Roofing in Westminster

Westminster sits at about 5,325 feet, split between Adams and Jefferson counties along the US 36 corridor. The city's roofing policy calls Westminster a special wind region and requires high-wind nailing on every asphalt shingle roof. Hail is the other big risk, with a 1-inch storm about once a year near the city center since 2010.

Westminster issues its own permits and runs inspections mostly by photo. Here's what applies as of October 2026.

Hail in Westminster

We counted every day with a hail report of 1 inch or larger within 5 miles of Westminster's center point. The data is NOAA's Storm Events Database, April 2010 through July 2026.

NOAA's records rely on spotters and the public, so they miss unreported storms and can't tell you what hit your roof. To see reports near your own house, check your exact address. Our hail size guide explains what each size tends to do.

Permits and inspections

Westminster's Building Division issues roofing permits through its eTRAKiT portal. Its residential roofing policy, effective August 26, 2025, applies the 2021 International Residential Code as Westminster amended it. The main rules:

• When you need a permit. A full replacement needs a reroof permit. The city's residential permit list exempts only minor roofing repairs of 100 square feet or less. The policy also says that once cumulative damage to the roof covering exceeds one square (100 square feet), the entire covering must be replaced.
• Overlays. Recovering over an existing roof is allowed where the code's recovering section (IRC R908.3.1) and the manufacturer permit it. The policy doesn't set a layer limit, so ask.
• Wind. Shingles must carry an ASTM D7158 wind label for the design wind speed, and all asphalt roofs get the manufacturer's high-wind nailing.
• Drip edge. Required at all eaves and rakes on shingle roofs.
• Ice barrier. The policy doesn't address it. Ask the Building Division.
• Decking and vents. Shingles go over solid decking, and new decking needs its own inspection before it's covered. Existing attic ventilation must be kept.
• Tile. Switching from asphalt or metal to tile, or to heavier tile, needs a stamped engineer's letter. Existing solar panels need their own permit to remove and reinstall.

Photo inspections are the preferred method. Mid-roof photos show the address, the roof, Class A fire documentation, underlayment and fastening, and wind design documentation. Final photos show material labels, flashings, penetrations and edge details. Batten roofs such as tile need a mid-roof inspection before battens are covered. An inspector may also ask for an in-person visit with a secured ladder.

The roof must be dry and free of frost and snow on inspection day. A canceled or failed inspection can carry a $50 fee. The policy doesn't list permit fees; call the Building Division at 303-658-2075, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Who can do the work

Colorado has no state roofing license. Westminster's contractor license application (revised October 2025) lists general, plumbing, electrical and design-professional classes, with no separate roofing class. Contractors must be registered in Westminster's permit system before they can pull permits. Look up permits and contractors on the eTRAKiT portal without logging in.

We couldn't confirm whether a hired roofer needs a Westminster contractor license, or whether a homeowner can pull a reroof permit. Ask the Building Division at 303-658-2075. Our check a roofer checklist and hiring a roofer guide cover insurance and contract rights.

Class 4 and wildfire rules

As of October 30, 2026, we found no Westminster requirement to use Class 4 impact-resistant shingles. The policy does require Class A fire documentation at mid-roof. Our news page lists the Colorado places that require Class 4; read Class 4 shingles before you pay extra.

We also found no Westminster adoption of the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code or a wildfire rule for reroofs. Under the state model code, a reroof of 25% or more in a mapped wildfire area must meet roof rules starting with Class A. If your home borders open space, ask the Building Division whether any wildfire map applies.

HOAs

If your HOA requires approval for a new roof, Westminster wants the written permission uploaded to the permit before the final inspection. Get approval for color and material before your roofer orders, so the job doesn't stall at the end. Colorado's HB24-1091 voids HOA bans on fire-hardened building materials, though it doesn't name roofing specifically. See roof color and design.

Finding your roof's history

Search Westminster's eTRAKiT portal by address. Anyone can view records and permit status without logging in, and the city's permit search tutorial walks through it. See roof age for other clues.

Local resources

• Westminster Building Division: 303-658-2075 (permits page)
• Westminster eTRAKiT portal: permits, inspections and records
• Westminster roofing policy (August 2025)
• Adams County Assessor and Jefferson County Assessor
• Westminster emergency alerts (LookoutAlert and Genasys Protect)

Common questions

When does Westminster require a full roof replacement?

Westminster's roofing policy says that when cumulative damage to the roof covering exceeds one square (100 square feet), the entire roof covering must be replaced under a permit. Ask the Building Division at 303-658-2075 how that applies to your roof.

Does Westminster inspect roofs by photo?

Yes, that's the preferred method. Your roofer uploads clear mid-roof and final photos as one PDF to the permit in eTRAKiT, then schedules the inspection. The city may still require an in-person visit.

Do I need HOA approval before reroofing in Westminster?

If your HOA requires approval, Westminster wants the written permission uploaded to the permit before the final inspection.

Does Westminster require Class 4 shingles?

We found no Class 4 requirement in Westminster's roofing policy as of October 30, 2026. The policy does ask for Class A fire rating documentation in the mid-roof photos.