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Tile in Aurora

Licensed tile services for Aurora and Arapahoe/Adams County. Precision tile for every surface.

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Local Service

Tile Services in Aurora, Colorado

Autotelic provides professional tile services throughout Aurora and the surrounding Arapahoe/Adams County area. Floor, wall, shower, and backsplash tile installation with Kerdi waterproofing and custom layouts. 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
StandardRequirement
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
StandardRequirement
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
StandardRequirement
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
StandardRequirement
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
StandardRequirement
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
StandardRequirement
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
StandardRequirement
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
StandardRequirement
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 tile projects cover

Tile work in the Denver metro includes floors, walls, shower surrounds, and backsplashes. Wet areas need a defined waterproofing approach behind or under the finish. A municipally licensed Denver general contractor coordinates tile packages and licensed specialty trades when plumbing or structural substrates change. Cost is project-specific and depends on area, tile size, pattern, and wet-area detailing.

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Substrates and wet areas

Flat, stable substrates reduce lippage and cracks. Showers need continuous waterproofing details at corners, niches, and curbs. Large-format tile needs tighter flatness tolerances.

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Permits and who coordinates the work

Cosmetic tile finishes generally do not need a City and County of Denver building permit. Changing plumbing, openings, or structure typically does. 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 when regulated work is included.

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What buyers should decide early

Tile size and finish, layout pattern, grout color, shower niche needs, and whether heated floors are included.

FAQ

Common questions

Do tile installs need a Denver permit?

Usually not for finish-only tile. Plumbing or structural changes typically need CPD permits.

Who handles permits and licensing when plumbing changes?

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

Why does shower waterproofing matter?

Tile and grout are not the waterproof layer. Membranes and details keep water out of framing.

Can large-format tile go over old floors?

Only if the substrate is flat and stable enough. Many projects need prep or overlay boards.

What information helps define scope?

Room photos, approximate square footage, wet-area needs, tile preferences, and city or county.

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.

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