- Submit application materials through the CSS Portal.
How to Use this Guide
This guide will help you prepare and submit complete applications to the City of Boulder. Incomplete applications are not accepted and will cause delays for the project. This guide covers Steps 1 through 3 of the Permit Application Process below.
Permit Application Process
Submit Application (Customer)
Completeness Check (Staff)
- Intake staff will review the application.
- If it is complete, the application will be routed for review.
- If it is incomplete, additional information will be requested through an email from a NoReply address.
Upload Files (Customer)
- Upload requested information through the CSS Portal.
Pay Plan Check Fee (Customer)
- Pay your application fees through the CSS Portal. The application status must be updated manually.
In Review (Staff)
- Application is reviewed by staff.
- If it meets all requirements, it will be approved and remaining fees invoiced.
- If it does not meet all requirements, a Reviewer Comment letter will be issued.
Revision – Resubmit (Customer)
- Resubmit materials through the CSS Portal.
Approved for Issuance (Staff)
- All reviews have been approved.
Payment Pending (Customer)
- Log into the CSS Portal to pay remaining fees and taxes, once invoiced.
Issued (Customer)
- Construction can now begin! Schedule your inspections through the CSS Portal. Complete inspections on site.
Letter of Completion / Certificate of Occupancy (Staff)
- Permit is complete. Letter of Completion or Certificate of Occupancy is issued!
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions.
Visit the Application Assistant
- Determine which application type matches your scope of work.
- Click “What are the Requirements?”
- Gather all required materials listed in the application checklist for the proposed scope of work.
Location Specific Materials
- If the structure is impacted by the regulatory floodplain or wetland, include your Floodplain Development Permit or Wetland Permit application form or prior approval. Applications cannot be accepted without this information.
- If the property is within a Local Historic District or is designated as an Individual Landmark, provide a copy of the approved Landmark Alteration Certificate. Applications cannot be accepted without this information.
All documentation must be saved as PDF files, following the file formatting requirements and utilizing the required file naming conventions below. Improperly formatted files will delay the review process for your project
Please Note: All permit applications are now required to be submitted through CSS.
Visit the Application Assistant
- Click “I’m ready to apply”.
- Enter all required information.
- Upload all required materials.
Next Steps
- An EnerGov case number will be provided when the application is submitted.
- An email will be provided identifying next steps. The email will come from a “noreply” email address.
- Staff process applications in the order in which they are received. Additional information may be requested if materials are incomplete.
Gather the following Documentation
- A written response to each reviewer comment, identifying all changes made.
- FULL set of modified drawings including pages that did not change addressing the reviewer comments.
- Revised plans must include clouding of all changes and the date of ALL revisions.
- Revised forms and materials addressing the reviewer comments (as applicable).
- A Permit Details Revision Form (required for revisions to the description of work and/or project valuations).
- Some projects may have multiple permits being reviewed concurrently. Resubmit for related permits (e.g., accessory building permits, fence permits, etc.).
- Failure to resubmit for related permits may delay the review process.
- If any new permit applications are required based on reviewer comments, those should be submitted following the How do I submit an initial application? instructions above.
Submit Files Through the Customer Self-Service Portal (CSS)
- The permitting system will alert staff that files have been uploaded, it is not necessary to send a notification.
- Staff process applications in the order in which they are received.
Gather the Following Documentation
- A Permit Details Revision Form (required for revisions to the description of work and/or project valuations).
- A written description identifying all changes made.
- FULL set of modified drawings including pages that did not change addressing the reviewer comments.
- Revised plans must include clouding of all changes and the date of ALL revisions.
- Revised forms and materials (as applicable).
Submit Files Through the CSS Portal
- The permitting system will alert staff that files have been uploaded, it is not necessary to send a notification.
- Staff process applications in the order in which they are received.
Please consider the following:
- We may have requested additional information. Check your email for an email response from PDSskipatrip@bouldercolorado.gov or from a “noreply” email address.
- Make sure to check your spam or junk folder.
- Have your materials prepared by someone familiar with Boulder’s regulations.
- Refer to the checklist found in the Application and Forms Database that corresponds with your application.
- Provide all required materials and information from the checklist. If you do not believe that an item is required, review the detailed checklist to validate that assumption, and provide documentation to support this.
- Ensure that information is complete, accurate, and meets all the code requirements.
- Be sure to provide a graphic scale bar on your plans.
- Check to make sure that the files provided are not secure; secure files cannot be entered into our electronic review software.
- Include all contacts that you would like to receive notifications and to have access to the case in your application.
- Respond to staff requests for additional or missing information in a timely manner.
Please Note: To ensure the most streamlined processing of submittal materials, please upload files prior to fee payment.
Access Your Application
- You must be a registered user to pay fees or upload files to your account.
- If you do not have an existing portal account, please register here.
- Be sure to use the email address associated with your application.
Upload Documents to the CSS Portal
- Please watch our How to Attach a Document video for a walk-through of how to upload your documents through the CSS Portal.
Check the Status of Your Application
- Visit the CSS Portal to follow the progress of your application.
- Log into your account.
- Open the Dashboard and click on “View My Permits”.
- Click on the permit application.
- Current processing times may be found on the Current Service Delivery Timing Webpage.
- Case status definitions are provided below. View the Permit Application Process section above for a step-by-step diagram.
Case Status Definitions
Approved for Issuance
All reviews have been approved and the permit is awaiting invoicing and processing by city staff.
- Please allow 2 business days for administrative permit processing.
In Review
The application case has been routed for review by city staff. The application will remain in this status until all reviews and administrative processing have been completed.
- Please allow 2 business days beyond the due date for administrative permit processing.
- If your case is in this status, refer to the “Reviews” tab within the CSS Portal for the anticipated review completion date.
- If any of the reviews indicate “Revisions-Resubmit”, comments will be released and the contacts on the case will be notified once ALL reviews are completed.
Issued
The permit has been issued. The permit placard, approval conditions, and final approved plans are available under the “Attachments” tab within the CSS Portal.
Letter of Completion/Certificate of Occupancy
All inspections have been passed. An email has been sent to the contacts on file for the permit, and the Letter of Completion/Certificate of Occupancy has been added to the case under the “Attachments” tab within the CSS Portal.
- Please allow 2 business days beyond final inspections for administrative permit processing.
On Hold
The applicant or city staff have placed a hold on the permit process.
Payment Pending
Fees on the application case have been invoiced and must be paid to move the process forward.
- Case status will not update immediately when fees are paid. Action is required by city staff.
- Please allow 1 business day for administrative processing.
Received
The application case has been created but requires action on the part of city staff or the applicant to move the review process forward. If additional information or materials are required to be provided by the applicant, an email will be sent to all contacts on file for the application.
- This email comes from a noreply email address, please check your spam/junk box if you do not receive an email within the processing time frame.
- Case status will not update when additional files are uploaded. Please allow 10 business days for processing. You will receive an email notification when the permit progresses to the next step.
- Sub-permits will remain in Received status until they have been Issued. This is not an indication of missing documentation or a need for additional information.
Revisions - Resubmit
The application review has been completed and revisions are required. Whenever an application is changed to this status, an email is sent to the contacts on file for the application identifying the requirements or directing the applicant to a comment(s) letter that has been added to the case under the “Attachments” tab within the CSS Portal.
File Formatting Requirements
Improperly formatted files will result in delays Improperly formatted files will delay the review process for your project.
Format your documents as follows:
- All plans must be saved as PDF files. (PDF a-s, JPEGs, PNGs, Word Documents, etc. will not be accepted).
- Each checklist item should be its own file. Reports and other documents (e.g., forms, worksheets, calculations, specifications, reports, etc.) must be saved as separate PDF files. See file naming conventions below.
- Combine construction plan set into one PDF if the plans were prepared by the same individual.
- Please do not upload individual sheets of a plan set or document as separate PDF files.
- No zipped files or PDF portfolios will be accepted.
- Files must be unsecure/unprotected.
- Fast Web view must be enabled on all PDFs (this can be done using free online tools).
- PDFs must be saved as reduced file size (this can be done using free online tools).
- File sizes cannot exceed 100 MB.
- All pages shall be oriented so that the top of the page corresponds with the top of the computer monitor.
- On the cover page, include a 3-inch by 3-inch space in the lower-right corner reserved for the city’s approval stamp. This may be offset the minimum needed to avoid conflict with the preferred title block.
- Drawings must be legible and scalable (to a standard architectural or engineering scale).
- Drawings must include a graphic scale bar on every page.
- Each plan sheet must include the project name and address.
- Each plan sheet must be marked to clearly identify the content of the page (Example: Sheet A1.0 Architectural Site Plan).
- For larger sets of plans (10 sheets or more), please provide bookmarks for the sheets in the plan set so individual sheets may be accessed.
- Electronic stamps for corresponding design professionals shall be included on each applicable plan page or report cover. Refer to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies requirements for electronic stamps and signatures.
File Naming Conventions
Important
- Read the following instructions carefully. Improperly named files will delay the review process for your project. Please check these naming conventions each time you upload files as they are subject to change.
- When uploading documents through the CSS Portal, assign the Attachment Type assigned below by choosing it from the dropdown menu on the file upload “tile” BEFORE uploading your file to the case.
Required File Name Format: File Prefix_Project Address_Date of Document Upload
Example: ArchPln_1739Broadway_06-19-2021
| File/Document | File Prefix | Attachment Type |
|---|---|---|
| ACCA Manuals (J, D, and S) | ACCAManual | ACCA Manuals |
| Architectural Plans | ArchPln | Architectural Plans |
| Asbestos Report | AsbestRprt | Asbestos Report |
| Building Owner Authorization | BldOwnAuth | Building Owner Authorization |
| Bulk Controls Verification - Vertical | BlkCntrlVert | Inspection Verifications |
| Bulk Controls Verification - Horizontal | BlkCntrlHori | Inspection Verifications |
| Civil Engineering Plans | CvlPln | Additional Plans |
| Combined MEP Plan Set | CombMEP | Additional Plans |
| Commercial Commissioning Report | CommCommRpt | Inspection Verifications |
| Commercial Energy Modeling Report | EnrgyModRpt | Energy Modeling Report |
| Commercial Fenestration | CommFen | Inspection Verifications |
| Commercial Mandatory Measures Checklist | ComMandCklst | Mandatory Measures Checklist |
| Commercial Prescriptive Measures Checklist | ComPresCklst | Prescriptive Measures Checklist |
| Construction Plan Set | ConstPlns | Construction Plan Set |
| Construction & Demolition Waste Diversion Tracking | CDWasteTrk | Inspection Verifications |
| Construction Waste Recycling | ConWaste | Construction Waste Form |
| Cover Letter | CvrLtr | Additional Application Materials |
| Deconstruction Plan | DeconPln | Construction Plan Set |
| Electrical Plans | ElecPln | Electrical Plans |
| Energy Rating Index Report (HERS) | ERIRpt | ERI Report (HERS) |
| Flame Certificates | FlmCert | Additional Application Materials |
| Flood Construction Cost Verification | FldConCostVrf | Inspection Verifications |
| Flood Criteria Response/ Flood Report | FldCrt | Additional Application Materials |
| Flood Elevation Certificate | FldElevCert | Additional Application Materials/Inspection Verifications |
| Flood Engineer’s Certification | FldEngCert | Inspection Verifications |
| Floodproofing Certificate | FldprfCert | Inspection Verifications |
| Flood LOMC (Letter of Map Change) | FldLOMC | Additional Application Materials |
| Flood Permit Application | FldPlnPmt | Floodplain Permit |
| Health Department Approval | HealthDept | Additional Application Materials |
| Historic Approvals (LAC, Demolition) | HistApp | Historic Approval |
| Housing, DET, and Impact Fee Worksheet | HsgDETCFI | DET and Impact Fee Worksheet |
| Landlord Approval | LandlordApp | Additional Application Materials |
| Landscape Plan | LndscpPln | Additional Plans |
| Livability Standards Checklist | LivibilityCk | Additional Application Materials |
| Lot Area Declaration Form | LotAreaDec | Lot Area Declaration Form |
| Mechanical Plans | MechPln | Mechanical Plans |
| Miscellaneous (Arborist report, etc.) | Misc | Additional Application Materials |
| Multi-Family, Commercial, Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Building Permit Checklists | MFNRBldgCklst | Additional Application Materials |
| Outdoor Lighting Compliance Certification | OutdrLtgComp | Additional Application Materials |
| Permit Details Revision Form | PmtDetRev | Additional Application Materials |
| Plumbing Fixture Count | PlumbFixCt | Plumbing Fixture Count |
| Plumbing Plans | PlumbPln | Plumbing Plans |
| Previous Approvals (Dispos, ADU) | PrevApp | PrevApp |
| Renewable Energy Offsets Form | RenewOff | Additional Application Materials |
| Residential Air Leakage | ResAirLk | Inspection Verifications |
| Residential Building Permit Checklists | ResBldgCklst | Additional Application Materials |
| Residential Mandatory Measures Checklist | ResMandCklst | Mandatory Measures Checklist |
| Residential Prescriptive Measures Checklist | ResPresCklst | Prescriptive Measures Checklist |
| Response to Comment Letter | RespComm | Response to Comment Letter |
| Roof Photo | RoofPhoto | Inspection Verifications |
| Scope of Work Form | ScpWrk | Scope of Work Form |
| Site Plan | SitePln | Additional Plans |
| Soils Report | SoilsRpt | Additional Application Materials |
| Specifications (hood specs, spec books, cut sheets, etc.) | Specs | Additional Application Materials |
| Stormwater PIF Worksheet | StormWatPIF | Stormwater & Flood Worksheet |
| Structural Calculations | StructCalc | Additional Application Materials |
| Structural Plans | StructPln | Structural Plans |
| Structural Letter | StrucLtr | Additional Application Materials |
| Survey (ISP, ILC, Topographic, etc.) | Survey | Survey |
| Sustainable Deconstruction Plan | SustDeconPln | Sustainable Deconstruction Plan |
| Wetland Mitigation Plan | WetMitPln | Additional Application Materials |
| Wetland Report/ Criteria Response | WetCrt | Additional Application Materials |
| Xcel Energy Approval | XcelApp | Additional Application Materials |
| Zoning Data Worksheet | ZonData | Zoning Data Worksheet |