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BOULDER SERVICES

Alarm Systems in Boulder

Licensed alarm systems services for Boulder and Boulder County. Protection you can count on.

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Alarm Systems

Protection you can count on

Local Service

Alarm Systems Services in Boulder, Colorado

Autotelic provides professional alarm systems services throughout Boulder and the surrounding Boulder County area. Intrusion alarm systems with door/window sensors, motion detectors, glass break sensors, and professional or self-monitoring. Whether you're in Boulder (home to CU Boulder) or nearby communities, our team delivers quality workmanship backed by Colorado licensing and full insurance coverage.

Permit Thresholds

Boulder permit thresholds

Exempt work (no permit required, though work must still comply with all applicab
The complete list is referenced in Boulder Revised Code (B.R.C.) 1981, Title 10, Chapter 5, Section 10-5-2 (Adoption of International Building Code with Modifications, including exemptions in section J).Section 10-5-2
Code reference
Minor drywall repairs (<1 sheet or 32 sq ft).
Code reference
One-story accessory sheds (≤120 sq ft, ≤10 ft high, no utilities/electrical/mechanical/plumbing).
Code reference
Fences ≤7 ft high.
Code reference
Flatwork (private sidewalks, patios, driveways) ≤30 inches above grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route.
Code reference
Playground equipment accessory to 1- or 2-family dwellings.
Code reference
Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools accessory to 1- or 2-family dwellings (<24 inches deep, ≤5,000 gallons).
Code reference
Retaining walls ≤3 ft high (measured from footing bottom to wall top), unless supporting a surcharge or impounding certain flammables.

Codes are amended regularly — verify current requirements with **City of Boulder Planning and Development Services (P&DS; specifically its Building Permits and Inspections section) issues residential building permits for properties within Boulder city limits.

Zoning & Dimensional Standards

Setback & dimensional standards in Boulder

Zone-district dimensional standards for Boulder, quoted verbatim from the Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024). Knowing your lot's district — and its setbacks, height, and coverage limits — is where every feasibility conversation starts.

Asetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)25' (k)
Side Interior Setback (min)15'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)25'
Rear Setback (min)25'
Building Height (max)35'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) A setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

BCsetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)20'
Side Interior Setback (min)0' or 12'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)15'
Rear Setback (min)20'
Building Height (max)35'; 40' (in I-zones)

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) BC setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

BCSsetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)10'
Side Interior Setback (min)0' or 12'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)10'
Rear Setback (min)20'
Building Height (max)35'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) BCS setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

BMSsetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)0' (k)
Side Interior Setback (min)0' or 5'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)0' for first and second stories 12' for third story and above
Rear Setback (min)0'
Building Height (max)38'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) BMS setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

BRsetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)20'
Side Interior Setback (min)0' or 12'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)15'
Rear Setback (min)20'
Building Height (max)35'; 40' (in I-zones)

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) BR setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

BT-1setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)20'
Side Interior Setback (min)0' or 12'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)15'
Rear Setback (min)20'
Building Height (max)35'; 40' (in I-zones)

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) BT-1 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

BT-2setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)20'
Side Interior Setback (min)10'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)15'
Rear Setback (min)25'
Building Height (max)35'; 40' (in I-zones)

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) BT-2 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

DT-1setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)0' (k)
Side Interior Setback (min)0' or 12'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)0' (k)
Rear Setback (min)15'
Building Height (max)38'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) DT-1 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

DT-2setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)0' (k)
Side Interior Setback (min)0' or 12'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)0' (k)
Rear Setback (min)15'
Building Height (max)38'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) DT-2 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

DT-3setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)0' (k)
Side Interior Setback (min)0' or 12'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)0' (k)
Rear Setback (min)15'
Building Height (max)38'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) DT-3 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

DT-4setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)0' (k)
Side Interior Setback (min)0' or 12'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)0'
Rear Setback (min)15'
Building Height (max)38'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) DT-4 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

DT-5setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)0' (k)
Side Interior Setback (min)0' or 12'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)0' (k)
Rear Setback (min)15'
Building Height (max)38'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) DT-5 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

IGsetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)20'
Side Interior Setback (min)0' or 12'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)15'
Rear Setback (min)20'
Building Height (max)35'; 40' (in I-zones)

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) IG setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

IMsetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)20'
Side Interior Setback (min)0' or 12'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)15'
Rear Setback (min)20'
Building Height (max)35'; 40' (in I-zones)

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) IM setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

IMSsetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)0' (k)
Side Interior Setback (min)0' or 5'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)0'
Rear Setback (min)10'
Building Height (max)35'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) IMS setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

IS-1setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)20'
Side Interior Setback (min)0' or 12'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)15'
Rear Setback (min)20'
Building Height (max)35'; 40' (in I-zones)

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) IS-1 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

IS-2setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)20'
Side Interior Setback (min)0' or 12'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)15'
Rear Setback (min)20'
Building Height (max)35'; 40' (in I-zones)

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) IS-2 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

MHsetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)See section 9-7-13
Side Interior Setback (min)See section 9-7-13
Rear Setback (min)See section 9-7-13
Building Height (max)35'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) MH setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

MU-1setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)15'
Side Interior Setback (min)0' or 5'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)0' or 5' (b)
Rear Setback (min)10'
Building Height (max)35'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) MU-1 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

MU-2setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)0' (k)
Side Interior Setback (min)0' or 5'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)0'
Rear Setback (min)10'
Building Height (max)35'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) MU-2 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

MU-3setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)0' (k)
Side Interior Setback (min)0' or 5'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)0' for first and second stories 12' for third story and above
Rear Setback (min)15'
Building Height (max)38'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) MU-3 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

MU-4setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)0' (k)
Side Interior Setback (min)0' or 5'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)0' for first and second stories 12' for third story and above
Rear Setback (min)0'
Building Height (max)38'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) MU-4 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

Psetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)25' (k)
Side Interior Setback (min)10'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)12.5' (k)
Rear Setback (min)25'
Building Height (max)35'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) P setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

REsetback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)25' (k)
Side Interior Setback (min)10'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)25'
Rear Setback (min)25'
Building Height (max)35'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RE setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

RH-1setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)15'
Side Interior Setback (min)0' or 3'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)1' per 2' of bldg. height, 10' min. (i)
Rear Setback (min)15'
Building Height (max)35'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RH-1 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

RH-2setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)25' (k)
Side Interior Setback (min)10'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)12.5' (k)
Rear Setback (min)25'
Building Height (max)35'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RH-2 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

RH-3setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)10'
Side Interior Setback (min)1' per 3' of bldg. height, 5' min. (i)
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)1' per 2' of bldg. height, 10' min. (i)
Rear Setback (min)15'
Building Height (max)40'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RH-3 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

RH-4setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)20'
Side Interior Setback (min)1' per 2' of bldg. height, 5' min. (i)
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)1' per 2' of bldg. height, 10' min. (i)
Rear Setback (min)20'
Building Height (max)35'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RH-4 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

RH-5setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)25' (k)
Side Interior Setback (min)10'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)12.5' (k)
Rear Setback (min)25'
Building Height (max)35'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RH-5 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

RH-6setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)15'
Side Interior Setback (min)0' or 3'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)1' per 2' of bldg. height, 10' min. (i)
Rear Setback (min)15'
Building Height (max)35'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RH-6 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

RH-7setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)10'
Side Interior Setback (min)1' per 3' of bldg. height, 5' min. (i)
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)1' per 2' of bldg. height, 10' min. (i)
Rear Setback (min)15'
Building Height (max)40'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RH-7 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

RL-1setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)25' (k)
Side Interior Setback (min)5'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)12.5' (k)
Rear Setback (min)25'
Building Height (max)35'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RL-1 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

RL-2setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)20'
Side Interior Setback (min)1' per 2' of bldg. height, 5' min. (i)
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)10'
Rear Setback (min)20'
Building Height (max)35'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RL-2 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

RM-1setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)20'
Side Interior Setback (min)1' per 2' of bldg. height, 5' min. (i)
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)10'
Rear Setback (min)20'
Building Height (max)35'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RM-1 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

RM-2setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)25' (k)
Side Interior Setback (min)5'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)12.5' (k)
Rear Setback (min)25'
Building Height (max)35'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RM-2 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

RM-3setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)15'
Side Interior Setback (min)0' or 3'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)1' per 2' of bldg. height, 10' min. (i)
Rear Setback (min)15'
Building Height (max)35'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RM-3 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

RMX-1setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)25' (k)
Side Interior Setback (min)5'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)12.5' (k)
Rear Setback (min)25'
Building Height (max)35'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RMX-1 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

RMX-2setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)15'
Side Interior Setback (min)0' (attached DUs); 1' per 2' of bldg. height, 5' min. (detached DUs) (i)
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)0' (attached DUs); 1' per 2' of bldg. height, 5' min. (detached DUs) (i)
Rear Setback (min)20'
Building Height (max)35'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RMX-2 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

RR-1setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)25' (k)
Side Interior Setback (min)15'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)25'
Rear Setback (min)25'
Building Height (max)35'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RR-1 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

RR-2setback & dimensional standards
StandardRequirement
Front Setback (min)25' (k)
Side Interior Setback (min)10'
Side Setback Abutting Street (min)25'
Rear Setback (min)25'
Building Height (max)35'

Boulder Revised Code, Title 9 Land Use Code (through Ord. 8599, 2024) RR-2 setback standards (\u00a79-7-1 Table 7-1 Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards) — effective 2024 · View the code

Verify current requirements with the jurisdiction — informational reference only. Standards vary by overlay, lot, and use; we confirm the exact rules for your property during feasibility.

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What alarm system work covers

Alarm projects in the Denver metro include sensors, control panels, keypads, and monitoring handoffs for security systems, plus coordination with related low-voltage pathways. Fire alarm life-safety systems are a specialized path and should not be confused with basic burglar alarms. A municipally licensed Denver general contractor coordinates alarm packages and licensed specialty trades when new electrical power is required. Cost is project-specific and depends on device count, existing wiring, and monitoring needs.

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Power and pathways

Many devices are low-voltage, but panels and power supplies may need dedicated outlets or circuits. Cable routes through finished spaces affect concealment options.

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Permits and who coordinates the work

Low-voltage alarm cabling often does not need a City and County of Denver building permit. New electrical circuits typically do. Fire alarm systems may require fire department review separate from basic security installs. Cities and counties license general contractors. Colorado has no statewide general contractor license. Autotelic acts as a municipally licensed Denver general contractor and coordinates licensed specialty trades when electrical work is included.

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What buyers should prepare

Door/window counts, whether monitoring is desired, existing panel details, and any insurance requirements.

FAQ

Common questions

Do alarm installs need a Denver building permit?

Often not for low-voltage devices alone. New electrical circuits usually need CPD electrical permits. Fire alarms may have separate review.

Who handles permits and licensing when power is added?

A municipally licensed Denver general contractor coordinates the project and licensed specialty trades. Colorado has no statewide general contractor license.

Is a security alarm the same as a fire alarm?

No. Life-safety fire alarm systems follow different codes and review paths.

Can this integrate with cameras or access control?

Often yes when planned together for pathways and power. Define those systems up front.

What information helps define scope?

Property type, device goals, monitoring needs, existing equipment, and city or county.

Service Area

Serving Boulder and Boulder County

We serve Boulder, CO and all surrounding Denver metro communities. Our team is based in Denver and operates throughout the Front Range, from Castle Rock to Longmont and everywhere in between. Contact us for a free estimate on your Boulder project.

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