Englewood Building Department: Permits, Inspections, iMS Portal, Fees and Official Contact
Planning construction in Englewood, Colorado is easier when you understand the permit path before the work starts. The City of Englewood Building and Codes Division uses the iMS system for online project submittals, permit tracking, document upload, online payments and inspection requests. This guide explains the official process in practical language, so homeowners, contractors, designers and property buyers can avoid wrong permit assumptions, missed inspections, unlicensed contractor issues and project delays.
Office
1000 Englewood Parkway, 3rd Floor, Englewood, CO 80110.
Phone
Call 303-762-2357 for Building and Codes permit questions.
Email BuildingDept@englewoodco.gov for Building Division help.
Inspections
All inspections must be requested online through ims.englewoodco.gov.
Official Englewood Building and Codes Links and Resources
Email: BuildingDept@englewoodco.gov. Office: 1000 Englewood Parkway, 3rd Floor, Englewood, CO 80110. Use the official iMS portal for permit/project submittals, document uploads, online payments, staff communication and inspection requests.
What the City of Englewood Building and Codes Division Does
The Building and Codes Division is part of the Community Development Department. It helps residents and contractors with safe, code-compliant construction, permit processing, plan review, inspections, contractor licensing and building records.
Englewood’s official permit guidance says the city requires building permits for most construction projects. The department checks plans with other city departments for building code, zoning, drainage control, visual traffic obstructions and other requirements meant to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare.
Permit processing
Englewood processes permits through the iMS system and provides project tracking, staff communication and online payment.
Plan review
Plan review checks construction documents against adopted codes, zoning, drainage and project-specific requirements.
Inspections
After permit issuance, inspections confirm work follows approved plans and minimum construction standards.
When an Englewood Building Permit Is Usually Required
The city’s “To Permit or Not To Permit” page gives practical examples of work that usually requires a permit and work that may not require a building permit. Always contact the Building Division if your project is unclear.
Project type | Englewood permit guidance | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
Fencing | Replacing or adding fencing requires a permit. | Check zoning and property-line rules before installation. |
Additions, decks, patios and garages | Building additions including decks, patios and garages requires a permit. | Prepare plans, site layout and structural details before applying. |
Windows | Replacing windows requires a permit. | Check egress, energy and safety requirements before ordering windows. |
Walls and drywall | Adding, removing or moving walls and installing new drywall requires a permit. | Do not cover framing, electrical, plumbing or mechanical work before inspection. |
Plumbing and water lines | Changing water lines, drains or bath/shower valves requires a permit. | Confirm whether plumbing contractor registration is needed. |
HVAC and water heaters | Furnace, air conditioner, swamp cooler, water heater and heating system changes generally require permits. | A furnace replacement also needs an electrical permit according to city guidance. |
Electrical systems | Adding or altering electrical systems requires a permit. | Use properly licensed contractors and schedule rough/final inspections. |
Examples of Work That May Not Require a Building Permit in Englewood
Englewood lists examples of work that may not require a building permit, but the city also warns the list is not all-inclusive. Some work may still require zoning approval even if a building permit is not required.
Cosmetic work
Replacing flooring or carpets and interior/exterior painting are listed as examples that do not require a building permit.
Direct fixture replacement
Direct replacement of cabinets, countertops, toilets, sinks and faucets is listed as an example that may not need a building permit.
Small roof or siding repair
Repair of roofing or siding under 100 square feet is listed as an example that may not need a building permit.
Small sheds and decks
Sheds under 200 square feet and certain small detached decks may not need a building permit, but zoning approval may still be required.
Englewood iMS Permit Portal: Apply, Upload, Pay, Track and Request Inspections
Englewood uses iMS as its permit/project submittal and tracking software. The city describes the system as a standardized, paperless process that helps customers submit documents, receive notifications, make payments and communicate with staff.
iMS task | What it helps with | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
Create secure account | Start permit/project submittals and track review. | Use an email address you check often because review updates may come through the system. |
Submit documents | Upload plans, forms, applications, contractor documents and supporting files. | Use clear file names and current official city forms. |
Track review | Follow plan review status and city comments. | Respond to every review comment completely before resubmitting. |
Make online payments | Pay required permit or license fees through the system. | Save receipts and invoice records in your project folder. |
Communicate with staff | Use system notifications and messages during the permit lifecycle. | Keep project messages tied to the permit number. |
Request inspections | Schedule required inspections after permit issuance. | All inspections must be requested online through iMS unless you are unable to use it. |
Englewood Residential Building Guides and Homeowner Affidavit
Englewood publishes residential building guides to help homeowners and contractors plan common home improvement projects. The city also states that if you want to complete your project yourself, a homeowner affidavit is required in addition to a permit.
Residential guide or form | What it helps with | Practical use |
|---|---|---|
Homeowner Affidavit | Owner-performed building work. | Use when the homeowner is completing the permitted project themselves. |
Basement Finish Guide | Single-family basement finish projects. | Plan egress, smoke/CO alarms, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and inspection stages. |
Detached Garage Guide | Single-family detached garage projects. | Prepare site plan, structure details, setbacks and foundation information. |
Patio Cover and Carport Guide | Patio cover and carport projects. | Confirm structural, zoning, drainage and attachment details. |
Deck and Porch Guide | Uncovered decks and porches. | Check height, attachment, exits, framing and zoning conditions. |
Re-Roof Guide | Residential re-roof projects. | Review mid-roof compliance and roof inspection requirements before work starts. |
Egress Windows and Window Wells Guide | Egress window and window well projects. | Confirm safe emergency escape requirements and inspection timing. |
Englewood Contractor License and Certificate of Registration
Englewood states that a Contractor License or Certificate of Registration is required to perform construction work within city limits. Contractors performing construction work for compensation must obtain the proper license or registration and provide required documentation.
License required
Any person or organization performing construction work for compensation must obtain the correct city license or registration.
Apply through iMS
Contractor licensing and renewals are handled through the Englewood iMS system.
Trade registrations
Electrical, plumbing and mechanical registrations may require state licenses and other documents.
Annual expiration
City certificates and licenses expire one year from the date of issuance unless revoked or suspended.
How to Schedule Englewood Building Inspections
Englewood requires all inspections to be requested online through iMS. The owner or contractor is responsible for requesting inspections in advance, and the permit plus approved construction site plans must be available onsite.
Inspection topic | Official guidance | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
Scheduling method | All inspections must be requested online at ims.englewoodco.gov. | Use the portal first. If you cannot use iMS, use the city’s fillable form route. |
Who schedules | Owner or contractor is responsible for requesting inspections in advance. | Do not assume the city or subcontractor will schedule automatically. |
Hours | Inspection hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. | Weekend, after-hours and holiday inspections are not available. |
Two-hour window | Call the inspector between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. on inspection morning. | Calls after 9 a.m. may not be returned until afternoon office hours. |
Onsite documents | Permit and approved construction site plans must be available onsite. | Inspector may not be able to perform inspection if documents are missing. |
Animals and access | Animals must be under control and an adult must be present for indoor inspections. | Loose animals or no adult present may cause failed inspection and a $75 reinspection fee. |
Englewood Inspection Phone Numbers and Arrival Window Help
For a two-hour arrival window, Englewood instructs users to contact the inspector between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. on the morning of the scheduled inspection.
Building inspections
Phone: 303-762-2369
Mechanical and plumbing
Phone: 303-762-2364
Electrical inspections
Phone: 303-762-2363
Fence inspections
Phone: 303-762-2342
Rough Inspections, Final Inspections and Special Inspections in Englewood
Different inspection stages protect different parts of the project. Englewood has separate guidance for rough inspections, final inspections and special inspections where required by plan review.
Inspection stage | What it means | Practical step |
|---|---|---|
Rough inspections | Rough plumbing, electrical and mechanical work must be inspected before framing inspection and before insulation or drywall covers the work. | Schedule rough inspections together and do not cover walls until approved. |
Final inspections | Final inspections are done after the entire project is complete and the building is ready for occupancy. | Allow several days for the series of final inspections if multiple trades are involved. |
Special inspections | Certain projects require special inspections identified on the Plan Review Summary. | Submit required Letters of Inspection before final building inspection. |
Englewood Adopted Building Codes and Amendments
Englewood lists adopted codes and amendments on the official Building and Codes page. These codes affect plan review, inspections, design criteria, energy compliance, accessibility, fire safety, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and residential construction.
Code area | Englewood listed code | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
Building and existing buildings | 2021 International Building Code and 2021 International Existing Building Code. | Controls new construction, additions, repairs and work on existing structures. |
Residential | 2021 International Residential Code. | Applies to many one- and two-family home projects. |
Energy | 2021 International Energy Conservation Code. | Affects insulation, windows, HVAC, energy forms and envelope details. |
Fire | 2021 International Fire Code. | Important for fire safety, commercial projects, access, alarms and sprinklers. |
Mechanical, plumbing and fuel gas | 2021 International Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code and Fuel Gas Code. | Applies to HVAC, plumbing, gas piping and related inspections. |
Electrical and accessibility | 2023 National Electrical Code and ICC A117.1 2017 Standards. | Controls electrical and accessible building requirements. |
Englewood Building Permit Fees, Zoning Fees and Development Impact Fees
The official Englewood Fees page links to development impact fees, building permit fees, zoning fees and all city schedules for service, license, permit fees and utility rates.
Building permit fees
Use the official Building Permit Fees link from the city’s fee page before estimating project cost.
Zoning fees
Some projects may involve zoning review or zoning approval even when a building permit is not required.
Development impact fees
Larger development projects may need development impact fee review.
Online payments
Englewood’s iMS system provides online payment during the permit and project process.
How to Search or Track Englewood Permit Status
The iMS portal is used for project tracking and communication. This is helpful for applicants checking review status, homeowners checking project progress and buyers reviewing permit history before closing.
Use iMS portal
Log in or continue as guest where available to search, track or access permit-related information.
Use the property address
Search by address, project details or permit information when available.
Check final inspection
Look for whether the permit reached final inspection or still has open inspection items.
Right-of-Way Work, Public Works and Separate Permit Needs
Some construction near streets, sidewalks, alleys, dumpsters, utility work, concrete work or excavation may need Public Works review or right-of-way permits in addition to building permits.
Concrete and excavation
Public right-of-way concrete or excavation work may need separate permits and contractor license classes.
Dumpster or POD in right-of-way
Temporary use of public right-of-way may require an occupancy permit or other city approval.
Traffic control
Right-of-way work may require traffic control plans and specific working hours.
State highways
Work near state highways may involve CDOT permits and city permits.
Why Englewood Building Permits and Inspections Get Delayed
Most delays are preventable. They usually happen because the wrong permit assumption was made, plans are incomplete, contractor licensing is missing, zoning is not checked or inspections are requested before work is ready.
Common delay | What it usually means | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
Assuming no permit is needed | The project actually appears on Englewood’s permit-required examples. | Check the “To Permit or Not To Permit” page before starting. |
Missing zoning approval | Small shed, deck, fence or site work may still need zoning approval. | Contact zoning early for setbacks, location and use questions. |
Incomplete plan submittal | Plans, forms or project details are missing from iMS. | Use the official Plan Submittal Requirements page before uploading. |
Contractor not licensed | A required Englewood license or certificate is missing. | Verify city license/registration before work begins. |
Inspection requested too early | Work is not ready, documents are not onsite or access is not available. | Schedule only when work is ready and approved plans are onsite. |
Special inspection letters missing | Required special inspection approval letters were not submitted before final. | Review the Plan Review Summary and submit required Letters of Inspection. |
Englewood Building Department Phone Number, Email, Address and Map
Use the official Building and Codes contact information below for building permits, plan review questions, iMS help, contractor licensing, inspection questions, adopted codes, residential guides and permit requirement questions.
Building and Codes Division
Phone: 303-762-2357
Secondary phone listed on inspections page: 303-762-2356
Email: BuildingDept@englewoodco.gov
Office address
City of Englewood Building and Codes Division
1000 Englewood Parkway, 3rd Floor
Englewood, CO 80110
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Map shows 1000 Englewood Parkway, Englewood, CO 80110. The Building and Codes Division is listed on the 3rd Floor. For most permit activity, start with the official iMS portal before visiting in person.
Englewood Building Department FAQs
These FAQs focus on the most common user searches around Englewood building permits, iMS portal, inspections, contractor licensing, fees, adopted codes, residential guides and official contact details.
QHow do I contact the Englewood Building Department?
Contact the City of Englewood Building and Codes Division at 303-762-2357 or BuildingDept@englewoodco.gov. The office is located at 1000 Englewood Parkway, 3rd Floor, Englewood, CO 80110.
QWhere do I apply for an Englewood building permit online?
Use the official Englewood iMS permit portal at ims.englewoodco.gov. The system is used for permit/project submittal, document upload, notifications, online payments, staff communication and inspection requests.
QDoes Englewood require building permits for most construction projects?
Yes. Englewood states that building permits are required for most construction projects. Examples include fencing, additions, decks, patios, garages, windows, wall changes, drywall, furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, plumbing, heating and electrical systems.
QWhat work may not require an Englewood building permit?
Examples listed by the city include flooring or carpet replacement, interior/exterior painting, direct replacement of cabinets, countertops, toilets, sinks and faucets, small roof or siding repairs under 100 square feet, soffit/fascia/gutters, small sheds under 200 square feet and certain small detached decks. Zoning approval may still be needed.
QHow do I schedule an Englewood building inspection?
All inspections must be requested online through ims.englewoodco.gov. If you are unable to use iMS, the city provides a fillable form option and permit technicians may assist.
QWhat are Englewood building inspection hours?
Englewood lists inspection hours as 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekend, after-hours and holiday inspections are not available.
QCan I get a two-hour inspection arrival window in Englewood?
For a two-hour arrival window, contact the assigned inspector between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. on the morning of the scheduled inspection. Calls after 9 a.m. may not be answered until the inspector returns to the office later in the day.
QDo contractors need a City of Englewood license?
Yes. Englewood states that a Contractor License or Certificate of Registration is required to perform construction work within city limits, and all contractors who work in Englewood must be licensed with the city.
QWhere can I find Englewood residential building guides?
Use the official Residential Building Guides page. It includes resources for homeowner affidavit, basement finish, detached garage, patio covers, carports, decks, porches, re-roof, mid-roof compliance, egress windows and window wells.
QWhere can I find Englewood building permit fees?
Use the official City of Englewood Fees page. It links to building permit fees, development impact fees, zoning fees and all city fee schedules.
QWhat codes does Englewood use?
Englewood lists adopted codes including the 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, 2021 International Fire Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 International Property Maintenance Code, 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, ICC A117.1 2017 and the 2023 National Electrical Code.
QIs Building-Department.org the official City of Englewood website?
No. Building-Department.org is an independent guide. Official permit applications, payments, inspections, plan review decisions, contractor licensing and code actions must be handled through the City of Englewood or its official iMS system.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
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Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.