The Complete Guide to Concrete Permits in Denver

Denver’s permitting process for concrete work trips up both homeowners and contractors. Pull the wrong permit, skip a required inspection, or encroach on city right-of-way without approval and you’re looking at stop-work orders, fines, and potential tear-out orders. Here’s what you actually need to know.

When You Need a Permit

In Denver proper, permits are required for new concrete flatwork over 200 square feet, any work in the public right-of-way (including driveway aprons and sidewalks), retaining walls over 30 inches, and any structural concrete work. Patching and repair work under 200 square feet typically does not require a permit, but confirm with Denver Community Planning and Development before starting.

Right-of-Way Permits

Any work in Denver’s public right-of-way — the strip between your property line and the street — requires a separate ROW permit from Denver Public Works. This includes driveway aprons (the concrete between the sidewalk and street), sidewalk replacements, and curb cuts. Your contractor is responsible for pulling this permit, and Denver requires inspection before concrete is poured and after finishing. Cost is typically $150–$400.

Suburban Denver Permit Requirements

Permit requirements vary significantly across Denver’s suburbs. Aurora, Lakewood, Arvada, Thornton, and Centennial all have their own permitting processes through their respective building departments. Jefferson County governs unincorporated areas west of Denver. Your contractor should know the requirements in your jurisdiction — if they don’t, that’s a problem.