Do I Need a Permit to Build a Shed in Denver, CO?

Interactive check

Check your shed details

Client-side only. No runtime backend required.

Project type City Shed size (sq ft) Stories Electrical work planned? Plumbing planned?

Fees

Estimated city fees

Baseline for a simple permitted shed: $150–$450 estimated city fees for a permitted shed over 200 sq ft (structures ≤ 200 sq ft without utilities are typically exempt from the building permit fee but still require zoning compliance)

Fee	Amount	Notes
Building permit (sheds over 200 sq ft)	$150–$450 (estimated range)	Denver Community Planning & Development (CPD) calculates permit fees on a valuation-based sliding scale. Sheds 200 sq ft or less without utilities typically require no building permit fee. Verify the current rate at denvergov.org/cpd.
Plan review fee	~65% of the building permit fee	Denver assesses a plan review fee of approximately 65% of the building permit fee for projects that require plan check. Simple accessory structures may qualify for over-the-counter review.
Electrical permit	$75–$200 (estimated range)	Required for any electrical wiring to or within the shed. Must be pulled by a licensed electrician.
Plumbing permit	$75–$200 (estimated range)	Required for any plumbing fixture (sink, hose bib, toilet). Must be pulled by a licensed plumber.
Zoning permit / zoning review	Included or nominal	A zoning use permit / zoning review is required to confirm setbacks, height, and lot coverage — often issued concurrently with the building permit or as a standalone review for permit-exempt sheds.

Documents

Required documents

Completed residential building permit application via the Denver e-permits (E-Permits/EPlan) portal.
Site plan drawn to scale showing zone lot dimensions, existing structures, property lines, easements, setbacks, and the proposed shed footprint.
Floor plan and elevation drawings showing shed dimensions, height, roof pitch, and materials.
Foundation details (slab, piers, or skids) appropriate for the shed size and Denver's frost depth (36 inches).
Manufacturer specifications for prefabricated or kit sheds, including anchorage details.
Zoning permit / zoning review documentation from Denver CPD Zoning.
Landmark Preservation Certificate of Appropriateness if the property is in a historic district.
HOA approval documentation if required by subdivision CC&Rs.

Timeline

Typical timing

Plan review: 10–20 business days
Total cycle: 3–6 weeks from application to final inspection

Simple, compliant accessory structures may qualify for over-the-counter or expedited review. Historic districts, variance requests, and incomplete submittals add time. Denver building permits are generally valid for 12 months from issuance if work begins; lapses without inspection activity can cause expiration.

Process

How the permit process works

Confirm whether a building permit is required A one-story shed 200 square feet or less with no electrical or plumbing is generally exempt from Denver's building permit requirement. Sheds larger than 200 sq ft, multi-story, or with utilities require a permit. Electrical and plumbing permits are always required when applicable — independent of shed size.
Verify zoning setbacks and lot coverage Look up your zone lot in the Denver Zoning Code (Article 5 for most residential districts). Confirm minimum side/rear setbacks (commonly 5 feet), the rear-third placement rule for accessory structures, maximum accessory building height, and maximum lot coverage. Use Denver Maps (denvergov.org/maps) to identify zoning and overlays.
Check for overlays and historic districts If the property is in a Landmark historic district or design overlay, contact Landmark Preservation and obtain any required Certificate of Appropriateness before applying for the building or zoning permit.
Prepare plans and site plan Draft a scaled site plan showing the shed location relative to property lines, setbacks, and easements. Prepare floor plan and elevations. Include foundation details appropriate for Denver's 36-inch frost depth if the shed will be on piers or a permanent foundation.
Apply through Denver e-permits Submit the residential building permit application, plans, and site plan through the Denver e-permits portal. Include electrical or plumbing sub-permits if applicable.
Respond to plan and zoning review comments Denver CPD will route the application through zoning and building plan review. Respond promptly to comments and resubmit revised documents.
Pay fees and receive permit Once approved, pay the building permit and plan review fees. Download and post the permit on the jobsite. Do not begin permitted work before issuance.
Schedule and pass inspections Request inspections at required stages — typically foundation, framing, and final — through the e-permits portal. Electrical and plumbing have their own inspection stages. Do not conceal framing or rough-in work before inspection.
Close out the permit After final inspection passes, the permit is closed. Retain records for insurance, resale, and future additions.

Code basis

What Denver reviews against

2022 Denver Building and Fire Code (based on the 2021 IBC/IRC) § R105.2 (Work Exempt from Permit); Denver Zoning Code Article 5 (Residential Districts) for setbacks, height, rear-third placement, and lot-coverage standards for detached accessory structures; Denver Revised Municipal Code (DRMC) Chapter 10 (Buildings).

Residential permit page Denver permit portal

If you skip the permit

What can go wrong

Denver CPD can issue a stop-work order if unpermitted shed construction is discovered.
Daily fines and double permit fees can apply for after-the-fact permits under Denver's enforcement rules.
An after-the-fact permit may require opening finished work to verify foundation, framing, or utility installations.
Unpermitted electrical or plumbing work creates safety hazards and may void homeowners insurance coverage.
Unpermitted accessory structures in setback areas or easements frequently become title and resale problems and may require removal.
Violations in Denver Landmark districts can trigger mandatory removal orders from Landmark Preservation.

FAQ

Common Denver shed permit questions

Do I need a permit to build a shed in Denver, CO?

It depends on size and utilities. A one-story shed 200 square feet or less with no electrical or plumbing is generally exempt from Denver's building permit under the Denver Building Code (based on the 2021 IRC § R105.2). Any shed larger than 200 sq ft, multi-story, or containing electrical or plumbing requires a building permit. Even permit-exempt sheds must comply with Denver Zoning Code setbacks, height, and lot coverage.

What is the maximum shed size without a permit in Denver?

Up to 200 square feet, one story, with no electrical or plumbing. Above that threshold — or with any utilities — a building permit is required. Zoning review is still required regardless of size to confirm setbacks and placement.

What are the setback requirements for a shed in Denver?

In most Denver single-unit residential zones (Article 5 of the Denver Zoning Code), detached accessory structures such as sheds must be located in the rear third of the zone lot and maintain at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines, with maximum heights that are typically 17 feet for one-story accessory buildings. Verify the exact standards for your zone district on Denver Maps (denvergov.org/maps).

Does adding electricity to my shed require a permit?

Yes. Any electrical wiring to or inside a shed — including a single circuit for lighting — requires an electrical permit pulled by a licensed electrician, even if the shed itself is exempt from a building permit.

Does adding plumbing to my shed require a permit?

Yes. Any plumbing fixture such as a hose bib, sink, or toilet requires a plumbing permit pulled by a licensed plumber, independent of the shed's building permit status.

How much does a shed permit cost in Denver?

Denver calculates building permit fees from project valuation, so city fees for a permitted shed over 200 sq ft typically run $150–$450, plus a plan review fee of about 65% of the building permit fee. Electrical and plumbing permits add roughly $75–$200 each. Verify current rates on the Denver CPD fee schedule.

How long does it take to get a shed permit in Denver?

Plan review typically runs 10–20 business days for a residential accessory structure, with total project timing of about 3–6 weeks from application through final inspection. Simple, compliant projects may qualify for over-the-counter review. Historic district review, variances, and incomplete submittals can add time.

Can I place a shed in my front yard in Denver?

Generally no. Denver Zoning Code requires detached accessory structures to be placed in the rear third of the zone lot in most residential districts. Accessory structures may not be located in the front setback. Check the specific rules for your zone district on Denver Maps.

Sources

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