Thinking about turning that Englewood basement into a cozy family room or an extra bedroom? A finished basement can add livable space and boost resale value, but the permit process can feel confusing if you have not done it before. You want to do it right, avoid delays, and make sure the space is safe and legal.
In this guide, you will learn the permit basics for Englewood, what plans to prepare, how inspections work, key egress window rules for bedrooms, and how to plan for radon before you build. You will also see realistic timelines and budget considerations so you can plan with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Do you need a permit in Englewood?
Yes. If you plan to finish a basement in Englewood, you will need a building permit, and often separate trade permits. The City of Englewood Building Division is the local authority that reviews plans and performs inspections. Their review checks structure, egress, life safety, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy code compliance.
Local requirements are based on the Englewood Municipal Code and adopted editions of the International Codes. Always verify which code edition is currently in effect before you design, since details like egress dimensions, insulation levels, and alarm requirements come from the adopted code and any local amendments.
What permits you might need
Most basement finishes will trigger more than one permit. Expect to apply for:
- Building permit for the overall project.
- Electrical permit for new circuits, outlets, and lighting.
- Plumbing permit if you add a bathroom or relocate plumbing.
- Mechanical/HVAC permit for new ductwork, exhaust, or combustion appliances.
- Gas permit if you run new gas piping.
- Permit for a radon mitigation fan if you install an active system.
Submitting a complete set of plans that clearly shows each scope can reduce review time and rework.
Plan your project the right way
Start with a quick call or visit to the City’s permit center to confirm submittal requirements, plan check timelines, and any current checklists. Early clarity can save weeks.
Decide your scope. A recreation room only is usually simpler. Adding a bedroom or a bathroom changes your design. Bedrooms trigger egress requirements and smoke and carbon monoxide alarm upgrades. Bathrooms bring plumbing and ventilation considerations. Any duct or appliance changes bring mechanical reviews.
Drawings and documents to prepare
A clear plan set makes review smoother. Prepare and label:
- Existing and proposed floor plans with scaled dimensions and room uses. Identify any sleeping rooms.
- Window and door sizes and sill heights, especially for any new egress window.
- Framing details and finished ceiling heights in all habitable areas.
- Electrical plan with new outlets, lighting, and load information.
- Plumbing schematics if you add or move fixtures.
- HVAC changes and your ventilation strategy.
- Site plan if you add an exterior door or a new egress window well.
- Energy compliance details such as insulation R-values and air sealing notes.
- Radon plan if you will rough in a passive stack or anticipate mitigation.
- Product sheets for egress window wells, ladders, alarms, and any radon fan you plan to include.
Documenting a passive radon rough-in now can prevent costly demolition later if you need to activate a system.
Apply and get plan review
When you submit your application and pay fees, the City reviews your plans for compliance with structure, egress, fire and smoke protection, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy items. You should expect at least one round of comments. Complete submittals move faster; incomplete plans often add weeks.
For many homeowners, a 2 to 4 week plan review is a reasonable planning window for a complete basement finish. Timelines vary based on workload and project complexity, so confirm current estimates with the Building Division.
Inspections you should expect
Inspections happen in stages and must be completed in sequence before you close walls and finish surfaces. A typical basement finish might include:
- Rough framing inspection to check wall framing, headers, fire blocking, and stair or guard details if present.
- Rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections before insulation and drywall.
- Gas piping pressure test if you added gas lines.
- Insulation and air sealing inspection for energy code compliance.
- Egress window and window well inspection to confirm size, sill height, and well clearances.
- Drywall inspection if required by the municipality.
- Final mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspections.
- Final building inspection. At this stage, inspectors verify that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed and any radon mitigation equipment is complete if included.
Keep your permit card and inspection records organized. You will want a clean paper trail for resale.
Egress rules for basement bedrooms
If you plan to use any basement room as a sleeping room, it must meet emergency escape and rescue opening requirements. The International Residential Code sets minimums. Confirm the exact edition Englewood enforces, but typical standards include:
- Minimum net clear opening of 821 square inches, which is 5.7 square feet.
- Minimum clear opening dimensions of 24 inches in height and 20 inches in width.
- Maximum window sill height of 44 inches above the finished floor.
The key term is net clear opening. Not every large-looking window meets the requirement once you account for the sash and how far it actually opens. Plan your window type carefully.
Window wells and ladders
If a bedroom egress window opens into a window well, the well must provide enough space to escape and for a rescuer to enter. Typical IRC requirements are:
- Minimum clear area of 9 square feet, with a minimum dimension such as 36 inches.
- If the well is deeper than the sill height threshold, usually 44 inches, you must install a permanently affixed ladder or steps that do not obstruct the escape path.
An exterior door that opens directly to grade can also satisfy egress in place of a window if it meets clearance requirements. If you plan a new door or a larger window and well, include the exterior work on your plans and site plan.
Safety and comfort requirements
Finishing a basement is also the right moment to address life safety and habitability items that the code requires.
- Smoke alarms. When you add sleeping rooms or complete a major remodel, you typically must install alarms inside each sleeping room, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of the home. Hard-wired units with battery backup are common requirements.
- Carbon monoxide alarms. These are required in most codes outside sleeping areas if your home has fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage.
- Ceiling height. Habitable rooms usually need a minimum finished ceiling height of 7 feet, with limited allowances for beams and ducts. Check clearances in your layout so you do not create undersized spaces.
- Energy code. Expect insulation and air sealing requirements on exterior foundation walls and rim joists. There is often a dedicated inspection to verify R-values and air sealing details before drywall.
Addressing these items early avoids surprises during inspections and makes the space safer and more comfortable.
Radon testing and design coordination
Colorado has many areas with elevated radon potential, and basements are where levels often concentrate. The EPA action level is 4.0 pCi/L. Testing before you finish is a smart move.
- Test timing. Short-term tests that run 2 to 7 days under closed-house conditions provide a quick read before construction. Long-term tests of 90 days or more provide a fuller picture and can confirm your results.
- Design coordination. If there is any chance you will need mitigation, add a passive rough-in during the finish. That means running a continuous 3 to 4 inch PVC stack from under the slab through the roof and sealing slab penetrations and floor-to-wall joints. It is far cheaper to rough this in now than to retrofit later.
- Activation. If testing shows levels at or above 4.0 pCi/L, you will typically add a fan to create an active system. This can require electrical and sometimes mechanical permitting. Plan space and routing so you can place the fan in the attic or outside without opening finished walls.
- Documentation. Put the radon rough-in on your plans so inspectors can see it and include it as part of your permitted scope. Use certified measurement and mitigation professionals for testing and system design.
Planning for radon during design protects your family and preserves your new finishes.
Timeline and cost expectations
Every project moves at its own pace, but you can plan around these general expectations:
- Plan review. A complete basement finish submission often takes several business days to a few weeks to review. Two to four weeks is a common planning range for complete plans, with complex projects taking longer.
- Inspections. You can usually schedule each inspection as you reach that stage. Some cities offer next-day windows. Build in time for possible corrections and re-inspections.
- Fees. Building and trade permit fees are typically based on the project valuation and the number of separate trade permits. Expect separate fees for building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. Check the City’s current fee schedule for accurate numbers.
When budgeting, include line items that frequently impact Englewood basement finishes: egress window wells and excavation, a passive radon rough-in or active system, structural modifications for stairs or walls, insulation upgrades to meet the energy code, and smoke and carbon monoxide alarm upgrades.
Avoid common pitfalls
A few missteps can cost time and money. Keep these in mind:
- Skipping permits or trade permits. This can lead to stop-work orders, fines, or expensive tear-outs.
- Undersized egress windows. Choose window types and sizes that meet net clear opening requirements, not just glass size.
- Ignoring radon until after finishing. Test early and rough-in a passive stack to avoid demolition later.
- Missing smoke and CO alarm upgrades. Plan wiring and locations before drywall.
- Incomplete plan sets. Label room uses, ceiling heights, window sizes, and energy details so review staff can approve you quickly.
- Low ceiling areas. Account for ductwork and beams so habitable rooms meet ceiling height minimums.
How this affects resale
Permitted, inspected work gives buyers and appraisers confidence. Keep a record of your permit, plan review comments, and inspection signoffs, plus product manuals and warranties for any systems you install. If your basement includes bedrooms, ensure the egress openings and alarms are in place before final inspection. Clean documentation can make your future sale smoother and protect your value.
Ready to move forward?
If you want a second set of eyes on your plan, or you are thinking about how a basement finish will play into your resale strategy, I am here to help. I can share local process insights, connect you with qualified resources, and help you understand which improvements matter most when you sell. Get started with a quick check on your equity position. Unknown Company – Get your instant home valuation.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to finish a basement in Englewood?
- Yes. You will need a building permit and typically separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits, all reviewed by the City of Englewood Building Division.
Which inspections are required for an Englewood basement finish?
- Expect rough framing and rough trade inspections, an insulation and air sealing inspection, egress window checks, and final mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and building inspections.
What are the egress window rules for a basement bedroom?
- A sleeping room needs an emergency escape opening with a net clear opening of about 5.7 square feet, at least 24 inches high and 20 inches wide, and a sill no more than 44 inches above the floor, plus window well clearances if applicable.
Do I need a window well ladder for my new egress?
- If the window well depth exceeds the typical threshold of 44 inches, a permanently affixed ladder or steps is required and must not obstruct the escape path.
Should I test for radon before finishing a basement?
- Yes. Test before you build, use a short-term test for quick guidance, and plan a passive radon rough-in so you can add a fan later if levels are at or above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L.
How long does Englewood plan review take for a basement finish?
- Timelines vary, but many complete submittals review in a few business days to several weeks, with 2 to 4 weeks being a common planning range for typical projects.
How are permit fees calculated for a basement finish?
- Fees are usually based on the project valuation and the number of trade permits; check the City’s current fee schedule for accurate totals.
