This is PermitBase’s published record for Arvada as of 2026-06-30. It has since been superseded — see the current record. A historical record reflects what PermitBase had verified at that time; it may not capture a real-world change the jurisdiction had made but PermitBase had not yet verified, and it includes any errors we later corrected. Snapshots are never edited retroactively.
Arvada building permits
VerifiedArvada, Colorado — as published 2026-06-30.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Codes adopted
2018 International Building Code (IBC) — currently adopted and enforced (as of lastVerified date); City Council approved a transition to the 2024 IBC with Arvada amendments on March 24, 2026, formally adopted April 1, 2026, with implementation beginning July 1, 2026 — building permits submitted before July 1, 2026 may still use the 2018 codes2018 International Residential Code (IRC) — currently adopted; 2024 IRC (with Arvada amendments, including a reorganized Chapter 3 and new ADU/tiny-house/3D-printed-home appendices) takes effect for new submittals July 1, 20262018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — currently adopted; 2024 IFGC effective July 1, 20262018 International Mechanical Code (IMC) — currently adopted; 2024 IMC effective July 1, 20262018 International Plumbing Code (IPC) — currently adopted; 2024 IPC effective July 1, 20262009 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) — currently adopted; 2024 IPMC (deleting 45 prior municipal amendments) effective July 1, 20262018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — currently adopted; replaced July 1, 2026 by the Colorado Model Low Energy Carbon Code, based on the 2024 IECC, with EV-ready/electric-ready/solar-ready mandates2018 International Fire Code (IFC) — currently adopted; 2024 IFC effective July 1, 20262018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) — currently adopted; 2024 IEBC effective July 1, 20262023 National Electrical Code (NEC) / NFPA 70 — currently adopted per the City's Adopted Building Code page, matching the State of Colorado Electrical Board's 2023 NEC adoption (effective Aug. 1, 2023); Arvada's 2026 code update references an eventual move to the 2026 NEC, but implementation will not begin until the State of Colorado begins its own 2026 NEC adoption process later in 2026 — the 2023 NEC remains in effect for Arvada in the interim2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) — currently adopted; 2024 ISPSC effective July 1, 2026Arvada Wildfire Resiliency Code (new local Wildland Urban Interface code, adopted as part of the 2026 code cycle, effective July 1, 2026) — 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)
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for construction of new single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes in Arvada. As of lastVerified date, reviewed against the currently-adopted 2018 IRC and 2018 IECC; the City transitions to the 2024 IRC and the Colorado Model Low Energy Carbon Code (based on the 2024 IECC) for permits submitted on or after July 1, 2026, per the City's published implementation date.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Application and plan sets submitted online via eTRAKiT (arvadapermits.org); permits are no longer processed over the counter
- Plans must comply with the currently adopted 2018 IRC and 2018 IECC (2024 IRC / Colorado Model Low Energy Carbon Code required for applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026)
- Design criteria must reflect Arvada's adopted wind (136/150 Vult), snow (30 psf roof/ground), frost depth (36 in.), and Exposure Category C values
- Commercial and multi-family combination permits must list all subcontractors at application or the permit is placed on hold
- Only a combination permit is issued where more than one category of work (building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC) is involved, unless the Building Official allows separate permits
- Use tax is collected on every permit per Arvada Municipal Code § 98-84, based on 58% materials / 42% labor of the building valuation
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (eTRAKiT)Online application through arvadapermits.org; homeowners create a public account, licensed contractors log in with their AEC contractor number
- RequiredConstruction Drawings / Plan SetFull plan set drawn to scale showing structural, MEP, and energy compliance details; engineered/stamped plans required for structural elements
- RequiredSite / Plot PlanProperty lines, setbacks, existing and proposed structures to scale
- RequiredSubcontractor FormsRequired for any licensed mechanical, electrical, or plumbing subcontractor working under the combination permit
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | $34.00 | Arvada Municipal Code Chapter 18, Table 18-1, per the 2026 Building Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2026 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $501.00 to $2,000.00 | $34.00 for the first $500.00 plus $3.05 for each additional $100.00 or fraction thereof | Table 18-1 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $2,001.00 to $25,000.00 | $79.75 for the first $2,000.00 plus $14.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | Table 18-1 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $25,001.00 to $50,000.00 | $401.75 for the first $25,000.00 plus $10.10 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | Table 18-1 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $50,001.00 to $100,000.00 | $654.25 for the first $50,000.00 plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | Table 18-1 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $100,001.00 to $500,000.00 | $1,004.25 for the first $100,000.00 plus $5.60 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | Table 18-1 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $500,001.00 to $1,000,000.00 | $3,244.25 for the first $500,000.00 plus $4.85 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | Table 18-1 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1,000,001.00 and up | $5,669.25 for the first $1,000,000.00 plus $3.45 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | Table 18-1 |
| Valuation Basis | Higher of the ICC Building Valuation Data (Table 18-2, e.g., R-3 one- and two-family valuation ranges $155.59–$198.67/sq ft by construction type) or the actual contract value | Table 18-2, reviewed and adopted annually by Arvada City Council; combined with RS Means Building Construction Cost Data |
| Residential Combination Permit — Electrical/Heating/Plumbing subcontractor fee | 30% of the calculated building permit fee | For new single-family detached/attached combination permits, per the Building Fee Schedule overview |
| Use Tax | Assessed on the building valuation using a 58% materials / 42% labor split | Arvada Municipal Code § 98-84; source for the materials/labor split is RS Means Building Construction Cost Data 2025, Denver-area City Cost Indexes |
| Foundation Only Permit — one- and two-family | $285.00 | Table 18-4 |
Residential Addition / Remodel Permit
VerifiedCovers 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.' Both are reviewed against the currently adopted 2018 IRC (2024 IRC effective for submittals on or after July 1, 2026).
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Additions, attached/detached garages, egress window additions processed via the Residential Exterior permit type
- Interior remodels (basement finishes, egress windows added as part of a basement finish, kitchen/bath remodels) processed via the Residential Interior permit type
- Plan review is required for exterior permit types — plans must be submitted for review before a permit is issued
- A license is not required if the owner/occupant performs the work themselves; a City-licensed contractor (Class I-B, II-B, or III-B) is required if any part of the work is contracted out
- Non-owner-occupied residences must use a licensed contractor to obtain the permit
- Any added electrical, plumbing, or gas line work must be clearly identified on the plans, including gas line sizing calculations where applicable
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (eTRAKiT — Residential Exterior or Residential Interior)Online application selecting the correct project category
- RequiredPlan SetDrawn to scale; engineered plans required only if structural changes are involved; Arvada's building guides can substitute for full plan sets on straightforward projects
- RequiredPlot PlanShows dimensions of the project and its relationship to existing structures and property lines (required for exterior/addition projects)
- OptionalSubcontractor FormsRequired for any licensed mechanical, plumbing, or electrical subcontractor on the project
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same Table 18-1 as new construction) | Varies by valuation — see Residential Building Permit fee tiers above ($34 minimum up to $5,669.25 + $3.45/$1,000 over $1M) | Arvada Municipal Code Chapter 18, Table 18-1 |
| Use Tax | Assessed on the building valuation using a 58% materials / 42% labor split | Arvada Municipal Code § 98-84 |
| Basement Finish — Added Cost (Type VB) | $31.50 per sq ft (added valuation basis, Type VB construction) | Table 18-2 Building Valuation, 'Basement Finish – Added Cost' line |
| Additional plan review (changes, additions, revisions, or deferred submittal — minimum 1 hour) | $80.00 per hour | Table 18-3 |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired 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.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Homeowner-occupants may obtain the permit themselves for their own residence; all other electrical work requires a State of Colorado-licensed electrical contractor listed as contractor of record on the permit
- A single line diagram is required with the application for homeowner-completed projects
- Panel ratings over 200 amps require an engineered, signed and stamped set of plans
- Commercial structures require an engineered, signed and stamped set of plans
- New utility meter or telephone cabinet installations require a site plan locating the new installation
- If electrical work is part of a larger project (mechanical appliance install, remodel, new construction), it is covered by that project's combination permit rather than a stand-alone electrical permit
- Per City policy implementing C.R.S. 12-23-116, the Building Division verifies the electrical contractor's State contractor license AND master electrician license are current before permit issuance, and City inspectors may verify on-site worker licensure at every inspection
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Permit Application (eTRAKiT)Online application via arvadapermits.org; homeowners may also submit by email to the Building Permits Division
- OptionalSingle Line DiagramRequired for homeowner-completed projects
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Replace or New Service | $54.00 plus Use Tax | City of Arvada Electrical permit fee page, current published flat fee |
| Residential Construction Meter | $54.00 plus Use Tax | — |
| Residential Meter Housing (replacement) | $50.00 plus Use Tax | — |
| Residential New Wiring Circuit | Building Permit Fee (Table 18-1, valuation-based) plus Use Tax | — |
| Commercial (all subtypes) | Building Permit Fee (Table 18-1, valuation-based) plus Use Tax | — |
| Residential Electrical Service Change (flat-rate table) | $60.00 | Table 18-5, Residential Flat-Rate Permit Fees |
| Temporary Electric / Construction Power | $60.00 | Table 18-3, Miscellaneous Permits and Fees |
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.
Reviewed 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Homeowner-occupants may install their own water heater or perform their own plumbing work at their residence, per Colorado state law, as long as they occupy the home
- A State of Colorado-licensed plumbing contractor must be listed as contractor of record for all contracted plumbing work; the City verifies the contractor's State plumbing contractor license and master plumber license before issuing the permit
- Water heater installations/replacements require a licensed plumbing contractor, permit, and inspection under Colorado state law
- Boiler installations over 200,000 BTU require a permit AND inspection from the State of Colorado (in addition to any City permit)
- Water conditioner installations require proof of certificate from the State of Colorado if not installed by a Master Plumber
- Gas line and evaporative cooler work may be filed under either Residential Plumbing or Residential Mechanical, depending on scope
Required documents
- RequiredPlumbing Permit Application (eTRAKiT for licensed contractors; email application to Building Safety Division for homeowners)Online application only available to City-licensed contractors; homeowners submit by email or in person at City Hall
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Permit Fee | Updated annually — see the City's Building Fee Schedule webpage | The Residential Mechanical & Plumbing page states fees are published on the Building Fee Schedule page rather than a separate standalone plumbing table; confirm current dollar figure via the Fee Calculator on arvadapermits.org at time of application |
| Water Heaters (flat-rate) | $55.00 | Table 18-5, Residential Flat-Rate Permit Fees; minor electric wiring included, but a service change/upgrade is not |
| Backflow Preventer (flat-rate) | $55.00 | Table 18-5 |
| Residential Elevator or Dumbwaiter/Chairlift (flat-rate) | $135.50 | Table 18-5 |
| Use Tax | Assessed on the plumbing work valuation using the 58% materials / 42% labor split | Arvada Municipal Code § 98-84 |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, boiler, and other HVAC equipment installation or replacement in Arvada, processed under the 'Residential Mechanical & Plumbing' permit category. Requirements currently follow the 2018 IRC and 2018 IECC (2024 IMC/IFGC and Colorado Model Low Energy Carbon Code effective July 1, 2026).
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Like-for-like equipment replacements (same size and type, no gas/electrical/ductwork changes) generally do not require a full plan review
- If BTU output changes by 5% or more versus the existing unit, it is treated as a modification requiring full documentation (Manual J load calc, equipment spec sheets, etc.)
- New ductwork installation, or modification of 20% or more of an existing duct system, requires a Manual D calculation
- Gas line additions or modifications require a gas line sizing calculation per IRC G2413/402
- Boiler installations over 200,000 BTU require a separate State of Colorado permit and inspection in addition to the City permit
- Contractor's license needed varies by equipment: furnace/AC/gas fireplace = Residential Mechanical license; boiler/water heater = Residential Plumbing license; gas line/evaporative cooler = either Residential Plumbing or Residential Mechanical
Required documents
- RequiredMechanical Permit Application (eTRAKiT for licensed contractors; email/in-person for homeowners)Online application for City-licensed contractors; homeowners apply via email or in person at City Hall
- RequiredFloor Plan / Site PlanSimple, clearly labeled sketch showing equipment location — stamped drawings not required for typical replacements
- RequiredManufacturer Equipment SpecificationsSpec sheets, performance data, and model numbers including efficiency ratings (SEER, HSPF, AFUE, EF per IECC R403)
- OptionalManual J Load CalculationACCA-approved Manual J required for new HVAC systems and downsized replacements (IRC M1401.3)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioners (flat-rate) | $55.00 | Table 18-5, Residential Flat-Rate Permit Fees |
| Furnace Replacement (flat-rate) | $55.00 | Table 18-5 |
| Heat Pumps / Mini-Split (flat-rate) | $81.00 | Table 18-5 |
| Evaporative Coolers (flat-rate) | $55.00 | Table 18-5 |
| Gas Logs / Inserts (flat-rate) | $55.00 | Table 18-5 |
| Generator (flat-rate) | $55.00 | Table 18-5 |
| More than one appliance installed (flat-rate) | $82.50 | Table 18-5 |
| Use Tax | Assessed on the mechanical work valuation using the 58% materials / 42% labor split | Arvada Municipal Code § 98-84 |
Roofing Permit (Re-Roofing)
VerifiedRequired 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. Commercial roofs are currently governed by Chapter 15 of the 2018 IBC as amended (2024 IBC effective July 1, 2026); properties in an identified wildfire risk zone that replace more than 25% of the roof covering will additionally need to comply with the new Arvada Wildfire Resiliency Code once it takes effect.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Replacement of roofing material up to a total of 100 sq ft per year is considered maintenance and does not require a Re-Roofing permit
- If only one face/side of a roof is damaged, that portion may be replaced alone if allowed by the manufacturer's installation instructions and applicable code
- All commercial roofs must be installed per Chapter 15 of the 2018 IBC (as amended) and manufacturer installation requirements for the wind speed at the site (136/150 Vult depending on location relative to Highway 93)
- Energy code upgrades required where sheathing is exposed during re-roofing and no cavity insulation exists: insulate above sheathing to R30ci, or below to R38 (flat) / R49 (attic)
- A duty-rated ladder (minimum 200 lb capacity, extending 3 ft above the roof edge) must be provided on-site for all roofing inspections, including a second-story ladder if applicable
- Re-roofing that replaces more than 25% of roof covering on a property within an identified wildfire risk zone will require compliance with the Arvada Wildfire Resiliency Code once it takes effect July 1, 2026
Required documents
- RequiredRoofing Permit Application (eTRAKiT)Online or in-person application; licensed contractors log in with their AEC contractor number
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roofing Permit Fee — valuation-based | Per Table 18-1 (valuation-based schedule) plus Use Tax | Residential and Commercial re-roofing use Table 18-1 of the Building Fee Schedule; the City directs applicants to its online Fee Calculator for a project-specific estimate — no separate flat re-roof dollar figure is published |
Solar PV Permit
VerifiedRequired 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.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Engineer's report required on the existing roof structure's dead-load capacity to support the added PV system weight, including site-specific wind speed and roof snow load
- Engineer-stamped wiring diagram required, following the adopted National Electrical Code, showing conductor sizing, overcurrent device ratings, panel busbar ratings, and module series/parallel configuration
- Equipment cut sheets required for modules, inverters, disconnects, and any batteries, including UL listings and rapid-shutdown compliance
- Subcontractor approval form required if the electrical contractor is not associated with the general contractor
- Roof-mounted systems must use permanent standoffs mounted to structural members and properly flashed to accommodate future re-roofing
Required documents
- RequiredSolar Permit Application (eTRAKiT)Apply online at arvadapermits.org or drop off plans/application in person at City Hall
- RequiredPlan Set / Plot Plan with 3-Line Wiring DiagramEquipment location within the structure and a three-line wiring diagram
- RequiredEngineer's Structural ReportDead-load capacity analysis for the existing roof, including required wind speed and roof snow load for the site
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Permit Fee — Residential | $50.00 | City of Arvada Solar permit page, current published flat fee |
| Solar Permit Fee — Commercial | Table 18-1 valuation-based fee, not to exceed $1,000.00 | City of Arvada Solar permit page |
| Plan Review Fee | $36.00 | City of Arvada Solar permit page |
| Use Tax | Assessed on the full system valuation prior to any rebates | City of Arvada Solar permit page; Arvada Municipal Code § 98-84 |
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. As of the lastVerified date, ADU permits are issued only to City-licensed contractors (Class I-B, II-B, or III-B) — the City's proposed 2026 code cycle would allow homeowner/occupant self-permitting, but this was not yet confirmed as adopted.
Reviewed 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Two ADU categories: Type A (detached from the principal dwelling, lockable and rentable) and Type B (located inside or attached to the single-family dwelling, occupants do not live as a single household with the principal dwelling, rented, typically with separate locked-off access)
- As of lastVerified date, ADU permits are issued ONLY to Licensed Contractors holding a Type 1B, 2B, or 3B license — homeowner self-permitting was not yet confirmed available (proposed for the 2026 code cycle; verify current status before applying)
- Water and sanitary sewer service for the ADU must connect to the primary dwelling's existing service lines — a separate utility service is not permitted
- Fire separation from the primary dwelling and a separate HVAC system are required for both ADU types
- HOA approval (if applicable) is required in addition to City permits and approvals — a City-issued permit does not override an HOA's own approval requirement
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (eTRAKiT)Login to Arvada Permits, enter required information, and upload PDF plans and related documents
- RequiredPlan SetFull construction drawings showing fire separation, HVAC system, and connection to the primary dwelling's utility services
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same Table 18-1 as new construction) | Varies by valuation — see Residential Building Permit fee tiers (Table 18-1) | The City's ADU page does not publish an ADU-specific fee variance; ADUs use the same valuation-based schedule as other residential construction, per Table 18-1 |
| Use Tax | Assessed on the building valuation using the 58% materials / 42% labor split | Arvada Municipal Code § 98-84 |
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.
Reviewed 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Demolition must comply with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) standards; proof of compliance (e.g., asbestos inspection) is required with the application
- Utility disconnects should be verified/arranged as part of the demolition scope
- Apply via eTRAKiT (arvadapermits.org) or in person at City Hall
Required documents
- RequiredDemolition Permit Application (eTRAKiT)Online application through arvadapermits.org
- RequiredCDPHE Compliance DocumentationProof of compliance with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment standards (e.g., asbestos inspection/abatement documentation) where applicable
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Demolition — Minor Interior | $67.00 | Table 18-5, Residential Flat-Rate Permit Fees |
| Residential Demolition — Major Building | $135.50 | Table 18-5 |
| Commercial Demolition — Minor Interior | $67.00 | Table 18-3, Miscellaneous Permits, Inspections and Other Fees |
| Commercial Demolition — Major Building | $136.00 | Table 18-3 |
Commercial Tenant Improvement / Tenant Finish Permit
VerifiedRequired 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.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Commercial permits are issued only to Licensed Contractors — all subcontractors must be listed at application or the permit is placed on hold
- Plan sets are reviewed on a sliding scale based on sheet count: 1-100 sheets follows an 8-week (40 business day) total review cycle; 100+ sheets follows a 14-week (70 business day) cycle, each split across staff code-compliance review, customer corrections, and a second staff review round
- A Certificate of Occupancy is required before occupancy of tenant-finished space, and landscape inspections (where applicable) must be completed first
- If your project is still in the City's Development Process, the permit will not be approved until the Final Development Process is completed
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (eTRAKiT)Online application via arvadapermits.org; upload PDF plans and related documents
- RequiredPlan SetFull construction document set for the tenant space, including any MEP scope
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | Variable — Table 18-1, based on job contract value or square footage | City of Arvada New Commercial Buildings, Commercial Additions & Multi-Family page |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | City of Arvada New Commercial Buildings page |
| Use Tax | Variable — assessed using the 58% materials / 42% labor split of valuation | Arvada Municipal Code § 98-84 |
| Plumbing / Mechanical / Electrical Fees (if applicable to the scope) | Variable — Table 18-1 | Assessed separately if plumbing, mechanical, or electrical work is part of the tenant finish scope |
Deck / Covered Patio Permit
VerifiedRequired 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. As of lastVerified date, detached accessory structures over 200 sq ft require a permit; this threshold drops to over 120 sq ft once the 2024-code cycle takes effect July 1, 2026.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
Requirements
- Decks, attached shade structures, and outdoor kitchens/gas fireplaces require a Residential Exterior permit regardless of size
- Detached pergolas, gazebos, and other accessory structures currently require a permit only if they exceed 200 sq ft (drops to over 120 sq ft starting July 1, 2026 under the new Arvada Wildfire Resiliency Code / 2024-cycle amendments)
- Window awnings supported by an exterior wall projecting no more than 54 inches and requiring no additional support fall under the Residential Exterior category
- Plan review is required — plans must be submitted showing the structure to scale with dimensions and relationship to existing structures/property lines
- A license is not required if the owner/occupant does the work themselves; a City-licensed contractor is required if any part is contracted out
- Re-siding or deck projects within an identified wildfire risk zone may trigger additional Arvada Wildfire Resiliency Code compliance once that code takes effect July 1, 2026
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (eTRAKiT — Residential Exterior)Online application via arvadapermits.org
- RequiredPlan SetDrawn to scale; engineered plans required only if structural changes are involved; Arvada's building guides may substitute for a full plan set on straightforward projects
- RequiredPlot PlanDimensions of the project and its relationship to existing structures and property lines
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (Table 18-1) | Per Table 18-1, based on the higher of contract value or Table 18-2 valuation | Decks and covered patios use the standard valuation-based table; Table 18-2 lists specific per-sq-ft valuation add-ons: Decks $24.43/sq ft, Deck with patio cover $30.73/sq ft, Carports $23.05/sq ft, Canopies $53.36/sq ft (Type VB) |
| Hot Tubs & Above-Ground Pools (flat-rate) | $50.00 plus Plan Review Fee and Use Tax | City of Arvada Residential Exterior page, per its explicit note; also listed at $55.00 flat rate on Table 18-5 — confirm current figure via the Fee Calculator, as the two published City sources show a $5 discrepancy |
| Use Tax | Assessed on the building valuation using the 58% materials / 42% labor split | Arvada Municipal Code § 98-84 |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.
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 Arvada building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.