Deck / Covered Patio Permit in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Required for construction of decks, covered patios, porches, and similar attached or detached structures in Colorado Springs, except for small exempt decks. Reviewed under the 2021 IRC as adopted via the 2023 PPRBC. Composite decking materials require an evaluation report on-site at inspection.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
When you need this permit
- Decks NOT exceeding 200 sq ft, less than 30 inches above grade at any point within 36 inches horizontally of the walking-surface edge, detached from the dwelling, and not serving the main entry door are EXEMPT from permitting
- All other decks (attached, larger, higher, or serving the main entry) require a permit — apply as a 'Residential Alteration' project with 'Deck' as the plan type
- Covered decks/patios require additional submittal information beyond an open deck
- Site/plot plan required for all deck plans, showing complete address, legal description, property lines/dimensions, and all site improvements; contact the applicable local zoning department (Colorado Springs: 719-385-5982) for zoning-specific requirements
- Guardrails required where deck height exceeds 30 inches above grade (within 36 inches horizontally of the walking surface): minimum 36-inch guardrail height with maximum 4-inch baluster spacing
- Handrails installed 34-38 inches above stair nosing, with a graspable profile 1-1/4 to 2 inches in diameter
- Composite decking materials must have a product evaluation report on-site at time of inspection, installed per the manufacturer's instructions and the evaluation report
- Structural framing plan required: joist/beam species and sizing, ledger board attachment method (cannot attach to a cantilever, brick veneer, or manufactured home without a Colorado-licensed design professional's stamp), footing/post details; no point loads exceeding 1,500 lbs without engineering
- A walk-through plan check is available (limited to 15 minutes per discipline) for simple deck projects; larger submittals are checked in at the front counter
Required documents
- Req
Building Permit Application (PPRBD web account) — 'Residential Alteration' / 'Deck'
Online application; select Residential Alteration project type and Deck plan type
- Req
Site/Plot Plan
Address, legal description, property lines/dimensions, site improvements including existing and proposed structures
- Req
Deck Structural Framing Plan
Drawn to scale (1/4" preferred) or fully dimensioned: framing material, joist sizes/spacing, beam sizes, ledger details, post/footing details, decking material
- Opt
Composite Material Evaluation Report
Required if composite decking is used; must be on-site at time of inspection
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (Table A, if a permit is triggered) | Regional Modifier basis, then standard Table A valuation tiers apply | PPRBD does not publish a separate flat deck fee; decks exceeding the 200 sq ft / 30-inch exemption thresholds use the standard valuation-based Table A fee structure |
| Plan Examination Fee | 28% of the Building Permit Fee | PPRBD Appendix B, Table E item G; walk-through plan check for simple decks is limited to 15 minutes per discipline |
Review timeline
~0–0 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Colorado Springs building department
Inspection process
- 1
Footing
Before concrete pour for structural post footings — 30-inch minimum frost depth
- 2
Framing
Structural framing before decking/cover installed
- 3
Final
Structure complete per approved plans; composite material evaluation report on-site if applicable
Tips
- The exemption is narrow and specific: under 200 sq ft AND under 30 inches high (measured within 36 inches horizontally of the walking edge) AND detached from the dwelling AND not serving the main entry — missing any one condition means a permit is required.
- A deck more than 30 inches above grade needs a minimum 36-inch guardrail with no more than 4-inch gaps between balusters — a common inspection failure point.
- Ledger boards cannot be attached to a cantilever, brick veneer, or manufactured home without a Colorado-licensed design professional's stamp — plan for engineering costs if your house has any of these conditions.
- Simple deck plans may qualify for a 15-minute walk-through review at the counter rather than a full submittal cycle.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to build a deck in Colorado Springs?
- Not if it's under 200 sq ft, less than 30 inches above grade (measured within 36 inches horizontally of the walking surface edge), detached from the dwelling, and doesn't serve the main entry door. Any deck that doesn't meet all four conditions requires a PPRBD permit.
- What guardrail height is required for a Colorado Springs deck?
- Decks more than 30 inches above grade (within 36 inches horizontally of the walking surface) require a minimum 36-inch guardrail height with a maximum 4-inch spacing between balusters, per PPRBD's Residential Deck Plan Review guidelines.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.
- Pikes Peak Regional Building Department — official building department
- PPRBD Residential Deck Plan Review (Rev. 08/26/2024)
- PPRBD Homeowner Permits (deck exemption thresholds)
- PPRBD Fee Schedule (Appendix B)
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 Colorado Springs building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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