Owners of single-family homes in Denver have the option of applying for residential permits without a contractor. Before you decide on a path, please review the requirements on this webpage to see if doing-it-yourself is the route for you.
General Rules
The permit(s) must be for a single-family home (may include a garage). A homeowner cannot obtain a permit for work in accessory dwelling units (ADUs), townhomes, condos, or duplexes, even for the unit where you live.
You must be the legal owner and resident, and must show a photo I.D. matching theAssessor’s databaseto verify property ownership. Permits cannot be issued to trusts, LLCs, or corporations.
You will need to passan exambefore doing electrical, plumbing, or mechanical/HVAC work. A state license may substitute for electrical or plumbing exams. No exam is needed for general construction or roofing/siding.
You must occupy the home for at least one year after work is complete.
Homeowners can only receive a permit to construct a new single-family home once every five years. This does not apply to renovations or additions.
You are responsible for ensuring work is completed in accordance with all relevantzoningandbuilding codes.
Choose Your Path
General Contracting
About This Path
Many homeowners want to retain control over their project by acting as their own general contractor. In this case, homeowners who meet the above eligibility requirements can apply for the residential general construction permit and can hire licensed subcontractors, each of whom then apply for their own trade-specific permits. The permit holder bears responsibility for the work covered by the permit.
Process and Documentation
Step 1.Gather Required Documents
- A signed notice of requirements for owner-occupier permits(PDF,102KB) form.
- A written letter of request to act in the capacity of general contractor. The letter must include:
- name(s) of the property owners,
- the property address,
- a statement that you intend to live in the property for 12 months after construction is complete, and
- a statement that you will hire contractors who are licensed in the City and County of Denver to perform any work you are not doing yourself.
- See template(PDF,144KB)
- A valid Colorado driver’s license or photo I.D. that matches the property owner name listed in theDenver Assessor’s database, which you must show in order to pick up your permit(s).
- Construction drawings. Depending on the scope of your project, these can be complex. Download the Residential Permitting Guide(PDF,2MB) to learn more about what building and zoning plans may be required for your project, or view guidance for specific project types:
- Garages
- Sheds
- Decks, porches, patios
- Interior remodels
- Swimming pools
- Solar panels
- Note: If your documents are prepared by an architect, engineer, or surveyor, they must add their seal on each page and a valid electronic signature on the cover page. Learn how to apply a valid electronic signature(PDF,1023KB).
- Landmark PreservationCertificate of Appropriateness (if applicable).
- All projects potentially affecting the exterior of a local landmark or historic district property must receive a Certificate of Appropriateness prior to submitting a permit application, unless the project is a minor interior remodel with NO exterior modifications. See landmark design review information.
Step 2.Apply Online
- Register for an e-permits account.
- Once you are signed in, select "Apply for a permit" under "Development Services."
- When prompted to select a permit type, select "Building Log" under "submit building plans for review."
- Follow the prompts to fill out your application and upload all required documents listed above.
Note: Do not submit separately to wastewater (SUDP). SUDP reviews will start automatically when a building permit application is received.
Need help?View e-permits tutorials and FAQs
Doing the Work Yourself
About This Path
Unless you have submitted a request in writing to act as your own general contractor and hire licensed subcontractors, the homeowner who applies for the permit must be the person who performs the work covered on the permit. There is an option to use a designated worker (described below).
Process and Documentation
Step 1.Gather Required Documents
- A signed notice of requirements for owner-occupier permits(PDF,102KB) form.
- A valid Colorado driver’s license or photo I.D. that matches the property owner name listed in theDenver Assessor’s database, which you must show in order to take an exam and to pick up your permit(s).
- Construction drawings/plans (if applicable).
- For residential construction permits, download the Residential Permitting Guide(PDF,2MB)to learn more about what building and zoning plans may be required for your project, or view guidance for specific project types:
- Garages
- Sheds
- Decks, porches, patios
- Interior remodels
- Swimming pools
- Solar panels
- For mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and roofing/siding permits,see if your project is eligiblefor a quick permit.
- Note: If your documents are prepared by an architect, engineer, or surveyor, they must add their seal on each page and a valid electronic signature on the cover page.Learn how to apply a valid electronic signature(PDF,1023KB).
- For residential construction permits, download the Residential Permitting Guide(PDF,2MB)to learn more about what building and zoning plans may be required for your project, or view guidance for specific project types:
- To use a designated worker, submit the homeowner request for approval of designated worker(PDF,146KB) form.
- Note: The designated worker cannot accept payment for their services and must be identified on the permit. The designated worker can help take required exams.
- Landmark PreservationCertificate of Appropriateness (if applicable).
- All projects potentially affecting the exterior of a local landmark or historic district property must receive a Certificate of Appropriateness prior to submitting a permit application, unless the project is a minor interior remodel with NOexterior modifications.See landmark design review information.
Step 2.Take Homeowner Exam (if needed)
If you plan to do electrical, plumbing, or mechanical/HVAC work that will require a permit, you need to either:
- be a licensed contractor in that field, or
- pass an exam verifying that you are equipped to do this work. If you are using a designated worker to assist with the work, this individual can also assist with the exam.
Exams are not needed for residential construction or roofing/siding permits.
Homeowner exam times and location
Note: Exams are only available in English at this time.
Step 3.Apply Online
First,register for 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:
Quick permits
This is for work that 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 a copy of your photo I.D. with the required permit application (below).We will process your application and send you an email with instructions on how to use e-permits to pay for the permit.Once you pay online, the permit will be emailed to you.
- Boiler/AC quick permit application(PDF,783KB)
- Electrical quick permit application(PDF,683KB)
- Mechanical quick permit application(PDF,787KB)
- Plumbing quick permit application(PDF,665KB)
- Roofing/siding quick permit application(PDF,822KB)
Email your quick permit
Submit building plans for review > Building Log
"Building log" is the correct choice for most projects.
- Register for an e-permits account.
- Once you are signed in, select "Apply for a permit" under "Development Services."
- When prompted to select a permit type, select "Building Log"under "submit building plans for review."
- Follow the prompts to fill out your application and upload all required documents listed above.
Note: Do not submit separately to wastewater (SUDP). SUDP reviews will start automatically when a building permit application is received.
Need help?View e-permits tutorials and FAQs
