Construction and trades projects in Lakewood, Colorado move faster when permitting is done right. But amid system requirements, fee structures, and zoning rules that vary by project type, it's easy to miss a step — especially if you're new to the area or juggling multiple jobs.
This guide lays out exactly what you need to know to pull a Lakewood building permit with confidence. You'll find key permit requirements, fee breakdowns, application steps, and how to use the city's eTRAKiT portal without getting stuck in red tape.
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What requires a building permit in Lakewood?
Lakewood mandates permits for nearly all new construction, alterations, and system installations, including:
- All new construction, expansions, alterations, repairs, demolition, occupancy changes, or movement of buildings or structures
- Electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing installations or modifications – any system work requires a permit
- Fences over 6 feet tall, or fences in locations obstructing vision, typically require a permit or zoning review
- Decks, patios, sidewalks, driveways, unless explicitly exempted – often require a permit (check site-specific exclusions)
- Retaining walls over 4 feet in height (unless a code exemption applies)
What doesn’t require a permit?
The following are exempt as per Lakewood's Building Code § 105.2 and the exemptions PDF:
- One-story detached accessory buildings up to 120 sq ft, up to 10 ft tall, and placed in the rear half of the lot with 3 ft setbacks from property lines
- Interior movable cases, counters, and partitions less than 5’ 9″ high
- Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinetry, countertops, and similar finish work
- Swings and playground equipment accessory to detached single-family homes
- Residential window awnings (depending on size and location; contact Permit Counter to confirm)
- Prefabricated residential swimming pools (portable; small size), subject to location and utility connection rules
- Retaining walls and rockeries no more than 4 ft tall; still verify zoning setbacks and site conditions
To find more information about your specific case, refer to the building and construction permits and list of exemptions from permits pages.
Who oversees permits in Lakewood?
All permits are issued by the Public Works Building & Construction Permits division at 480 S. Allison Parkway. Use the eTRAKiT portal to apply, track, and pay fees online. For in-person assistance or special inquiries, contact the Permit Counter at 303-987-7500 or email permitcounter@lakewood.org.
Lakewood building permit fees
Lakewood uses a dual fee structure:
Valuation-based building permits that are determined by project valuation using the Building Valuation Data Table (per-square-foot rates by occupancy).
Flat-fee permits & inspections:
Additional fees
For a detailed breakdown of Lakewood building permit fees, view the fee schedule or contact 303-987-7500.
Lakewood trade permits
Plumbing permits
Required for water service lines, fixture installations, gas piping, drain/waste/vent work, and water heater replacements. Contractors must be registered in eTRAKiT.
Plumbing permit fees
- Water Heater or Boiler: $80
Roofing permits
Full roof replacements and structural decking repairs require permits; minor shingle overlays under 25% of roof area may be exempt.
Roofing permit fees
- Roof (Single-Family, Duplex, Townhome): $110
HVAC permits
Covers furnace, boiler, AC installations, ductwork, and ventilation systems.
HVAC permit fees
Fence permits
Required for fences over six feet tall (four feet in front yards) or those near sidewalks/corner lots.
Fence permit fees
Flat $80 fee; zoning variance requests incur additional charges.
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PermitFlow keeps everything organized in one simple platform, built for busy contractors like you.
How to get a Lakewood building permit
Step 1: Prepare your documents
Lakewood building permit requirements include the following documents:
- Stamped construction plans
- Site drawings
- Detailed scope of work
- Project valuation estimate
- Contractor registration/license (must be registered with Lakewood)
Step 2: Complete the application form
Download and fill out the Lakewood building permit application from the Lakewood Public Works page.
Step 3: Submit via eTRAKiT
Go to eTRAKiT Portal:
- Create or log into your account
- Select “Apply for New Project”
- Upload completed Lakewood building permit form, plans, and pay any required plan review fees
Step 4: Plan review
Plans are reviewed by Building, Zoning, Fire, and Engineering Departments.
- Standard review: 5-10 business days
- Large commercial projects may take longer
Step 5: Pay fees & receive permit
Once approved, an invoice is issued. Pay online or at the Permit Counter to receive your digital permit.
Step 6: Schedule inspections
Don't forget to schedule the inspections (foundation, rough-ins, final) via:
- eTRAKiT
- or by calling 303-987-7500
Lakewood permitting resources
- Public Works Building & Construction Permits
- Address: 480 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood, CO 80226
- Phone: 303-987-7500
- Email: permitcounter@lakewood.org
- eTRAKiT
- Building permit application
- Fee Schedule PDF
- Building and construction permits
- List of exemptions from permits
- Lakewood's Building Code § 105.2
- eTRAKiT Permit Types
Streamline Lakewood permitting with PermitFlow
Lakewood permits shouldn’t derail your timelines — or your team’s momentum. Between system quirks, back-and-forth approvals, and portal confusion, it’s easy to lose valuable time on paperwork instead of progress.
PermitFlow takes the entire permitting burden off your plate. Our platform prepares, submits, and tracks every Lakewood permit — plus permits in any other jurisdiction where you work — so your projects stay on track.
Why builders choose PermitFlow:
- Local expertise: We know Lakewood’s permitting rules inside and out
- Full visibility: Track every permit, inspection, and fee from a single dashboard
- Fewer delays: We catch issues before submission to speed up approvals
Don’t let Lakewood permitting slow you down. Talk to our team to see how PermitFlow can help you move faster, stay compliant, and deliver projects on time.
