Do I Need a Permit?

Use this guide to determine if you need to obtain a permit for building-related work.

This is not a complete list of all types of projects.  The City of Black Hawk is currently under the 2015 Adopted I-Codes and all related permitting applies.  Please contact the Community Planning and Development Department with any questions or if you do not see your project listed here.  ** Exclusion from a Building Permit does not mean exclusion from Land Use processes. **

Projects That Require A Building Permit

Commercial Permits Required: 

  • Any re-roofing project or any roof repair that requires more than 25% of the roof to be replaced.
  • Drywall repairs 4 feet x 8 feet or larger.
  • New ceiling tile system.
  • Any new outlet required for slot machines, wall signs, kitchen or buffet line equipment, or similar.
  • Wiring for new light fixtures.
  • New or rewiring of any circuits; i.e. heating loop pumps, air handler units, power strips or similar.
  • New circuits for elevator cooling fan.
  • Elevator conduit for door access and badge readers.
  • Removing or installing duct work, exhaust fans damper.
  • Any new gas line.
  • Relocating supply air registers.
  • New water lines for water coolers, kitchen equipment, or similar.
  • Boiler replacements
  • Sign Installation (New or replacement - interior and exterior)
  • All remodeling work. 
  • Stucco and siding replacement.

Residential Permit Required:

  • Any re-roofing project or any roof repair that requires more than 25% of the roof to be replaced.
  • Drywall repairs 4 feet x 8 feet or larger.
  • Siding and Stucco
  • Decks, including with attached roofs
  • Patio covers, awnings and carports
  • Outside water/sewer line replacement or repair
  • Retaining walls 4 feet over ground level
  • Lawn sprinklers
  • Pools, hot tubs (elec)
  • Re-roofing
  • Room additions
  • Evaporator/swamp coolers
  • Air conditioning units (new and replacement)
  • Furnace, Boilers, and Water Heaters (new and replacement)
  • Garages – detached and attached
  • Patio enclosures
  • Screened porches
  • Solar panels
  • Gazebo
  • Gas lines (new and replacement)
  • New wiring to an outlet.
  • New or replacement wiring to light fixture.
  • New or rewiring of any circuits.
  • Gas logs and gas lines, Fireplaces (wood, pellet, or gas)
  • Remodeling
  • Structural modifications
  • Installation or replacement of windows or doors (required  U-factor .32 U-factor or less)
  • Increase or decrease of window or door size
  • Sump pumps

Projects That Do Not Require A Building Permit

Commercial Exterior: 

  • Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.
  • Gardening or stone replacement.
  • General landscaping
  • Painting

Commercial Interior: 

  • Replacement of flooring or wall paneling.
  • Painting
  • Drywall repairs under 4 feet x 8 feet.
  • Plumbing fixture replacement; toilets, faucets, sinks, etc. (like for like - same exact spot)
  • Changing out light fixtures (like for like - same exact spot)

Residential Exterior:

  • Concrete private sidewalks/driveways.
  • Gardening or stone replacement.
  • General landscaping
  • Painting

Residential Interior:

  • Plumbing fixture replacement; toilets, faucets, sinks, etc. (like for like - same exact spot)
  • Kitchen equipment repair
  • Most appliance repair
  • Kitchen cabinets and counter tops (same appliance location)
  • Flooring
  • Painting
  • Changing out light fixtures (like for like - same exact spot)