BUILDING PERMITS AND INSPECTION SERVICES
Do I need a building permit?
Many home improvement projects require a building permit. Major renovations such as finishing your basement, adding a deck, or installing a hot tub require a permit, and so do smaller projects such as adding an AC system, reroofing, or creating a new window or patio door. For more details, see the FAQs at the bottom of this page.
Online Forms
PDF Forms
- Building Permit Application
- Certificate of Occupancy Request Checklist – For new residential and new commercial only
- Revision Request – For changes to previously approved plans
- Residential Fire Sprinkler Options – Required for all new one- and two-family dwellings
How much will my permit cost?
Building permit fees are comprised of a permit fee, plan review fee, electrical fee, zoning fee, and Douglas County and City of Castle Pines use tax. Depending on the type of project and the extent of work being performed, certain fees may not be applicable. For a full view of all potential fees, please review the City of Castle Pines fee schedule.
All permits require the collection of a permit fee and use tax at the following rates:
Permit Fee
Permit fees are based on the value of the project.
Douglas County
Use tax can range from 1% of 50% of the value of the project
Castle Pines
Use tax can range from 3.75% of 50% of the value of the project
If a permit requires a plan review, additional costs may include:
Plan Review Fee
65% of the permit fee
Electrical Permit Fee
- Residential: Based on the square feet of the project
- Commercial: Based on value
View Electrical Permit Fee Schedule
Zoning Fee
$60
For questions about fees, please contact the Building Department at 303-705-0227 or buildingdept@castlepinesco.gov.
FAQs When Choosing A Permit
When do I need a building permit?
The following projects (not all-inclusive) require a permit, either a 1-Stop Permit or a Plan Review Permit.
1-Stop Permits
A 1-Stop permit does not require drawings to be submitted for a plan review. Some examples are:
- Air Conditioning System
- Demolition
- Electrical Service Amp Change
- Furnace Replacement
- Gas Fireplace
- Lawn Sprinkler System
- Reroof
- Siding/Stucco
- Water Heater Replacement
- Water/Sewer Line Repair/Replacement
- Window/Patio Door Replacement
An application is required for a 1-Stop permit. You will need to know the total value of the work to be performed to complete the application.
Plan Review Permits
Various projects will require you to submit drawings for a plan review. Some examples are:
- Additions
- Basement Finish
- Carport
- Deck
- Fences over 7 feet in height
- Gas Line to Patio/Firepit (must provide site plan with location of pipe)
- Patio Cover/Pergola
- Pool/Hot Tub
- Remodel
Plan review permits require two identical drawings. Drawings must show all structural components and be to scale. Residential additions require two foundation drawings stamped by a Colorado-licensed engineer or architect.
A site plan is required for any addition or structure that will be added to the home, or property.
Do permits expire?
Permits are valid for 180 days after issuance. Call to renew if you will not complete the project in that timeframe.
Under what building codes are you operating?
The City is currently under the 2021 International Building Code/International Residential Code and the 2020 National Electrical Code.
How do I calculate the value of the work to be performed?
The value of the work performed is the total of:
- Material cost
- Labor value – Homeowners doing the project themselves should assign a fair market value to their own labor.
Where do I get a permit application?
You can download our building permit application form or you can submit your permit online after you create an account in our CommunityCore system.
Documentation
What kind of supporting documentation is required for a building permit?
The documentation required for your building request will depend on your project submittal type. Please review the checklists and guides to the right to ensure you submit all required documentation. Any missing documentation could increase the review time for your permit application. If you have questions, please contact the Building Department at 303-705-0227.
Supporting Documentation Guides
- Accessory Structures Guide
- Basement Finish Guide (Residential)
- Additions to Singe-Family Dwellings Guide
- Commercial and Multi-Family Plan Submittal Checklist
- Patio Covers and Carports Guide
- Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Building Guide (Residential)
- Re-roofing Guide (Residential)
- Residential Plans Submittal Checklist
- Uncovered Decks and Porches Guide
I received my permit, now what?
To receive final approval for your project, scheduled inspections must be performed by City staff to ensure compliance with building codes. To schedule an inspection, please email buildingdept@castlepinesco.gov or call 303-705-0227 before 4 p.m. on the business day prior to the inspection. Any request made after 4 p.m. on a Friday or holiday will be scheduled for the following Tuesday. We cannot guarantee a next-business-day inspection if you call after 4 p.m.
Things To Consider
- You may request an a.m. or p.m. inspection time. The City will do its best to accommodate your request but cannot guarantee your requested time.
- If the inspection requested is to be performed inside of a house, someone over the age of 18 will need to be present.
- Inspectors will not enter an occupied home alone.
- You may call 303-705-0227 the day of your inspection, after 8:30 a.m., for your two-hour estimated time of arrival.
- All roof inspections require a ladder to be set up for the inspector with safe access, prior to your two-hour window.