Deck / Covered Patio Permit in Lakewood, Colorado
Required for new, replacement, or repaired decks, patio/deck covers, carports, pergolas, and ramps in Lakewood. Applied for in eTRAKiT under Permit Type 'Building Residential Alteration', subtypes 'Patio Cover Deck Cover Carport' and 'Deck Pergola or Ramp'. Small uncovered decks are exempt from permitting under specific size/height thresholds.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
When you need this permit
- eTRAKiT subtype 'Patio Cover Deck Cover Carport': new, replacement, or repair of a cover over a patio, deck, or driveway
- eTRAKiT subtype 'Deck Pergola or Ramp': new structure, or repair/replacement of an existing deck, pergola, or ramp
- EXEMPT from permit: residential decks not over 200 square feet in area, not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not structurally attached to the dwelling, not serving the required exit door, and not installed over a required emergency escape/rescue opening (per City of Lakewood Exemptions from Permits handout)
- Retaining walls exceeding 30 inches in height (or a series of stacked walls) require a separate Retaining Wall permit
- All contractors must be registered with the City of Lakewood; homeowners of single-family detached homes may self-permit
Required documents
- Req
Building Permit Application (via eTRAKiT)
Select Permit Type 'Building Residential Alteration', subtype 'Patio Cover Deck Cover Carport' or 'Deck Pergola or Ramp'
- Req
Site Plan
Property lines, existing structures, proposed deck/cover footprint, height above grade, and setbacks
- Req
Construction Drawings
Framing/structural details for the deck, cover, carport, pergola, or ramp
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same table as new construction) | Varies by valuation — see Residential Building Permit fee tiers ($26.00 minimum up to $5,570.15 + $3.45/$1,000 over $1,000,000) | City of Lakewood Building Permit & Inspection Fee Schedule; decks, covers, carports, pergolas, and ramps are not listed in the Flat Fee Permits table, so they fall under the standard valuation-based building permit fee tiers |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the building permit fee | — |
| Estimated Use Tax | 3% of 50% of the project valuation | — |
Review timeline
~0–0 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Lakewood building department
Inspection process
- 1
Footing
Before concrete pour for structural post footings
- 2
Framing
Structural framing before decking/cover installed
- 3
Final
Structure complete per approved plans
Tips
- A small uncovered deck (200 sq ft or less, 30 inches or less above grade, not attached to the dwelling, not over an emergency escape opening, and not serving the required exit door) does NOT need a permit in Lakewood — but any covered structure (patio cover, carport) needs one regardless of size.
- Decks/covers are not in Lakewood's Flat Fee Permits table, so they're billed on the standard valuation-based schedule — unlike Denver and Reno, which flat-rate many deck/patio scopes.
- A retaining wall over 30 inches tall associated with your deck project needs its own separate Retaining Wall permit.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for a deck in Lakewood?
- Only if it exceeds the exemption thresholds. A residential deck is exempt from permitting if it's 200 sq ft or less, no more than 30 inches above grade, not structurally attached to the dwelling, doesn't serve the required exit door, and isn't installed over a required emergency escape/rescue opening. Larger or attached decks, and any covered patio/deck cover or carport regardless of size, require a 'Building Residential Alteration' permit.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.
- City of Lakewood — Public Works Department, Permit Counter (Building Division) — official building department
- City of Lakewood eTRAKiT Permit Types info sheet (rev. 2022-01-06) — Site Improvements section
- City of Lakewood Exemptions from Permits handout — residential deck exemption criteria
- City of Lakewood Building Permit & Inspection Fee Schedule (effective Jan 1, 2021, current published version)
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 Lakewood building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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