PlainPermit

Do I need a permit for an ADU or garage conversion in Denver, CO?

Short answer: Yes, a permit is required for an ADU or garage conversion in Denver, CO.

Last verified: · Confidence: medium · Status: Verified from official source

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.
Permit required Confidence: medium

Yes. ADU work needs permits, and a homeowner cannot pull permits for an ADU; a licensed contractor must.

What changes the answer

Cost

Fee not extracted; see Denver development fees. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Community-Planning-and-Development/Plan-Review-Permits-and-Inspections/Development-Fees · All verified Denver permit fees

Where to apply

Denver e-permits (Community Planning and Development)

Permitting authority: City and County of Denver Community Planning and Development (CPD). Landmark/historic district properties need a Certificate of Appropriateness and often a permit even for otherwise-exempt work. See also: how to apply for a building permit.

Official sources

“A homeowner cannot obtain a permit for work in accessory dwelling units (ADUs), townhomes, condos, or duplexes, even for the unit where you live.”

Source: https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Community-Planning-and-Development/Plan-Review-Permits-and-Inspections/Single-Family-and-Duplex-Projects/Homeowner-Permits

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: medium

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