Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Unincorporated Boulder County?
It depends. Whether shed or accessory structure needs a permit in Unincorporated Boulder County comes down to the details of your project.
Colorado sets shed rules locally rather than through one statewide threshold, so the 200 square foot figure from the model International Residential Code does not govern here. Every Colorado jurisdiction we have checked uses 120 square feet instead: Aurora exempts a one-story detached shed or playhouse of 120 square feet or less, Arvada requires a permit above 120, and Wheat Ridge requires one above 120. In parts of Colorado a single regional building department serves a county and several cities at once, so confirm which office covers your address before you rely on any threshold. A building-permit exemption does not waive zoning setbacks or HOA rules, and running power to the shed still requires an electrical permit.
Documents you may need
- Permit applicationLikely required
- Site plan showing the structure and setbacks from property linesRequired
- Foundation/anchoring and structural details for larger shedsSometimes required
Possible inspections
- Setback/footing inspection where a foundation is required
- Final inspection
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Unincorporated Boulder County?
- It depends. Whether shed or accessory structure needs a permit in Unincorporated Boulder County comes down to the details of your project. The documents and inspections sections on this page list what the building department typically asks for.
- Who issues the permit in Unincorporated Boulder County?
- The local building department for Unincorporated Boulder County 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.