Do I need a permit for pavers, driveway, or hardscape in Aurora?
It depends. Whether pavers, driveway, or hardscape needs a permit in Aurora comes down to the details of your project.
An on-grade patio, walkway, or paver surface generally does not require a building permit in Aurora, but a raised deck or patio and a retaining wall above the exempt height typically do, so confirm your height against the current code. Grading and hardscape that change drainage may need review, so check with the Building Division before you regrade near property lines. Any permit for hardscape structures is applied for through the Aurora4Biz portal (aurora4biz.org), and zoning setbacks under the Unified Development Ordinance still apply. Colorado has no statewide building code, so whether on-grade pavers, patios or walkways need a permit, and the height at which a retaining wall does, are both set by your city or county. Most Colorado jurisdictions start from the model residential code figure of 4 feet, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or any height where the wall supports a surcharge, but that is a local adoption rather than a Colorado rule. Confirm the trigger locally. Grading that changes drainage can require its own review, and a permit exemption does not waive zoning, setback or HOA rules. Grading that redirects stormwater onto a neighbour's property may require separate approval.
Documents you may need
- Site plan showing the hardscape area, grading, and drainage (for zoning and drainage review)Likely required
- Building permit application through Aurora4Biz for a raised patio, deck, or retaining wall above the exempt heightSometimes required
- Engineered plans for a retaining wall above the exempt heightSometimes required
- Permit application (when required, e.g. for walls or drainage impact)Sometimes required
- Site plan showing the hardscape area, grading, and drainageLikely required
- Structural detail for any retaining or seat wallsSometimes required
Possible inspections
- Footing inspection for engineered or masonry retaining walls
- Final inspection where a permit is issued
- Footing inspection for attached walls or structures
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for pavers, driveway, or hardscape in Aurora?
- It depends. Whether pavers, driveway, or hardscape needs a permit in Aurora comes down to the details of your project. An on-grade patio, walkway, or paver surface generally does not require a building permit in Aurora, but a raised deck or patio and a retaining wall above the exempt height typically do, so confirm your height against the current code. Grading and hardscape that change drainage may need review, so check with the Building Division before you regrade near property lines. Any permit for hardscape structures is applied for through the Aurora4Biz portal (aurora4biz.org), and zoning setbacks under the Unified Development Ordinance still apply. Colorado has no statewide building code, so whether on-grade pavers, patios or walkways need a permit, and the height at which a retaining wall does, are both set by your city or county. Most Colorado jurisdictions start from the model residential code figure of 4 feet, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or any height where the wall supports a surcharge, but that is a local adoption rather than a Colorado rule. Confirm the trigger locally. Grading that changes drainage can require its own review, and a permit exemption does not waive zoning, setback or HOA rules. Grading that redirects stormwater onto a neighbour's property may require separate approval.
- Who issues the permit in Aurora?
- The local building department for Aurora handles permitting. This page lists its contact details and online portal. Your mailing city is not always the permitting authority, so confirm the jurisdiction before you apply.
- How do I find out the exact requirements for my project?
- Run the free PermitRoadmap check for your specific project and answers. It returns the likely permits, documents, inspections, and next steps, each linked to its official source.
PermitRoadmap is an independent informational service and is not affiliated with any city, county, state agency, or permitting authority. Results are informational and do not replace confirming requirements with the local permitting authority.