Quick answer: Siding permit rules differ city to city in the west and north Denver metro. Westminster requires a permit for siding and stucco except minor repairs under 100 square feet. Commerce City lists residential re-siding as work that does not need a permit. Lakewood’s permit guide does not spell out siding, so confirm with the Lakewood permit counter. Code requirements still apply everywhere. We price siding at $1,600 per square for primed James Hardie, $2,200 for ColorPlus and $1,500 for LP SmartSide.
Siding and Window Permit Rules by City
| City | Siding replacement | Same-size window replacement | Who to call |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westminster | Permit required, except minor repair under 100 sq ft | No permit; new or resized openings need one | Building Division, 303-658-2075 |
| Commerce City | No permit for residential re-siding | No permit if no structural changes | Building Safety, 303-289-3790 |
| Lakewood | Not addressed in the city permit guide; confirm first | Structural changes need a permit | Permit counter, 303-987-7500 |
No permit does not mean no rules. Siding still has to be installed to the building code and the manufacturer’s instructions, and HOAs in all three cities often control color and style. Westminster also notes that Planning approval may be needed for exterior changes.
Hail Is the Main Reason Siding Gets Replaced Here
Lakewood, Westminster and Commerce City sit in one of the most hail-prone stretches of the Front Range. Vinyl cracks and splits in hail, especially in cold weather, while James Hardie fiber cement and LP SmartSide hold up much better. If a recent storm hit your area, see our 2026 storm pages for Lakewood hail damage, Westminster hail damage and Commerce City hail damage, plus hail damage siding repair vs. replacement.
2026 Siding Pricing
| Siding product | Price per square (100 sq ft of wall) | Painting |
|---|---|---|
| James Hardie, primed | $1,600 | +$5 per sq ft ($500 per square) when painted with the install |
| James Hardie ColorPlus (factory finish) | $2,200 | No painting needed |
| LP SmartSide | $1,500 | +$5 per sq ft ($500 per square) when painted with the install |
A square is 100 square feet of wall. A 1,600 square foot ranch with about 1,500 square feet of wall siding is 15 squares: about $24,000 in primed Hardie, $31,500 painted, or $33,000 in ColorPlus. We measure every wall before quoting.
Siding Replacement in Each City
Lakewood
Lakewood has a large stock of 1950s to 1970s ranches and split-levels, many with original wood or aluminum siding under later layers. Pre-1978 homes fall under the EPA lead-safe renovation rule when more than 20 square feet of exterior paint is disturbed. We are licensed in Jefferson County. See our siding contractor services in Lakewood.
Westminster
Westminster spans Adams and Jefferson counties. Plan for a permit on anything beyond a small repair, and check your HOA. See our siding replacement in Westminster services.
Commerce City
Commerce City exempts residential re-siding from permits, which saves time, but the install still has to meet code. Newer neighborhoods like Reunion often have HOA design rules. See our James Hardie installer page for Commerce City and Commerce City siding contractor services.
Siding Replacement FAQs: Lakewood, Westminster and Commerce City
Do I need a permit to replace siding in Westminster, CO?
Yes, except for minor siding repair under 100 square feet. Westminster lists siding and stucco work as requiring a permit. Call the Building Division at 303-658-2075.
Do I need a permit to replace siding in Commerce City?
No. Commerce City lists residential re-siding among projects that do not need a building permit. The work still has to meet building code and any HOA rules.
Do I need a permit to replace siding in Lakewood, CO?
Lakewood’s permit guide does not spell out siding, so call the permit counter at 303-987-7500 before you start.
How much does siding replacement cost in the Denver metro?
We price per square, which is 100 square feet of wall: $1,600 for primed James Hardie, $2,200 for ColorPlus and $1,500 for LP SmartSide. Painting primed siding with the install adds $5 per square foot.
What siding holds up best to hail around Denver?
James Hardie fiber cement and LP SmartSide resist hail much better than vinyl, which becomes brittle in cold weather and cracks on impact.
Siding Estimates in Lakewood, Westminster and Commerce City
We check your city’s permit rules, work with your HOA and install James Hardie and LP SmartSide to spec. Josh Brooks Construction and Renovation Inc. is a licensed general contractor based in Longmont with 30 years in construction, serving 46+ Front Range cities. Call 720-828-7997 or text 720-453-5095 for a free estimate.
Licensed. Local. Not a storm chaser.
Sources
- City of Westminster: Residential Building Permit Requirements
- Commerce City: When a Permit Is Required
- City of Lakewood, CO: Permit Guide
- U.S. EPA: Renovation, Repair and Painting Program for Contractors (pre-1978 homes)
Related Services
