Building permits are not required by the City and County of Denver for many types of projects. See below for a list of projects that don't require permits.
For projects that do require building permits, visit the "Apply for Permits" section.
Projects that Don't Require Building Permits
Cabinets or Countertops
- Replacing cabinets or countertops without repairing or replacing drywall, or relocating rough utility lines requires no permit
Doors
- Outside of Historic Districts, only new or expanded openings require a permit
- Outside of Historic Districts, replacing existing doors and trim doesn’t require a permit
- Within a Historic District, any exterior door replacement requires a permit
- For information about lead paint hazards in pre-1978 construction, visit Lead-Safe Denver
Driveways, Walks & Platforms
- If less than 12 inches above grade and not over any existing structure, no permit is required
Drywall
- If patching or replacing one 4’ by 8’ sheet of drywall or less, no permit is required
- For information about lead paint hazards in pre-1978 construction, visit Lead-Safe Denver
Electric Fixtures
- Replacing an existing light fixture, switch or outlet with a similar item requires no permit
- Replacing an existing ceiling fan requires no permit
Entertainment Centers & Bookcases
- If no electrical outlets are involved, no permits are required
Fences
- Outside of Historic Districts on private property and under 4 feet in height, no permits are required
Floors
- Coverings do not require a permit
- Refinishing a wood floor does not require a permit
- For information about lead paint hazards in pre-1978 construction, visit Lead-Safe Denver
Lawns
- Only the backflow preventor of sprinkler systems requires a permit
Paint
- Exterior painting does not require a permit
- Interior painting or wallpapering does not require a permit
- For information about lead paint hazards in pre-1978 construction, visit Lead-Safe Denver
Plumbing
- Replacing or repairing existing plumbing fixtures with similar item does not require a permit
Retaining Walls
- Outside of Historic Districts, retaining walls under 3 feet high on private property do not require permits
Swimming Pools
- Prefabricated above ground swimming pools do not require a permit
Windows
- Outside of Historic Districts, glass replacement for existing residential windows and skylights does not require a permit
- New or expanded openings require a permit
- For information about lead paint hazards in pre-1978 construction, visit Lead-Safe Denver
To learn more about projects that require permits, click here.