Almost every deck we build needs a permit. The rule of thumb across the south metro: if it's attached to the house, more than 30" above grade, or over ~200 sq ft, you're pulling one. Here's what that actually involves.
What the permit process looks like
1Site plan. Your lot with the deck drawn in — setbacks from property lines matter most (usually 5–15 ft rear, varies by zone and HOA).
2Framing plan.Footings, posts, beams, joists, ledger attachment, railing height. Front Range frost depth means footings go 30–36" down — Douglas County reviewers expect the full 36", while most Arapahoe County jurisdictions accept 30".
3Submit & wait. Most south-metro cities turn residential deck permits around in 1–3 weeks. Fees typically run $150–500.
4Inspections. Usually three: footing holes (before concrete), rough framing, and final. Miss one and you may be digging things back up.
The whole run, drawings to sign-off. The waits stack in the middle — HOA review and the city's 1–3 weeks happen before anything gets dug, which is why "we can start next week" usually means the permit hasn't been thought about.
Code numbers that trip people up
Guardrail required above grade30"
Minimum residential guardrail height36"
Max gap in railing (the "4-inch sphere" rule)< 4"
Stair rise / run limits7¾" / 10"
Stair handrail height34–38"
Guardrail design load, any direction200 lb
Footing depth (frost line, Front Range)30–36"
Rather never touch a permit counter?
Drawings, submission, HOA paperwork, and inspections are part of every Haka build — get a quote and the permit becomes our problem.
Most metro cities — Centennial, Greenwood Village, Cherry Hills Village, Lone Tree, Castle Rock, Parker, Littleton, and Englewood among them — file with their own building departments. Highlands Ranch is unincorporated — permits go through Douglas County, and the HRCA wants its architectural review done before you submit. Unincorporated Arapahoe County addresses file with the county. Every jurisdiction wants HOA sign-off first if you have one — check that before drawing anything.
Where you file
Typical review
Typical fees
Centennial
1–2 weeks
$150–350
Greenwood Village
1–2 weeks
$150–350
Littleton
1–2 weeks
$150–350
Englewood
1–2 weeks
$150–350
Lone Tree
2–3 weeks
$200–400
Parker
2–3 weeks
$200–450
Castle Rock
2–3 weeks
$200–450
Douglas County (Highlands Ranch)
2–3 weeks
$200–500
Arapahoe County (unincorporated)
2–3 weeks
$150–400
Denver & Aurora
2–4 weeks
$200–600
Fees are valuation-based, so a bigger deck files higher; re-review after corrections and HOA fees are extra. Ranges reflect typical single-family deck permits in 2026 — the fee shows up as a line item in an honest bid, as the cost guide shows.
Codes change, cities amend them, and fee schedules get updated. Treat this as orientation, and confirm specifics with your building department — or have us pull the permit; it's included in every Haka build.
Tell us what you're thinking — even if it's just a rough idea. We'll come take a look, talk through options, and give you an honest estimate. No pressure, no sales pitch.
