Permit & Snow Load Checker for Denver-Metro Patio Covers, Pergolas and Decks
Pick your city and project to see whether you'll likely need a permit, the snow and wind loads your city designs for, and where to apply.
The rules at a glance
| City | Attached patio cover | Freestanding pergola | Ground snow load | Design wind | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | Zoning + building permit | Zoning + building permit | 43 psf | Not published | e-permits |
| Aurora | Permit + zoning approval | Exempt if detached and 120 sq ft or less | 40 psf | 105 mph | Aurora4Biz |
| Lakewood | Permit at any size | Exempt if detached and 200 sq ft or less | 30 psf | Much higher west of Kipling | eTRAKiT |
| Englewood | Permit + zoning approval | No building permit up to 200 sq ft; zoning review still required | 30 psf | 135 mph (ultimate) | Online permit system |
| Wheat Ridge | Permit (porch covers) | Not listed; ask the city | 35 psf | 135 mph (ultimate) | OpenGov |
General information from each city's published building guides and adopted codes, checked September 2026. It isn't legal or engineering advice. Rules change, and your lot, zoning district or HOA can add requirements, so confirm with your city before you build. For the full explanation, see our Denver-metro permit guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is a snow load?
It's the weight of snow a roof has to be designed to carry, measured in pounds per square foot (psf). Each city sets its own number, so a patio cover engineered for Lakewood (30 psf) may not pass plan review in Denver (43 psf).
Can I build a small pergola without a permit?
Sometimes. Aurora exempts detached shade structures of 120 sq ft or less, and Lakewood exempts detached pergolas of 200 sq ft or less. Denver requires zoning and building permits for pergolas. Attached pergolas generally need a permit everywhere.
Does a low deck need a permit?
In Aurora, Lakewood and Englewood, a deck skips the building permit only if it is 200 sq ft or less, no more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the house and not serving the required exit door. Denver requires a zoning permit once a deck is 12 inches or more above grade.