By Abraham Becerra, Owner and Principal Contractor · August 3, 2026
The rule of thumb
If the work changes what is inside a wall cavity or alters a system in the home, it needs a permit. Moving walls, adding a bathroom, rerouting ductwork, replacing wiring and finishing a basement all require one. Painting, flooring, replacing cabinets and swapping a toilet in the same spot generally do not.
Projects Aurora publishes guidance on
The city's residential improvement handbook walks through the common projects and their permits: basement finishes, decks, roof replacements, patio covers, water heaters, sheds, interior kitchen and bathroom remodels, driveways, additions and new detached garages.
How the process runs
A permit application goes to the Building Division at 15151 East Alameda Parkway with drawings that show the layout and the systems affected. Simple jobs are often processed quickly, while projects with plan review take longer. Once issued, the work is inspected in stages, such as footing, framing, electrical and plumbing, then a final inspection.
Who pulls the permit
Homeowners may pull their own permit, and licensed trades pull theirs. The important thing is that the permit is in place before work starts and that the name on it matches who is doing the work. Ask your contractor directly who is responsible for the permit and the inspections, and get it in writing.
What happens if you skip it
Unpermitted work can be enforced against, which can mean opening finished walls to let an inspector see the work. It also causes problems at resale, since a buyer's inspection or a lender can ask for proof that the work was permitted and closed out.
Fees differ from town to town
Permit pricing is not uniform across the metro. Some offices charge a flat fee for a basement finish while others price the permit from the job's valuation and add plan review, so the same project can cost differently in Aurora than in a neighboring city.
Common Questions About This Topic
Do I need a permit to finish my basement in Aurora?
Yes. A basement finish that adds walls, wiring or plumbing requires a building permit, and the work is inspected before the drywall goes up.
Does replacing a faucet or a toilet need a permit?
Generally no, when it is a like for like swap in the same location. If you are moving the fixture, adding a line or changing the layout, a permit applies.
Who is responsible for pulling the permit?
Either the homeowner or the contractor, but the arrangement should be clear in writing before work begins. Confirm who pulls the permit and who schedules each inspection.
What happens if work was done without a permit?
The city can require the work to be exposed for inspection, which can mean opening finished walls. Unpermitted work also causes problems during a sale when proof of a closed permit is requested.