Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Building Permits for Custom Homes

Q. What do I need to submit for a building permit?

• Permit Application– please complete all applicable areas of the application including all square footages, type of heat, and list all subcontractors.
• Site Plan- The plan should show the distance to all property lines from the structure. The drawings must be to a scale and show the location of the driveway, septic system or sewer line, and utility easements.
• One Set Of Construction Drawings- The drawings must show the floor and basement plans (all rooms to be labeled as to their use), location of all windows and doors, and framing plans for floors, roof and any decks. The size and dimensions of headers for windows and doors also must be shown. Elevations showing final grade must be included, as well as a cross section from the bottom of the foundation wall to the top of the roof. If you have purchased plans that are not site specific, you must add to or amend them to include the above items.
• Engineered Foundation Plans- A site specific engineered foundation plan is required for all residential structures. The engineer must be registered with the State of Colorado. Their stamp and signature is required on all pages of the foundation drawings. All designs must adhere to the minimum Douglas County requirements for wall reinforcement.
• Proof of Water and Sewer Availability- If you are on a metro water/sewer system you will need a letter of availability, or tap receipt, from the district. Where a septic permit is required, a copy of the permit, including the septic application, must be submitted. Septic permits are obtained from Tri-County Health Department (303-663-7650). Well permits may be obtained by contacting the State Engineer for wells (303-866-3581). A copy of the application, along with a receipt, will be accepted since there is a delay in issuing well permits. Douglas County Building Division may require that property located along the Front Range, or in the Pike / Rampart Range areas, show proof of water supply if they are on a well. This can range from demonstrating ownership of all the water rights to a test of the well to show rate of recovery. If there is less than a 1-gallon flow then installation of a cistern will be mandatory.
• Proof of Ownership- A recorded warranty deed is required as proof of ownership of the property at the time of the submittal.
• Soils Report- A current soil report for the site where the structure is to be constructed is necessary. The soil report will assist the engineer in designing the foundation. In areas of geological hazards additional engineering of the soils report may be required.
• Driveway Permit- A driveway permit, if required, can be applied for at the same time as the building permit.
• Architectural Control Committee- Submit a letter from the architectural control committee in the subdivision that you are building in if there is an active committee. When a submittal is made without the letter, the permit will be held for 10 working days. We will contact the committee and let them know that we have a permit pending in their area. After the 10 working days, if everything is complete and ready, we will issue the permit.

Individual permits will not be required for electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work that is performed under this building permit. A separate permit will be required for a construction meter to be installed on the job site. 

Q. What will happen if I am missing some of the submittal items?

Missing items will cause a delay in the review and issuance of your building permit. The importance of the missing item will determine how far we can proceed with the process. Additional items, may be requested at the time of review, that are specific to an area, such as a grading permit or Fire Department approval.

Q. How long will it take to process my permit application?

We strive to process custom home permits in 2 ½ to 3 weeks. Once again, this is based on a complete submittal. The more items missing the longer it may take before you get your permit. Turn around times are estimates only and may vary depending on work load.

Q. How much will my permit cost?

Douglas County does not have a set fee for building permits. We take the total square footage of the residence to get a job valuation. With this valuation we go to the permit fee schedule that was adopted by Douglas County. There is also a plan review fee that will be charged for reviewing the plans. This can range from 30% to 65% of the permit fee. Use tax will be figured at half of the valuation times 1%.

• Driveway permits are $40.00 if applicable and there may be additional fees if you are building in the Cherry Creek basin area or the E470 corridor.
• Wildfire Mitigation Fee - $120.00 Flat Fee
• Building Fee Schedule [5KB]
• Drainage Erosion Sediment Control Fees [43KB]
• Custom Home Permit Cost [Estimation Worksheet]

Q. How long is my permit good for?

As long as work continues the permit will be valid. If the project is abandoned or suspended for a period of 180 days or more, the permit will become null and void. A new permit will have to be issued before work can be recommenced.

Q. Can I excavate before my permit is issued?

Part of the review process for your permit is approval of your site plan. Setback and building envelope limitations may mean an adjustment in your proposed building site. Therefore no excavation can take place until the final approval of your building permit.

Q. Is there any way my permit can be expedited?

No. All permits are processed in the order received. The best way to insure that your permit will move through smoothly is to submit a complete package. Every effort is made to get your permit approved as quickly as possible.

Q. Why do I have to have a driveway permit if I am on a private road?

All driveways must be inspected for minimum access requirements. In addition, NFPA 299 requires that all residences be evaluated for wildfire hazard mitigation.