Inspections
Schedule your inspections online through our CityView Portal. You will need to register on the portal in order to schedule inspections. Make sure to follow the instructions for registration under the Portal Help menu. If you are a contractor you will need to log in using your company login. You can also schedule inspections through the Inspection Request Line 303-538-7396. For roofing inspections only call 303-538-7430.
In addition, the following policies regarding inspections have been put in place:
Contemporaneous Reviews Policy [PDF/198KB]
Attention all residential foundation Installers:
Please read UFER Inspection Requirements Effective May 16, 2022.
UFER Inspection Requirements [PDF/106KB]
We have resumed in-person inspections within occupied structures and will attempt to accommodate the homeowner based on their comfort level with in-person inspections. If a virtual inspection is preferred, please clarify such when scheduling the inspection (**see virtual inspection guidelines below). We will continue to provide in-person inspections for work being done outside of the occupied structure (i.e. fences, detached garages, etc.).
The following is a list of what we believe could be inspected via virtual inspection in an occupied structure: caisson, footing, stem wall, water heater, furnace, AC, rough inspections, drywall, final inspections, final deck/ patio cover, driveway, and fence.
All Roof inspections and Solar PV inspections will be done virtually. Onsite contact information must be provided when scheduling.
Basem*nt finish re-inspections may be scheduled for virtual inspection and will be left to the discretion of the inspector whether an inspection can be completed.
The exception to this rule will be when there is an inspection that is specifically related to safety/health in occupied structures.
Before scheduling a virtual inspection, please verify you have the following:
- Facetime or Google Meets app installed on your mobile device,
- Wi-Fi connection (be sure the signal works outdoors as you will be asked to verify your address in the video)
- Have inspection tools available (tape measure, level, flashlight, GFCI capable outlet tester, step ladder)
- When scheduling the inspection, provide name and phone number of the person operating the camera. If this information is not provided the inspection will be automatically canceled and you will need to reschedule it.
NOTE: If at any time the inspector believes they cannot complete an inspection virtually due to poor signal, or other reason they may require the inspection be rescheduled at a later date and/or in-person.
Required only for Commercial, Multi-family, and Single Family Attached Shell Permits. To begin the routing process please call 303-538-7250 one week prior to requesting final inspections.
The City of Thornton has amended the roofing sections of the International Building Code and the International Residential Code to require asphalt shingles to carry a manufacturer's national wind warranty for the City’s designated wind speed of 90 mph 3-Second Gust. Please see our Roofing Standards [PDF/164KB] for a list of approved shingles and other roofing requirements.
Please read the Roofing Inspection Policy [PDF/97KB] effective 3/5/2024.
A building permit is required any time you erect, construct, enlarge, remodel, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, or change the type of occupancy of any building, structure or utility. For a list of projects that require a permit and a list of projects that do not require a permit, click on the Building Permit Requirements link listed under the Permits, License Application section of links.
The process to obtain a permit will vary dependent upon the complexity of the project. It is our goal to get plans through the system and a permit issued in the minimum amount of time possible.
Once you have all of the information gathered for a complete submittal package the application and plans can be submitted electronically through the CityView Portal. Refer to the Submittal Requirement links on the right hand panel for more information.
The amount of time to process and review a plan from the initial submittal date to the completion of the first review (the turn around time) will vary with the type of project. Delays may occur due to high volume of applications.
- New Commercial - 18 working days or less
- Commercial Tenant Improvements & Remodels - 13 working days or less
- New Residential except multifamily - 13 working days or less
- Residential Remodels and Misc. - 8 working days or less
Once all approvals have been completed, the application is prepared for permit issuance by the permit technician staff. They will verify that all contractors are currently licensed, all permission forms have been received and calculate the permit fee. Once this is complete, you will be notified that the permit is ready for issuance. Following payment of fees, you can access the building permit, required inspection and the approved plans by accessing the permit in the online portal.
Adopted Codes for the City of Thornton
- 2021 International Building Code
- 2021 International Residential Code
- 2021 International Plumbing Code
- 2021 International Mechanical Code
- 2021 International Fuel Gas Code
- 2021 International Existing Building Code
- 2021 International Energy Conservation Code
- 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
- 2021 International Fire Code
- 2020 National Electric Code
