Plumbing Permit in Aurora, Colorado (2026)
Starting any new plumbing work or repairs in your Aurora restaurant without a permit risks immediate work stoppage and costly fines from city inspectors, potentially delaying your entire project timeline. Your Aurora Plumbing Permit is a mandatory authorization from the City of Aurora Building & Permit Services Division (also called a building permit for mechanical work).
Key facts:
- 25 fields to complete — ApronPrep auto-fills 21 of them for you.
- $0–$0 in government filing fees to submit the application — contact the city for current fees based on project scope and square footage.
- Varies processing timeline — plan review typically takes 5-10 business days, with total process from submission to approval taking 10-20 business days depending on completeness.
Most applicants complete this in under 15 minutes with ApronPrep, which auto-fills 21 of 25 fields.
Analyzed from Plumbing Permit
84% from one compliance interview
Manual entry or document upload required
Why You Need a Plumbing Permit
In Aurora, Colorado, plumbing work is governed by the 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC), which has been adopted by the State of Colorado and locally enforced by the City of Aurora's Community Development Department, Building Division. A Plumbing Permit is required for installation, alteration, repair, or replacement of any plumbing system component, as stipulated by the Aurora City Code, Chapter 14, Article IV. This permit ensures that all work meets minimum safety standards for potable water, sanitary drainage, and venting systems, protecting public health and property.
Failure to obtain the required permit before beginning work triggers significant and costly consequences. Based on Aurora's enforcement policies, common penalties include:
- Stop-Work Orders: The city will issue an immediate order halting all construction on-site until the proper permit is secured and any completed work is inspected, leading to project delays of weeks or months.
- Fines and Penalties:
- Certificate of Occupancy Denial: For new construction or tenant improvements, the city will withhold the final Certificate of Occupancy, preventing the business from legally opening to the public.
- Required Demolition: Inspectors can require the removal of drywall, flooring, or other finishes to expose and inspect concealed plumbing work, at the owner's expense, if work proceeded without permit or inspection.
- Insurance & Liability Issues: Most commercial property and liability insurance policies are voided for work done without permits. This can leave the owner personally liable for any water damage, mold, or personal injury resulting from non-compliant work, and complicate future property sales or refinancing.
Legal code: State building code (locally administered), local building ordinances, state accessibility code
Recent update: A notable recent update is the City of Aurora's adoption of the 2021 International Codes (including the IPC) as of January 1, 2023, replacing the 2018 code series; applicants must ensure their plans comply with the current code.
Who Needs a Plumbing Permit?
| Type | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (Full-Service) | Required | |
| Bar / Nightclub | Required | |
| Food Truck | Required | |
| Coffee Shop / Café | Required |
See which restaurant types need this requirement — and which don't.
See Full Requirements →Field-by-Field Guide (25 Fields)
21 of 25 auto-filledBusiness/Applicant Legal Name
textEnter the exact legal name of your business entity as registered with the Colorado Secretary of State; this is often found on your Articles of Incorporation/Organization or filed with your City of Aurora business license.
COMMON MISTAKE: Using a DBA or a shortened, non-legal version of the business name, which can cause a rejection for inaccurate applicant information and delay permit issuance.
Applicant Full Name
textEnter the full legal name of the individual filing this permit, who must be authorized to make changes to the property (e.g., the business owner, a property manager, or the licensed plumbing contractor).
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering a company name or a nickname instead of a person's full legal name, which prevents the city from verifying the applicant's authority.
Applicant Phone Number
textEnter a direct phone number for the listed applicant; use a standard format (e.g., 303-555-0123) for the inspector to call with questions about the permit or to schedule a required inspection.
COMMON MISTAKE: Providing a disconnected or non-direct phone number, which can delay critical inspection scheduling and lead to failed inspections due to lack of communication.
Applicant Email Address
textEnter a valid, regularly monitored email address for the applicant, as the City of Aurora will send all official permit status updates, inspection results, and deficiency notices to this address.
COMMON MISTAKE: Using an incorrect or rarely checked email address, which can cause you to miss critical deficiency notices or final approval documentation, delaying your project timeline.
Property/Site Address
textEnter the complete, official street address for the property where plumbing work will occur; confirm the format matches your Aurora business license or lease agreement to ensure the city's zoning and utility records align.
COMMON MISTAKE: Submitting a mailing address or the applicant's home address instead of the restaurant's physical location, which is a high-rejection issue that invalidates the permit's jurisdiction.
Parcel Number/Tax ID
textEnter the 11-digit Property Identification Number (PIN) assigned by the Arapahoe or Adams County Assessor's office; you can find this on your property tax statement or by searching the county's online property records database.
COMMON MISTAKE: Confusing the parcel number with a zoning lot number or a state sales tax ID, which will cause the city to reject the application as they cannot verify property ownership and lien status.
Scope of Plumbing Work
textProvide a clear, specific description of all planned plumbing activities, such as 'install new 3-compartment sink with separate waste line and backflow preventer for a new restaurant kitchen' to allow for accurate permit valuation and inspection scheduling.
COMMON MISTAKE: Using vague descriptions like 'plumbing repairs' or omitting key fixtures (e.g., grease interceptor, water heater), which leads to an under-valued permit and failed inspections for unpermitted work.
Kitchen Sink Installation Details
textSpecify the number of compartments, material (e.g., stainless steel), drain size, and connection type (direct waste or indirect via floor sink) for each commercial kitchen sink to comply with Aurora's Plumbing Code § 13-40.
COMMON MISTAKE: Failing to specify if the sink is for food prep, warewashing, or mop service, which requires different trap and venting specifications under code and leads to inspection corrections.
Grease Trap Installation Details
textState if you are installing a new exterior grease interceptor or an internal grease trap, its location (e.g., 'under 3-compartment sink'), and whether it's for a new connection or replacing an existing unit.
COMMON MISTAKE: Omitting that a grease interceptor is required for any commercial food service fixture, which is a mandatory compliance item per Aurora Municipal Code § 13-40-110 and will cause an automatic plan review rejection.
Grease Trap Technical Specifications
textList the manufacturer, model number, flow rate (in GPM), and liquid capacity (in gallons) for the grease interceptor, which must be sized according to the plumbing fixture discharge as per the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) adopted by Aurora.
COMMON MISTAKE: Submitting residential-sized unit specifications for a commercial kitchen, which fails to meet the required grease retention capacity and will result in a failed final inspection and potential fines.
ApronPrep auto-fills 21 of 25 fields from a single compliance interview — no re-typing, no guessing what the government expects.
Top 5 Plumbing Permit Mistakes
1. Incorrectly Listing Licensed Professional
Submitting an application without a licensed Colorado Master Plumber listed as the 'Licensee of Record' triggers an automatic administrative rejection. This includes listing the property owner or a company name instead of the plumber's individual license number. Provide the full name and 7-digit Colorado plumbing license number of the contractor performing the work to avoid a 2-week delay while the application is returned.
2. Mismatched or Incomplete Property Description
Entering the full legal address from your lease or deed (e.g., 'Suite 150') instead of the simplified site address used by Aurora's permit system (e.g., just the street number) causes the application to be flagged. Similarly, failing to include the 10-digit Aurora Parcel Number (APN) from your property tax bill creates a processing bottleneck. Verify the exact address format and include the APN to prevent a 3-5 business day hold.
3. Vague or Inadequate Scope of Work
Writing 'plumbing work' or 'kitchen remodel' instead of a specific, code-defined description leads to plan review questions and delays. For example, 'install 3-compartment commercial sink with indirect waste, 2-floor drains, and 50' of 2" PVC DWV' is acceptable, while 'plumbing for new sink' is not. Detail every fixture, drain, pipe material, and connection to the existing system as outlined in the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), adopted by Aurora, to avoid a 1-2 week plan review re-submission cycle.
Skip the Paperwork on Your Plumbing Permit
ApronPrep auto-fills 21 of 25 fields from one compliance interview.
No credit card required
Plumbing Permit by City in Colorado
| City | Fee Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Aurora | Contact authority for current fees - plumbing permit fees vary based on project scope and square footage | Plan review typically 5-10 business days; total process from submission to approval 10-20 business days depending on completeness and authority workload |
| Colorado Springs | Contact authority for current fees - varies based on plumbing project scope and square footage | Permit approval typically 5-10 business days after application submission; inspections scheduled within 1-2 weeks of request; total project timeline 2-4 weeks depending on scope and inspection schedule |
| Denver | Contact authority for current fees - fees vary based on project scope and construction cost; restaurant grease trap work may have different fee structure | 1-3 business days for online permit approval; additional 5-7 business days if submitted by mail. Inspection scheduling occurs after permit issuance; total project timeline typically 2-4 weeks depending on inspection availability |
Government Filing Fees
Contact authority for current fees - plumbing permit fees vary based on project scope and square footage
Timeline: Varies (Typically 2–4 Weeks)
Step 1: Contact Aurora Development Services (permitting division) to request a plumbing permit application
Call or email the City of Aurora Development Services Division to confirm current requirements and request the correct plumbing permit packet. Have your project address and contractor license number ready. Using the general 'Development Services' contact can cause delays; ask directly for the plumbing and mechanical permits section.
Step 2: Complete the plumbing permit application form with detailed specifications for kitchen sinks and grease trap installation/modifications
Fill out the city's plumbing permit application form, listing all fixtures (e.g., three-compartment sink, pre-rinse sprayer, grease interceptor). Provide manufacturer and model numbers for specialty equipment. Applications with vague descriptions like 'install sink' are commonly rejected for lacking specifications required by the 2024 Aurora Plumbing Code § 13.04.110.
Step 3: Prepare technical drawings or plans showing plumbing layout, connections, and grease trap specifications compliant with state building code
Create or hire a professional to draft scaled plumbing plans showing pipe sizes, slopes, venting, and the exact location and capacity (in gallons per minute) of the grease interceptor. Plans must reference the Colorado State Plumbing Code. Missing isometric diagrams showing waste and vent connections are a top reason for plan review delays.
Where to Apply
Applications are handled by your local building department in each city. Select your city below for authority details, fees, and processing timeline.
Other Requirements You'll Need
This is one of 13 requirements for opening a restaurant in Colorado.
ADA Compliance Self-Certification
federal
Alarm System Permit/Registration
local
Application for Employer Identification Number
federal
Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (Corporation)
state
See all co-required forms and how they connect to your compliance dossier.
See All RequirementsProcessing time varies based on project complexity, staffing, and application completeness, per the City of Aurora Building Division. For minor residential repairs, review can take a few days, but complex commercial projects may take several weeks. Plan for inspection scheduling delays, especially if your project scope also requires a separate Building Permit, which has its own timeline.
According to the official data, the government filing fee range is $0–$0, but this is misleading. The city's fee schedule bases the final cost on the project's valuation (labor + materials), so the fee is calculated at the time of application. Contact the Aurora Building Division directly to confirm the specific fee for your scope of work.
No. Plumbing permits are specific to the property, scope of work, and licensed contractor listed on the application. If you move your business, you must apply for a new permit at the new address. Your new location will also require its own Certificate of Occupancy from the city before you can legally operate.
Plumbing permits are not renewable; they are valid only for the specific project and timeframe approved. Permits typically expire if work isn't started within 180 days or if work is abandoned for more than 180 days, as posted on the city's application guide. For ongoing operational requirements, you must maintain an annual City Business License/Registration.
A city inspector verifies the installed work complies with the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and the approved permit plans. They check for proper materials, venting, drainage, fixture installation, and connections. The inspection is pass/fail; a failure requires corrections and a re-inspection, which adds time and may incur additional fees. Not legal advice — verify inspection protocols with the Aurora Building Division.
About This Data
This guide is generated from ApronPrep's compliance dossier system, which uses 53 parallel AI authority experts to discover requirements, then downloads actual forms and generates field-level intelligence for each one.
For Colorado specifically, we have analyzed compliance dossiers for 3 cities (Aurora, Colorado Springs, Denver), generating Rich FILs (Form Intelligence Layers) with 25 form fields analyzed for this requirement. Fee data is sourced from actual county department fee schedules, not estimates.
Our data is verified against official government sources and updated when regulatory changes are detected. If you find an error, please report it — accuracy is our core commitment.
Sources
- State building code (locally administered), local building ordinances, state accessibility code
- Aurora — Building Department / Inspectional Services
- Colorado Springs — Building Department / Inspectional Services
- Denver — Building Department / Inspectional Services
This Form Is One of 60+ Requirements.
ApronPrep discovers every permit your city requires — including the ones generic checklists miss. Pick your city for the complete package.