Arvada Building Permits: Where to Start
The City of Arvada Building Safety Division handles building permits, plan reviews, building-code enforcement, and construction inspections for properties within its jurisdiction in Arvada, Colorado.
Most applications, fee payments, permit searches, and inspection requests are managed through the city’s eTRAKiT online permit portal. Before applying, confirm that your property falls within Arvada city limits and select the correct permit category.
2026 update: Arvada’s revised building-fee schedule took effect January 1, 2026, and its updated building codes generally became effective July 1, 2026.
Arvada Building Department Contact Information
City of Arvada Building Services / Building Safety Division
8101 Ralston Road
Arvada, CO 80002
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Verify department-specific availability before visiting.
Jurisdiction matters: An Arvada mailing address does not necessarily establish that a property is inside city limits. Some nearby properties are under county jurisdiction. Use the city’s address verification resource before submitting a building permit application.
Which Building Permits Are Required in Arvada?
Arvada requires permits for many residential and commercial construction activities. The permit category depends on the scope of work, building type, and whether structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or zoning issues are involved.
| Project | Permit Guidance |
|---|---|
| Roof replacement | Building permit and inspection required for residential and commercial reroofing. |
| Fences | A permit is required for fencing. Fences over 6 feet tall require engineer-stamped plans. |
| Decks and patio covers | Generally require a residential exterior permit. A detached deck under 200 square feet, less than 30 inches above grade, and not serving a required exit door may qualify for an exemption. |
| Basement finishing or interior remodel | Use a residential interior permit. A basement-finish permit can include associated mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and egress-window work. |
| Furnaces, air conditioners, and water heaters | Mechanical or plumbing permits and inspections are generally required for replacements and installations. |
| Replacement windows and siding | Permits are required. Structural alterations or new egress openings may require another permit category. |
| Garages, additions, and accessory structures | Residential exterior permits and plan review may be required. Size, attachment, location, and intended use affect the requirements. |
| Commercial construction | Building permits, plan reviews, contractor licensing, and possibly Planning, Engineering, and Fire approvals are required. |
Sources: Residential Building Permits, Residential Exterior, and Residential Interior.
Small-project exception: Certain detached decks and accessory structures may qualify for building-permit exemptions. However, zoning, setbacks, easements, and other requirements can still apply. Confirm the exemption for your particular project before starting construction.
How to Apply for a Building Permit in Arvada
The city uses an electronic permit application and plan-review process. Homeowners can create public accounts, while registered contractors generally use their assigned AEC contractor credentials.
- Verify the property address Open the Building Permits page and use its address verification resource. Confirm that the property is within Arvada’s jurisdiction.
- Identify the appropriate permit Review the residential permit categories or the appropriate commercial permit guidance. Determine whether Planning, Engineering, or other approvals are needed.
- Prepare the required documents Depending on the project, prepare a site or plot plan, floor plans, construction details, structural information, equipment specifications, and relevant contractor information. Submit required attachments in PDF format.
- Sign in to eTRAKiT Visit Arvada Permits. Homeowners can select the public account setup option. Licensed contractors should use their assigned contractor account.
- Create and submit the application Select Permits → Apply / New Permit, choose the correct available permit type, enter the project address and scope of work, complete required fields, attach documents, and submit.
- Respond to review comments and pay fees Monitor your application through eTRAKiT. Upload revisions if requested. Once approved, pay the assessed fees and obtain the issued permit and approved documents.
- Complete work and required inspections Keep the permit and approved plans available at the job site. Schedule inspections at the applicable construction stages and complete final approval before closing the permit.
Application help: See the city’s online application instructions and eTRAKiT application guide.
Try entering only the street number and selecting the matching address. Arvada’s system uses specific address formatting. If a permit category is unavailable for online application, contact Building Services at 720-898-7620 rather than choosing an unrelated permit type.
Arvada Building Permit Fees in 2026
Arvada’s 2026 Building Fee Schedule became effective January 1, 2026. Some residential permits use flat fees, while larger construction and remodeling projects generally use valuation-based calculations.
Selected Residential Permit Fees
| Permit / Service | 2026 Listed Fee |
|---|---|
| Air conditioner installation | $55 |
| Furnace replacement | $55 |
| Water heater replacement | $55 |
| Heat pump or mini-split | $81 |
| Replacement windows without structural alterations | $55 |
| Siding replacement | $55 |
| Residential EV charger | $55 |
| Residential solar photovoltaic panels | $55 |
| Residential electrical service change | $60 |
| Roofing | Valuation-based fee |
| Building work valued at $1–$500 | $34 base permit fee |
| Reinspection, when assessed | $125 |
These are published permit-fee amounts, not guaranteed total project charges. Applicable plan-review fees, use tax, trade fees, or other charges may increase the amount due. For valuation-based permits, Arvada generally uses the higher of actual contract value or the applicable building valuation calculation.
Official fee documents: 2026 Building Fee Schedule and Building Permit Fee Guide (PDF).
How Long Does Arvada Permit Approval Take?
| Application Category | Published Guidance |
|---|---|
| No plan review required | Typically within 3 business days after a complete submission. |
| Residential exterior projects | Plan reviews are typically 2–12 business days, depending on complexity and workload; Planning and additional review cycles can add time. |
| New single-family or major commercial projects | First plan review may take 4–6 weeks. |
These are published guidance figures, not guaranteed deadlines. Missing documents, zoning corrections, redesigns, and additional approval requirements can extend the process.
As part of Arvada’s 2026 process improvements, certain qualifying residential permit categories—including specified EV charger, solar, and battery-storage projects—no longer require formal building plan review before issuance under the city’s stated conditions. The underlying code and inspection requirements still apply. Check the 2026 Process Improvements before applying.
Schedule an Arvada Building Inspection
Building inspections are generally performed Monday through Friday. The city allows inspection scheduling up to 15 days in advance, with a 6 a.m. cutoff on the requested inspection day.
Before 6 a.m. on the requested inspection date
Schedule Through eTRAKiT
- Open the official permit portal and log into the account associated with the permit.
- Confirm that outstanding permit fees are paid and the permit status is Issued.
- Find the eligible permit and select Request for inspections.
- Enter the day-of-inspection contact information and select the correct inspection type and date.
- Choose Add Inspection, then Submit and accept the disclaimer.
- Confirm the inspection appears on your dashboard and check for the confirmation email.
Schedule by Text Message
Text 866-783-1447 and send SCHEDULE to follow the automated prompts. Alternatively, use the city’s abbreviated command format with the permit number and inspection code.
Example: S PERMITNUMBER 103 requests a rough-framing inspection using code 103. Replace PERMITNUMBER with your actual permit number.
You can also send CANCEL or RESULTS and follow the prompts. Verify the correct three-digit code for your inspection.
AM inspection requests cover 8 a.m.–noon, and PM requests cover noon–5 p.m., but preferred timeframes are not guaranteed. Daily assignments are generally available after 7:30 a.m. The building department’s published normal inspection hours are 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Someone aged 18 or older must be available as required for access, and the inspection area must be accessible. Do not enter garage or lockbox access codes into online inspection notes; contact staff directly.
Official inspection steps and codes | Scheduling rules
Building Codes Adopted in Arvada for 2026
Arvada City Council adopted updated building codes on March 24, 2026, with the new code framework generally effective July 1, 2026. The 2024 International Codes form the basis of the update, with local amendments and Colorado-specific requirements.
| Code / Standard | Adopted Framework |
|---|---|
| Building | 2024 International Building Code |
| Residential | 2024 International Residential Code |
| Existing Buildings | 2024 International Existing Building Code |
| Mechanical | 2024 International Mechanical Code |
| Plumbing | 2024 International Plumbing Code |
| Fire | 2024 International Fire Code |
| Energy | Colorado Low Energy Carbon Code, based on the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code |
| Electrical | 2026 National Electrical Code listed on the city’s adopted-code page; verify the applicable transition date for the permit |
| Wildfire | Arvada Wildfire Resiliency Code |
Local Design Criteria
Arvada publishes several design criteria that can affect structural plans:
- Frost depth: 36 inches.
- Roof snow load: 30 pounds per square foot.
- Ground snow load: 30 pounds per square foot.
- Basic ultimate wind speed: 136 mph in areas east of Highway 93; 150 mph west of Highway 93.
- Energy and wildfire rules: Additional requirements may apply depending on project type and mapped wildfire exposure.
These are published general design criteria, not complete engineering specifications. Site conditions, structural calculations, occupancy, and adopted amendments can introduce other requirements.
Permits submitted before July 1, 2026, may remain under the previous 2018 code cycle when eligible. Certain projects already approved or under development review have transitional provisions. Confirm the applicable code edition before changing plans or submitting revisions.
Official references: Adopted Codes and Design Criteria and 2026 Building Code Updates.
Homeowner and Contractor Licensing Rules
Arvada requires contractors performing regulated building work to have the appropriate licenses. A homeowner who owns and occupies a residence may generally perform qualifying work personally without obtaining a contractor license.
Owners who do not occupy the property face additional restrictions. Arvada identifies limited projects—including certain fences, decks, retaining walls, roofing, siding, and window replacement—that nonoccupying owners may perform without a contractor license. Other projects generally require a properly licensed contractor.
When a contractor performs any part of the work, the city requires the appropriately licensed contractor to be associated with the permit. Plumbing and electrical work may also involve Colorado state licensing requirements.
Arvada Contractor Licensing Requirements
Check Building Permit Status or Find Existing Records
You can search Arvada permit history without visiting City Hall. The eTRAKiT portal provides access to issued permits, inspection records, review information, and other available project details.
- Visit Arvada Permits.
- Under Permits, select Search Permit.
- Search using the permit number or the property address. If needed, enter only the street number and select the correct address.
- Open the matching permit to review status, issuance details, inspections, and available review information.
- Log in if you need access to available permit attachments.
Older records: Arvada notes that records issued before 2013 may appear under a PREH13 permit-history entry. If records are unavailable online, a formal open-records request may be necessary.
Official Guide to Researching Permits
Final Inspections and Permit Closure
Most standard building permits can be finalized after all required inspections receive approval. The permit status is then updated to Finaled in eTRAKiT.
For many residential remodel and exterior projects, the finalized permit and approved inspection records provide confirmation that the permit inspection process is complete. A separate Certificate of Occupancy is not routinely issued for every minor residential improvement.
New buildings, certain commercial projects, and applicable occupancy changes may require a Certificate of Occupancy or Temporary Certificate of Occupancy before occupancy. Additional Fire, Planning, Engineering, Utility, or other approvals may be necessary.
Do not assume an approved individual inspection means the entire building is approved for occupancy.
Common Problems and What to Do
| Problem | Practical Solution |
|---|---|
| Property address not found | Check city jurisdiction, use the full street address or street number only, and review the city’s address lookup. |
| Permit type unavailable | Review the appropriate permit category and contact Building Services for the correct submission method. |
| Application returned for corrections | Read staff review comments, update the documents, and upload corrected PDFs to the application. |
| Cannot schedule an inspection | Verify that the permit is issued, fees are paid, and your account is linked to the permit. |
| Permit not visible | Search by address or permit number. For an expired permit, contact the permitting office about reinstatement or a new permit. |
| Inspection not approved | Review the inspection result, correct the identified deficiencies, and request another inspection when ready. |
The City of Arvada warns that scammers may send payment requests based on public project information. Before paying an unexpected invoice, verify it through the official permit portal or contact Building Services at 720-898-7620.
Official Arvada Building Department Resources
- Building Services — department contact and service information.
- Building Permits — application guidance and address verification.
- Arvada Permits / eTRAKiT — applications, payments, permit search, and inspections.
- 2026 Building Fee Schedule — adopted fees and charges.
- Building Codes and Design Criteria — adopted codes and technical standards.
- Inspection Scheduling Instructions — online and text-based scheduling.
- Contractor Licensing — qualifications and licensing procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Arvada Building Department located?
Arvada Building Services is located at 8101 Ralston Road, Arvada, CO 80002. The building permit and inspection contact number is 720-898-7620.
2. Can I apply for an Arvada building permit online?
Yes. Most available building permit applications can be submitted through Arvada’s eTRAKiT portal. Homeowners can register for public accounts, while licensed contractors use their contractor credentials. Some permit categories may require another submission method.
3. How do I know whether my property is inside Arvada’s jurisdiction?
Use the address verification resource on Arvada’s official Building Permits page. A mailing address showing Arvada does not always mean the property is within city limits. Some properties may fall under county jurisdiction.
4. Do I need a building permit for a fence in Arvada?
Yes. Arvada requires permits for fencing. Fences over 6 feet tall require engineer-stamped plans. Zoning, location, and other restrictions may also apply.
5. Is a permit required to replace a roof in Arvada?
Yes. Arvada requires permits and inspections for residential and commercial roof replacement. Roofing permit fees are generally calculated using project valuation under the city’s adopted fee schedule.
6. Do I need a permit to replace a water heater or furnace?
Yes. Residential water heater and furnace replacements generally require permits and inspections. The published 2026 flat permit fee is $55 for each listed standalone replacement category, excluding any additional applicable charges.
7. How do I schedule a building inspection in Arvada?
Schedule through Arvada’s eTRAKiT portal or text SCHEDULE to 866-783-1447. The city generally accepts inspection requests until 6 a.m. on the requested inspection day, subject to scheduling and availability.
8. How much does an Arvada building permit cost in 2026?
Costs depend on permit type and project valuation. Some residential permits have flat fees starting at $55, while larger projects use valuation-based fees. Plan review, use tax, and other applicable charges may be additional.
9. How long does it take to get a building permit in Arvada?
Permits without plan review are typically issued within three business days after a complete submission. Major new residential and commercial projects may require four to six weeks for the first plan review. Actual processing times vary.
10. Which building codes apply in Arvada in 2026?
Arvada’s updated framework generally took effect July 1, 2026, and includes the 2024 International Building and Residential Codes with local amendments and additional energy, fire, and wildfire requirements. Eligible older permits may remain under previous codes.
About this guide: USBuilding.org is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with the City of Arvada. The information is based on publicly available city guidance and fee schedules reviewed for October 2026. Requirements may change, and the responsible government agency makes final permitting decisions.