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Plumbing in Aurora
Licensed plumbing services for Aurora and Arapahoe/Adams County. Reliable plumbing systems.
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Local Service
Plumbing Services in Aurora, Colorado
Autotelic provides professional plumbing services throughout Aurora and the surrounding Arapahoe/Adams County area. Complete plumbing services including rough-in, fixture installation, water heaters, and repiping for homes and commercial spaces. Whether you're in Aurora (Colorado's third-largest city) or nearby communities, our team delivers quality workmanship backed by Colorado licensing and full insurance coverage.
Permits & Licensing
Permits in Aurora
Aurora building permits are issued by the Building Division's Permit Center, which also handles public improvement, sign, and lawn and irrigation permits. Contractor licensing is a City of Aurora requirement, and applications go through the Aurora4Biz.org online portal. Authority: City of Aurora — Building Division (Permit Center).
Permit Thresholds
Aurora permit thresholds
- Code reference
- Permits are generally required for residential remodel work in Aurora, Colorado, per the adopted building codes (primarily the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) with local amendments in Aurora City Code Chapter 22, Article V), unless specifically exempt.
- Aurora City Code § 22-184 (amending IRC R105.2) exempts only
- one-story detached accessory residential storage sheds, playhouses, or shade structures ≤120 sq ft, not attached to the residence, and not used for vehicle storage.§ 22-184
- Code reference
- Aurora City Code § 22-135 (amending IBC 105.2) has similar limited exemptions for certain small accessory structures, fences ≤7 ft high (plus all chain-link fences), and antennae/towers ≤25 ft high.§ 22-135
- Structural triggers
- Any structural alteration, addition, or work affecting load-bearing elements generally requires a permit under the adopted IRC (see R105 and amendments).
- Use tax (construction materials use tax)
- Prior to permit issuance, a deposit is required based on 3.75% (three and three-fourths percent) applied to 50% of the total estimated cost of the building/construction/reconstruction/alteration/expansion/modification/improvement (or 100% of the total estimated cost of construction materials/
- Code reference
- This is per Aurora City Code § 130-61.§ 130-61.
- Code reference
- All information is based on the Aurora Municipal Code (Chapter 22) and official city resources.
Codes are amended regularly — verify current requirements with City of Aurora — Building Division (Permit Center).
Energy Code
Aurora energy code quick facts
- Code reference
- Aurora, Colorado, has adopted the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as its base energy code (with the Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code also required by state law).
- Code reference
- Aurora is in IECC Climate Zone 5B.
- Code reference
- The adopting provision is Aurora City Code § 22-203 (Code adopted, under Article VI, International Energy Conservation Code).§ 22-203
- Code reference
- Key prescriptive requirements relevant to remodels/additions (drawn from 2021 IECC Table R402.1.2 and related sections for CZ 5B; these apply unless a performance path or other compliance option is used):
- Ceiling/attic insulation
- R-49 (2021 IECC Table R402.1.2, CZ 5B).
- Wood-frame wall insulation
- R-20 or 13 + 5ci (continuous insulation) (2021 IECC Table R402.1.2, CZ 5B).
- Floor insulation (over unconditioned space)
- R-30 (2021 IECC Table R402.1.2, CZ 5B).
- Fenestration (windows)
- Maximum U-factor 0.30 and SHGC 0.40 (2021 IECC Table R402.1.2, CZ 5B).
Codes are amended regularly — verify current requirements with City of Aurora — Building Division (Permit Center).
Zoning & Dimensional Standards
Setback & dimensional standards in Aurora
Zone-district dimensional standards for Aurora, quoted verbatim from the Aurora Unified Development Ordinance. Knowing your lot's district — and its setbacks, height, and coverage limits — is where every feasibility conversation starts.
I-1setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Rear Setback (min) | 5 ft. |
Aurora Unified Development Ordinance I-1 setback standards (146-4.2.2 Table 4.2-1) — effective 2026-02-23 · View the code
I-2setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Rear Setback (min) | 5 ft. |
Aurora Unified Development Ordinance I-2 setback standards (146-4.2.2 Table 4.2-1) — effective 2026-02-23 · View the code
R-1setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Lot Area, Single-Family Detached (min) | 6,000 sf. [1] |
| Lot Frontage, Single-Family Detached (min) | Subarea A: 50 ft. Subarea B: 60 ft. |
| Front Setback (min) | 25 ft. [4] |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 5 ft. [6] |
| Side Setback Abutting Local Street (min) | 12.5 ft. |
| Rear Setback (min) | 20 ft. |
| Building Height (max) | 38 ft. |
Aurora Unified Development Ordinance R-1 setback standards (146-4.2.2 Table 4.2-1) — effective 2026-02-23 · View the code
R-2setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Lot Area, Single-Family Detached (min) | 6,000 sf. [1] |
| Lot Frontage, Single-Family Detached (min) | Subarea A: 50 ft. Subarea B: 60 ft. |
| Front Setback (min) | 20 ft. [4] |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 5 ft.[6] |
| Side Setback Abutting Local Street (min) | 10 ft. |
| Rear Setback (min) | 15 ft. |
| Building Height (max) | 38 ft. |
Aurora Unified Development Ordinance R-2 setback standards (146-4.2.2 Table 4.2-1) — effective 2026-02-23 · View the code
R-3setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Lot Area, Single-Family Detached (min) | 5,000 sf. |
| Lot Frontage, Single-Family Detached (min) | 50 ft. |
| Front Setback (min) | 15 ft. |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 5 ft. |
| Side Setback Abutting Local Street (min) | 10 ft. |
| Rear Setback (min) | 10 ft. |
| Building Height (max) | 45 ft.[7] |
Aurora Unified Development Ordinance R-3 setback standards (146-4.2.2 Table 4.2-1) — effective 2026-02-23 · View the code
R-4setback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Lot Area, Single-Family Detached (min) | 5,000 sf. |
| Lot Frontage, Single-Family Detached (min) | 50 ft. |
| Front Setback (min) | 12 ft. |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 5 ft. |
| Side Setback Abutting Local Street (min) | 7.5 ft. |
| Rear Setback (min) | 10 ft. |
| Building Height (max) | 65 ft.[8] |
Aurora Unified Development Ordinance R-4 setback standards (146-4.2.2 Table 4.2-1) — effective 2026-02-23 · View the code
R-MHsetback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Lot Area, Single-Family Detached (min) | [2] |
| Front Setback (min) | 15 ft. |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 5 ft. |
| Side Setback Abutting Local Street (min) | 15 ft. |
| Rear Setback (min) | 8 ft. |
| Building Height (max) | 20 ft.[9] |
Aurora Unified Development Ordinance R-MH setback standards (146-4.2.2 Table 4.2-1) — effective 2026-02-23 · View the code
R-Rsetback & dimensional standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Lot Area, Single-Family Detached (min) | 43,560 sf. |
| Lot Frontage, Single-Family Detached (min) | 120 ft. |
| Front Setback (min) | 30 ft. |
| Side Interior Setback (min) | 10 ft. |
| Side Setback Abutting Local Street (min) | 25 ft. |
| Rear Setback (min) | 25 ft. |
| Building Height (max) | 38 ft. |
Aurora Unified Development Ordinance R-R setback standards (146-4.2.2 Table 4.2-1) — effective 2026-02-23 · 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 plumbing work covers in the Denver metro
Plumbing projects in the Denver metro range from leak diagnosis and fixture replacement to water heater work, drain clearing, and full rough-in for remodels. Residential jobs often involve kitchens, baths, laundry rooms, and service line transitions. Commercial work may add restroom groups, grease or floor drains, and coordination with other building systems. A municipally licensed Denver general contractor coordinates the overall project and the licensed specialty trades required for the work. Scope should state whether the job is repair, fixture swap, water heater replacement, or a remodel rough-in that will be inspected.
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Common residential and remodel scopes
Typical homeowner requests include repairing supply or drain leaks, replacing faucets and toilets, addressing slow drains, and planning plumbing changes during kitchen or bathroom remodels. Remodel plumbing usually means relocating or adding supply, drain, and vent lines so fixtures land correctly for the new layout. Before walls close, a clear plan covers fixture locations, shutoff access, venting strategy, and whether existing pipes will be reused or replaced. Cost is project-specific and depends on access, pipe type, fixture count, and whether structural or finish trades are also in the schedule.
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Permits and who coordinates the work
Many plumbing alterations require permits and inspections through the local city or county building department. In Colorado, plumbing is regulated through DORA for the specialty trade. 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 these scopes. Permit responsibility and inspection sequencing should be stated in the project plan.
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What to prepare before a site visit
Useful details include the property city, whether the issue is an active leak or a planned remodel, fixture types involved, water heater type and age if known, and any recent remodel drawings. Photos of the problem area and access to shutoff valves help define a practical first visit. For commercial sites, note restroom counts, business hours constraints, and whether work must be phased around occupancy.
FAQ
Common questions
What plumbing problems should be treated as urgent?
Active supply leaks, no water, sewage backups, and water heater failures that risk property damage should be addressed promptly. Shut off water at the fixture or main when safe to do so, then get a site assessment.
Who handles the plumbing 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 permits and inspections. Colorado has no statewide general contractor license. DORA regulates specialty trades such as plumbing.
Can plumbing be moved during a kitchen or bathroom remodel?
Often yes, but relocating supply, drain, and vent lines depends on framing, stack location, slab or crawlspace access, and code clearances. The remodel plan should show final fixture locations before rough-in.
How is commercial plumbing different from residential work?
Commercial projects more often involve multiple fixtures, accessibility requirements, specialized drains, and tighter coordination with occupancy and inspections. Phasing around open hours is common.
What information helps define an accurate plumbing scope?
City or county location, repair vs remodel intent, fixture list, leak history, water heater details if relevant, and photos or drawings of the work area. For remodels, a layout with proposed fixture locations is especially useful.
Service Area
Serving Aurora and Arapahoe/Adams County
We serve Aurora, 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 Aurora 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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