Arvada building permits

Building department

Address

8101 Ralston Road, Arvada, CO 80002

Phone

720-898-7620

Email

buildingpermits@arvada.org

Office hours

Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; permits are applied for and paid online via eTRAKiT at arvadapermits.org — permits are no longer processed over the counter

Website

Official site

Permit portal

Apply online at Arvada's portal

Inspection guide

See how inspections work in Arvada — sequence, scheduling & re-inspection fees.

Codes adopted

Colorado has no statewide-mandated building code edition. Under the Colorado Constitution's home-rule provisions (art. XX, home rule for municipalities since 1902; home rule for counties since 1970), building codes and zoning are an enumerated home-rule charter power, so cities and counties adopt and amend their own construction codes independently — predominantly the I-Codes, with editions and local amendments varying by jurisdiction. The one statewide floor is for energy: HB22-1362 (2022) created the Energy Code Board (jointly appointed by the Colorado Energy Office and the Department of Local Affairs) and requires that, on or after July 1, 2023 and before July 1, 2026, any municipality or county that adopts or updates a building code must adopt and enforce an energy code achieving performance equivalent to or better than the 2021 IECC together with the board's Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code (which includes electric-ready, EV-ready, and solar-ready provisions); from July 1, 2026 onward the floor shifts to the board's Model Low Energy and Carbon Code or an equivalent. Electrical and plumbing permitting defaults to the Colorado State Electrical Board and State Plumbing Board (within DORA's Division of Professions and Occupations) — the state issues permits and inspects statewide except in counties/jurisdictions that operate their own certified Electrical or Plumbing Inspection Program, in which case the local program has authority instead. Always confirm the currently adopted code edition, local amendments, and inspection authority (state board vs. local program) with the specific jurisdiction before submitting plans.

• 2024 International Building Code (IBC) — CONFIRMED LIVE 2026-07-17: the City's 'Adopted building codes and design criteria' page (arvadaco.gov/165) now lists the 2024 IBC under 'Current adopted building codes (adopted March 24, 2026)', with the 2018 IBC moved to 'Previous adopted building codes (in effect October 2020-March 2026)'; the City's '2026 Building Code updates' page (arvadaco.gov/1388) confirms in past tense that 'The changes went into effect on July 1, 2026.' Permits submitted before July 1, 2026 could still use the 2018 IBC. CAVEAT: as of 2026-07-17 some Arvada operational permit-type pages had NOT been updated to reflect this switch — see per-permitType notes for mechanical/plumbing and re-roofing, which still cite 2018-cycle codes as current
• 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) — same confirmed-live status as the IBC line above (arvadaco.gov/165, arvadaco.gov/1388, both verified 2026-07-17); includes the reorganized Chapter 3 and new ADU/tiny-house/3D-printed-home appendices per arvadaco.gov/1461 (Significant Changes list)
• 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — listed under 'Current adopted building codes' on arvadaco.gov/165 as of 2026-07-17
• 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) — listed under 'Current adopted building codes' on arvadaco.gov/165 as of 2026-07-17; HOWEVER the live Residential Mechanical & Plumbing operational page (arvadaco.gov/434, verified 2026-07-17) still states 'Requirements follow the 2018 IRC and 2018 IECC, adopted by the City of Arvada... we have an upcoming code adoption' — a direct, unresolved contradiction between two of Arvada's own live pages; confirm current status directly with Building Safety Division for mechanical/plumbing submittals
• 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) — same contradiction as the IMC line above: arvadaco.gov/165 lists 2024 IPC as current, but the live arvadaco.gov/434 operational page (verified 2026-07-17) still frames the 2024 IPC as an 'upcoming' change and cites 2018 IPC as governing
• 2024 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) — listed under 'Current adopted building codes' on arvadaco.gov/165 as of 2026-07-17, replacing the 2009 IPMC (deleting 45 prior municipal amendments per arvadaco.gov/1461)
• Colorado Model Low Energy Carbon Code, based on the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — listed under 'Current adopted building codes' on arvadaco.gov/165 as of 2026-07-17, replacing the 2018 IECC; includes EV-ready/electric-ready/solar-ready mandates per arvadaco.gov/1388 and arvadaco.gov/1446
• 2024 International Fire Code (IFC) — listed under 'Current adopted building codes' on arvadaco.gov/165 as of 2026-07-17
• 2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) — listed under 'Current adopted building codes' on arvadaco.gov/165 as of 2026-07-17
• 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) / NFPA 70 — CONFIRMED still the governing electrical code as of 2026-07-17 per the City's own explicit statement on arvadaco.gov/1446 ('For Builders: Detailed changes coming in 2026'): 'Please note that the 2023 National Electrical Code will remain the electrical code for the City of Arvada, however the City does expect to begin implementing the 2026 NEC later on in 2026, when the State of Colorado begins implementation.' NOTE: arvadaco.gov/165's 'Current adopted building codes' list also includes an entry for '2026 National Electrical Code' — this appears to be an inconsistency/premature listing on that summary page, since the more specific, explicit 1446 page confirms 2023 NEC remains in effect pending State of Colorado action; treating 2023 NEC as the operative code per the more explicit source
• 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) — listed under 'Current adopted building codes' on arvadaco.gov/165 as of 2026-07-17
• Arvada Wildfire Resiliency Code (based on the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code) — CONFIRMED LIVE 2026-07-17: listed under 'Current adopted building codes' on arvadaco.gov/165, and arvadaco.gov/1388 states in past tense 'The City has adopted the Arvada Wildfire Resiliency Code, our first wildfire codes.' First Arvada-specific wildfire code; requires structural hardening and defensible space for new buildings, additions, accessory structures over 120 sq ft, and re-roofing/re-siding projects that replace more than 25% of the roof covering or exterior siding, within identified wildfire risk zones (map based on Jefferson County's wildfire map per arvadaco.gov/1461). CAVEAT: the live Re-Roofing operational page (arvadaco.gov/417, verified 2026-07-17) does not reference this code and still states 'Ice Barrier (Ice and Water Shield) not required' — directly contradicting arvadaco.gov/165's design-criteria section, which states 'Ice and Water Shield is required in Arvada... this is a change per our new adopted building codes.' This specific point is an unresolved live contradiction on Arvada's own website as of 2026-07-17

Permit types & fees

• Residential Building Permit (New Construction)

  Required for construction of new single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes in Arvada. CONFIRMED LIVE 2026-07-17: the City's Adopted Building Code page (arvadaco.gov/165) now lists the 2024 IRC and the Colorado Model Low Energy Carbon Code (based on the 2024 IECC) as 'Current adopted building codes' (adopted March 24, 2026; implementation effective July 1, 2026, per arvadaco.gov/1388's past-tense confirmation 'The changes went into effect on July 1, 2026'). Permits submitted before July 1, 2026 could still use the 2018 IRC/IECC. New single-family/duplex/townhome construction also now requires residential fire sprinkler systems per this same code cycle (confirmed via arvadaco.gov/1388).

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• Residential Addition / Remodel Permit

  Covers additions, structural alterations, egress window additions, and interior remodels (basement finishes, kitchen/bath remodels) to existing homes in Arvada. Additions and exterior structural work use the 'Residential Exterior' application; interior-only remodels use 'Residential Interior.' CONFIRMED LIVE 2026-07-17: the City's Adopted Building Code page now lists the 2024 IRC as the 'Current adopted' code (2018 IRC applies only to permits submitted before July 1, 2026, per arvadaco.gov/1388's past-tense confirmation that the changes 'went into effect on July 1, 2026').

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• Electrical Permit

  Required for residential and commercial electrical work in Arvada. The City of Arvada Building Division issues the electrical permit and performs plan review and inspections directly — it does NOT defer permit issuance to the Colorado State Electrical Board. However, a State of Colorado electrical contractor license (issued by the State Electrical Board under C.R.S. Title 12, Article 23) is a prerequisite: Arvada's Building Inspection Policy requires a State-licensed electrical contractor of record to be listed on the permit before it can be issued, and City inspectors verify State license status on every job site.

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• EV Charger / EVSE Permit

  Required for installation of a residential electric vehicle charging circuit in Arvada. The City of Arvada Building Division issues and inspects the permit as an electrical permit, and prices it as its own distinct flat-rate line item — 'Residential EV Charger' — under Table 18-5 (Residential Flat Rate Permit Fees) of the City's Building Permit Fee Guide and Administrative Fee Schedule (effective January 1, 2026), separate from the general valuation-based electrical permit fee (Table 18-1) and from the flat $60.00 Residential Electrical Service Change fee.

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• Plumbing Permit

  Required for residential and commercial plumbing installations, alterations, and repairs in Arvada, processed as part of the 'Residential Mechanical & Plumbing' permit category. The City of Arvada Building Division issues the plumbing permit and performs plan review and inspections directly — a State of Colorado plumbing contractor license (issued by the State Plumbing Board under C.R.S. Title 12, Article 155) is a prerequisite for contractors, verified by the City before permit issuance, per the same contemporaneous-review policy structure used for electrical.

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• Mechanical / HVAC Permit

  Required for furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, boiler, and other HVAC equipment installation or replacement in Arvada, processed under the 'Residential Mechanical & Plumbing' permit category. UNRESOLVED LIVE CONTRADICTION as of 2026-07-17: the operational Residential Mechanical & Plumbing page (arvadaco.gov/434) still states requirements 'follow the 2018 IRC and 2018 IECC' and frames the 2024 IMC/IFGC/Colorado Model Low Energy Carbon Code transition as 'upcoming,' even though Arvada's Adopted Building Code summary page and its 2026 Building Code updates page (past tense: 'went into effect on July 1, 2026') both describe the 2024-code suite as already current citywide. Confirm the applicable code cycle directly with Building Safety Division.

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• Roofing Permit (Re-Roofing)

  Required for residential and commercial roof replacement in Arvada. Replacement of up to 100 sq ft of roofing material per year is treated as maintenance and does not require a permit. CONFIRMED LIVE 2026-07-17: unlike most other Arvada permit types, the operational Re-Roofing page (arvadaco.gov/417) still explicitly and repeatedly cites 2018-cycle codes as governing — 'Commercial Roofing IBC-2018,' Chapter 15 of the 2018 IBC as amended, and 'Residential Roofing / Re-Roofing IRC-2018,' Chapter 9 — even though the City's Adopted Building Code summary page lists the 2024-cycle codes as already current elsewhere on the site. Additionally, the live Re-Roofing page states 'Ice Barrier (Ice and Water Shield) not required. See attached letter,' directly contradicting the Adopted Building Code page's statement that ice/water shield 'is required in Arvada... this is a change per our new adopted building codes.' Properties in an identified wildfire risk zone that replace more than 25% of the roof covering will additionally need to comply with the Arvada Wildfire Resiliency Code, which the City's 2026 Building Code updates page confirms (past tense) has been adopted — though the Re-Roofing operational page itself makes no reference to this new code.

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• Solar PV Permit

  Required for installation of rooftop or ground-mounted solar photovoltaic systems on residential and commercial structures in Arvada. Reviewed against the currently adopted 2023 NEC, plus Arvada's wind (136/150 Vult), snow (30 psf), and Exposure C design criteria.

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• Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit

  Required for construction of a new Type A (detached, lockable/rentable) or Type B (attached or inside the primary dwelling, lockable/rentable) Accessory Dwelling Unit in Arvada. Both types are treated as a separate dwelling unit under the building code, requiring fire separation from the primary dwelling and a separate HVAC system. CONFIRMED via live re-check 2026-07-17: ADU permits are still issued only to City-licensed contractors (Class I-B, II-B, or III-B) — the live ADU page (arvadaco.gov/338) states plainly 'ADU permits are only issued to Licensed Contractors with a type 1B, 2B or 3B license' with no self-permitting provision present anywhere on the page. The City's proposed homeowner/occupant self-permitting change (listed on arvadaco.gov/1461, still headed 'these changes are still under review') has NOT been adopted as of this verification date, despite the broader July 1, 2026 code-cycle implementation having taken effect for the code suite generally.

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• Demolition Permit

  Required for full or partial demolition of residential and commercial structures in Arvada. Processed as a flat-rate permit distinguishing minor interior demolition from major building demolition; asbestos/hazardous material compliance with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) standards is required as part of the application.

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• Commercial Tenant Improvement / Tenant Finish Permit

  Required for build-out, remodel, or change-of-use work inside an existing commercial space in Arvada, processed under the 'New Commercial Buildings, Commercial Additions & Multi-Family' permitting program. Some occupancy changes without construction may still require a permit or review to establish a proper Certificate of Occupancy.

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• Deck / Covered Patio Permit

  Required for construction of decks, attached shade structures, detached pergolas/gazebos/accessory structures, and outdoor kitchens/gas fireplaces in Arvada, processed via the 'Residential Exterior' permit type. CONFIRMED via live re-check 2026-07-17: the operational Residential Exterior page (arvadaco.gov/419) still states 'Detached pergolas, gazebos and accessory structures over 200 square feet' require a permit — the previously-anticipated drop to 120 sq ft under the 2024-code cycle has NOT been reflected on this live page even though July 1, 2026 has passed. Treat 200 sq ft as the current, operative threshold.

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• Sign Permit

  RESEARCHED 2026-08-05: the City of Arvada requires a sign permit for any sign visible from a street or adjacent property, or larger than 32 square feet, per the live Signs page (arvadaco.gov/437, fetched raw 2026-08-05). Each sign requires a separate permit (wall signs more than three feet apart count as separate signs). Applications go through eTRAKiT (arvadapermits.org) the same as other Arvada permits, and are handled by the City's Planning & Zoning division rather than Building Safety directly. Fee amounts confirmed via the live Building Fee Schedule page (arvadaco.gov/1263, Table 18-3, raw HTML re-fetched and grepped 2026-08-05 to independently verify the figures returned by an earlier AI summarization pass).

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• Fire Sprinkler and Fire Alarm System Permit

  RESEARCHED 2026-08-05: fire sprinkler and fire alarm system permits within the City of Arvada are issued and plan-reviewed by the Arvada Fire Protection District (AFPD, arvadafireco.gov) -- an independent special fire district, NOT a division of the City of Arvada's own Building Safety Division -- confirmed via AFPD's live site, which states it serves the City of Arvada, the City of Wheat Ridge, and unincorporated Jefferson County, each under the same 2024 International Fire Code with jurisdiction-specific amendments. This is a genuinely separate permitting track from the City's eTRAKiT/arvadapermits.org system: AFPD plans are submitted through the 'Mobile Eyes Contractor Permit Portal,' invoiced and paid separately (check or credit card to AFPD directly), and reviewed by AFPD's own Fire Marshal's Office. A full, itemized AFPD fee schedule PDF ('Fire Protection Systems' fee schedule) was fetched directly and is reproduced below. NOTE: AFPD's own website contains an unresolved internal contradiction on review timeline -- see reviewTimelineNote.

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• Change of Use / Change of Occupancy Permit

  RESEARCHED 2026-08-05: unlike some jurisdictions in this corpus, the City of Arvada DOES publish a distinct, itemized 'Change of Use Permit' fee ($150.00, Table 18-5 of the Building Fee Schedule, confirmed via raw HTML fetch of arvadaco.gov/1263). The City's own Building Permits FAQ page also explicitly defines a building permit as covering, among other things, 'change of use, change of occupancy' (arvadaco.gov/332, raw-fetched 2026-08-05). However, a dedicated change-of-use application/checklist page (comparable to Arvada's Residential Exterior or New Commercial Buildings pages) was NOT found, and the City's own live 'What's New' page confirms this is a genuine, currently-acknowledged process gap: arvadaco.gov/1545 ('2026 Process Improvements'), raw-fetched 2026-08-05, states verbatim that 'The Building Safety Division is also currently evaluating and updating processes related to: Commercial tenant finishes, Change of use permits, Change of occupancy reviews, Certificate of Occupancy requirements for businesses' and that staff are 'working on improving guidance, resources, and communication related to these processes so businesses have clearer expectations.' This is reported as a genuine, city-acknowledged in-flux gap rather than an assumed process.

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