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BOULDER SERVICES

Smart Home Automation in Boulder

Licensed smart home automation services for Boulder and Boulder County. Whole-home intelligence.

  • Full Design Lifecycle
  • Construction & Tenant Finish
  • Smart Home · A/V · Edge Compute
Smart Home Automation

Whole-home intelligence

FREE PLANNING TOOLS

Both tools are free and take a couple of minutes — start in either one.

Local Service

Smart Home Automation Services in Boulder, Colorado

Autotelic provides professional smart home automation services throughout Boulder and the surrounding Boulder County area. Complete smart home systems with Crestron, Lutron, Savant, and Control4 — lighting, shades, climate, security, and AV under one interface. 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 smart-home work covers

Smart-home projects in the Denver metro typically include lighting control (line-voltage dimmers, 0-10 V, occupancy or vacancy sensors, scene keypads), thermostats, motorized shades, contact sensors, and a local hub or controller using protocols such as Matter or Thread. Low-voltage sensors are different from line-voltage lighting circuits. A municipally licensed Denver general contractor coordinates the project and licensed specialty trades. Cost is project-specific and depends on room count, existing wiring, and whether new circuits are needed.

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Lighting circuits and energy code

Replacing lighting or adding controls on 120 V circuits is electrical work. City and County of Denver Community Planning and Development reviews commercial and multifamily interior lighting replacements for energy-code controls. Residential alterations that add new lighting systems follow Denver Energy Code lighting provisions (DEC R404.1 when those systems are in the alteration). Minor electrical work may qualify for a quick permit.

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Permits and who coordinates the work

CPD electrical permits typically apply when devices are swapped on lighting circuits, new circuits are added, or line-voltage load controllers are installed. Colorado DORA regulates electrical 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 for smart-home scopes.

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What buyers should prepare

Rooms in scope, photos of existing switches, whether a dedicated controller is desired, and any shade or thermostat goals.

FAQ

Common questions

Do smart switches need a Denver permit?

Often yes when they replace devices on lighting circuits. Plug-in hubs alone usually do not. Confirm with CPD if the work is mixed.

Who handles smart-home permits and licensing?

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

Wi-Fi bulbs or a wired control system?

Wi-Fi bulbs avoid new wiring but depend on the network. Wired dimmers, 0-10 V, and a local hub are more durable for whole-house lighting.

Do occupancy sensors count as energy-code controls?

They are a common control type. Commercial lighting replacements are reviewed against energy-code control requirements.

What information helps define scope?

Room list, switch photos, shade motors yes or no, 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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