Housing age across Aurora, in broad strokes
| Part of Aurora | Typical housing | Asbestos questions |
|---|---|---|
| North Aurora, near Colfax and the original town area | Post-war homes, small apartment buildings, older commercial strips | Often worth sampling flooring, wall and ceiling finishes and mechanical insulation |
| Central Aurora | 1960s to 1980s subdivisions, townhomes and garden apartments | Ceiling texture, floor tile, joint compound; test before remodeling |
| Southeast and eastern Aurora | Mostly 1990s and later construction | Asbestos is less likely in original materials, though inspection rules can still apply to some projects |
Why Aurora needs a location-first approach
Aurora grew outward from its original core near Colfax Avenue and the old Fitzsimons area. The oldest neighborhoods have housing from the early and mid-twentieth century, while the eastern and southeastern edges have been built out much more recently. A general rule about Aurora homes does not work; a house near Colfax and a house in a new subdivision might as well be in different cities for this purpose.
Aurora also includes many garden-style apartment complexes and townhome communities from the 1970s and 1980s. For those, HOAs and property managers are usually the decision-makers for exterior and common-area materials. Residents should report damaged ceilings or flooring in writing rather than repairing them.
The city spans Arapahoe, Adams and Douglas counties, but building permits for addresses inside city limits generally run through the City of Aurora rather than the county.
Matching action to building age
- IfYour Aurora home was built before about 1980ThenPlan on sampling any material your project will disturb.
- IfIt was built in the 1980sThenAsk a certified inspector whether specific materials warrant sampling; some products stayed in use.
- IfIt was built in the 1990s or laterThenOriginal materials are unlikely to contain asbestos, but confirm whether inspection is still required for your project type.
- IfYou live in a garden apartment or townhome complexThenCheck with the HOA or manager before any work that touches walls, ceilings or floors.
Questions for Aurora owners to ask
- Is my property inside Aurora city limits, and which department issues my permit?
- Does the permit process ask for asbestos inspection documentation for my type of work?
- If I live in an HOA community, does the association have records on original materials?
- Has any earlier owner or manager already tested materials in the unit or building?
General information for the Denver area, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.