Centennial ADU Permits & Hazard Abatement Ordinance
Centennial, Colorado homeowners and contractors must follow local ordinances for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), energy efficiency measures and hazard abatement to remain compliant and avoid enforcement. This guide summarizes the permitting path, who enforces the rules, typical violations, and practical steps to apply, appeal, or report unsafe conditions. For the controlling text consult the Centennial municipal code and the city departments that administer permits and inspections Centennial Municipal Code[1], the Building Division permit guidance City of Centennial - Building Division[2], and the Planning Division for zoning and ADU standards City of Centennial - Planning Division[3].
Overview of ADU, Energy and Hazard Rules
ADUs are regulated through Centennial zoning and building permit processes; energy requirements follow applicable code editions adopted by the city and hazard abatement is enforced under property maintenance and nuisance provisions. Typical steps include pre-application zoning review, building permit submittal with construction documents, plan review, inspections and final approval. Variances or waivers may require Planning Commission or administrative review depending on the issue and zoning district.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement is carried out by Centennial departments charged with code compliance, most commonly the Building Division and Community Development (Planning/Code Enforcement). Specific penalty amounts and schedules are set in the municipal code or related enforcement rules; when amounts or escalation paths are not stated on the cited page this guide indicates that explicitly.
- Fines: not specified on the cited page; see the municipal code for monetary penalties and fine schedules.[1]
- Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence procedures and per-day penalties are not specified on the cited page; enforcement follows the ordinance enforcement provisions.[1]
- Non-monetary sanctions: orders to abate, stop-work orders, lien filings and referral to municipal court or district court are available under the code and department procedures.[1]
- Enforcer & complaints: file complaints or request inspections via the Community Development/Building Division contact and permit portals for inspections and compliance matters.[2]
- Appeals & review: appeal routes and time limits are set by the municipal code and administrative rules; specific deadlines are not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed with the department.[1]
Applications & Forms
Permit and application names and submission methods are provided by the Building Division and Planning Division. Common items include the building permit application and plan sets for ADU construction, and zoning review or variance applications when an ADU does not meet dimensional standards. Fees, exact form names, electronic submittal portals and deadlines are published by the City; where a specific fee or form name is not available on the cited page, the guide notes that fact.[2]
- Building Permit Application: available from the Building Division; fee amounts not specified on the cited page.[2]
- Zoning Review / ADU Checklist: obtain from the Planning Division; submittal requirements may vary by zoning district.[3]
- Permit fees: listed by the Building Division or permit portal; specific current fees are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with staff or the permit system.[2]
Common Violations
- Constructing an ADU without a building permit
- Failing to abate identified hazards such as unsafe wiring or structural defects
- Noncompliant ADU dimensions or occupancy contrary to zoning rules
Action Steps
- Pre-apply: contact Planning for zoning constraints before designing an ADU.[3]
- Submit complete permit documents to the Building Division via the published permit portal.[2]
- Schedule inspections and retain records of approvals and correspondence.
- If you receive an enforcement notice, file an appeal within the code's stated timeframes or seek a variance if eligible; check the municipal code for appeal time limits.[1]
FAQ
- Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Centennial?
- Yes; ADUs require zoning review and a building permit. Confirm specific submission requirements with the Planning and Building divisions.[2]
- How do I report a hazardous property or unsafe construction?
- Report hazards to the Building Division or Community Development through the official contact pages; emergency hazards should also be reported to the appropriate emergency services.[2]
- What if my ADU doesn't meet dimensional standards?
- Apply for a variance or administrative relief via the Planning Division; procedures and fees are published by Planning and in the municipal code.[3]
How-To
- Contact Planning for a pre-application zoning check to confirm whether an ADU is allowed on your property.[3]
- Prepare construction drawings and energy compliance documentation per adopted building codes.
- Submit a Building Permit Application and required plans to the Building Division via the official permit portal.[2]
- Respond to plan review comments and schedule required inspections during construction.
- Obtain final approval and retain the certificate of occupancy or final inspection record.
Key Takeaways
- Start with Planning: zoning constraints determine ADU feasibility.
- Permits and inspections are mandatory for safety and compliance.
- Use official City resources and contacts to confirm fees, deadlines and appeal periods.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Centennial - Building Division
- City of Centennial - Planning Division
- Centennial Municipal Code (Municode)