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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.

Regulatory framework

The code baseline for Arapahoe County.

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.

Inspection lane

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.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

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.

Field rule

A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.

Inspection pipeline

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    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.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.

Verify contractor ↗

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.

Open planning reference ↗

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.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Permit portalOpen official source ↗Application instructionsOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

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.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.

When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.

Closeout file

Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.