. 103.1/103.2) to create the SMFR Fire Marshal's Office as the Town's fire code official, and SMFR's own live 'About Us' page confirms Bow Mar as a directly served jurisdiction. SMFR runs its own submittal portal (Accela), its own fee schedule, and publishes its own plan-review turnaround goal — genuinely separate from, and in addition to, the Town's own Building Permit process documented elsewhere in this record.
Verified 2026-08-13 · Source
Requirements
- Issued and inspected by South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR), not the Town of Bow Mar Building Department — Ordinance No. 340 amends 2021 IFC Sec. 103.1 to create 'the South Metro Fire Rescue Fire Protection District...as the Fire Marshal's Office within the jurisdiction of the Town of Bow Mar' and Sec. 103.2 appoints 'the Fire Marshal of the South Metro Fire Rescue Fire Protection District, or designee' as the fire code official
- SMFR's own live 'About Us' page independently confirms Bow Mar as a served jurisdiction: 'SMFR proudly serves the cities of Bow Mar, Castle Pines, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Columbine Valley, Foxfield, Greenwood Village, Littleton, Lone Tree, and Parker...'
- Under IFC Sec. 105.6 (Required construction permits) as locally adopted, a construction permit is required to install, alter, or modify an automatic fire sprinkler system or a fire alarm system
- Governed by the 2021 IFC as locally amended by Ordinance No. 340; SMFR's own current fee schedule references NFPA 13/13D/13R sprinkler classifications (13D applies to one- and two-family dwellings, the relevant classification for nearly all Bow Mar construction) and NFPA 72 for fire alarm systems
- Applications and inspection scheduling are submitted through SMFR's own Accela Permit Portal — a wholly separate system from the Town of Bow Mar's own permitting process used for the Building, Plumbing, Roofing, and Demolition permits documented elsewhere in this record
- SMFR's own published plan-review turnaround GOAL (not a Town commitment): 'Our plan review turnaround time goal is to have comments back to the applicant in 5 business days or less, 90% of the time' — projects with higher complexity or submitted during heavy volume may take longer
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) same-business-day review is available for qualifying minor alterations to an EXISTING system if submitted by 11:00 a.m. — e.g. wet-pipe sprinkler alterations affecting up to 50 heads at light/ordinary hazard classification, fire alarm device substitution/relocation (up to 25 devices) or addition (up to 10 new devices), and emergency fire alarm control panel/dialer replacement; a brand-new system install does not qualify for OTC and goes through the standard 5-business-day-goal review instead
- Routine inspection requests submitted through the Accela Portal by 4:00 p.m. are conducted the next business day, or a later date up to 5 business days out if specifically requested; inspectors provide an estimated arrival window the morning of inspection
- This is a GENUINELY SEPARATE permit, fee, and review process from the Town of Bow Mar's own Building Permit (documented elsewhere in this record) — a new home in Bow Mar with a fire sprinkler system needs BOTH the Town's own Building Permit (with fire protection plans as part of the submitted plan set) AND this separate SMFR construction permit
Required documents
- RequiredSMFR Fire Sprinkler / Fire Alarm Construction Permit ApplicationSubmitted via SMFR's own Accela Permit Portal, not the Town of Bow Mar's own permit system
- RequiredFire Sprinkler / Fire Alarm System PlansShop drawings and hydraulic calculations prepared per the applicable NFPA standard (NFPA 13D for one- and two-family dwellings; NFPA 72 for fire alarm/detection systems)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Automatic Sprinkler System, NFPA 13D (one/two-family dwelling) — up to 3,000 sq ft | $110.44 flat (plan review only; no separate inspection line at this size tier) | SMFR 'New Construction and Tenant Improvements' fee table, effective January 1, 2026 — this table also covers new fire sprinklers/alarms bundled with new construction; Show full citationHideSMFR 'New Construction and Tenant Improvements' fee table, effective January 1, 2026 — this table also covers new fire sprinklers/alarms bundled with new construction; larger homes scale up via higher size thresholds (e.g. the table's 6,000 sq ft threshold is priced separately below) |
| New Automatic Sprinkler System, NFPA 13D — 6,000 sq ft threshold | $338.62 plan review + $733.83 inspection = $1,072.46 combined, plus $9.00 combined per each additional 100 sq ft above 6,000 sq ft | SMFR 'New Construction and Tenant Improvements' fee table; step-tiered by project size threshold (600 / 3,000 / 6,000 / 12,000 / 30,000 / 60,000 sq ft) — confirm the applicable tier for a specific home's total square footage directly with SMFR |
| NFPA 13D System Modification (alteration to an EXISTING residential sprinkler system) | $175.60 plan check + $351.67 inspection = $527.27 total | SMFR 'Systems and Other Fees' schedule, page dated effective January 1, 2026 |
| Fire Alarm System (sprinkler monitoring only), new | $153.84 plan check + $280.45 inspection = $434.29 total | SMFR 'Systems and Other Fees' schedule — the common scenario for a single-family home whose alarm system exists only to monitor the sprinkler system |
| Fire Alarm System Modification (base fee) | $136.67 plan check + $324.45 inspection = $461.12 total, plus $2.46 plan check + $3.66 inspection ($6.12 total) per additional device | SMFR 'Systems and Other Fees' schedule |
| Fire Alarm Control Panel Replacement | $161.84 plan check + $490.07 inspection = $651.92 total, plus $6.12 combined per additional device | SMFR 'Systems and Other Fees' schedule |
| Re-Inspection Fee / Release of Stop Work Order | $284.63 | SMFR 'Systems and Other Fees' schedule |
| Work Without a Permit or Approval | Two times the amount of the original permit fee | SMFR 'Systems and Other Fees' schedule |
Change of Use / Change of Occupancy Permit (South Metro Fire Rescue)
VerifiedBow Mar's own Ordinance No. 340 added a new section to the locally-adopted 2021 IFC, Sec. 105.6.25, explicitly requiring anyone who intends to 'change occupancy of a building' to first apply to and obtain a permit from the fire code official — South Metro Fire Rescue. SMFR's own live fee schedule confirms this is a currently-administered permit category by listing a distinct 'Change of Use' line item with its own fee. Separately, and administered by the Town rather than SMFR, Bow Mar Municipal Code Sec. 18-7 requires a Certificate of Occupancy before any building may be occupied. Given Bow Mar's exclusively residential zoning and absence of commercial districts, the realistic scope of a change-of-occupancy scenario here is narrow, and not the commercial-tenant occupancy-classification change this permit type usually addresses.
Verified 2026-08-13 · Source
Requirements
- Ordinance No. 340 adds a new IFC Sec. 105.6.25 ('Buildings and facilities'): 'Any owner or owner's authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change occupancy of a building, or structure, or facility...shall first make application to the fire code official and obtain the required permit' — the fire code official is South Metro Fire Rescue's Fire Marshal or designee (Sec. 103.1/103.2, also documented in the fire-sprinkler-alarm-permit entry)
- South Metro Fire Rescue's own published 'Systems and Other Fees' schedule lists a distinct 'Change of Use' line item with its own plan-check and inspection fee — independently confirming this is a real, currently-administered permit category, not merely dormant amendment language with no operative process
- Separately, and administered by the Town of Bow Mar (not SMFR): Municipal Code Sec. 18-7 requires a Certificate of Occupancy before any building may be occupied — 'Once all the inspections have been satisfactorily completed and the Building Department determines that a new home is ready for occupancy, the Building Department shall issue a certificate of occupancy. No building may be occupied or inhabited until a certificate of occupancy has been issued.' This Section is written in the context of new-home construction and does not separately spell out a change-of-occupancy CO workflow for an existing home distinct from the SMFR fire-code permit above — genuinely unclear from the published text how the two interact for a change-of-occupancy scenario specifically
- Given Bow Mar's exclusively residential zoning (Sec. 16-3's six districts; Sec. 16-11's town-wide prohibition on professional offices/commercial establishments outside an approved Planned Development), the realistic change-of-occupancy scenarios here are narrow — e.g. converting non-habitable accessory space to a different residential occupancy, or an occupancy change tied to an addition or remodel — not a commercial-tenant occupancy reclassification, since no such use exists anywhere in Town (see the NO COMMERCIAL PERMIT TRACK finding)
- Confirm with both South Metro Fire Rescue (via the Accela Permit Portal) and the Town of Bow Mar Building Department which permit intake governs a specific proposed change, since this permit sits at the intersection of SMFR's fire-code review and the Town's own Building Permit/Certificate of Occupancy process, and no single published document walks through the combined workflow
Required documents
- RequiredSMFR Change of Occupancy ApplicationSubmitted via SMFR's Accela Permit Portal; no distinct standalone application form name, separate from SMFR's general construction-permit application, is published
- OptionalCertificate of Occupancy Request (Town of Bow Mar Building Department)Required once any inspections tied to the change of occupancy are complete, per Municipal Code Sec. 18-7 — no distinct CO request form is published separately from the Town's general building-permit process
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Change of Use (South Metro Fire Rescue) | $174.24 plan check + $413.75 inspection = $587.99 total | SMFR 'Systems and Other Fees' schedule, Miscellaneous Fees section. Show full citationHideSMFR 'Systems and Other Fees' schedule, Miscellaneous Fees section. NOTE: this line item appears on a page of SMFR's own fee-schedule PDF headed 'Effective Date: January 1, 2025,' while other pages of the same document are headed 'Effective Date: January 1, 2026' — a genuine internal dating inconsistency in SMFR's own published document, flagged rather than silently normalized; confirm the currently-effective figure directly with SMFR before budgeting. |
| Certificate of Occupancy (Town of Bow Mar) | No Certificate of Occupancy fee separate from the underlying Building Permit fee already paid is published on the Town's Building Permit Fees, Flat Fee Schedule, or Sample List of Cost pages — the CO… Show full citationHideNo Certificate of Occupancy fee separate from the underlying Building Permit fee already paid is published on the Town's Building Permit Fees, Flat Fee Schedule, or Sample List of Cost pages — the CO appears to be bundled into the Building Permit fee rather than carrying its own additional charge. That matches the residential-building-permit entry's account of Bow Mar's CO process for new construction. |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-06.
Fee schedules
Applications & forms
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 Bow Mar building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.