Deck / Covered Patio Permit in Boulder, Colorado
Required for construction of attached or free-standing decks on one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes in the City of Boulder. Reviewed against the 2024 IRC and Boulder Revised Code Title 9 zoning (setbacks, building coverage exemptions for low decks).
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
When you need this permit
- 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
- Req
Residential - Decks Requirements Checklist
City of Boulder checklist for an attached or free-standing, uncovered/unenclosed deck on a one- and two-family dwelling or townhome
- Req
Site Survey (Colorado Licensed Land Surveyor stamp)
Shows property lines, setbacks, easements, and distances from existing/proposed structures
- Req
Stormwater & Flood Management Plant Investment Fee Calculation Form
Determines stormwater PIF obligation for added impervious area
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — Utility (misc.) use group, Deck / Patio Cover / Porch, Type V-A | $36.44 per sq ft (Type V-A) or $34.82 per sq ft (Type V-B) under the ICC Valuation Table, applied through the standard Building Permit Fee tiers | 2026 Schedule of Fees, City of Boulder Valuation Table — 'U Utility (misc.) — Carport-Attached, Carport-Detached, Deck, Patio Cover, Porch' listed under Group U; not permitted (N.P.) for construction types I-A through IV |
| Plan Check Fee — single-family residential, initial application | 25% of the Building Permit Fee | — |
Review timeline
~1–1 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Boulder building department
Inspection process
- 1
Footing (if applicable)
Before concrete pour for structural post footings — must clear the 32-inch frost line
- 2
Framing
Structural framing before decking/cover installed
- 3
Final
Structure complete per approved plans
Tips
- Decks, patio covers, and porches fall under Group U (Utility, misc.) on the City of Boulder Valuation Table and are only permitted (rated) for Type V-A/V-B wood-frame construction — confirm your deck's construction type before estimating fees.
- Uncovered decks/stoops/patios/stairways under 30 inches high don't count toward Building Coverage limits, but zoning setbacks still apply regardless of height — a permit may still be required even for a low deck depending on scope.
- Covered decks and patio covers use the Residential Additions and Alterations Checklist rather than the deck-specific checklist, since they are treated as an addition.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to build a deck in Boulder?
- In most cases yes — use the Residential - Decks Requirements Checklist for an attached or free-standing, uncovered deck on a one- or two-family dwelling or townhome. Covered decks and patio covers are treated as an addition and use the Residential Additions and Alterations Checklist instead.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.
- City of Boulder Planning & Development Services — official building department
- Residential Deck Requirements Guide — City of Boulder
- Planning and Development Services 2026 Schedule of Fees — City of Boulder
- Zoning and Permitting Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) — Building Coverage exclusions
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 Boulder building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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