Building Division

Important Notices

Base Plan Requirements for Permit Reviews of Buildings & Structures

Effective November 1, 2025, Broomfield will NOT accept Improvement Location Certificates (ILCs) as the base plan for permit reviews. The following documents will be accepted as base plans for permit reviews: improvement survey plats (ISP), plot plans, plats, site plans, aerial photos, other plans/surveys signed and stamped by a licensed surveyor. Please review this link to see when land survey plats are required.

First reading for City Council will be in January 27, 2026 and second reading in February 24, 2026. The 2024 Building Code update will include all the 2024 ICC code and the Colorado Low Energy Carbon Code. Proposed effective date for all permits issued beginning April 15, 2026. Please visit the State of Colorado Website for the State's Final Energy Code Board Code Report, the Final MLECC Amendment Package with Code Insights and the Final MLECC Amendment Package. Visit Broomfield Voice for more information.

2024 Code Significant Changes Handout Commercial Energy Code Summary for the LECC Residential Energy Code Summary for the LECC

2024 Code requirements for Structural Design.

BEGINNING IMMEDIATELY ALL NEW COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS, COMMERCIAL ADDITIONS, COMMERCIAL TENANT FINISHES/IMPROVEMENTS, AND MULTIFAMILY PROJECTS ARE REQUIRED TO BE DESIGNED TO THE 2024 CODE PACKAGE INCLUDING THE COLORADO LOW ENERGY AND CARBON CODE.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY ALL RESIDENTIAL NEW SINGLE FAMILY DWELLINGS, DETACHED AND ATTACHED, ADDITIONS AND REMODELS ARE REQUIRED TO BE DESIGNED TO THE 2024 CODE PACKAGE INCLUDING THE COLORADO LOW ENERGY AND CARBON CODE.

Water and Sewer Licenses

On Oct.28, Broomfield City Council approved Ordinance 2286 approving an increase for water & sewer license fees. On Jan. 1, 2026 the fee to purchase a water license increased to $39,350.00 per three-quarter-inch equivalent tap and a sewer license increase to $15,500 per equivalent sewer tap. Ordinance 2287 specifies that water & sewer licenses may be applied for with the building permit and shall NOT be issued prior to the issuance of a building permit.

The Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Code is a state-mandated building and landscaping model code, including a fire intensity scale map, designed to protect lives and property from wildfire risks. The state’s Wildland Resiliency Code Board is scheduled to vote on the draft WUI Code and map at a public meeting on June 27 and state adoption scheduled for July 1. All Colorado jurisdictions must adopt a code that meets or exceeds the requirements in the state model code by March 1, 2026. Broomfield is not planning to consider adoption of such a code until early 2026. A Broomfield public hearing would be scheduled to consider the adoption of the code. Find more information and to ask questions on the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code Broomfield Voice page.

NEW - Building Materials Pick Up Program

The City and County of Broomfield's Sustainability Division, in collaboration with Resource Central, is initiating a public outreach campaign. This campaign aims to raise awareness of Resource Central's new curbside pickup program, which offers Broomfield residents (homeowners and contractors alike) a free service to donate unwanted new or used building materials.

Residents may request a free Thursday pickup at ResourceCentral.org or deliver donations directly to Resource Central at 6400 Arapahoe Rd., Boulder, CO 80303, Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Approximately 25% of Colorado's solid waste is made up of construction and demolition materials. This program helps the City and County of Broomfield achieve its zero-waste goals by diverting these materials from landfills, offering the community a convenient and sustainable choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to replace my water heater?

All water heaters need to be permitted, this includes new and replacements. Homeowners please read this addendum provided by the State of Colorado, Department of Regulatory Agencies regarding Homeowner Residential Plumbing Work.

Do I need a building permit for my project?

Most new construction projects, alterations, additions, or repairs of existing buildings require building permits and inspections to verify compliance with building codes and zoning regulations. Alterations, garage conversions, changes of use, structural repairs, drywall, and fire or flood repairs require permits.

Permits are also required for:

Furnaces
A/Cs
Water Heaters
Heat-Pumps
Boilers
Windows and Doors
Decks
Cell Towers/Antennas
Gas Lines
Hot Tubs
Electric Vehicle Chargers
Ramps
Patio Covers
Retaining Walls
Sheds
Sewer Line Repairs
Siding
Solar Panels
Pools
Mobile Home Set Up

What documents do I need for my permit submittal?

Please use this list to determine what documents are required in order to process your permit application.

All projects below require:

the General Permit Application and
the Homeowner Statement (if the homeowner is performing any part of the project).

Addition

Basement Finish / Home Remodel Questionnaire
Plans
Site Plan
Engineer Stamped Report

Basement Finish/Remodel

Basement Finish / Home Remodel Questionnaire
Plans
Engineer Stamped Report for interior structural remodel

Cell Tower/Antenna

Plans
Site Plan
Engineer Stamped Report

Deck

Deck Handout
Plans
Site Plan
Engineer Stamped Report for steel or metal decks

Demolition

Plans
Site Plan
Approved State Permit

Garage

Garage Handout
Plans
Site Plan
Engineer Stamped Report (if the garage is attached to the primary structure or if it is larger than 600 square feet)

Gas Line (fire pit)

Plans
Gas line drawing showing line from meter to fire pit or grill

HVAC

For A/C replacements, part of the project valuation is needed in the electrical valuation field as well as the licensed electrical contractor's name

Hot Tub / Shed / Ramp / Trailer Set-Up

Plans
Site Plan

Patio Cover

Patio Cover Handout
Plans
Site Plan

Retaining Wall (more than 3 feet)

Plans
Site Plan
Engineer Stamped Report

Re-roof

Roof Slope Report

Sewer/Water Line Repair

Site Plan

Siding Replacement

Number of squares required
Stating if electrical work is needed
Current evaluation report for the new siding

Solar PV System

Plans
Site Plan
Engineer Stamped Report

Structural Repair

Plans
Engineer Stamped Report

Swimming Pool and Spa

Plans
Site Plan
Engineer Stamped Report

Water Heater

Gas Pipe Plan needed if a tanked water heater is being replaced by a tankless one

Windows and Doors

Window, Door & Skylight Installation / Replacement Handout

Also review:

For typical residential projects, the site plan should show where the proposed construction will be located on the property, including lot dimensions and all existing structures and the floor plan should show the use of the spaces, any framing proposed, and dimensions.

For commercial projects, one digital set of plans shall be submitted.

All permit application documents should be emailed to buildingpermits@broomfield.org.

How long does it take to get a building permit?

Over the Counter

A Building Plans Analyst is available Tuesdays from 9am to 12pm and Thursdays from 1pm to 4pm for homeowners who need assistance with building permits. Some permits for homeowners may be available for same-day review and issuance.

Via Email

Please submit permit applications and plans to buildingpermits@broomfield.org for processing

Current Plan Review times

Residential window, door, A/C and furnace replacements (like-for-like only) - 1 to 3 business days
Re-Roofs - one week
Water Heaters, Furnaces & A/C replacements - 1-2 weeks
Solar PV Systems - 1 - 2 weeks
Basement Finish - 1 to 2 weeks
Windows with Modifications - 1 to 2 weeks
Exterior Residential - decks, covered patios, pergolas, gazebo, etc. - 2 - 3 weeks
Residential Additions and Remodels - 4 - 5 weeks for first comments
Signs - 3 - 4 weeks
Tenant Finish - 5 - 6 weeks for first comments
New House - 7 - 8 weeks for first comments
New Commercial Building – 6 - 7 weeks for first comments

Estimated times above are goals, but are not guaranteed.

How much will my permit cost?

Permit fees are based on the total value or cost of the project. The applicant provides this information on the permit forms at the time of the application submission. Use tax is also charged on the value of the materials, assumed to be one-half of the total cost.

Please review our Fees Page for more information.

I have questions about my project. Who can I ask?

Email your questions to buildingpermits@broomfield.org and one of our Plan Analysts will reach out to you

Call 303-438-6370 (option 5) and ask to talk to a Plans Analyst.

They can answer a variety of questions on most phases of any project or they will research your question and reach out to you.

What time will the inspector arrive?

Our inspectors receive their assignments in the morning and determine the most efficient route for the day prior to leaving the office around 8:30 a.m. Your inspection could be any time between 8.30am and 4pm.

If you need a more exact time frame that day, you may check the Daily Inspection List, look for your address, and you can see the order of inspections for each inspector. The list is a live document that gets updated as the day goes by and all completed inspections disappear.

Alternatively, you may call 303-438-6370, option 5 between 8.00 - 8:30 a.m to get in touch with your assigned inspector, confirm their time of arrival or cancel that inspection. Please note: Any cancellations after 8.30 result in a $150.00 late cancellation fee.

Will you inspect the smoke detectors in my house?

Yes, inspections for all new single family homes, townhomes, apartments, and all interior alterations or additions will include verification of both carbon monoxide alarms and smoke alarms.

Smoke alarms are also required for installation of water heaters, furnaces or air conditioning. Smoke detectors that are required in your bedrooms, outside your bedrooms within 15 feet, and on each level of your home. Please review our Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms handout.

How can I obtain Building Reports?

All Monthly Building Division Reports are available online.

View All FAQs

Colorado Low Energy and Carbon Code

Please visit the Colorado Energy Office website for information regarding the first draft of the Colorado Low Energy and Carbon Code.

Solar Energy

Broomfield achieved SolSmart designation for encouraging solar energy use at the local level. Browse through this map to view all designated communities.

Backflow Prevention

We are contracted with Backflow Solutions, Inc to assist with our cross-connection control and backflow program. For more information, review this notice.