Boulder building permits

Requirements

• Application and plan set submitted via the Customer Self-Service (CSS) Portal (EnerGov-based)
• Plans must comply with the 2024 IRC with Boulder amendments (BRC Title 10) and the 2024 CoBECC
• Structural drawings for all new structures and additions must be designed by a Colorado-licensed engineer to resist wind, seismic, and gravity loads; footings/foundations over 150 sq ft require a Colorado-licensed engineer's seal
• Design wind speed must be shown on plans: 150 mph (3-second gust) east of Broadway, 165 mph west of Broadway
• Colorado-licensed Land Surveyor-stamped survey required in the plan set
• Soils report required for new structures on properties with steep slope, mass-movement, or shrink/swell soil potential (per city Geologic Development Constraints map)
• Grading and drainage plan (Colorado PE-designed) required for significant slope/soils concerns or grade modification
• Homeowner contractor permit is available ONLY for work on a single-family detached dwelling (or its accessory structures) owned and occupied as the owner's primary residence — limited to one property per calendar year; does not apply to detached ADUs
• Sustainable/zero-waste Construction Waste Recycling Application required

Required documents

• RequiredResidential - New Construction and Additions Requirements ChecklistCity of Boulder checklist covering permit application requirements for new construction/additions to one- and two-family dwellings, detached garages, or accessory buildings
• RequiredScope of Work FormStructure-type-specific form identifying project scope
• RequiredLot Area Declaration Form / Zoning Data WorksheetConfirms lot area, zoning district, and applicable form/bulk standards
• RequiredSurvey (Colorado Licensed Land Surveyor stamp)Site survey showing property lines, existing/proposed structures
• RequiredStructural DrawingsFull structural design (footings, foundation, framing) sealed by a Colorado-licensed engineer where required
• RequiredEnergy Conservation Code DocumentationCompliance documentation under the 2024 CoBECC; scope varies by project size
• RequiredStormwater & Flood Management Plant Investment Fee Calculation FormDetermines stormwater PIF obligation based on added impervious area
• RequiredPlumbing Fixture Count FormUsed to determine plumbing permit fee tier and potential water meter upsizing
• RequiredResidential Housing, Development Excise Tax and Impact Fee WorksheetCalculates Development Excise Tax and Capital Facility Impact Fees due
• OptionalSoils ReportRequired for new structures on sites with steep slope, mass-movement, or shrink/swell soil potential

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Room additions, structural modifications, basement finishes involving framing/electrical/plumbing/mechanical work
• Interior remodels use the 'Residential - Interior Remodel Requirements Checklist'; additions use the 'Residential - New Construction and Additions Requirements Checklist'
• Structural modifications require plans prepared by a Colorado-licensed structural engineer
• Energy documentation required where the addition affects conditioned floor area, per the 2024 CoBECC
• Applications submitted via the Customer Self-Service (CSS) Portal
• Additions scope = 100% of Building Permit Fee valuation table (per City of Boulder Valuation Table – Scope); Alterations/Repairs = 50%; Basement Finish (residential) = 50%; Unfinished Basement = $31.50 per sq ft

Required documents

• RequiredResidential - New Construction and Additions Requirements ChecklistFor additions and structural alterations
• RequiredResidential - Interior Remodel Requirements ChecklistFor interior remodels of one- and two-family dwellings or townhomes
• RequiredSite PlanProperty lines, existing structures, proposed addition footprint, setbacks
• OptionalStructural DrawingsRequired for any structural modification; must bear a Colorado-licensed structural engineer's seal

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Electrical Contractor license from the City of Boulder required for most work (Section 4-20-8), no separate licensing fee for the Electrical Contractor category per the 2026 fee schedule
• City verifies State of Colorado electrical licensure/apprenticeship compliance under the 'Contemporaneous Reviews of Electrical and Plumbing Licenses' program (per Colorado SB19-156) — the city can request state licensure documentation before or at any time after permit issuance, and can perform random on-site inspections during active work
• Electrical permits (including Photovoltaic) can be submitted online via the CSS Portal
• Residential electrical fee is based on enclosed living area of new construction, remodels, and additions to one- and two-unit dwellings/townhomes
• Nonresidential/multifamily electrical fee is based on total cost of the electrical installation (labor + materials)

Required documents

• RequiredElectrical Permit Application (CSS Portal)Submitted online via the Customer Self-Service Portal

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Plumbing Contractor license from the City of Boulder required (Section 4-20-15); applicant must be a master plumber currently licensed by the Colorado State Plumbing Examiner's Board
• City verifies State of Colorado plumbing licensure/apprenticeship compliance under the 'Contemporaneous Reviews of Electrical and Plumbing Licenses' program (per Colorado HB19-1086)
• Plumbing permits can be submitted online via the CSS Portal
• Residential new-construction fee is based on the number of bathrooms and/or dwelling units (a roughed-in bathroom counts as a bathroom)
• Nonresidential fee is based on total dollar value of the complete plumbing installation

Required documents

• RequiredPlumbing Permit Application (CSS Portal)Submitted online via the Customer Self-Service Portal

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Furnace, A/C, heat pump, boiler replacement or new installation
• Ductwork installation or significant modification
• Solar thermal (solar water heating) systems are processed as a Mechanical Permit, not an Electrical Permit
• Mechanical HVAC (Residential Only)/Solar Water Heater/Wood Burning permits can be submitted online via the CSS Portal
• Mechanical Contractor license classes are trade- and code-section-specific (Class A/B/C/D/E per BRC Section 4-20-13)

Required documents

• RequiredMechanical Permit Application (CSS Portal)Submitted online for residential HVAC, solar water heater, and wood-burning appliance permits

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Complete roof replacement (tear-off and reroof)
• Roofing Replacement permit type available for online submittal via the CSS Portal
• Must comply with the Roofing Inspection and Insulation Guidelines for New & Existing Residential and Commercial Structures
• Solar shading/access analysis may be required per the Solar Access Guide when a reroof affects solar access to neighboring properties
• Fee based on applicant's valuation per the standard Building Permit Fee schedule — Boulder does not publish a separate flat reroof fee

Required documents

• RequiredRoofing Permit Application (CSS Portal)Submit online as 'Roofing Replacement' permit type
• OptionalRoofing Inspection and Insulation GuidelinesCity of Boulder's roofing scope, underlayment, and inspection reference document for new and existing residential/commercial structures

Fee schedule

Requirements

• All solar PV installations require an Electrical Permit; solar thermal systems require a Mechanical Permit
• Systems under 10 kW roof-mounted are typically eligible for over-the-counter/expedited issuance with a complete application
• Documentation must include PV system capacity in watts and system type (stand-alone, grid-tied, or hybrid)
• Location of all disconnects and array layout with required minimum access/pathways per the applicable Fire Code section must be shown
• An engineer's evaluation of the existing roof structure's dead-load capability (referencing required wind and snow load for the site) is required
• Applicants are encouraged to discuss the proposed installation with a Project Specialist at the Planning & Development Services Center before submitting
• Photovoltaic permits can be submitted online via the CSS Portal

Required documents

• RequiredElectrical Permit Application — Photovoltaic (CSS Portal)Submitted online via the Customer Self-Service Portal, Photovoltaic Solar category
• RequiredRoof Structural EvaluationEngineer's evaluation of dead-load capability of the existing roof structure for the added PV weight, referencing site wind and snow load design criteria
• RequiredEquipment / Array Layout PlanPV system capacity, disconnect locations, array layout, and required access/pathways

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Submitted as an Electrical Permit via the CSS Portal (EnerGov-based), same portal used for photovoltaic and other electrical work
• Dedicated branch circuit sized to the EVSE manufacturer's specifications, per the 2023 NEC as amended by the City of Boulder (Article 625, Electric Vehicle Charging Systems)
• Panel/service capacity load calculation required if the added EVSE circuit could exceed existing service capacity
• State of Colorado electrical licensure verified under Boulder's 'Contemporaneous Reviews of Electrical and Plumbing Licenses' program for the installing contractor
• No EV-charger-specific application form, checklist, or fee category was found published separately from the general Electrical Permit

Required documents

• RequiredElectrical Permit Application (CSS Portal)Same online application used for all electrical work, including EVSE circuit installation

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Permitted by-right on lots with detached dwelling units in most zoning districts — verify via the city's interactive zoning map
• Detached ADU: maximum 800 sq ft (standard); up to 1,000 sq ft for an affordable ADU (75% AMI) or on a historic property
• Attached ADU: maximum 1/2 of the principal structure's floor area or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less (standard); up to 2/3 of principal floor area or 1,200 sq ft, whichever is less, for an affordable ADU/historic property
• Height: detached ADU 20 ft standard, up to 25 ft with an 8:12 or steeper roof pitch; attached ADU up to 35 ft (same as principal structure)
• As of Sept. 1, 2023, off-street parking and owner-occupancy requirements were removed for all ADUs
• Short-term rental (under 30 days) of an ADU is prohibited unless the short-term rental use was established before February 1, 2019
• Long-term rental of the ADU and/or principal unit is permitted; a rental license is required to rent
• An ADU may not be sold or conveyed separately from the principal dwelling unit
• Homeowner self-permitting does NOT apply to detached ADUs — a licensed contractor is required for detached ADU construction (the primary-residence homeowner exception is limited to the owner's single-family detached home and its accessory structures other than a detached ADU)

Required documents

• RequiredAccessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ApplicationBuilding permit application with ADU-specific supplemental documentation
• OptionalAccessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) GuideCity of Boulder's current ADU zoning, size, height, and process guidance document
• RequiredSite PlanZone lot lines, existing structures, proposed ADU location, setbacks
• OptionalDeclaration of Use (for Affordable ADU)Required for ADUs seeking the increased affordable-ADU size allowance

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Full or partial demolition removing 50% or more of roof area, 50% or more of exterior walls (measured contiguously around building coverage), or any exterior wall facing a public street triggers the BRC demolition definition
• Asbestos testing required above trigger thresholds: Residential — 32 sq ft of disturbed surfaces, 50 linear ft of disturbed pipe, or 55-gallon-drum volume of waste; Commercial — 160 sq ft of disturbed surfaces, 260 linear ft of disturbed pipe, or 55-gallon-drum volume of waste
• If asbestos-containing materials are found, a copy of the state-issued asbestos mitigation permit or state-issued demolition approval notice is required before city demolition permit issuance
• Full-structure demolitions and Level 4 Alteration projects require an approved Sustainable Deconstruction Plan (via Green Halo Systems) demonstrating diversion of building materials from landfill disposal
• Non-designated structures over 50 years old require a separate Historic Preservation Demolition Review (separate from, and can run alongside, the Demolition Permit Application)
• Utility disconnects (electric, gas, water) required with provider written confirmation; sewer line capped/removed to main, inspected and approved by public works
• Additional fees apply for buildings over 50 years old (Historic Preservation Application Fees)

Required documents

• RequiredDemolition Permit Application (CSS Portal)Online application through the Customer Self-Service Portal
• RequiredSustainable Deconstruction Plan (Green Halo Systems)Required for full structure demolition and Level 4 Alteration projects, demonstrating diversion of materials from landfill
• RequiredAsbestos Test Report or State Asbestos Mitigation/Demolition ApprovalTest report if no ACM found; state-issued mitigation permit or demolition approval notice if ACM found and removed
• OptionalHistoric Preservation Demolition Review ApplicationRequired separately for non-designated structures over 50 years old

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Use the 'Multi-family and Non-residential Building Permit Checklist' / Multi-family, Commercial, or Mixed-Use Tenant Finish Guide to prepare the application package
• Incomplete applications or plans not meeting submittal requirements will not be accepted for review
• Required core documents: Scope of Work Form, Building Owner Authorization Form, Plumbing Fixture Count and Irrigation Form, Energy Modeling Summary Report
• 2024 CoBECC Mandatory Measures Checklist must be integrated into the construction plan set
• Conditional requirements depending on scope/location: asbestos inspection reports (commercial trigger: 160 sq ft disturbed surfaces / 260 linear ft disturbed pipe), stormwater fee calculations, Historic Preservation approvals, floodplain/wetland permits, Wildland-Urban Interface compliance documentation
• Plan Check Fee for nonresidential/multifamily initial application = 65% of the building permit fee

Required documents

• RequiredMulti-family and Non-residential Building Permit ChecklistCity of Boulder's checklist for commercial/multifamily permit applications
• RequiredScope of Work FormStructure-type-specific scope form
• RequiredBuilding Owner Authorization FormAuthorization from the building owner for the proposed tenant finish work
• RequiredPlumbing Fixture Count and Irrigation FormDetermines plumbing permit fee tier and potential water/irrigation impact
• RequiredEnergy Modeling Summary ReportDemonstrates CoBECC compliance for the tenant finish scope
• Required2024 CoBECC Mandatory Measures ChecklistIntegrated directly into the construction plan set to document energy code compliance

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Uncovered decks, stoops, patios, terraces, and stairways under 30 inches high are excluded from the Building Coverage calculation (BRC 9-16 definition) — but may still need to meet zoning setback requirements
• Attached or free-standing decks use the 'Residential - Decks Requirements Checklist'
• Site Survey (stamped by a Colorado Licensed Land Surveyor) required in the application package
• Distances to property lines from existing and proposed structures must be shown, with setback requirements identified for the applicable zoning district
• No structure or portion of a structure may encroach into a recorded easement
• Stormwater & Flood Management Plant Investment Fee Calculation Form required
• Covered decks/patios use the Residential Additions and Alterations Checklist instead of the deck-specific checklist

Required documents

• RequiredResidential - Decks Requirements ChecklistCity of Boulder checklist for an attached or free-standing, uncovered/unenclosed deck on a one- and two-family dwelling or townhome
• RequiredSite Survey (Colorado Licensed Land Surveyor stamp)Shows property lines, setbacks, easements, and distances from existing/proposed structures
• RequiredStormwater & Flood Management Plant Investment Fee Calculation FormDetermines stormwater PIF obligation for added impervious area

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Most signs require a permit under BRC 9-9-21; a defined list of small/temporary sign types is exempt (see exemptions below)
• Only a City of Boulder-licensed Sign Contractor may obtain the permit and install the sign — Class A covers manufacture, installation, and servicing of signs, awnings, and canvas canopies; Class B covers painted signs only (BRC 4-20-21)
• Building Owner Authorization Form required if the applicant is not the property owner
• Scaled site plan required showing property lines, streets, easements, building frontage, and all existing/proposed sign locations
• Scaled building elevation drawings required showing heights, facade dimensions, and sign positioning
• Projecting/suspended signs require projection and vertical-clearance dimensions plus engineering for attachment to the structure
• Free-standing signs require a scaled site plan showing setbacks/easements and engineer-stamped foundation details
• Internally illuminated signs require full specification sheets including lumen rating and color temperature
• Prohibited outright, not just unpermitted: signs in the public right-of-way (including A-frame sandwich boards), signs over 25 feet in height or on a roof, animated/moving/twinkling/rotating/pulsating signs, strings of lights, and off-premises signs
• Exempt from a permit: construction-site signs ≤16 sq ft (must be placed by the licensed contractor working the site), up to 3 flags totaling ≤70 sq ft, garage-sale signs, lost-animal notices, noncommercial signs, private traffic signs ≤3 sq ft, real estate signs, utility warning signs ≤16 sq ft, window signs ≤4 sq ft, and vehicle-displayed signs
• Applications submitted via the CSS Portal

Required documents

• RequiredSign Permit Application (CSS Portal)Submitted online by a City of Boulder-licensed Sign Contractor via the Customer Self-Service Portal
• OptionalBuilding Owner Authorization FormRequired only if the applicant is not the property owner
• RequiredSite PlanScaled drawing showing property lines, streets, easements, building frontage, and all existing/proposed sign locations
• RequiredBuilding Elevation DrawingsScaled elevations showing heights, facade dimensions, and sign positioning
• OptionalAttachment/Foundation EngineeringEngineering for structural attachment (projecting/suspended signs) or engineer-stamped foundation details (free-standing signs)

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Fire suppression, sprinkler systems, and range/kitchen hoods are billed under the Mechanical Permit Fee schedule; fire alarm detection systems are billed under the valuation-based Building Permit Fee schedule (BRC 4-20-52(c))
• Installing contractor must hold a current City of Boulder Fire Contractor License in the applicable class: Class A (fire sprinkler systems — requires State of Colorado Fire Suppression System Contractor registration, and sprinkler fitters must be Colorado-registered), Class C (fire alarm systems — requires a Colorado low-voltage wire installer license, a Colorado-licensed electrician for any line-voltage work, and NICET Level II certification or an accepted equivalent), Class D (special hazard systems), or Class E (hand/portable fire extinguisher installation and servicing)
• Fire contractor licensing is administered separately by the City of Boulder Fire Department, not the main Planning & Development Services office — apply via firecontractors@bouldercolorado.gov with a current Certificate of Insurance (BRC 4-1-8)
• Sprinkler/suppression submittals require hydraulic calculations and shop drawings; fire alarm submittals require a riser diagram and point-to-point wiring plans, consistent with the adopted 2024 IFC and referenced NFPA 13/NFPA 72 standards
• Applications submitted via the CSS Portal, the same EnerGov-based portal used for building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits
• Reviewed against the 2024 International Fire Code (IFC), effective August 1, 2025 as part of the 2024 ICC suite (Ordinance 8684)

Required documents

• RequiredFire Systems Permit Application (CSS Portal)Submitted online via the Customer Self-Service Portal
• RequiredHydraulic Calculations and Shop DrawingsRequired for fire sprinkler/suppression system submittals
• RequiredRiser Diagram and Point-to-Point Wiring PlansRequired for fire alarm detection system submittals
• OptionalCertificate of InsuranceRequired of the fire contractor as part of Fire Contractor License application/renewal (BRC 4-1-8) — a licensing-side document, not a per-project submittal

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Applies whenever a change from the previous occupancy of a space is proposed, whether standalone or as part of a tenant finish/remodel-alteration project
• A comprehensive code analysis is required, identifying the applicable code (IRC, IEBC, or IBC), the scope (repair, alteration, addition, change of occupancy/use, or relocation), and the level of alteration
• For multi-family, commercial, or mixed-use remodels/alterations: must state type of construction, area of the scope of work, level of alteration, use (occupancy), and whether the use is a change from the space's previous occupancy
• For an existing building undergoing a change of occupancy: applicant must provide an analysis of current accessibility features and a breakout of project costs showing how Existing Building Code compliance is being achieved — Boulder's own live guide currently cites '2018 IEBC' for this analysis, though the city's codified adopted edition is the 2024 IEBC (Ordinance 8684, effective Aug. 1, 2025)
• Energy code documentation scaled to alteration level: Mandatory Measures Checklist integrated into construction plans; Prescriptive Measures Checklist for Level 1-2 alterations; Energy Modeling Summary Report required for Level 3-4 alterations exceeding $500,000 in project cost
• Change of Use Fee ($81.00, BRC 4-20-4(f)(5)) due at time of request for the change-of-use analysis; credited toward the Building Permit Fee if the permit application and issuance occur within 90 days
• Additional prerequisite approvals may apply depending on scope: variances, site review, health department approvals, growth management allocation (if adding residential units), and affordable housing compliance verification (for residential conversions)
• A new Certificate of Occupancy is issued once the change of use/occupancy is approved and any required work is completed

Required documents

• RequiredChange of Use Request / Code Analysis Submittal (CSS Portal)Identifies the applicable code, scope, and level of alteration; triggers the $81.00 Change of Use Fee
• RequiredAccessibility Compliance AnalysisAnalysis of current accessibility features and a project-cost breakout showing how Existing Building Code compliance is achieved, required for existing buildings changing occupancy
• RequiredEnergy Code DocumentationMandatory Measures Checklist, Prescriptive Measures Checklist (Level 1-2 alterations), or Energy Modeling Summary Report (Level 3-4 alterations over $500,000), scaled to the alteration level

Fee schedule