Residential Addition / Remodel Permit in Boulder, Colorado
Required for additions, interior remodels, basement finishes, and structural alterations to existing one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes in the City of Boulder. Uses the same valuation-based Building Permit Fee schedule as new construction.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
When you need this permit
- 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
- Req
Residential - New Construction and Additions Requirements Checklist
For additions and structural alterations
- Req
Residential - Interior Remodel Requirements Checklist
For interior remodels of one- and two-family dwellings or townhomes
- Req
Site Plan
Property lines, existing structures, proposed addition footprint, setbacks
- Opt
Structural Drawings
Required for any structural modification; must bear a Colorado-licensed structural engineer's seal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same table as new construction) | Varies by valuation — see Residential Building Permit fee tiers ($25 minimum up to $5,979 + $3.85/$1,000 over $1M) | 2026 Schedule of Fees, Building Permit Fees; City of Boulder Valuation Table – Scope: Addition = 100%, Alteration = 50%, Basement Finish (residential) = 50%, Unfinished Basement = $31.50/sf |
| Plan Check Fee — single-family residential, initial application | 25% of the Building Permit Fee | 2026 Schedule of Fees, Plan Check Fee |
| Energy Code Fee — Residential | $83.90 | 2026 Schedule of Fees, Energy Code Fee — applies where CoBECC compliance review is required |
Review timeline
~1–1 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Boulder building department
Inspection process
- 1
Foundation (if new footings)
Before concrete pour
- 2
Framing
After framing complete, before insulation or wall cover
- 3
MEP Rough-In
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical rough-in before walls closed
- 4
Final
All work complete per approved plans
Tips
- Boulder uses the same valuation-based Building Permit Fee table (2026 Schedule of Fees) for additions/remodels as for new construction; only the 'scope percentage' applied to valuation differs (100% for additions, 50% for alterations/basement finish).
- An unfinished basement is charged at a flat $31.50 per square foot under the City of Boulder Valuation Table, rather than a percentage of new-construction valuation.
Frequently asked questions
- How are fees calculated for a home addition in Boulder?
- Boulder uses the same valuation-based Building Permit Fee Schedule for additions/remodels as new construction. The City of Boulder Valuation Table applies a scope percentage to the base valuation: 100% for additions, 50% for alterations/repairs, 50% for residential basement finish, or a flat $31.50/sq ft for an unfinished basement.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.
- City of Boulder Planning & Development Services — official building department
- Residential Building Permit Guide — City of Boulder
- Planning and Development Services 2026 Schedule of Fees — City of Boulder
- Building Permit Application Guides and Forms — 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.
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