Administrative overview · FIPS 08005
Arapahoe County permit authority
The first compliance decision is jurisdictional: identify the office with statutory authority over your parcel, then use its filing and inspection sequence to keep the project moving.
Jurisdictional status
County
This county profile is the primary starting point for unincorporated-area permitting.
Responsible agency
Arapahoe County Public Works and Development Department - Building Division
For a project in or near Arapahoe County, this office is the identified point of contact for permit intake, statutory code enforcement, plan review coordination, and inspection release conditions. Confirm the parcel’s boundary and project type before relying on the county lane.
Direct contact
(720) 874-6600
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
Lima Plaza, 6924 S. Lima St., Centennial, CO 80112
Operating hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; call (720) 874-6600 for an appointment before visiting.
Review expectation
After acceptance of a complete application, the County's current average first-round review is 10-12 weeks for project valuations over $100,000, 6-8 weeks for valuations under $100,000, and 6-8 weeks for solar permits. Incomplete or complex applications may take longer.
Compliance workbench
Choose the next project decision.
Apply online
Open the verified digital gateway, application form, and review timeline.
Open guide →Fees & penalties
Understand fee schedules, enforcement exposure, and stop-work liabilities.
Open guide →Codes & exemptions
Read the code framework, minor-work exemptions, and inspection lane.
Open guide →Agency website
Visit the primary public source for current notices and contact changes.
Open guide →Source trail
Official sources for this profile
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Frequently asked questions for Arapahoe County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
Arapahoe County Public Works and Development Department - Building Division is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
How should I begin an application?
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact (720) 874-6600.
How long might review take?
After acceptance of a complete application, the County's current average first-round review is 10-12 weeks for project valuations over $100,000, 6-8 weeks for valuations under $100,000, and 6-8 weeks for solar permits. Incomplete or complex applications may take longer.
How are inspections scheduled?
Use the Accela Customer Access portal to schedule, reschedule, or cancel building inspections. After an inspection date is issued, the County's inspection-time tool can show the expected arrival window on the morning of the inspection. The portal also supports permit applications, document uploads, reviewer communication, contractor licenses, and payments. For assistance call (720) 874-6600; after-hours inspections require a separate request at least 72 business hours in advance and carry premium fees.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
As of 2026, the reviewed County materials identify the 2021 International Building, Residential, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, Energy Conservation, and Existing Building Codes with Arapahoe County amendments; the 2023 National Electrical Code; ANSI A117.1-2017 accessibility standards; and the Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code. The County code cycle took effect April 1, 2022; the County's materials do not identify a newer 2026 ICC adoption. The County's resolution states that the 2021 International Fire Code, Property Maintenance Code, Electrical Code, Zoning Code, and Urban-Wildland Interface Code were not adopted as County building-code components, although other fire or state requirements may apply. County amendments to IBC/IRC Section 105.2 exempt one-story detached accessory storage sheds, playhouses, shade structures, and similar structures no larger than 120 sq. ft. and not used for vehicle storage; certain non-fixed movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions no higher than 5 ft. 9 in.; and specified small masonry or solid-fence work, subject to drainage and zoning rules. Separate electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits may still be required. A separate agricultural-structure exemption is available for a qualifying no-more-than-three-sided structure in an agricultural zone used solely to shelter farm implements, products, livestock, or poultry, with no utilities, habitation, employment, processing, public access, or recreational use; zoning setbacks, height, area, and floodplain requirements still apply.