The following information provides links to frequently used regulations, codes and standards that govern private development in the City and County of Denver. However, it is NOT an exhaustive list and is provided for reference only. Other requirements, regulations, codes or standards not linked here may also apply to your project.
Use the links at the top of the page to jump between sections.
The DRMC contains all of the ordinances adopted by the City Council and govern much of the work done by individual departments and the specific links below expound on requirements contained within the DRMC.
- Building and Fire Code – Denver adopts the International Code Council suite of codes with local amendments, including the Energy Code and the Denver Green Code. These codes are enforced by Community Planning and Development (CPD) and Denver Fire.
- Denver Green Code – Based on the International Green Construction Code, the Green Code is intended to help projects mitigate climate change, and limited mandatory use is required.
- Green Buildings Ordinance – Applies to new buildings 25,000 square feet or larger; roof permits for existing buildings 25,000 square feet or larger; and building additions of 25,000 square feet or larger. This regulation is enforced by CDP in association with CASR.
- Zoning Code – Denver has two zoning codes which are enforced by Community Planning and Development
- Former Chapter 59 – Covering approximately 17% of the City that were not included in the 2010 rezoning due to properties having site specific zoning such as a Planned Unit Development (PUD), waivers and/or conditions, or were included in a Planned Building Group (PBG – a site plan covering multiple buildings and properties)
- Denver Zoning Code – Adopted in 2010, it balances conservation and development to implement the community’s vision for the future of Denver through our built environment.
Urban design standards and guidelines – Where applicable, CPD reviews projects against adopted urban design standards and guidelines which is a discretionary review process to help ensure compatibility with a special context or to promote unique design objectives. Depending on the area of a project, the design review may be done through an appointed design review board or handled administratively by staff. Properties that have been designated for preservation (landmarked) have separate design guidelines.
New development (including conversion of non-residential to residential development) is subject to either an affordable housing linkage fee or a requirement to building affordable housing on site when building 10 or more units
- Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Rules and Regulations – Adopted rules and regulations of the Department governing the right-of-way (ROW) can be found here. Those most relevant to construction include 1) the construction of curbs, gutters, sidewalks, driveways, street paving, and other public right-of-way improvements; 2) encroachments in the public right-of-way; 3) sidewalk and curb ramp construction; 4) standard right-of-way cross sections and utility locations; 4) transportation demand management
- Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Stormwater & Sanitary Sewer Permits – Information regarding the requirements and standards
- Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Transportation Standards, Details, Manuals and Guidelines – links to the Transportation Standards and Details used by the DOTI Engineering Division, as well as the Complete Street Guidelines which provide guiding principles for the city’s public right-of-way, detailing how to allocate space to transportation, utilities and other public infrastructure.
- Ultra-Urban Green Infrastructure Guidelines – These guidelines are intended to aid design of site-scale green infrastructure, particularly in the public right-of-way where it is space-constrained and subject to high pollutant loads.
- Transportation Demand Management – Denver requires transportation demand management (TDM) plans to ensure projects are providing residents and employees with choices in how they move about the city.
- Requirements governing public infrastructure management and available trip capacity in the area around the 41st and Fox station area(PDF, 554KB)
- Landmark design guidelines – Landmark Preservation reviews any exterior changes that require a building or zoning permit if those changes are to an individual landmark site or a property in a historic district
- Demolition review – Landmark Preservation reviews demolition of all primary structures citywide, and all accessory structures citywide over 1.5 stories. Landmark Preservation also reviews the demolition of any accessory structure regardless of height if it is located in a historic district or on an individual landmark site.
- Landmark ordinance – Landmark Preservation is governed by Chapter 30 of the Denver Revised Municipal Code.
Licensing requirements are found within the DRMC. Additional information and requirements specific to each license type can be found in the License Directory.
View Planes – Denver view plane ordinances preserve and protect views from various parks and public spaces by limiting building height.
These rules and regulations further DRMC Chapter 50 regarding the subdivision of land. Note that Denver also uses a ‘zone lot’ to define the real property that may be developed per Denver’s zoning codes. The zone lot may be different from the subdivision lot and block as well as assessor’s tax parcel.
- Floodplain – If any construction, including an interior remodel, is within a regulatory floodplain, a floodplain permit will be required as part of the SUDP review. Additional requirements will be necessary.
- Floodplain Ordinance – Provides the requirements for any construction in the regulatory floodplain.
- Waste No More Construction and Demolition Debris Requirements – Nearly all construction and demolition requirements are now required to separate and recycle materials. This includes submitting a recycling and reuse plan, and a compliance form at the completion of the project to document actual results of recycling and reuse efforts.
- Energize Denver requirements for existing buildings – Energize Denver has requirements for existing buildings based on size related to partial electrification (which has been included in the Building Code) and building performance requirements
- Housing Code managed by the Department of Public Health and Environment
- Executive Order 100(PDF, 378KB) – This executive order governs requirements for how the City can take title to property for things such as right-of-way.