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CD - Building & Inspections

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1. How do I obtain a building permit?

A permit application with a detailed job description must be provided. Plans and specifications may be required based on the scope of work. For multiple units, more than one application may be required if the work is unit specific and/or individually owned. Visit the Permit Submittal Checklist page or contact Building and Inspection Services at (303)235-3855, option 7 for specific information. Permit counter hours are 7:30 am - 3:30 pm.

Permit Submittal Checklists

2. How do I request an inspection?

To schedule an inspection, send your request through our online Inspection Request Form. For the inspection AM/PM schedule, check here daily:  Today's AM/PM schedule

More information

3. How long is my permit valid?

Every permit issued shall expire 365 days after issuance, regardless of activity.

4. What is a Certificate of Occupancy / Completion?

A Certificate of Occupancy / Completion signifies the completion of all of the project requirements, including completion of site improvements and public improvements. Occupancy prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or a Certificate of Completion is a violation of the City of Wheat Ridge. Municipal Code

5. What codes does the City of Wheat Ridge enforce?

Building & Inspection Services has adopted and is currently enforcing the 2012 IBC, IRC IPC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, IFC; 2012 IPMC; 2017 NEC; ANSI 117.1-2009, 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, and NFPA 99.

Adopted Codes & Amendments

6. When do I need a permit?

The need for a permit is reviewed on an individual basis, based on municipal and building code requirements. To find out if your project requires a permit, contact Building & Inspection Services at (303) 235-2855. More information...

7. What type of building permit is needed to cover different types of work?

There is one general Permit Application on which the General Contractor/Homeowner specifies the type of work being performed and the details of the work scope. Permit Application

8. How do I apply for a building permit?

A Permit Application with a detailed job description must be provided. Plans and specifications may be required based on the scope of work. For multiple units, more than one application may be required if the work is unit specific and/or individually owned. Visit the Permit Submittal Checklist page or contact Building & Inspection Services at (303) 235-2855, option 7 for specific information. Permit Submittal Checklist

9. How long will it take to get a permit?

Over the counter permits are issued at the time of submittal, between the hours of 7:30 am and 3:30 pm. Plan review times vary; residential review times average approximately 2-4 weeks and commercial reviews average approximately 4-6 weeks. Larger or more detailed projects may require additional time.

10. What is the best way to submit over-the-counter building permits?

The Building Division shall accept applications for electronic permit issuance and shall process and issue such permits in accordance with the following procedures and requirements located here: http://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/1651/Electronic-Permit-Submittal

Permits eligible for electronic permit issuance:

Residential Sewer/Water Repair and Replacement – must provide linear footage (No work in Right-of-way)

Residential Water Heater Replacement (50 Gallons or less)

Residential Boiler Replacement

Residential Evaporative Cooler Replacement (like for like only)

Residential Furnace Replacement (150k BTU’s or less)

Residential A/C Replacement (like for like only)

Residential Electrical Service Change/Upgrade (200 amps or less)

Residential Window Replacement – provide spec sheet showing u-value (No structural alteration)

Residential Siding (no asbestos containing material)

Requirements for contractors to request and receive electronic permits:

1. Contractors must have current license/registration and insurance complying with State of

    Colorado statutes and City of Wheat Ridge Municipal Code

2. Contractors must provide a valid credit card authorization form with the online permit application

    (Credit card required for payment on all electronic permits)

3. Person submitting the application must be listed on the license list of “Person(s) able to pull permits”.

    4. Requests must be submitted by online application.

Additional info...

11. Can homeowners submit their own drawings?

Dependent upon the scope of the project, yes, homeowners may submit their own drawings. Structural alterations and additions and larger projects may require that plans wet-stamped by a registered engineer licensed by the state be provided.

12. How much will a building permit cost?

Permit fees are determined by applying information from the Building Valuation Data Chart to the Building Permit Fee Schedule. Plan review and Use Tax fees may also apply. Building Valuation & Fees

13. How do I determine my valuation of work?

This information can be found in the Building Valuation Data Chart and is based on occupancy type and other projects specifics. The Building Division determines the final valuation. Building Valuation Data

14. What type of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, check, Mastercard and Visa (a limit of $2,500.00 per transaction applies to a credit card transaction). Payments are accepted in-person, mail, email, or fax. The credit card authorization form is located here: http://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/documentcenter/view/1305

 

15. How do I check the status of my permit?

The city will notify the owner and/or contractor when the permit is ready for pick up.

16. What time are the inspectors in the office?

The inspectors are available between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. and again between 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., depending on the inspection load.

17. Does the city license contractors?

Yes, you will need to fill out the Contractors License packet and turn in the information highlighted in the packet. Testing is required for General Contractor, Mechanical, Roofing, and some Homeowner licensing (depending on the scope of work being performed). Contractor License Application

18. Who is required to obtain a contractors license?

All contractors working in the City of Wheat Ridge. More information...

19. What are the city’s testing requirements for licensing?

The City of Wheat Ridge requires a passing score on the appropriate ICC examination program for all Class 1, 2, and 3 general contractor, mechanical, roofing, and homeowner licenses. More information...

20. Does the city accept other cities’ licensing/testing?

The City of Wheat Ridge reciprocates with Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak, Park County, Fort Collins and City of Boulder.

21. What are the City’s roofing requirements?

For asphalt shingles, the City of Wheat Ridge requires that all shingles be nailed with a minimum of six (6) nails per shingle. Ice and Water shield is required at eaves and shall extend a minimum of two (2) feet inside exterior walls. Drip edge is required at eaves. All other types of roofing shall comply with adopted codes and policies and manufacturers installation guidelines.

More...

22. How can I find out what specific policies and procedures have been adopted by the City's Building Division?

Information on adopted code amendments is contained in the Municipal Code. Check out these additional Policy Statements issued from the desk of the Chief Building Official. Policy Statements

23. How can I obtain building records for a property address?

Building & Inspection Services maintains a digital archive of address files which includes records of applications, building permits, and other information pertinent to that address dating back to 1995. 

Here are the instructions for the online archive to locate permit copies and inspection results:

http://weblink.ci.wheatridge.co.us/weblink/welcome.aspx

For best results, use the path below:

Select Community Development (or CommDev) -> Building Division -> Address Files -> Select Street Name -> Select Addres

Any building records prior to 1995 are maintained on microfilm in the Community Development Department at the City Municipal Building. A public information request (PIR) is required to research those documents and information. Public Information Request Form

Public Information Request Form