Demolition Permit in Boulder, Colorado
Required for demolition of structures in the City of Boulder. A multi-step process requiring asbestos testing (now administered as part of the building-permit process), utility disconnects, and — for full-structure demolitions and Level 4 alterations — an approved Sustainable Deconstruction Plan demonstrating diversion of building materials from the landfill. Non-designated structures over 50 years old also require a separate Historic Preservation Demolition Review.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
When you need this permit
- 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
- Req
Demolition Permit Application (CSS Portal)
Online application through the Customer Self-Service Portal
- Req
Sustainable Deconstruction Plan (Green Halo Systems)
Required for full structure demolition and Level 4 Alteration projects, demonstrating diversion of materials from landfill
- Req
Asbestos Test Report or State Asbestos Mitigation/Demolition Approval
Test report if no ACM found; state-issued mitigation permit or demolition approval notice if ACM found and removed
- Opt
Historic Preservation Demolition Review Application
Required separately for non-designated structures over 50 years old
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition Permit — Interior non-load bearing | $24.55 | 2026 Schedule of Fees, Demolition Permit Fee (Section 4-20-4(f)1) |
| Demolition Permit — All other (full/exterior/structural) | $173.70 | — |
| Construction and Demolition Deposit Administrative Fee | $219.00 | 2026 Schedule of Fees, Section 4-20-72 — required when a deposit is required under Section 3601.2.3 of the Boulder Building Code / Section R328.2.3 of the Boulder Residential Code |
| Historic Preservation Demolition/Moving/Removal — Primary Building (built before 1940) | $282.00 | 2026 Schedule of Fees, Historic Preservation Application Fees; applies to non-landmarked buildings over 50 years old |
| Historic Preservation Demolition/Moving/Removal — Primary Building (built 1940 or after) | $51.00 | — |
| Historic Preservation Demolition/Moving/Removal — Accessory Building | $51.00 | — |
Review timeline
~1–1 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Boulder building department
Inspection process
- 1
Pre-Demolition Utility Verification
Verification that electric, gas, water are disconnected and sewer capped before demolition begins
- 2
Final
Site cleared, debris removed, deconstruction plan diversion documented
Tips
- Start asbestos testing and, if needed, the Sustainable Deconstruction Plan (Green Halo Systems) early — a full demolition permit cannot be approved without these in place.
- Any structure over 50 years old that is not already historically designated triggers a separate Historic Preservation Demolition Review — budget lead time for this in addition to the standard demolition permit.
- Demolition of any exterior wall facing a public street counts toward the BRC demolition threshold even if less than 50% of total exterior wall area — alley-facing walls are excluded from that specific trigger.
Frequently asked questions
- What has to happen before I can get a demolition permit in Boulder?
- You generally need asbestos testing (with state mitigation/demolition approval documentation if ACM is found), utility disconnect confirmations, and — for full-structure demolition or Level 4 alterations — an approved Sustainable Deconstruction Plan showing diversion of materials from the landfill. Non-designated structures over 50 years old also require a separate Historic Preservation Demolition Review.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.
- City of Boulder Planning & Development Services — official building department
- Deconstruction Requirements Guide — City of Boulder
- Construction and Deconstruction Zero Waste Requirements — City of Boulder
- Zoning and Permitting Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) — Asbestos and Historic Demolition Review
- Planning and Development Services 2026 Schedule of Fees — City of Boulder
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.
Other permits in Boulder
Get the AI compliance checklist
Upload your project scope, get a jurisdiction-specific checklist of everything you need. Coming soon.
We only use your email to send permit updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy.