Colorado Codes for Porches and Steps

Permits

• In the state of Colorado, residents are required to apply for a permit before building porches that meet certain criteria. A permit is required if the surface of the porch is over 30 inches above the natural grade of the ground or if the porch and steps are fully or partially above a story or basement, according to Snohomish County Planning and Development Services. Porches and steps that must be used to access a facility always require a permit.

Permit Application

• To apply for a permit, Colorado residents must submit a completed Residential Building Permit Application, as well as several site plans, to county or state authorities. Site plans must be noted on a paper no larger than 11 by 17 inches and must be drawn to the appropriate scale. Detailed instructions for the permit application process are available on Colorado county and state code websites. Applicants must pay a fee when they submit their application--the minimum fee for decks is $172 as of 2011.

Setback Encroachment

• Colorado laws require a certain setback distance between public streets and structures. The setback distance of a particular property depends on the exact dimensions of the property line and local zoning regulations. Setback is often between 10 and 30 feet in suburban areas. Porches may not encroach more than 8 feet into the required setback, and they must not exceed more than 50 percent of the total setback. Other setback requirements, including height and depth amounts, are listed in Chapter 9-7: Form and Bulk Standards of the Colorado Code.

Other Requirements

• Porches, decks and steps must be bound together with corrosion-resistant fasteners. Balusters and guardrails must be at least 3 feet high, and the distance between beams must be less than 4 inches. Guardrails are required if the porch's walking surface is more than 30 inches above the ground. Each step connected to the porch cannot exceed 7.75 inches in height, and the landing area at the bottom of the steps must be at least as wide as the stairs.