Do You Need a Permit to Build a Deck in Colorado? (Douglas & Jefferson County Guide)
Thinking about a new deck or a full rebuild? In Colorado, permits are handled locally, not by the state. That means the rules—and what you must submit—depend on your city or county building department. Below is a quick guide for homeowners in Douglas County and Jefferson County, plus tips for nearby cities like Castle Rock and Parker.
Colorado Basics (Quick Answer)
No statewide building code: Counties and cities adopt and enforce the IRC they have adopted. Always check your local building department.
Most decks/roof covers need a permit: Especially if they’re attached to the house, elevated, or include stairs/railings. Requirements vary by jurisdiction (examples below).
Expect inspections: Typical checkpoints include foundations, framing, and final. Douglas County outlines the inspection process on its site.
Jefferson County: When a Permit Is Required
Jefferson County recently clarified residential deck thresholds:
At-grade patios: No permit and no setbacks.
Decks ≤ 12” above grade: No permit.
Decks > 12” and < 30” above grade: Miscellaneous Permit + site plan; must meet setbacks.
Decks ≥ 30” above grade: Building Permit required; mountain properties may also need Defensible Space Inspections under the Wildland-Urban Interface Overlay.
Tip: If you’re in Golden, Evergreen, or Conifer, plan for WUI considerations (vegetation clearance, access) in addition to normal deck details.
Douglas County: What You’ll Submit (and What Inspectors Look For)
Douglas County provides a clear Deck Submittal Checklist and a Single-Family Residential Decks & Porches Building Guide. Expect to provide:
Scaled plans & site plan (lot lines, house, deck footprint)
Framing details (joists/beam sizes and spacing, ledger attachment)
Footing/caisson sizes & spacing
Stair/guard details; manufacturer specs for composite materials
ACC/HOA confirmation if applicable
Common technical items in Douglas County’s handout include:
Footings typically 36” minimum depth, sized per post (e.g., 10” dia. for 4x4; 12” for 6x6).
Guardrails 36” minimum where walking surface is >30” above grade.
Stair limits (max rise ~7 3/4”, min tread run ~10”); handrail height 34–38”.
(Details vary by design; follow your stamped plans and the latest adopted code.)
City Examples Nearby (Same Counties, Different Rules)
Castle Rock (Douglas County): Separate submittal requirements for covered vs uncovered decks; PDFs uploaded through the Town’s e-submittal portal.
Parker (Douglas County): The Town of Parker (incorporated area) issues its own building permits; applications and inspections run through eTRAKiT.
Why this matters: If you live in Highlands Ranch (unincorporated), you’ll work with Douglas County. If you’re inside the Town of Parker or Town of Castle Rock limits, you’ll use the city building department—even though you’re still in Douglas County.
Do I Need to Call 811 Before Digging Footings?
Yes. Colorado law requires contacting 811 before any excavation—footing holes, post holes, trenching, etc. It’s free and protects your property and utility crews. You can also submit a locate online via iDig811. Tekton will handle this part of the project to give you peace of mind.
What Plans & Inspections Should I Expect?
Typical submittals
Site plan (to scale)
Deck framing plan with spans and sizes
Ledger, beams, joists, posts, footings/caissons
Stairs/guards/handrails details
Material specs (composite/rail systems)
HOA approval letter if applicable (Douglas)
Typical inspections
Footings/caissons before concrete
Framing (where required)
Final (structure, guardrails, stairs, clearances)
Schedule and requirements vary; Douglas County’s inspection page explains timing and how to book.
Quick Checklist (Colorado Deck Permits)
Confirm your jurisdiction (County vs. Town/City).
Review the local deck guide/handouts.
Call 811 at least a few business days before digging.
Prepare scaled plans (site & framing) with material specs.
Submit permit application (Douglas/Jeffco or your city).
Schedule inspections as required.
Helpful Local Links
Jefferson County – Residential Deck Guide (permit thresholds, WUI).
Douglas County – Decks (Checklist & Guide).
Castle Rock – Residential Decks & Patios (Town submittals).
Town of Parker – Building Permits & eTRAKiT.
Colorado 811 – Call Before You Dig (law & online ticketing).
Ready to Build? It All Starts with a Quote.
Getting a deck shouldn’t feel complicated. That’s why Tekton makes the process simple:
No paperwork headaches – We take care of engineering, drawings, and permits for you.
No contractor runaround – You’ll always know where your project stands thanks to our clear, consistent communication.
No cut corners – Every deck is built with craftsmanship that’s designed to last in Colorado’s unique weather.
Whether you’re in Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock, Sedalia, Parker, Golden, Evergreen, or Conifer, Tekton handles the details so you can focus on the fun part — enjoying your new outdoor living space.
👉 Request your free quote today — because it all starts with a quote.
