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LAKEWOOD SERVICES
Excavation in Lakewood
Licensed excavation services for Lakewood and Jefferson County. Groundwork done right.
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Local Service
Excavation Services in Lakewood, Colorado
Autotelic provides professional excavation services throughout Lakewood and the surrounding Jefferson County area. Foundation excavation, utility trenching, grading, and backfill services for residential and commercial construction. Whether you're in Lakewood (Jefferson County's largest city) or nearby communities, our team delivers quality workmanship backed by Colorado licensing and full insurance coverage.
Permits & Licensing
Permits in Lakewood
Lakewood building and construction permits are issued through the Public Works Department, and contractors must be registered with the city and hold a Lakewood contractor account before pulling permits. Permitting and inspections run through the city's eTRAKiT online system. Authority: City of Lakewood — Public Works Department (Building and Construction Permits).
Permit Thresholds
Lakewood permit thresholds
- Code reference
- Permits are generally required for residential remodel work in Lakewood, Colorado, unless the work falls under specific exemptions listed in the city’s adopted Building Code (referenced as § 105.2 in secondary sources and detailed in the official exemptions list). There are no broad valuation th§ 105.2
- Code reference
- One-story detached accessory buildings (tool/storage sheds, pergolas, playhouses, etc.) ≤ 120 sq ft (commercial) or ≤ 200 sq ft (residential), with additional placement rules.
- Code reference
- Moveable cases, cabinets, counters, and partitions ≤ 5’9” high.
- Code reference
- Retaining walls ≤ 30 inches high (unless supporting surcharge or impounding flammables).
- Code reference
- Private walks/driveways ≤ 30 inches above grade (not over basement/story below, not part of accessible route).
- Code reference
- Prefabricated non-heated swimming pools < 24 inches deep without circulation system.
- Code reference
- Window awnings on Group R-3 occupancies projecting ≤ 54” from exterior wall.
- Code reference
- Roof covering repairs < 100 sq ft (unless removing mechanical/electrical equipment).
Codes are amended regularly — verify current requirements with City of Lakewood — Public Works Department (Building and Construction Permits).
Energy Code
Lakewood energy code quick facts
- Code reference
- 2021 IECC (with Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code amendments required by state law HB22-1362; Lakewood has also adopted solar-ready provisions via Appendix RB).
- Code reference
- Lakewood’s adopted codes document explicitly lists the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (no major local energy-specific amendments noted beyond state-mandated additions).
- Code reference
- Climate zone is 5 (5B for the Denver-metro area).
- Code reference
- Key prescriptive requirements (from 2021 IECC Table R402.1.2 and related sections for Climate Zone 5, applicable to new construction, additions, and alterations/remodels where triggered; existing buildings and additions must comply with envelope and other provisions unless exempted):
- Ceiling/attic insulation
- R-60 (or equivalent U-factor).
- Adopting reference
- 2021 IECC Table R402.1.2 (R402.1 prescriptive requirements).
- Wood-frame wall insulation
- R-20 + R-5ci or R-13 + R-10ci (or equivalent U-factor).
- Adopting reference
- 2021 IECC Table R402.1.2.
Codes are amended regularly — verify current requirements with City of Lakewood — Public Works Department (Building and Construction Permits).
Zoning & Dimensional Standards
Setback & dimensional standards in Lakewood
Zone-district dimensional standards for Lakewood, quoted verbatim from the Lakewood Zoning Code (2025). Knowing your lot's district — and its setbacks, height, and coverage limits — is where every feasibility conversation starts.
C-Lsetback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 15 ft. |
| Side Setback (min) | 5 ft. |
| Rear Setback (min) | 5 ft. |
| Building Height (max) | 45 ft. |
| Open Space (min %) | 25% |
Lakewood Zoning Code (2025) C-L setback standards (Article 5 Tables 4 & 8 Dimensional Standards (§17.5)) — effective 2025-03-24 · View the code
C-Rsetback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 15 ft. |
| Side Setback (min) | 5 ft. |
| Rear Setback (min) | 5 ft. |
| Building Height (max) | 90 ft. |
| Open Space (min %) | 25% |
Lakewood Zoning Code (2025) C-R setback standards (Article 5 Tables 4 & 8 Dimensional Standards (§17.5)) — effective 2025-03-24 · View the code
LIsetback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 15 ft. |
| Side Setback (min) | 5 ft. |
| Rear Setback (min) | 5 ft. |
| Building Height (max) | 60 ft. |
| Open Space (min %) | 25% |
Lakewood Zoning Code (2025) LI setback standards (Article 5 Tables 4 & 8 Dimensional Standards (§17.5)) — effective 2025-03-24 · View the code
R-L-Asetback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 25 ft. |
| Side Setback (min) | 10 ft. |
| Non-Primary Frontage Front Setback (min) | 20 ft. |
| Rear Setback (min) | 15 ft. |
| Building Height (max) | 35 ft. |
| Minimum Lot Size | 7,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 75 ft. |
| Open Space (min %) | 50% |
Lakewood Zoning Code (2025) R-L-A setback standards (Article 5 Tables 4 & 8 Dimensional Standards (§17.5)) — effective 2025-03-24 · View the code
R-L-Bsetback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 25 ft. |
| Side Setback (min) | 5 ft. |
| Non-Primary Frontage Front Setback (min) | 20 ft. |
| Rear Setback (min) | 15 ft. |
| Building Height (max) | 35 ft. |
| Minimum Lot Size | 5,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 60 ft. |
| Open Space (min %) | 50% |
Lakewood Zoning Code (2025) R-L-B setback standards (Article 5 Tables 4 & 8 Dimensional Standards (§17.5)) — effective 2025-03-24 · View the code
R-L-Csetback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 25 ft. |
| Side Setback (min) | 5 ft. |
| Non-Primary Frontage Front Setback (min) | 20 ft. |
| Rear Setback (min) | 15 ft. |
| Building Height (max) | 35 ft. |
| Minimum Lot Size | 1,500 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 25 ft. |
| Open Space (min %) | 50% |
Lakewood Zoning Code (2025) R-L-C setback standards (Article 5 Tables 4 & 8 Dimensional Standards (§17.5)) — effective 2025-03-24 · View the code
R-L-MHsetback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 25 ft. |
| Side Setback (min) | 5 ft. |
| Non-Primary Frontage Front Setback (min) | 20 ft. |
| Rear Setback (min) | 15 ft. |
| Building Height (max) | 25 ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 35 (SW) 40 (DW) |
| Open Space (min %) | 25% |
Lakewood Zoning Code (2025) R-L-MH setback standards (Article 5 Tables 4 & 8 Dimensional Standards (§17.5)) — effective 2025-03-24 · View the code
R-Msetback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 10 ft. |
| Side Setback (min) | 5 ft. |
| Non-Primary Frontage Front Setback (min) | 10 ft. |
| Rear Setback (min) | 15 ft. |
| Building Height (max) | 45 ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 18 ft. |
| Open Space (min %) | 30% |
Lakewood Zoning Code (2025) R-M setback standards (Article 5 Tables 4 & 8 Dimensional Standards (§17.5)) — effective 2025-03-24 · 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 excavation work covers
Excavation in the Denver metro includes foundation cut, site grading, utility trenches, benching, sloping, and shoring when soils or lot-line conditions require it. Neighboring structures, utilities, and the public right-of-way often drive method. A municipally licensed Denver general contractor coordinates earthwork and licensed specialty trades. Cost is project-specific and depends on depth, soils, and protection of adjacent property.
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When shoring and extra permits show up
Denver CPD commonly treats excavation, benching, or shoring as a separate permit when the cut is more than 4 feet deep, closer than 4 feet to a lot line, or steeper than 1.5 horizontal to 1 vertical. IRC houses follow building-code policy ADMIN 130/131 and DCBC 3307; those details often ride with the residential construction permit, with excavation issued first. Shoring and soils packages are typically sealed by design professionals. Work that abuts the public ROW may need a DOTI excavation bond; shoring that enters the ROW needs a temporary shoring ROW permit.
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Permits and who coordinates the work
City and County of Denver Community Planning and Development reviews excavation and shoring. Denver DOTI reviews Sewer Use and Drainage (SUDP) for excavations, grading, floodplain, groundwater, and ROW impacts. The residential permitting guide also calls for DDPHE review on excavations. Check floodplain status at denvergov.org/flood before drawing. 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 for excavation scopes.
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What buyers should prepare
Proposed depth, distance to lot lines, any soils report, photos of neighboring structures, and whether the dig will touch the alley or street.
FAQ
Common questions
Do I need a separate excavation permit in Denver?
Often yes when the cut is over 4 feet deep, close to a lot line, or steeper than 1.5 to 1. Houses may include excavation details with the building permit, with excavation issued before construction.
Who handles excavation permits and licensing?
A municipally licensed Denver general contractor coordinates the project and licensed specialty trades. Colorado has no statewide general contractor license.
What is SUDP doing on a dig?
DOTI reviews sewer, storm grading, floodplain, groundwater, and ROW impacts for excavations. It is a separate review that typically runs with the building package.
When is shoring required?
When slopes cannot be laid back to the allowed ratio, when the cut is near a lot line or structure, or when the soils report requires it. Design professionals seal those packages.
What information helps define scope?
Depth, lot-line clearance, floodplain status, existing utilities, and city or county.
Service Area
Serving Lakewood and Jefferson County
We serve Lakewood, 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 Lakewood project.
How It Runs
01
Survey
02
Design
03
Build
04
Verify
DESIGN SERVICES
Discovery & Site Analysis
Needs + preference programming, site survey, as-built documentation, feasibility.
We walk, measure, and photograph your property — existing conditions, utilities, structure, and constraints. You get the as-built documentation and feasibility read that every later decision rests on.
Learn more →Concept Design & Space Planning
Schematic design, floor plan studies, layout options.
Your scope becomes schematic floor plans you can compare side by side — circulation, daylight, adjacencies, and what each option does to the budget. Layout decisions happen on paper, where changes are cheap.
Learn more →Architectural Design & 3D Renderings
Design development, materials + finishes, photorealistic visualization.
The chosen concept resolves into materials, finishes, fixtures, and lighting — with the automation layer drawn in. Photorealistic renderings let you walk the space and adjust before anything is priced.
Learn more →Construction Documents & Permitting
Full CD sets, structural + MEP engineering coordination, permit-ready drawings.
Approved designs become coordinated architectural, structural, and MEP sheets — the set your jurisdiction permits from and trades build from. We submit, track, and answer review comments.
Learn more →CONSTRUCTION
New Construction & Custom Homes
Ground-up homes and light commercial, dirt to keys.
Ground-up residential and light commercial builds — foundations through finishes, including modular and steel construction. One accountable builder from dirt to keys.
Learn more →Remodels & Additions
Kitchens, baths, basements, pop-tops, whole-home.
Kitchens, baths, basements, pop-tops, and whole-home renovations that respect the house you already have. We handle structure, permits, and the dust.
Learn more →Commercial Tenant Finish & Build-Outs
Shells to working spaces — retail, office, restaurant, school.
Raw shells become working spaces — showrooms, offices, restaurants, schools. Dealer-spec finishes, code compliance, and opening dates held.
Learn more →ADUs & Modular Construction
Backyard cottages, garage conversions, factory-built homes.
Backyard cottages, garage conversions, and factory-built homes — zoning, design, permits, and set. Denver’s ADU rules are a specialty, not a surprise.
Learn more →Outdoor Living & Patio Structures
Decks, pergolas, and dining patios built for Colorado weather.
Decks, pergolas, and dining patios engineered for Colorado sun, snow, and hail — structure, shade, and drainage done right the first time.
Learn more →TECHNOLOGY
Smart Home Automation
Lighting, shades, climate, audio, security — one interface.
Whole-home control of lighting, shades, climate, audio, and security from a single interface — Crestron, Lutron, Savant, and Control4 designed in, not bolted on.
Learn more →A/V Systems
Theaters, distributed audio, video walls, commercial sound.
Theaters, distributed audio, video walls, and commercial sound — designed, installed, and tuned by the same team for over 20 years.
Learn more →Control Systems
Custom programming — scenes and schedules that fit the space.
Every subsystem brought into one elegant interface — custom programming for homes and venues, with scenes and schedules that match how the space is actually used.
Learn more →Networking & Edge Compute
Enterprise Wi-Fi, structured cabling, racks, on-prem compute.
Enterprise-grade Wi-Fi, structured cabling, racks, and on-premise compute — the backbone that makes everything else reliable, including our own Barbot platform.
Learn more →Solar & Energy Storage
Solar arrays, Tesla Powerwall, EV charging — certified install.
Solar arrays, Tesla Powerwall, and EV charging designed and installed by a Tesla Energy Certified team — roof, electrical, and app in one scope.
Learn more →TRUSTED TO BUILD FOR
- Punch Bowl SocialFirst four locations
- Spectrum RetirementSenior living communities
- Denver HighlandsFirst modular custom home
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