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BOULDER SERVICES

MEP Engineering in Boulder

Licensed MEP engineering services for Boulder and Boulder County. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design.

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MEP Engineering

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design

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Local Service

MEP Engineering Services in Boulder, Colorado

Autotelic provides professional MEP engineering services throughout Boulder and the surrounding Boulder County area. Professional MEP engineering services including HVAC design, electrical load calculations, plumbing layouts, and energy code compliance. 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 MEP coordination covers

MEP engineering coordination on Denver-metro projects means bringing design professionals into mechanical, electrical, and plumbing scopes: HVAC loads and duct layouts, electrical one-lines and panel schedules, plumbing risers, and energy-code documentation. The general contractor coordinates schedule, permitting, and construction around sealed drawings. A municipally licensed Denver general contractor does not replace the engineer of record; it coordinates design professionals and the build team. Cost is project-specific and depends on building type and system complexity.

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When CPD wants engineered packages

City and County of Denver Community Planning and Development asks for engineered drawings, calculations, specifications, and energy-code information when commercial or multifamily work includes electrical, mechanical, or plumbing changes. Additions typically need building plus electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and Sewer Use and Drainage (SUDP) review through DOTI. Equipment replacements can trigger mechanical review for capacity, makeup air, and exhaust.

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Permits and who coordinates the work

MEP packages are submitted through Denver CPD e-permits with the building permit. Colorado DORA regulates electrical and plumbing licensing. 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 plus the design professionals required for the project.

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What buyers should prepare

Project type (tenant finish, addition, equipment swap), any existing drawings, and known panel, HVAC, or plumbing capacity limits.

FAQ

Common questions

Do MEP changes need engineered drawings in Denver?

Often yes for commercial and multifamily work. CPD commercial plan review lists electrical, mechanical, and plumbing as drawing-review items when those systems change.

Who handles MEP permits and licensing?

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

Is the GC the MEP engineer of record?

No. Sealed mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design is provided by design professionals who seal the documents. The GC coordinates construction around those documents.

When is an SUDP involved?

Denver DOTI reviews Sewer Use and Drainage with most building-permit packages, including many remodels, because fixture or drainage changes can affect sewer use.

What information helps define scope?

Desired system changes, existing drawings if any, photos of equipment and panels, 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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