Frequently Asked Questions

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1. When are permits required?

The following list is an example of activities that require a permit. Even if your planned project or work is not on the list, you may still need a permit. To find out if something that is not on the list requires a permit, please call 720-898-7620 or email Building Department Division.

Types of Work	Application Process	Typical Fee Include
Accessory Dwelling Unit	Online (eTRAKiT)	Variable
Residential Exterior	Online (eTRAKiT)	$32.50 Review Fee Building Permit Fee Use Tax
Electrical	Online (eTRAKiT)	Variable
Fences and Retaining Walls	Online (eTRAKIT)	Variable
Interior Remodels	Online (eTRAKiT)	$32.50 Review Fee Building Permit Fee Use Tax
New Commercial Buildings, Commercial Additions and Multi-family	Online (eTRAKiT)	Variable
New Single Family	email	Variable
Re-Roofing	Online (eTRAKIT)	Variable
Residential Mechanical and Plumbing	Online (eTRAKIT)	Variable
Solar	Online (eTRAKIT)	$45 Permit Fee (Residential Only) $32.50 Review Fee Use Tax
Windows and Siding Installation	Online (eTRAKiT)	$45 Permit Fee per trade Use Tax
Temporary Structures	email	Variable
Transient Merchants and Entertainment	email	Variable
Food Truck Vending	Online (eTRAKiT)	$50
Retaining Wall	Online (eTRAKiT)	$45 Permit Fee $32.50 Plan Review Fee Use Tax
Radio Amplification	Online (eTRAKiT)	Use Tax

2. Who can apply for a permit?

Homeowners and Contractors. For residential permits, if you are the homeowner and you occupy the structure, you may apply for the permit. If you are hiring a contractor to complete the work, please have them apply for the permit. For commercial projects, a licensed contractor must obtain the permits and complete the work. If you are interested in becoming a licensed contractor with the City of Arvada review the guidelines for contractor licensing.

3. How do I complete an application?

If the application is available for online submittal you will go to www.arvadapermits.org to complete your online application. Not all applications are available online, please check the table above. Applications can also be made by sending your application and plans to us via emailing Building Permits Division. We encourage you to use these online methods to submit applications. However, if needed, paper applications and plans may be dropped off at City Hall for processing. Permits are no longer processed over the counter.

The City of Arvada uses eTRAKiT for the permit application process, this system requires a login to create applications. If you are a licensed contractor you must use your Contractor License number and password.

• New to eTRAKiT? View our log in instructions and eTRAKiT application guide.
• Returning User? Login to the eTRAKiT application.

4. What are the review times?

Permits that do not require a plan review (Roofing, Residential Plumbing, Electrical and Mechanical) are typically issued within one business day of a completed application submission. Major projects like New Single Family and Commercial require a plan review and can take 4 to 6 weeks to complete the first plan review.

5. What do permits cost?

Fees are variable. Permit fees vary by project type. Typically, you can expect to pay:

1. A Permit Fee
2. Use Tax
3. A Plan Review Fee if Required

Permit fees can be estimated using our online calculator.

Use Tax

Use tax is a tax that is assessed in lieu of sales tax. The Arvada use tax rate is the same as the sales tax rate, 3.46%. Building use tax is assessed on construction materials that are used in Arvada. The revenues from building use tax are utilized to fund additional city services related to construction growth.

The tax is computed on the total value of the project. The construction project valuation is based on statistical data relating to costs of similar projects or the actual contract price of a project. Although an individual may conduct the construction work themselves and may obtain materials at a discount or no cost, this still results in increased value to the improvements. Consequently, use tax is calculated on the greater of the calculated or contract values.

The building permit fee and Use Tax are based on the total value of construction. Use the Permit Fee Table to generate your fee. Use Tax is 58% of the job value multiplied by 3.46%.

New: You can now use the Fee Calculator to get an estimation of the cost of permit.

6. Do I need an inspection?

Inspections are required for most permit types. Inspections can be scheduled until 6 am of the desired inspection date. In a weather event such as a hailstorm, inspections are not guaranteed to be completed by the next business day. Inspections are completed Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. All inspection can be scheduled using Arvada's permit site or by calling 720-898-7630 and using the automated line. A 3-digit inspection code is required.

• Required inspections will vary depending on the scope and nature of your project.
• Someone over the age of 18 is required to be available during the inspection.

7. How can I get a copy of my permit records?

All permit records are available online at Arvada Permits Site. You will be able to find all information by searching for the permit by address or by permit number. If the records are not available online you will have to submit an Open Records request, additional fees may apply.