Do I need a permit to replace siding in Denver?

In the City and County of Denver, like-for-like siding replacement without structural changes generally does not require a building permit, but adding or changing sheathing, altering openings, or working on a historic structure does. Most suburban jurisdictions require a permit for full siding replacement. We verify per address.

How long does a building permit take in the Denver metro?

Deck permits are often issued over the counter or within a week. Additions and pop-tops typically take 4 to 10 weeks for plan review depending on jurisdiction. ADUs in Denver run 8 to 14 weeks including zoning review.

Permit Services Denver Metro | We Pull & Manage Building Permits

Quick Check

Do I need a permit?

Pick your project and jurisdiction for a general answer. We confirm every project against the current code before we start.

Project

Jurisdiction

Almost always needs a permit

Additions, pop-tops, dormers
Removing or altering a bearing wall
New or replaced deck attached to the house
Basement finish (framing, electrical, plumbing)
Detached garage over 200 sq ft
Any ADU
New window or door openings
Re-roof (most jurisdictions)
Electrical, plumbing or HVAC work

Usually exempt, but verify

Like-for-like siding in Denver (not in most suburbs)
Painting, caulking, trim repair
Freestanding deck under 30" high and under 200 sq ft, not attached
Sheds and pergolas under 200 sq ft (setbacks still apply)
Same-size window replacement without changing the opening
Fences under 6 feet (zoning permit may apply)
Cabinets, flooring, countertops

Jurisdictions We Work In

Every building department
is a little different.

Typical plan-review timelines from our last 24 months of permits. These move with the season and staffing; we'll give you a current estimate for your address.

Jurisdiction	Deck	Addition / Pop-Top	ADU	Siding	Notes
Denver (City & County)	1–2 wks	6–10 wks	8–14 wks	Usually exempt	Bulk plane and zoning review; e-permits portal; historic districts add review
Aurora	1 wk	4–6 wks	6–10 wks	Required	Fast deck counter; HOA letter often requested
Lakewood	1 wk	4–8 wks	6–10 wks	Required	Thorough structural review; snow load 30 psf
Arvada	3–5 days	4–6 wks	6–8 wks	Required	Over-the-counter decks with DCA-6 plan
Westminster / Thornton	1 wk	4–6 wks	6–8 wks	Required	Adams County portions have separate zoning
Littleton / Centennial	1 wk	4–6 wks	Varies	Required	Centennial uses a third-party reviewer; consistent turnaround
Parker / Castle Rock	1 wk	4–8 wks	6–10 wks	Required	Castle Rock: 40 psf snow, WUI in some areas
Golden / Jefferson County	1–2 wks	6–8 wks	8–12 wks	Required	Foothills: 40–55 psf snow, WUI ignition-resistant construction
Douglas / Arapahoe / Adams Co.	1–2 wks	4–8 wks	6–12 wks	Required	Unincorporated areas; septic and well may add review

Timelines are from our own permit history and are not guarantees. Permit fees are passed through at cost; our coordination fee is a line item on every estimate.

Tyler Brooks, permit and compliance coordinator

Tyler BrooksPermit & Compliance Coordinator

What the Permit Desk Does

Application to
closed permit.

Zoning & code check

Before drawings start, we confirm setbacks, height, lot coverage, bulk plane, ADU eligibility, HOA rules and any historic or WUI overlays for your exact parcel.

Drawings & application

Our drafting studio and partner engineer produce the permit set. Tyler assembles the application, energy forms, site plan and structural calcs and submits through the jurisdiction's portal.

Plan review comments

When the reviewer has questions (they usually do), we answer them, revise the sheets and resubmit, typically within 3 business days of receiving comments.

Inspections

Footing, framing, sheathing, insulation, final and every trade rough-in are scheduled by us and walked by our superintendent. 94% pass first time.

Close-out

Final approved, permit card and inspection record go in your close-out packet along with warranties and as-built photos. Your future buyer's inspector will thank you.

Permit-Only Services

Not building with us? We can still pull your permit.

For Homeowners (Owner-Builders)

Doing the work yourself? We'll produce the drawings and handle the application and revisions so your project starts on the right side of the building department.

from $850

plus jurisdiction fees

For Other Contractors

Trade and specialty contractors who'd rather build than sit at the counter. We handle submittal, comments and inspection scheduling under your license or ours.

from $650

per permit, volume pricing available

Unpermitted Work Legalization

Bought a house with an unpermitted addition or basement? We assess, document, draw and shepherd it through the retroactive permit process so it's legal when you sell.

Assessment $350

credited toward the project

Request Permit Services

Tell us about
the permit you need.

Tyler reviews every request and responds within one business day with the jurisdiction's requirements, a timeline and a fixed coordination fee.

Zoning and code pre-check included
Fixed fee, quoted upfront
Jurisdiction fees passed through at cost
Drawings and engineering available

I am a… *

Homeowner Contractor Architect / Designer Real estate / Investor

Please choose one.

Permit type *Required.

Jurisdiction *Required.

Project address *We need the address to look up the parcel.

Do you have drawings?

Stamped set ready Unstamped / partial Need drawings

Describe the project

Name *Required.

Company (if any)

Email *Enter a valid email.

Phone *Enter a 10-digit phone number.

Got it.

Tyler will look up your parcel and get back to you within one business day.

Permit FAQ

The questions
everyone asks.

Best case, nothing until you sell, when the buyer's inspector flags it and you either legalize it retroactively (at roughly double the original permit cost, sometimes with demolition of finishes to expose framing) or take a price hit. Worst case, a stop-work order, fines, and your homeowner's insurance denying a claim related to the work. We won't build without one.

Jurisdiction fees are usually based on project valuation. A deck permit runs $150–$500; an addition $1,500–$5,000; an ADU $3,000–$8,000 including plan review and sometimes impact or use-tax fees. Denver also collects use tax on materials at permit issuance. Our coordination fee is separate and quoted as a fixed line item.

Often, yes, and HOA approval is separate from the building permit. Many suburban jurisdictions won't issue a permit without an HOA approval letter for exterior changes. We'll prepare the HOA submittal package (drawings, colors, materials) alongside the permit application.

In most metro jurisdictions a homeowner can pull a permit for work on their own primary residence. But you become the responsible party for inspections and code compliance, and some trades (electrical, plumbing) still require a licensed contractor's permit. For anything we build, we pull the permit under our license so the liability sits with us.

Zoning asks "can this go here?" (setbacks, height, lot coverage, use). Building review asks "is it built safely?" (structure, egress, energy, fire). Most permits go through both, in that order. Denver's bulk plane rules and ADU zoning are where most residential projects hit snags, which is why we run the zoning check before drawing anything.

We live in the permit portal so you don't have to.