Deck Addition Permit Requirements — Idaho Springs, CO
No permit is required for this deck. The freestanding, open deck under 30 inches high and under 200 sq ft qualifies for an explicit exemption under Clear Creek County's Work Exempt from Permit list, provided it is not attached to the dwelling and does not serve as a required exit door landing.
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What affects your permit requirement
Typical requirements
- Fee range
- Contact department for current fee schedule
- Department
- Clear Creek County Building Department(303) 679-2446https://co.clear-creek.co.us/95/Building-Department
These figures reflect typical jurisdiction data. Fees and timelines change. Run a free search on your exact address for jurisdiction-confirmed requirements before you bid or apply.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for a small deck in Clear Creek County, Colorado?
Not if your open deck is freestanding, under 30 inches high, under 200 sq ft, and does not serve as a required exit door landing. Clear Creek County explicitly exempts decks meeting all four conditions from the permit requirement. If any condition is not met, a permit is required.
What makes a deck require a permit in Clear Creek County?
Any open deck higher than 30 inches, and all covered decks or porches regardless of height, require a permit. Attached decks and decks serving as required exit door landings also require a permit regardless of size. Contact the Building Department at (303) 679-2446 if you are unsure whether your project qualifies for the exemption.
What if my property is in a wildfire hazard zone?
Clear Creek County's Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Plan applies to the St. Mary's Glacier/Fall River Road area and requires Class A rated roofing for new development and re-roofing. For a deck addition alone, the wildfire rules do not trigger additional permit requirements, but confirm with the Building Department if your project scope includes roofing or other structural work.
Where do I find the deck exemption rule?
Clear Creek County's Work Exempt from Permit list (Item 10) specifies the exemption criteria. You can review it at https://co.clear-creek.co.us/342/Work-Exempt-from-Permit. Keep a copy for your records to demonstrate compliance if needed.
What if I want to expand my deck or change its design later?
If the deck becomes covered, exceeds 30 inches in height, attaches to the dwelling, or serves as a required exit door landing, a permit will be required. Apply through the Clear Creek County permit portal at https://clearcreekcounty.govbuilt.com if your project scope changes.