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Do I Need a Permit to Finish My Basement in Colorado?

Basement finishing permit requirements. Egress windows, inspections, and what you need before starting your basement remodel.

Yes — any framing, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work requires a permit.

Colorado-specific rules

Colorado has no statewide building code (home rule — editions vary by city; confirm your jurisdiction's). The statewide energy floor under HB22-1362 (2022) requires a jurisdiction adopting or updating a building code between July 1, 2023 and July 1, 2026 to meet at least the 2021 IECC plus the state's electric-ready, EV-ready, and solar-ready provisions.

Sources: Colorado HB22-1362 (2022) — statewide energy code floor

What Requires a Permit

Framing walls, adding electrical circuits, installing plumbing, and modifying HVAC in a basement all require a building permit. Cosmetic work — painting, laying floating floors over existing concrete, and adding furniture — does not.

Egress Windows Are Non-Negotiable

Every basement bedroom must have an egress window: minimum 5.7 sq ft net clear opening, sill no higher than 44 inches above the floor (the IRC standard most jurisdictions follow). Window wells deeper than 44 inches need a permanently attached ladder or steps. This is a life-safety requirement — inspectors will not pass a basement without proper egress.

The Four Inspections

Expect four inspections: framing (walls, fire blocking, egress openings), MEP rough-in (electrical, plumbing, HVAC before walls are closed), insulation (exterior walls, vapor barrier), and final (drywall, fixtures, smoke/CO detectors). Do not close walls before passing framing and rough-in inspections.

Common Mistakes

Enclosing the furnace room without combustion air supply, skipping egress windows in bedrooms, not adding enough electrical circuits (you'll want dedicated circuits for the bathroom and any kitchen/wet bar), and forgetting smoke detectors in every bedroom and outside sleeping areas.

Yes, you need a permit. The biggest requirement is egress windows for bedrooms. Budget 4 inspections and don't close walls before passing rough-in.

Permit fees by city in Colorado

Verified from each city’s published fee schedule. Where a city has no separate fee listed for this project, open the city page for the current requirements and amount.

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Permit fees by city in Colorado
Permit feeSource
AkronNot a fixed figure — calculated based on construction cost (valuation-based), due at time of application submissionVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Alamosa$24Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Arvada$34.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Aspen$1-$5,000: $25.00. $5,001-$50,000: 50% of ($25.00 + 5.0% of valuation over $5,000). $50,001-$100,000: 75% of ($2,275.00 + 3.5% of valuation over $50,000). $100,001-$250,000: $4,025.00 + 2.5% over $100,000. $250,001-$500,000: $7,775.00 + 2.0% over $250,000. $500,001-$1,000,000: $12,775.00 + 1.75% over $500,000. $1,000,001-$2,500,000: $21,525.00 + 1.5% over $1,000,000. $2,500,001-$5,000,000: $44,025.00 + 1.25% over $2,500,000. Above $5,000,000: $75,275.00 + 0.75% over $5,000,000 + 0.5% over $10,000,000. Plan Check adds 65% and Energy Code adds 15% of the building permit fee, both due at submittal.Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction, Single-Family/Duplex/Townhouse)Residential Building Permit (New Construction, Single-Family/Duplex/Townhouse) →
Ault$23.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Aurora$1.30 per square footVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Avon$50.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Structure)Residential Building Permit (New Structure) →
Basalt$21.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction, Single-Family/Duplex/Townhome)Residential Building Permit (New Construction, Single-Family/Duplex/Townhome) →
Bennett$23.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
BerthoudPer the 2024 IRC Appendix AB valuation-based fee tableVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Blue River$50.00Verifiedvia Building Permit — New Construction (Type A Permit)Building Permit — New Construction (Type A Permit) →
Boulder$25.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Bow Mar$56Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Breckenridge$50.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Brighton$23.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Broomfield$23.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family House)Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family House) →
BurlingtonSee city page for the current Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Addition) feeResidential Building Permit (New Construction / Addition) →
CalhanTBD based on project — per the Town of Calhan's own official Fee Schedule (Updated 11/10/25), the 'Building Permit' line item's CURRENT value is stated verbatim as 'TBD based on project'; the printed Building Permit Application form separately has no new-construction line item and directs applicants to contact the Town office for a project-specific determinationVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Cañon City1.0% of valuation (City of Cañon City Permit Fee Multiplier)Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family Construction) →
Castle Pines$42.00Verifiedvia New Residential Building PermitNew Residential Building Permit →
Castle Rock$23.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Centennial$23.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Center$0.10 per sq. ft. of floor space to be constructed, $50.00 minimumVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Cheyenne Wells$25.00Verifiedvia Residential Building PermitResidential Building Permit →
City of Fountain$80.00 for the first $2,000 plus $8.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereofVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family/Duplex Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family/Duplex Construction) →
Colorado Springs$50.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Columbine Valley$7,600 for the first $1,000,000 plus $5.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, plus inspection feesVerifiedvia Building Permit with Plan Review (New Construction)Building Permit with Plan Review (New Construction) →
Commerce City$30.41Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction / RNEW)Residential Building Permit (New Construction / RNEW) →
Conejos County (Unincorporated)$24Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Cortez$75.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Craig$100.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Crested Butte$28.42Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Cripple CreekSee city page for the current Residential Building Permit (New Construction) feeResidential Building Permit (New Construction) →
DaconoComputed by the Building Official using the ICC Building Safety Journal's Building Valuation Data (BVD), updated bi-annually each August and FebruaryVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Delta$23.50 for valuation $1.00–$500.00; $23.50 + $3.05 per additional $100 (or fraction) up to $2,000; $69.25 + $14.00 per additional $1,000 (or fraction) up to $25,000; $391.25 + $10.10 per additional $1,000 up to $100,000 (note: fee schedule text repeats this bracket ceiling for the $25,000.01–$50,000 tier); $643.75 + $7.00 per additional $1,000 for $50,000.01–$100,000; $993.75 + $5.60 per additional $1,000 for $100,000.01–$500,000; $3,233.75 + $4.75 per additional $1,000 for $500,000.01–$1,000,000; $5,608.75 + $3.15 per additional $1,000 above $1,000,000Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Denver$20.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Dillon$50.00Verifiedvia Building Permit (New Construction / Foundation, Framing, Finish)Building Permit (New Construction / Foundation, Framing, Finish) →
Durango$24.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family Residence or Duplex)Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family Residence or Duplex) →
Eagle$39.40Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
EatonPer Appendix L, 2018 IRC valuation table (as referenced in the Town's current Fee Schedule)Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Addition / Remodel / Repair / Basement Finish)Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Addition / Remodel / Repair / Basement Finish) →
Edgewater$35.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Erie$23.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family / Custom Home / Modular Home)Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family / Custom Home / Modular Home) →
Estes Park$23.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Evans$75.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Primary Structure)Residential Building Permit (New Primary Structure) →
Federal Heights$23.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Firestone$80Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Florence$75.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Fort Collins$0.65 per square foot of project areaVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Fort Lupton$24.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Fort Morgan$27.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family Residence / New House)Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family Residence / New House) →
Frederick$35.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Frisco$65.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Fruita$35.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Garden CitySee city page for the current Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Additions / Structures Over 120 sq ft) feeResidential Building Permit (New Construction / Additions / Structures Over 120 sq ft) →
Gilcrest$23.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Glenwood Springs$23.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction, 4 or Fewer Units)Residential Building Permit (New Construction, 4 or Fewer Units) →
Golden$25.85Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Grand Junction$50.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Greeley$23.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Gypsum$1.00-$500.00: $50.00 | $501.00-$2,000.00: $50.00 for the first $500 plus $3.05 per additional $100 or fraction | $2,001.00-$25,000.00: $95.75 for the first $2,000 plus $14.00 per additional $1,000 or fraction | $25,001.00-$50,000.00: $417.75 for the first $25,000 plus $10.10 per additional $1,000 or fraction | $50,001.00-$100,000.00: $670.25 for the first $50,000 plus $7.00 per additional $1,000 or fraction | $100,001.00-$500,000.00: $1,020.25 for the first $100,000 plus $6.50 per additional $1,000 or fraction | $500,001.00-$1,000,000.00: $3,620.25 for the first $500,000 plus $5.00 per additional $1,000 or fraction | $1,000,000.00 and up: $6,120.25 for the first $1,000,000 plus $4.00 per additional $1,000 or fractionVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Haxtun$10.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
HolyokeSee city page for the current Residential Building Permit (New Construction) feeResidential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Hudson$35.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Johnstown$23.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Any New Structure)Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Any New Structure) →
JulesburgNot published; determined by Town Hall at time of application per a fee schedule adopted by Town Board resolution (not publicly posted online)Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Keenesburg$33.80Verifiedvia New Residential Home Building PermitNew Residential Home Building Permit →
KerseySet by SAFEbuilt per the Uniform Building Code (UBC) valuation-based fee schedule (not a flat Town-published table)Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Additions)Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Additions) →
La JuntaCalculated from Total Valuation (Materials $ + Labor $) stated on the application; fees payable to the City of La Junta at time of permit issuanceVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
La SalleSee city page for the current Residential Building Permit (New Construction) feeResidential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Lafayette$30.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family / Two-Family / Multi-Family / Townhome)Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family / Two-Family / Multi-Family / Townhome) →
Lakewood$26.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Lamar$33.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
LarkspurSee city page for the current Residential Building Permit (New Construction — Single Family Residential Attached/Detached) feeResidential Building Permit (New Construction — Single Family Residential Attached/Detached) →
Littleton$25.85Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family, Townhouse, Two-Family Dwelling)Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family, Townhouse, Two-Family Dwelling) →
Lochbuie$33.80Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Lone Tree$23.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Longmont$27.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Louisville$28.00 (except as provided in Sec. 15.04.060.14(e) LMC for residential permits)Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
LovelandBased on the current ICC Building Valuation Data (square-foot construction cost by occupancy group/construction type) applied to project square footage; e.g., R-3 (one- and two-family, Type VB) valuation is $175.92/sq ft effective March 15, 2026Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Lyons$135Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Mead$44.56Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Milliken$160.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Any New Structure)Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Any New Structure) →
Montrose$1.00-$500.00: $23.50 | $501.00-$2,000.00: $23.50 for the first $500 plus $3.05 per additional $100 or fraction, to and including $2,000 | $2,001.00-$25,000.00: $69.25 for the first $2,000 plus $14.00 per additional $1,000 or fraction, to and including $25,000 | $25,001.00-$50,000.00: $391.75 for the first $25,000 plus $10.10 per additional $1,000 or fraction, to and including $50,000 | $50,001.00-$100,000.00: $643.75 for the first $50,000 plus $7.00 per additional $1,000 or fraction, to and including $100,000 | $100,001.00-$500,000.00: $993.75 for the first $100,000 plus $5.60 per additional $1,000 or fraction, to and including $500,000 | $500,001.00-$1,000,000.00: $3,233.75 for the first $500,000 plus $4.75 per additional $1,000 or fraction, to and including $1,000,000 | $1,000,000.00 and up: $5,608.75 for the first $1,000,000 plus $3.65 per additional $1,000 or fractionVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
MorrisonPer the adopted code (2015 IBC valuation-based fee table)Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Mount Crested Butte$23.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Mountain View$40.00 for total valuation $1.00-$500.00; $40.00 for the first $500.00 plus $2.00 per additional $100.00 (or fraction) from $501.00-$2,000.00; $70.00 for the first $2,000.00 plus $14.00 per additional $1,000.00 (or fraction) from $2,001.00-$25,000.00; $391.25 for the first $25,000.00 plus $10.10 per additional $1,000.00 (or fraction) from $25,001.00-$50,000.00; $643.75 for the first $50,000.00 plus $7.00 per additional $1,000.00 (or fraction) from $50,001.00-$100,000.00; $993.75 for the first $100,000.00 plus $5.60 per additional $1,000.00 (or fraction) from $100,001.00-$500,000.00; $3,233.75 for the first $500,000.00 plus $4.75 per additional $1,000.00 (or fraction) from $500,001.00-$1,000,000.00; $5,608.75 for the first $1,000,000.00 plus $3.65 per additional $1,000.00 (or fraction) above $1,000,000.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Mountain VillageSee city page for the current Residential Building Permit (New Construction) feeResidential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Nederland$275.00 non-refundableVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Northglenn$23.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Nunn$75.00 flat Admin Fee (permits requiring plan review), plus 2% Use Tax on all Building PermitsVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Palisade$10.00 flat feeVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) — Town Planning Clearance + Mesa County Building PermitResidential Building Permit (New Construction) — Town Planning Clearance + Mesa County Building Permit →
Parker$23.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
PierceUBC fee schedule + $30 or 30% (whichever is greater)Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Platteville$50.00 zoning-compliance surcharge (residential applications only) is a confirmed flat figure; the underlying valuation-based base fee itself is not a Town-published number — verified-negative: it follows Chapter 18's adopted 2024 IBC fee schedule by reference, not a separately republished Town dollar tableVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Poncha Springs20% of the Chaffee County building permit fee, minimum $50.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction, Single-Family, ADU, Additions)Residential Building Permit (New Construction, Single-Family, ADU, Additions) →
Pueblo$73.93 per square foot (valuation basis, Table A)Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Rifle$23.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Saguache$20.00Verifiedvia Building PermitBuilding Permit →
Salida20% of the Chaffee County building permit fee, minimum $50.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction, Single-Family, ADU, Additions)Residential Building Permit (New Construction, Single-Family, ADU, Additions) →
Sedgwick$30.00Verifiedvia Building Permit (New Construction, Addition, Alteration, Roof/Siding, Foundation, Relocation)Building Permit (New Construction, Addition, Alteration, Roof/Siding, Foundation, Relocation) →
SeveranceValuation-based, determined by SAFEbuilt ColoradoVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Silver CliffSee city page for the current Residential Building Permit (New Construction) feeResidential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Silverthorne$65.00Verifiedvia New Residential Construction Building Permit (SFR Attached and Detached)New Residential Construction Building Permit (SFR Attached and Detached) →
Springfield$50.00 flatVerifiedvia Building PermitBuilding Permit →
Steamboat Springs$21.15Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
SterlingSee city page for the current Residential Building Permit (New Construction) feeResidential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Superior$28.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Additions)Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Additions) →
TellurideSee city page for the current Residential Building Permit (New Construction) feeResidential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Thornton$30.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
TimnathNot published onlineVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Town of Carbondale$27.50Verifiedvia New Single-Family Dwelling, Duplex, or Townhouse Building PermitNew Single-Family Dwelling, Duplex, or Townhouse Building Permit →
TrinidadSee city page for the current Residential Building Permit (New Construction) feeResidential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Unincorporated Pueblo County$73.93 per square foot (valuation basis)Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Unincorporated Teller CountySee city page for the current Single Family Dwelling (SFD) / New Residential Building Permit feeSingle Family Dwelling (SFD) / New Residential Building Permit →
Unincorporated Washington County$100.00 flat, for all buildings except Use by Special Review (commercial-use) buildingsVerifiedvia Building Permit (New Construction, Addition, Remodel, Accessory Structures)Building Permit (New Construction, Addition, Remodel, Accessory Structures) →
VailSee city page for the current Residential Building Permit (New Construction) feeResidential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Victor$23.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family Construction) →
Walsh$15.00Verifiedvia Building Permit (Structures, Carports, Fences, and Other Construction)Building Permit (Structures, Carports, Fences, and Other Construction) →
Wellington$25 flatVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Westcliffe$100.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Westminster$19.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Wheat Ridge$26.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
WindsorEqual to SAFEbuilt's own valuation-based feeVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Winter Park$54.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Building Permit (New Construction) →
Yuma$100.00Verifiedvia Building Permit (New Construction, Addition, Alteration, Repair)Building Permit (New Construction, Addition, Alteration, Repair) →

See the national overview for this permit →