Understanding permit requirements

Common projects

Most projects require a permit. Some do not. For some projects, it depends on where they are. For example, sidewalk repair, driveway repair, and dumpsters in the street need a call to Public Works first. Retaining walls and playset equipment may need a call to the Planning Department first.

Not sure about your project? Call Building Safety at (303) 335-4584 or email us.

If you're doing this... You need a...
Adding a deck, fence, or shed Permit
Replacing your A/C, furnace, or water heater Permit
Re-roofing or re-siding Permit
Finishing your basement Permit
Adding a room or addition Permit
Putting in a pool or hot tub Permit
Painting the outside of your house No permit needed
Pouring an uncovered concrete patio No permit needed
Replacing a window with the same size window No permit needed
Landscaping No permit needed

Find your project

Project Permit Needed?
Addition – Residential Yes
Addition – Commercial Yes
Apartment, Condo, Triplex+ (New) Yes
Basement Finish Yes
Core and Shell Yes
Drywall Yes
Footing/Foundation – Residential Yes
Footing/Foundation – Commercial Yes
Insulation Yes
Mobile Home (New) Yes
New Commercial Building (tenant known) Yes
Remodel (Interior) – Residential Yes
Single Family Detached House (New) Yes
Studio Yes
Sunroom Yes
Tenant Finish/Minor Commercial Work Yes
Townhome, Duplex (New) Yes

Project Permit Needed?
Accessory Structure Yes
Carport Yes
Concrete Patio – Uncovered No
Deck (Covered/Uncovered) Yes
Garage – Detached Yes
Pergola Yes
Playset Equipment Possibly — contact Planning Department
Porch or Covered Patio Yes
Retaining Wall Possibly — contact Planning Department
Shed Yes

Project Permit Needed?
Demolition – Residential Yes
Demolition – Commercial Yes

Project Permit Needed?
Door – Size Change or New Opening Yes
Painting – Exterior House No
Re-Roof Yes
Re-Siding Yes
Window Replacement – Like for Like No
Window Replacement – Size Change/New Opening Yes

Project Permit Needed?
Air Conditioner Yes
Electrical Work (standalone) Yes
Fireplace Yes
Furnace/Boiler Yes
Gas Line (New/Repair) Yes
Hot Tub Yes
Irrigation System Yes
Mechanical Work (standalone) Yes
Plumbing Work (standalone) Yes
Roof Top Unit Yes
Solar PV System Yes
Swamp Cooler Yes
Water Heater Yes

Project Permit Needed?
Elevator (New/Remodel) Contact CO Division of Oil & Public Safety

Project Permit Needed?
Fence Yes
Foundation Repair Yes
Driveway Repair Possibly — contact Public Works
Sidewalk Repair Possibly — contact Public Works

Project Permit Needed?
Pool – Above Ground Yes
Pool – Underground Yes

Project Permit Needed?
Sewer & Water Repair (private property) Yes
Sewer & Water Repair (street/right-of-way) Contact Public Works
Telecommunication Yes

Project Permit Needed?
Construction Trailer Yes
Dumpster/Roll Off (private property) Yes
Dumpster/Roll Off (street/right-of-way) Contact Public Works
Food Truck Yes
Seasonal Sales Yes
Sign – Permanent Yes
Sign – Temporary Yes
Special Events Yes

Building Guides

The Building Department has created the following guides to help you understand what criteria is required when submitting for a building permit.

These guides are for residential properties only.

Building Safety

Phone: (303) 335-4584
Email Building Safety
Our address:
City Hall, First Floor
749 Main St
Louisville, CO 80027
Our office hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Friday: By appointment

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