Do You Need A Denver Building Permit?

Nothing can bring a home improvement project to a halt faster than the project being shut down because either the wrong or no building permit was purchased.  Different municipalities have different rules and regulations when it comes to what type of projects require building permits.  Most communities use building permits as a way of establishing what projects are out there so that they can be monitored and inspected so as to ensure that current building codes are being met by the contractor and homeowner.  There are a number of things a Denver homeowner needs to look into when it comes to determining whether they are in need of a permit or not.

In the city of Denver, when it comes to building an exterior structure, generally a building permit is required for any shed, garage or other free standing structure built within the city limits.  A building permit is also required for the construction of any deck that will sit at twelve inches above the ground or higher.  Building codes should be emphatically adhered to when constructing these type of projects because when they are not there is a risk of physical injury or death should the structure prove to be built in a dangerous way.

There are numerous home improvement projects that any Denver area homeowner can undertake without having to have a building permit.  These include most basic home modifications including, but not limited to floor coverings, window and skylight installation or replacement, interior or exterior painting, interior door installation or replacement, built-in entertainment centers and bookshelves (unless electrical outlets are used), replacement of light fixtures with similar equipment, replacement of plumbing fixtures with similar equipment, and more.

No homeowner should risk avoiding acquiring the correct building or construction permit should one be required.  The building permit process is put in place for the safety of anyone that will come in contact with the structure that is being worked on.  Avoiding getting the needed building permits can result in fines, penalties and even the demolition of all unpermitted work that was done.  This can be far more expensive and stressful than getting the proper building permits to begin with.

Within the city limits of Denver, most cosmetic and minor home improvement projects do not need a building permit.  Any time a homeowner is wanting to do any type of construction that is directly related to the structure of a building, for safety purposes as well as legalities, they need to consult with the city and see what type of building permit it is that they are required to have in place before construction begins.  Tackling a home improvement project the right way, including any needed permit issues, pays off in the long run.