Planning a reroof or swapping out windows in Centennial and wondering if you need a permit? You are not alone. The rules are clear once you know where to look, and getting them right protects your home and helps your resale. In this guide, you will learn when a permit is required, how fast you can get one, and how to avoid common delays. Let’s dive in.
Check your location first
Before you apply, confirm who issues your permit. If your home is inside city limits, the Centennial Building Division handles permits and inspections. If you are in unincorporated areas nearby, the Arapahoe County Building Division is your point of contact. This one step prevents surprise delays.
Reroofs: when a permit is required
Most reroofs in Centennial need a permit. The City gives simple thresholds:
- Repairs under 100 square feet do not require a permit. Larger repairs do.
- If repairs exceed 25 percent of the total roof area, a full tear-off and reroof is required.
- Reroof permits include a required mid-roof inspection and a final inspection. The City offers defined photo options in some cases and requires safe ladder access for in-person inspections.
You can review Centennial’s specific reroof rules on the City’s page for Residential Roof Repairs and Re-Roofing.
Windows and doors: like-for-like vs. structural
Replacing existing windows or doors in the same openings typically qualifies as a streamlined “One-Stop” permit in Centennial. The City lists this under its Building Permit Classifications.
- Like-for-like replacements in the same opening are generally quick to permit.
- If you enlarge an opening or change framing or headers, you are making a structural change. That requires a standard building permit with plan review.
- Replacements must still meet safety and energy code provisions where applicable, such as egress and safety glazing in certain locations.
If you are unsure whether your project is like-for-like, ask your contractor to confirm the scope in the permit application.
Siding, gutters, and other exterior work
Many exterior cladding projects require permits, especially when you replace siding beyond a cosmetic repair or when you affect the weather-resistive barrier or sheathing. Centennial commonly requires a barrier inspection before final sign-off. If you are replacing gutters during a reroof, the City addresses reinstallation as part of the reroof inspection process. When in doubt, check the Centennial Building Division resources or call before you start.
How the Centennial permit process works
- Apply online. Centennial accepts applications through its customer portal and posts checklists and guides on the Building Division page. Permits are generally active for 180 days.
- Review timelines. “One-Stop” items such as reroofs and like-for-like window or door replacements are typically reviewed in one business day. Most other residential permits target about five business days for the first review. See the City’s Building Review Schedule.
- Fees. Fees are valuation-based. You will see the invoice in the portal when you apply. Smaller one-stop permits usually have lower fees and move faster.
- Inspections. Reroofs require mid-roof and final inspections. Centennial offers defined photo submissions in some cases. The permit holder schedules inspections and must post the approved permit on site.
If your home is outside city limits, Arapahoe County uses its own valuation schedule and publishes its review timeframes. Check the Arapahoe County Building Division for details.
Special situations to plan for
- Solar panels and reroofing. If you have rooftop solar, coordinate with your roofing and solar contractors about permits for removal and reinstallation. Centennial provides photovoltaic guidance on its Building Division page, and many projects require separate electrical permits.
- HOAs. If your neighborhood has an HOA, get architectural approval for exterior changes such as roofing materials or window styles. HOA approval is separate from city permits.
- Wildfire resilience. Centennial follows the IRC for reroof standards. If you live near wildfire-prone areas, ask the City or your local fire authority about any additional material or detailing requirements.
Unpermitted work and resale
If work was done without a permit, the building authority can require corrections or retroactive permits. The County provides guidance for bringing projects into compliance on the Arapahoe County Building Division site. In Colorado, sellers and brokers must disclose adverse material facts that are actually known to them. Review the state’s Commission-approved disclosure forms and keep your permits and inspection results on file. Clean documentation can support buyer confidence and smoother closings.
Quick homeowner checklist
- Confirm your jurisdiction with the City or County.
- Define the scope. Is it a small roof patch under 100 square feet, a full reroof, like-for-like window swaps, or structural changes.
- Ask contractors if they will obtain the permit and schedule inspections. Keep copies of permits, inspection results, and final approvals.
- Plan for inspections. For reroofs, expect mid-roof and final checks and provide safe access.
- Address any past unpermitted work through the Building Division rather than assuming it will be ignored.
Thinking about improvements before you sell and want to choose projects that add value without delays? Reach out to Ava Lee for design-forward guidance and a plan that lines up permits, contractors, and market timing.
FAQs
Do I need a permit for a small roof repair in Centennial?
- Repairs under 100 square feet do not require a permit, but anything larger does and reroofs include mid-roof and final inspections per the City’s reroof guidance.
Are window replacements a quick permit in Centennial?
- Like-for-like window or door replacements in existing openings are listed as a One-Stop permit, which the City targets for one business day review.
What if I want to enlarge a window opening?
- Enlarging openings or changing headers is a structural alteration that requires a standard building permit with plan review rather than a One-Stop permit.
How long do Centennial permits take to review?
- One-Stop permits such as reroofs and like-for-like windows typically review in one business day, while most other residential permits target about five business days for first review.
Who issues my permit if I live near Centennial but not in the city?
- Homes in unincorporated Arapahoe County are permitted and inspected by the County’s Building Division, not the City of Centennial.
What should I do if previous work at my home lacked permits?
- Contact the Building Division for guidance on corrective action and retroactive permitting, then keep all records; Colorado sellers must disclose known adverse material facts, so documentation matters.
