Do You Need a Permit for a Kitchen Remodel in Denver?

Denver requires permits for kitchen work that involves:

- **Electrical**: New circuits, panel upgrades, moving outlets, adding recessed lighting - **Plumbing**: Moving the sink, adding a dishwasher connection, gas line work - **Structural**: Removing or modifying walls, especially load-bearing walls - **Mechanical**: Adding or modifying ventilation (range hood venting)

Cosmetic work — painting, replacing cabinet doors, new countertops on existing cabinets, new flooring — generally does not require a permit.

Kitchen remodel permit fees in Denver are based on the valuation of the work:

- Minor electrical permit: $75–$150 - Plumbing permit: $100–$200 - Full remodel permit (combined): $300–$800

Your general contractor should include permit fees in their quote and handle all applications.

Permitted kitchen work requires inspections at key stages:

- **Rough-in inspection**: Before walls are closed — verifies electrical, plumbing, and structural work - **Final inspection**: After completion — verifies everything meets code

Your contractor schedules inspections. Work cannot proceed to the next stage until each inspection passes.

Unpermitted work creates problems at resale — buyers' inspectors look for evidence of unpermitted work, and it must be disclosed. Insurance may not cover damage from unpermitted work. Retroactive permits cost significantly more than pulling them upfront.