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Yes. Denver requires a permit for a new egress window. Denver Community Planning and Development (CPD) says "new window, egress window, and skylight installations require permits," and cutting or resizing an opening also needs one. You apply online in e-permits and choose the "building log" permit type. Then you upload a site plan, a floor plan and elevations. Denver builds to the 2024 IRC, so the opening must meet Section R319: at least 5.7 sq ft net clear, at least 24 in. high and 20 in. wide, with a sill no higher than 44 in. We set up the project, and our local installer handles the cut, the window and the well.
Yes. Denver requires a permit for a new egress window. Denver Community Planning and Development (CPD) says "new window, egress window, and skylight installations require permits," and cutting or resizing an opening also needs one. You apply online in e-permits and choose the "building log" permit type. Then you upload a site plan, a floor plan and elevations. Denver builds to the 2024 IRC, so the opening must meet Section R319: at least 5.7 sq ft net clear, at least 24 in. high and 20 in. wide, with a sill no higher than 44 in. We set up the project, and our local installer handles the cut, the window and the well.
Do you need a permit for an egress window in Denver?
Yes. CPD lists new windows, egress windows and skylights as work that needs a permit. A permit is also required when you create a new opening or change the size of one, inside or outside the home. Replacing glass or window frames in the same opening does not need a permit unless the home is a designated landmark or sits in a historic district. Cutting a basement wall for egress is never a simple swap, so plan on a permit.
Which permit do you pick?
Denver takes applications online through e-permits. First-time users create an account, then go to "Apply for a Permit" under "Development Services." For zoning, building and sewer use and drainage (SUDP) permits, select "building log." Electrical or other trade work is filed separately, usually as a quick permit. If you upload everything zoning, building and SUDP need with the first application, Denver can review them at the same time.
What to upload
CPD asks for three documents:
- Site plan, drawn to scale with the scale and a north arrow. Label the zone lot lines, nearby streets and alleys, existing structures and driveways, and the new work, including the size of each new window and header. Add the framing plan with header details and energy code compliance.
- Floor plan that labels every existing and proposed room.
- Building elevations with dimensions. CPD provides a template and sample plans.
For egress, show the net clear opening against R319 on the plans: 5.7 sq ft, 24 in. high, 20 in. wide and a sill of 44 in. or less. Show the well too. It needs at least 9 sq ft of floor area with 36 in. of projection, plus a ladder or steps when it is deeper than 44 in. Not sure the opening you have in mind works? Try our egress window check before you draw anything.
Historic districts and landmarks
Exterior work on a designated landmark or in a historic district needs a certificate of appropriateness from Landmark Preservation. CPD strongly recommends getting it before you apply for building and zoning permits, and it publishes design guidelines written for egress windows. Check this first, because it can change where the window and well can go.
Can a homeowner pull the permit?
Denver lets homeowners apply without a contractor if they meet the criteria on CPD's homeowner permits page. When we set up your project, the permit is part of the plan our local installer works from.
Fees
Denver sets permit fees by project value. See the official Development Fees page. For the whole-project picture, read our Denver egress cost guide.
Related guides. Read the Denver metro permit guide for other cities, the permit checklist, the Denver egress code guide and the basement bedroom guide. Renting the unit out? See Denver rental licenses.
Nearby. We also cover Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Englewood and Glendale.
Rules change, so check with Denver CPD before work starts.
Ready to get your Denver egress window permitted and built?
Want the permit, the cut and the well handled in one plan? We set up the project, and our local installer does the work.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to add an egress window in Denver?
Yes. Denver CPD requires permits for new egress windows and for any new or resized opening.
What permit type do I choose in e-permits?
Choose "building log" for the zoning, building and SUDP permits. Trade permits, such as electrical, are usually filed separately as quick permits.
What drawings does Denver want?
A scaled site plan with a north arrow, a floor plan that labels every room, and building elevations with dimensions. Include window and header sizes.
Is it different in a historic district?
Yes. Exterior work on a landmark or in a historic district needs a certificate of appropriateness from Landmark Preservation, ideally before you apply for the building permit.
What size does the egress window have to be?
Under the 2024 IRC (R319), it needs at least 5.7 sq ft net clear, 24 in. high, 20 in. wide and a sill no higher than 44 in. Run your numbers in our egress window check.