Permit requirements for window replacement vary by city and county in Colorado — there’s no single statewide answer, so this is meant as general orientation. Not a substitute for checking with your specific municipality.
What generally triggers a permit requirement
- Changing the size or dimensions of an existing window opening
- Adding a new window opening where none existed
- Egress window changes in bedrooms or basements, which often have specific safety code requirements
- Structural work involved in installations like bay or bow windows
- Structural modifications to the wall or framing around an existing window
What generally doesn’t require a permit
Straightforward like-for-like replacement — same size, same opening, no structural changes — is often exempt in many jurisdictions, but “often” isn’t “always.” Some cities require permits for any exterior window work regardless of scope.
Why this varies so much
Colorado doesn’t have a single statewide building code administered uniformly — cities and counties adopt and modify their own versions, which is why Denver’s requirements can differ from Westminster’s or Aurora’s.
How we handle this
As part of our process, we check the permit requirements for your specific city or county before starting work, and pull any required permits as part of the project rather than leaving that step to you. If you’re planning a DIY or separately-contracted project, we’d still recommend calling your local building department directly rather than relying on a general guide like this one — code requirements change, and getting it wrong can mean costly rework or resale complications down the line.
