Zoning Guide

Aurora Building Permits — Cost, Timeline & Process

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The City of Aurora Building Division administers building permits, plan review, and inspections for projects within Aurora city limits.

Current Adopted Codes

Aurora currently lists the following adopted codes:

  • 2021 International Building Code (IBC)
  • 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)
  • 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
  • 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
  • 2021 International Fire Code (IFC)
  • 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
  • 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
  • 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
  • 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)

For electrical work, Aurora transitioned to the 2026 National Electrical Code (NEC) effective August 1, 2026.

City of Aurora — Adopted Building Codes

Published Plan-Review Timelines

Aurora publishes Building Plan Review Timelines. The City's current table lists code-compliance review targets of:

Review type City review target
Tenant finish 3 working days
Limited review 7 working days
Single-family residential 21 working days
Commercial & multifamily 26 working days

The City separately lists correction-review time. These targets describe City review time and do not include the time an applicant or consultant takes to prepare corrections.

City of Aurora — Development Review Timelines

Permit Process

  1. Confirm zoning and project scope.
  2. Determine applicable adopted codes.
  3. Submit the permit application and required plans.
  4. Complete building and any required zoning/fire/trade reviews.
  5. Respond to corrections when required.
  6. Obtain the issued permit.
  7. Complete required inspections.
  8. Obtain final approval or a Certificate of Occupancy where required.

Electrical Projects

New electrical permit applications are reviewed and inspected under the 2026 NEC requirements effective August 1, 2026. Projects tied to older master plans may have additional transition requirements; verify the current Aurora guidance before filing.

Official Sources

Aurora Building Division — Permits

Aurora Plan Review

Aurora Adopted Building Codes

Disclaimer: Verify the current code editions and review requirements with the Aurora Building Division before submitting a project.

More about Aurora Zoning

ADU Rules & RegulationsSetbacks & Height Limits

Sources

  1. City of Aurora Building Division — Permits & Inspections·auroragov.org·Accessed 2026-04-14·Direct link
  2. Aurora Online Permits — Citizen Access Portal (ACA)·aca.auroragov.org·Accessed 2026-04-14·Direct link
  3. Aurora Municipal Code — Chapter 146 (Zoning) and Building Regulations·library.municode.com·Accessed 2026-04-14·Direct link
  4. City of Aurora Planning & Development Services·auroragov.org·Accessed 2026-04-14·Direct link
  5. City of Aurora — Adopted Building Codes·auroragov.org·Accessed 2026-09-20·Direct link
  6. City of Aurora — Development Review Timelines·auroragov.org·Accessed 2026-09-20·Direct link

FAQ

How do I apply for a building permit in Aurora?
Most residential and commercial permit applications are submitted through Aurora's Citizen Access Portal (ACA), available at aca.auroragov.org. You create an account, upload plans for electronic plan review, pay fees, and schedule inspections all in one place. In-person service is also available at the Aurora Municipal Building at 15151 E. Alameda Parkway.
How much does a building permit cost in Aurora?
Aurora building permit fees are calculated from the project's construction valuation, with separate plan review, trade permit, and impact fees. The City publishes an official Building Division fee schedule; exact amounts depend on your project's scope and valuation. Check the Aurora Building Division website linked in the sources above for current rates — do not rely on third-party estimates.
How long does plan review take in Aurora?
Aurora publishes current Building Plan Review Timelines. The City lists code-compliance review targets of 3 working days for tenant finish, 7 for limited review, 21 for single-family residential, and 26 for commercial/multifamily, plus stated correction-review time. These are City review targets and do not include applicant correction time.
Which building codes does Aurora use?
Aurora currently lists the 2021 IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IFC, IPC, IEBC, IECC and ISPSC with local amendments. For electrical work, Aurora transitioned to the 2026 NEC effective August 1, 2026.
Aurora spans three counties — does that affect permitting?
No. Building permits for property inside Aurora city limits are always issued by the City of Aurora Building Division, regardless of whether the parcel sits in Arapahoe, Adams, or Douglas County. The three-county footprint affects property tax records, voter registration, and school districts, but Aurora's city government exercises full municipal permitting authority throughout its incorporated boundaries.