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HVAC in Boulder
Licensed hvac services for Boulder and Boulder County. Climate control engineered for comfort.
- Full Design Lifecycle
- Construction & Tenant Finish
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EVERY PROJECT STARTS WITH DESIGN
Local Service
HVAC Services in Boulder, Colorado
Autotelic provides professional hvac services throughout Boulder and the surrounding Boulder County area. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installation, replacement, and ductwork for residential and commercial buildings. 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.
Energy Code
Boulder energy code quick facts
- Code reference
- 2024 City of Boulder Energy Conservation Code (CoBECC), effective December 1, 2024 (based on the 2024 ICC suite of codes with local amendments; all-electric requirements for new construction, additions, and major alterations).
- Code reference
- This applies to the City of Boulder (not unincorporated Boulder County, which follows the 2021 IECC with amendments effective July 1, 2026).
- Code reference
- The code emphasizes performance paths (e.g., ERI/HERS targets) for most projects but retains prescriptive options for smaller additions/remodels (≤1,000 sf for residential).
- Code reference
- Boulder is in Climate Zone 5B.
- Code reference
- Prescriptive requirements align closely with or reference 2024 IECC Table R402.1.2 (and related sections R401–R404, R407–R408) unless locally amended; projects often use performance paths due to stringency.
- Code reference
- Key prescriptive requirements relevant to remodels/additions (from CoBECC/2024 IECC Table R402.1.2 and related sections for CZ 5B; cite the adopting code section or CoBECC equivalent):section or
- Ceiling/attic insulation
- R-49 minimum (R402.1.2 / CoBECC Chapter 4 RE).
- Wood-frame above-grade walls
- R-20 + R-5 continuous insulation (ci), or R-13 + R-10 ci, or R-20 ci (R402.1.2 / CoBECC Chapter 4 RE).
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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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 HVAC work covers in the Denver metro
HVAC projects in the Denver metro include furnace and air-conditioner service, heat-pump and packaged-unit replacement, duct repairs, thermostat upgrades, and ventilation changes tied to remodels. Commercial buildings may also need rooftop units, zoning, and coordination with roofing or structural openings. A municipally licensed Denver general contractor coordinates the overall project and the licensed specialty trades required for mechanical and related electrical work. Scope should state whether the visit is repair, replacement, or a remodel that changes equipment location or duct routes.
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Front Range climate and equipment choices
Denver winters and high summer temperatures put real load on heating and cooling equipment. Altitude, wide daily temperature swings, and wildfire-season air quality can influence filter strategy and outdoor-unit placement. Equipment selection should match the building's size, insulation, duct condition, and fuel or electrical service available on site. Replacement projects benefit from a load-aware assessment rather than one-for-one equipment swaps that ignore duct leakage or undersized returns. Cost is project-specific and depends on equipment type, access, duct work, and electrical or gas changes.
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Remodel and commercial coordination
Kitchen, bathroom, and addition projects often change supply and return needs. Closing or opening rooms without adjusting airflow can create comfort problems. Commercial replacements commonly involve roof curbs, structural support, crane or lift access, and sequencing with roofing patches. A clear plan names equipment locations, thermostat zones, fresh-air requirements, and who will handle gas, electrical, and roof penetrations.
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Permits and who coordinates the work
Many furnace, condenser, and duct alterations require mechanical permits and inspections through the local city or county. Related electrical or gas work is handled by the specialty trades qualified for that scope. 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 HVAC packages. Permit responsibility and inspection sequencing should be stated in the project plan.
FAQ
Common questions
Repair or replace — how do you decide?
Repair is often practical for localized failures on equipment that is otherwise sound. Replacement is more common when the system is near end of life, parts are scarce, or comfort and efficiency goals cannot be met with the existing unit and ducts. An on-site assessment should drive that choice.
Who handles the HVAC permits and licensing?
A municipally licensed Denver general contractor coordinates the project and the licensed specialty trades required for the work. Local city or county building departments issue mechanical and related permits. Colorado has no statewide general contractor license.
Do heat pumps work in Denver winters?
Cold-climate heat pumps can be appropriate for many Denver-metro homes when sized and installed for local design temperatures, often with a planned backup heat strategy. Suitability depends on the building envelope, electrical service, and comfort expectations.
How is commercial HVAC different from residential work?
Commercial projects more often involve rooftop equipment, larger duct systems, tighter sequencing around occupancy, and coordination with roofing and structural openings. Access for lifts or cranes can dominate the schedule.
What information helps define an accurate HVAC scope?
Equipment type and age if known, symptoms or comfort complaints, fuel source, recent utility bills if available, remodel drawings, and photos of the furnace closet, attic, or rooftop unit. Note the city or county for permitting.
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.
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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