Deck / Covered Patio Permit in Arvada, Colorado
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. 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
When you need this permit
- 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
- Req
Building Permit Application (eTRAKiT — Residential Exterior)
Online application via arvadapermits.org
- Req
Plan Set
Drawn 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
- Req
Plot Plan
Dimensions 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 |
Review timeline
2–12 business days
Arvada’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Footing / Caisson
Before concrete pour for structural post footings
- 2
Rough Frame
Structural framing before decking/cover installed
- 3
Final Structural
Structure complete per approved plans
Tips
- Arvada's fee schedule (Table 18-2) publishes specific per-square-foot valuation add-ons for decks ($24.43/sq ft), decks with a patio cover ($30.73/sq ft), and carports ($23.05/sq ft) — these feed into the Table 18-1 valuation-based permit fee rather than being flat rates.
- Detached accessory structures (pergolas, gazebos, etc.) under 200 sq ft do not currently require a permit — but this threshold is dropping to 120 sq ft once the 2024-code cycle takes effect July 1, 2026, meaning some smaller structures that don't need a permit today will need one after that date.
- Note a minor discrepancy between two official Arvada sources on the hot tub/above-ground pool flat fee: the Residential Exterior page states $50, while Table 18-5 of the Building Fee Schedule lists $55 — use the Fee Calculator on arvadapermits.org to confirm the exact current amount before budgeting.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to build a deck in Arvada?
- Yes. Decks require a Residential Exterior permit in Arvada regardless of size or height, unlike some jurisdictions that exempt low decks. Detached accessory structures like pergolas and gazebos only need a permit if they exceed 200 sq ft under the current code (dropping to 120 sq ft starting July 1, 2026).
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.
- City of Arvada — Building Safety Division — official building department
- City of Arvada — Residential Exterior
- City of Arvada — Building Fee Schedule (Table 18-2 deck/carport valuation, Table 18-5 hot tub flat fee)
- City of Arvada — Building Code Adoption: Significant Changes (accessory structure threshold change)
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.
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