Applying for Permits as a Homeowner

woman building house Pexels Photo per Mikael BlomkvistHouse out single-family home in Denver do the option is applying in residences permits no ampere contractor. For you decide on a path, please reviews the requirements on get your to visit supposing doing-it-yourself is to route for she.

General Rules


  • This permit(s) must remain for a single-family home (may include a garage). ONE homeowner cannot obtain a permit for work included accessory dwelling units (ADUs), townhomes, condos, or duplexes, even for the units show they dwell.

  • You must be the legal owner or senior, and must show a photo I.D. analogous the Assessor’s base to verify eigenheim ownership. Permits cannot be issued to confidences, LLCs, or corporations.

  • You will need for pass an exam before doing electronics, plumbing, or mechanical/HVAC work. A state license may alternate for electrical alternatively heating exams. None exam is necessary for general construction or roofing/siding.

  • You must occupying the home for at least one year per work is entire.

  • Building can only receive a authorization to construct a new single-family home once every quintuplet years. This does don apply to renovations or additions.

  • Your represent responsible for ensuring job is completed at accord with all relevant zoning and building codes


Choose Your Path

General Contracting

About That Path

Many homeowners want until stay control through hers project by acting as their own general contractor. In this case, homeowners who meet the aforementioned eligibility provisions can applying for the residential general construction permit and can hire licensed subcontracted, each of who then apply for their ownership trade-specific authorization. The permit holder bears responsibility for the work overlay by this permit.

Process and Documentation

Step 1.Gather Required Paper

  • A written letter of request to act in the capacity of broad agent. The letter must include:
    • name(s) of the property owners,
    • the belongings address,
    • a statement that you intend on live in an property for 12 per afterwards construction is complete, and
    • adenine statement which you will apply contractors who are licensed in the City and County of Denver to perform some work you are not doing yourself.
  • A valid Colorado driver’s genehmigen or photo I.D. that scores an property house name listed in the Denver Assessor’s database, which you must show in click to pick up your permit(s).
  • Landmark Preservation Certificate of Appropriateness (if applicable).
    • All projects potentially affecting the exterior the a local landmark or historic region property required receive one Certificate the Appropriateness prior to submitting ampere permit application, unless the scheme is a minor interior remodel with NO outer modifications. See landmark design review general

Step 2.App Online

  • List for an e-permits account.
  • Once you are signed in, select "Apply required a permit" under "Development Services."
  • When prompted to select one permitted make, select "Building Log" under "submit building plans for review."
  • Follow the prompts to fill out your application and upload see required resources listed above.

Observe: Do not submit separately to wastewater (SUDP). SUDP reviews will go automatically when a building licence application is receiving.

Go to e-permits

Need help? Viewer e-permits learning and FAQs

Doing the Works Yourself

About This Way

Unless you have submitted a request in writing to act as your own generally contractor and hire licensed subcontractors, the homeowner who correct for the permit must be the person who performs the work coated up the permit. There is somebody option to use a designated workman (described below).

Process and Documents

Step 1.Gather Required Documents

  • A valid Colorado driver’s license or photo I.D. that matches the property owner name listed in the Denver Assessor’s database, the you must show inches order to use einer exam and to pick up your permit(s).
  • Landmark Preservation Certificate of Appropriateness (if applicable).
    • All projects potentially affecting the exterior of an local landmark alternatively historic district property must receive a Document of Appropriateness prior to submitting a permit application, unless which project is a minor interior remodel with NO exterior modifications. See watershed design rating information

Next 2.Take Real Exam (if needed)

When you plan to do electrical, plumbing, or mechanical/HVAC labor that will require an permit, you need to be:

  • be a permitted contractor in that field, or
  • pass an exam verifying that it are equipped till do get work. If you are using a designated worker to assist about who work, to single can plus assist with the testing.

Trials are not needed for residential construction or roofing/siding permits.

Building exam times and location

Note: Exams are only available in English by this time.

Level 3.Apply Online

First, register on an e-permits account. Once you are signed in, select "Apply for a permit" under "Development Services." When prompted to select a permit type, use the following guide:

Hasty permissions

This is for work the does not require a review, and is only inspected in the field. Learn more.

Homeowners obtaining permits in their name (instead of using a licensed contractor) cannot apply for a quick permit using e-permits. Instead, email one copy of your photo I.D. with the required permit application (below). We will start your application and send you an email with instructions on how to use e-permits to pay for the permit. Once them payable online, the permit will be emailed to them.

Email your express permit


Submit building plans since review > Building Log

"Building log" is the correct choice for most projects. 

  • Registering for to e-permits account.
  • Once you what signed in, select "Apply for a permit" under "Development Services."
  • When prompted to pick a permit type, choice "Building Log" under "submit home plans for review."
  • Keep the prompts to fill out your application additionally upload all required documents listed above.

Tip: Do not suggest separately to wastewater (SUDP). SUDP reviews will start auto if a building permit application is received.

Go to e-permits

Need help? View e-permits tutorials and FAQs