Residential Building Permit (New Construction) in Arvada, Colorado

Arvada requires a residential building permit (new construction) for: Application and plan sets submitted online via eTRAKiT (arvadapermits.org); permits are no longer processed over the counter; Plans must comply with the 2024 IRC and the Colorado Model Low Energy Carbon Code (based on the 2024 IECC) — confirmed as Arvada's 'current adopted' codes via live re-check of arvadaco.gov/165 on 2026-07-17; the 2018 IRC/IECC remain usable only for permits submitted before July 1, 2026; New single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes built per the IRC now require residential fire sprinkler systems, confirmed live via arvadaco.gov/1388 ('these changes require sprinkler systems to be installed in new single family homes, duplexes and townhomes'); this does not apply to existing homes, additions, or remodels; 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 — confirmed unchanged through the code transition via live re-check of arvadaco.gov/165 on 2026-07-17; 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. If your project isn't listed, confirm with City of Arvada — Building Safety Division at 720-898-7620 before starting work.

In Arvada, the published Building Permit Fee — valuation $1.00 to $500.00 is: $34.00. Additional published fees: 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; 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; 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; 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; 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; 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; 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; 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; Residential Combination Permit — Electrical/Heating/Plumbing subcontractor fee — 30% of the calculated building permit fee; Use Tax — Assessed on the building valuation using a 58% materials / 42% labor split; Foundation Only Permit — one- and two-family — $285.00. These are the jurisdiction's own published figures — see the fee schedule table and source citations on this page.

The City's live Building Permits FAQ states that major projects like new single-family and commercial construction require plan review that can take 4 to 6 weeks for the first review cycle (verified live 2026-07-17). Permits that do not require plan review are typically issued within three business days of a completed application submission.

You'll need: Building Permit Application (eTRAKiT); Construction Drawings / Plan Set; Site / Plot Plan; Subcontractor Forms. See the required-documents checklist on this page for details on each.

Arvada requires 6 inspection(s) for a residential building permit (new construction), in order: Footing / Caisson, Foundation Wall / Reinforcing, Rough Frame / Structural Sheathing, MEP Rough-In (Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Gas Line), Insulation, Final (Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Structural). Schedule each through City of Arvada — Building Safety Division (720-898-7620).

Apply through City of Arvada — Building Safety Division at 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. Official information: https://www.arvadaco.gov/332/Building-Permits.

As of 2026-07-17 (confirmed live), Arvada enforces the 2024 International Building Code and 2024 International Residential Code, with Arvada amendments (wind 136/150 Vult, ground/roof snow load 30 psf, frost depth 36 inches unchanged from the prior cycle). The City's Adopted Building Code page confirms these were adopted March 24, 2026 and took effect July 1, 2026, alongside the new Arvada Wildfire Resiliency Code and the Colorado Model Low Energy Carbon Code. The prior 2018-cycle codes were in effect October 2020 through March 2026 per the same page.