Egress Window Permits in the Denver Metro, Step by Step
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Getting an egress window permit in the Denver metro starts with finding your actual building department, then confirming a permit is needed, clearing historic or zoning review, and submitting drawings.
Informational only. Each department sets its own process.
Step 1: Find out who your building department is
Mailing city and actual jurisdiction often differ. Unincorporated Jefferson County lists an "Am I Unincorporated?" tool on its site; in Adams County, confirm Federal Heights vs. unincorporated with the city (see the Adams County hub). The coverage map links every city page.
Step 2: Confirm a permit is needed
- Denver: "New window, egress window, and skylight installations require permits" (Denver CPD).
- Unincorporated Jefferson County: egress windows are listed among projects that need a Building Permit (Inside the Home).
- Edgewater: any increase or decrease in window or door size needs a permit (Jefferson County small towns hub).
- Glendale: window replacement and any alteration need a permit; Sheridan: window permits are over the counter (Arapahoe small cities hub).
- Other cities: see each city page.
Step 3: Check historic and zoning reviews first
- Denver landmarks and historic districts need design review before the building permit (Denver Landmark).
- Unincorporated Jeffco reviews Planning & Zoning plus Building Safety; new bedrooms need both (Inside the Home).
Step 4: Prepare the drawings
Denver asks for a scaled site plan, floor plan and elevations, filed in e-permits as a "Building Log" (Denver CPD). Arapahoe County requires a site plan when the work adds a window well (Arapahoe). Show the opening dimensions against the code minimums (5.7 sq ft; 24 in high; 20 in wide; 44 in max sill) (Jefferson County R319).
Step 5: Submit and pay
Some cities issue electrical permits separately (Federal Heights electrical permits come from the State, DORA). Fees and taxes are set by each city or county; see our list of official fee pages for links.
Step 6: Inspections and final
Schedule inspections through your department's portal. For example, Morrison wants inspection requests by 4:00 PM the business day before (Jefferson County small towns hub).
Related
- Egress window check: see if your window and well likely meet the minimums Egress code guide · Do I need an egress window?
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Egress windows · Window wells · Covers · Basement egress · Code guide
Frequently asked questions
Who is my building department?
Mailing city and actual jurisdiction often differ. Unincorporated Jefferson County lists an "Am I Unincorporated?" tool on its site; in Adams County, confirm Federal Heights vs. unincorporated with the city.
Does Denver require a permit for an egress window?
Yes: "New window, egress window, and skylight installations require permits" (Denver CPD).
Do historic homes need extra review?
Denver landmarks and historic districts need design review before the building permit.
What drawings do I need?
Denver asks for a scaled site plan, floor plan and elevations, filed in e-permits as a "Building Log". Arapahoe County requires a site plan when the work adds a window well. Show the opening dimensions against the code minimums.
How much is the plan review fee?
Most fees are valuation-based. Check the official fee schedule linked on this page for current amounts.
Are electrical permits separate?
Some cities issue electrical permits separately; Federal Heights electrical permits come from the State (DORA).