Boulder Reroof Inspection Process

A permitted reroof in the City of Boulder goes through a set of inspections, and the City now relies heavily on photo documentation submitted by the contractor. Knowing the steps helps you understand what your roofer must deliver and why a missed deadline can delay the job.

This guide follows the City's Roof Inspection Guide.

Scheduling through CSS

Inspections must be requested through the City's Customer Self-Service (CSS) portal. The guide says your designated inspector can be found on the CSS portal, typically by 8 a.m. on the day of the scheduled inspection. Photos and documents are sent directly to that inspector by email or text and must include the permit number and address.

The 2 p.m. documentation deadline

Required photos and documentation must be sent by 2 p.m. on the inspection date. If the materials are not submitted by then, the inspection fails and must be rescheduled. Photos must be clear and high resolution, and common tools shown in photos include a pitch gauge and tape measure. Inspectors may also request additional documentation such as the Class A listed assembly, wind design or material specifications, and they can require a future in-person inspection if documentation is unclear.

Pre-roof inspection

A pre-roof inspection is required for all roof overlays. Photos of core samples are required, and if questions arise during a remote inspection, an onsite inspection may be required. The Roof Inspection Guide requires a pre-roof inspection with photos of core samples for every roof overlay, so ask your roofer whether an overlay is possible or a full tear-off is needed.

Mid-roof inspection

A mid-roof inspection is required when the pitch is less than 4/12 or for any roof type other than asphalt shingles, regardless of pitch. The checklist includes Class A assembly documentation, ultimate wind speed design, a street view of the building with visible address numbers, overall roof views and fastener installation. For flat membrane roofs using the deferred design option, the sealed design professional letter is provided at this stage.

Final inspection

The final roof checklist includes a street view with visible address numbers, overall roof views, all flashing and penetrations, measured cricket and curb heights, and a sampling of rake edge, nail-head sealing and parapet capping. For attic and roof assemblies requiring 1/150 or 1/300 ventilation, contractors are responsible for verifying the proper quantity of intake and exhaust vents and the venting ratio.

Other items inspectors look for

The guide notes that plastic venting for Category IV appliances, such as high-efficiency furnaces and water heaters, must be visible to verify listing and type. If the venting cannot be confirmed visually, the appliance must be approved by the manufacturer for cell core use, or a new exhaust vent must be installed. Ask your roofer to check roof penetrations for these vents before tear-off.

If an inspection fails

Inspector notes are in the CSS portal under the inspection checklist. The contractor corrects the items and reschedules. As a homeowner, ask your roofer to share inspection results, and hold final payment until the final roof inspection has passed. Keep the permit number, inspection results and Class A and wind listings with your home records.

What homeowners should ask

Ask your roofer who requests inspections, who submits photos, and how you will be told if an inspection fails. Ask for copies of the photos sent to the inspector. If the roof requires a mid-roof inspection, ask when it will happen so the work is not covered before it is inspected.

Before signing, confirm the contract includes the permit, the inspection steps and any design professional letters needed for flat membrane roofs.

Typical timeline

Most reroofs have one to three inspections depending on overlay, pitch and material. Scheduling is done through CSS, and failed inspections add time. Plan your payment schedule around a passed final inspection.

Weather and solar or equipment removal can extend timelines, so keep inspections in mind when planning.

Records

Keep the permit, inspection results, product listings and warranty documents together. They help with insurance, resale and future roof work.

Overlay versus tear-off inspections

The Roof Inspection Guide requires a pre-roof inspection with photos of core samples for every roof overlay, so ask your roofer whether an overlay is possible or a full tear-off is needed. A tear-off skips that step but still requires mid-roof inspection for low-slope or non-shingle roofs and a final inspection for all permitted reroofs. Ask your roofer which path your project follows so you know which inspections to expect.

Address and street photos

Inspections require a street view with visible address numbers, so make sure house numbers are visible from the street.

Sharing results

Ask the roofer to forward each inspection result.

If you are unsure about a requirement, the City's Planning and Development Services can be reached through Inquire Boulder. Asking before work starts is easier than correcting an issue found at final inspection.

Published roofing cost estimates

Sources: Angi: Emergency roof tarping cost; Angi: Slate roof cost; Angi: Roof replacement cost (2026); Angi: Roof repair cost (2026). Figures are published national or regional estimates compiled by those sites, labeled as estimates; they are not quotes and not prices from any provider on this site. Boulder's high wind-speed requirements, Class A assemblies and WUI rules can push local prices above national averages.

Local rules and code references

• City of Boulder Roof Inspection Guide: inspection checklist items: Class A assembly documentation, ultimate wind speed design, fastener installation, mid-roof inspection for asphalt shingles below 4/12 pitch.
• City of Boulder Building Permits and Inspections: lists Roofing Replacement among single-trade permit types and Electrical (including solar arrays) separately; refers to the Roof Inspection Guide for the City\'s roofing requirements; electrical permits applied for on or after Aug. 1, 2026 are reviewed under the 2026 NEC.
• City of Boulder Residential Building Permit Guide: Class A roofing materials are required and wood roofing materials are prohibited; roofing must meet B.R.C. §10-5-2(ff) wind speeds; WUI properties must show compliance with the IWUIC as amended by B.R.C. §10-8.5-2.
• Boulder Revised Code Title 10, Chapter 5, Building Code (Municode): the City's adopted building code and local amendments, including roof covering requirements.

Code text and department procedures change; confirm current requirements with the jurisdiction before work starts.