Residential Garages

detached garage This webpage provides guidance on applying for residential garage permits. Please review this information before applying for your permits.

General Rules

  • Homeowners can apply for building permits without a contractor, but will need to meet specific eligibility criteria. Review the homeowner permits page for more information.
  • If your project includes a new or modified driveway connection or curb cut, city transportation engineers will look at the quality of the right-of-way (sidewalks, curb ramps, and alleys) adjacent to your lot to ensure neighborhood infrastructure is safe and accessible for all residents. Please be aware that this could require you to make improvements to the public right-of-way adjacent to your lot.

Permits

Construction Permits

All garages need zoning, building, and sewer use and drainage permits (SUDP). Projects that upload all of the information required for these three permit types (zoning, building and SUDP) with their initial online application can receive a simultaneous review.

Scroll down for a list of items to upload with your application.

Trade Permits

Depending on your project, you may also need trade permits, such as electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits if you are adding light, heat or A/C, or water to the garage. These can be applied for at any time, and in most cases, are issued online as quick permits. Find out what qualifies as a quick permit.

How to Apply using E-permits

Apply for permits online

First-time e-permits users will need to create an online account. Once signed into e-permits, go to "Apply for a Permit" under "Development Services."

For zoning, building, and SUDP permits: When prompted to select a permit type, select "building log." On the project details page of the application, under project information, select the following:

  • Project Classification: Single Family/Duplex Residential
  • Project Scope: New Accessory Structure 

For quick permits (electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roofing): When prompted, select the appropriate permit type under "Quick Permits" and follow the prompts.

What to Upload with Your Application

Please upload these documents with your online application to receive building, zoning, and SUDP permits. 

Property Survey

This is only necessary if you are proposing construction within three feet of a property line. Please upload a boundary survey for vacant land or an improvement survey if there are existing structures.

Site Plan

Please draw the site plan to scale and include the scale and a north arrow on the plan. Please also include labels and dimensions for...

  • all zone lot lines (e.g., primary, side, rear)
  • adjacent streets and alleys
  • all existing structures and driveways already on the property
  • the proposed new garage (include proposed height)
  • distances from the proposed new garage to existing structures, lot lines, etc.
  • If a new driveway is proposed, please also include the location of the proposed driveways, dimensions from the driveway to the property line and any adjacent driveways, width of driveway, and material used in construction

For SUDP, please also include the size, type, and location of water, storm sewer, and sanitary sewer lines on your site plan.

Building Elevations with Dimensions

Please use the template provided below or submit scaled drawings.

Building Plans, Details, and Specifications for Garage Construction

Please upload building plans that show the following:

  • Stud size and spacing
  • Rafter/truss size and spacing
  • Ridge board/ridge beam size
  • Collar tie size and spacing
  • Roof span
  • Foundation/slab details
  • Wall covering
  • Shear wall detail/anchor bolts
  • Header size, span, number of trimmers
  • Roof covering, pitch and overhangs
  • Wall and roof sheathing
  • Fire wall-rated projection detail and locations
  • Top plate and sill plate size and specifications
  • Ceiling height
  • Exterior materials with labels for each building component indicating color (non-paint) and finish
  • Manufacturer cut sheets for all materials, windows, siding and doors
  • Show window/door openings and major protrusions or indentations

View Sample Plans and Elevations

Special Situations

Landmarks and Historic Districts

All garages that are located in a historic district or a designated landmark will require a certificate of appropriateness, meaning the project's design has been reviewed by Landmark Preservation and is appropriate for the historic nature of the property. It is highly recommended that you obtain this certificate before applying for building and zoning permits.

Learn more about meeting design guidelines for landmark properties.

Parkways

If your property is along a designated parkway and the project encroaches on the parkway setback, you will need to download an Exception Request form (located under Contact the Parkways Team on the Parkways webpage) and email it to parkways@denvergov.org. 

Visit the Parkways webpage

Forestry

If there are trees located in the public right-of-way, or trees requiring protection in the primary street setback or side street setback, you will need to contact the Office of the City Forester at (720) 913-0651 or forestry@denvergov.org.

Learn more about forestry requirements. 

CDOT/State Highways

If the proposed driveway connects to a State Highway, CDOT access permits and a Transportation Engineering Plan are required. 

Learn more about CDOT access permits.

Research your property

Do I Need a Permit?

All garages need zoning, building, and sewer use and drainage permits.

Ready to Apply?

Permits are issued electronically through the city's e-permits system.

 

Related Information

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