Do You Need a Permit to Finish a Basement in Denver?

Building permit: Required for all basement finishing work — framing, insulation, general construction. Electrical permit: Required for any new circuits, outlets, or lighting. Plumbing permit: Required if adding a bathroom, wet bar, or any new plumbing. Mechanical permit: Required if adding or modifying HVAC or extending ductwork.

All permits are pulled through Denver CPD. Your general contractor should handle all applications.

Ceiling height: Minimum 7 feet for habitable space. Egress windows: Any basement bedroom requires an egress window (minimum 5.7 sq ft opening, 24" height, 20" width, 44" max sill height). Smoke and CO detectors required in all sleeping areas. Denver's climate requires specific R-values for basement walls and floors.

Building permit: $300–$800. Electrical permit: $150–$300. Plumbing permit: $100–$250. Mechanical permit: $100–$200. Total permit costs typically run $500–$1,500 for a full basement finish.

Resale liability: Unpermitted work must be disclosed — buyers may demand remediation or walk away. Insurance may not cover damage in unpermitted spaces. Retroactive permits require opening walls for inspection and cost significantly more than doing it right the first time.