The short answer
Cosmetic replacements often avoid permits. Work that moves plumbing, changes wiring, adds ventilation, or alters structure can require permits and staged inspections in Aurora.
Start by separating cosmetic work from work inside the walls
A new cabinet door, countertop, or faucet can look like part of the same remodel as a relocated sink or a new range hood. From the permit desk's point of view, those are different scopes. The City of Aurora tells homeowners that replacement cabinets, counters, sinks, toilets, and appliances usually do not require a permit when the related systems stay in place.
Once the project changes wiring, plumbing, ventilation, gas, framing, or another concealed system, permits are much more likely. The city specifically points to moving a sink, toilet, or tub, switching a range between gas and electric, and installing a new range or exhaust hood as examples that require permits.
Common remodel changes at a glance
This is a planning guide, not a permit determination. Aurora's Building Division should confirm the requirements for your address and final scope.
| Project change | Typical starting point | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Replace cabinets in place | Often cosmetic | Whether electrical, plumbing, or walls also change |
| Move a kitchen sink | Permit likely | Plumbing scope and inspection sequence |
| Install a new range hood | Permit likely | Power, duct route, termination, and makeup air |
| Replace a toilet in place | Often cosmetic | Whether the drain or supply location changes |
| Relocate a shower or tub | Permit likely | Plumbing, framing, waterproofing, and inspections |
| Remove a wall | Review required | Whether it is structural and what drawings are needed |
Kitchen changes that deserve an early permit conversation
Kitchen plans often trigger permit questions through appliance changes rather than cabinets. A new island may need power. A relocated sink changes drain and supply locations. A larger range can affect the electrical circuit, gas line, and ventilation plan. Removing a wall may add structural review.
Finalize appliance specifications and the basic layout before anyone promises a permit path. A contractor cannot accurately plan rough-ins from a mood board or an estimated appliance size.
- Moving the sink, dishwasher, refrigerator water line, or gas connection
- Adding circuits, receptacles, island power, or new lighting locations
- Installing a new range hood or changing how cooking exhaust is vented
- Removing or altering walls, headers, soffits, or structural framing
- Converting a gas appliance to electric or an electric appliance to gas
Bathroom permits usually follow the plumbing and ventilation
A bathroom can keep the same footprint and still require permitted work. Replacing a shower valve, changing branch wiring, adding a fan, or opening walls around plumbing can bring in plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or building inspections.
A layout change is easier to price after the team confirms where drains, vents, and supply lines can run. The prettiest floor plan on paper may be expensive or impractical once the joist direction and existing plumbing are known.
- Relocating a toilet, shower, bathtub, vanity, or floor drain
- Adding or moving receptacles, lighting, heated flooring, or dedicated circuits
- Installing or rerouting an exhaust fan
- Changing framing, window openings, or structural support
- Opening concealed areas where code-required corrections may become visible
Decide who owns the permit before signing the contract
The contract should state who applies, who pays the fees, who keeps the approved documents on site, and who schedules inspections. If a contractor is responsible, ask for the permit number once it is issued. If the homeowner will act as permit holder, understand the responsibilities before agreeing.
Aurora provides contractor licensing and lookup tools. Confirming the company and the people responsible for regulated trades is a basic due-diligence step, not an insult to a legitimate contractor.
Inspections belong in the schedule, not in the final week
Permitted work is inspected at specific stages before it is covered. Rough plumbing, wiring, framing, and mechanical work may need approval before insulation, drywall, cabinets, or tile close the area. The permit card and approved plans need to remain available on site.
Inspection timing can affect several trades. A realistic schedule leaves room for the visit and for corrections if an inspector identifies something that needs adjustment. Covering work before the required inspection can create expensive rework.
Budget for fees without guessing at a flat number
Aurora's permit fee calculator notes that total fees vary with project type, property location, plan review, inspections, and other factors. That makes a single internet estimate unreliable.
Ask for permit fees to appear as a clear allowance or reimbursable cost in the proposal. You should be able to distinguish city fees from contractor time spent preparing drawings, submitting documents, responding to comments, and coordinating inspections.
Confirm current requirements for the actual address and scope
Codes, forms, fees, and review procedures change. Aurora also spans more than one county, and property details can affect the process. Use this guide to prepare better questions, then verify the current requirements with Aurora's Building Division before work begins.
We sort out the scope and trade responsibilities with Aurora homeowners before demolition, when permit questions are still cheap to answer.
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