Welcome engineers, architects, owners and developers! Use these links to navigate Denver's development process and find assistance on building permit requirements, permitting information and licensing.
Community Planning and Development provides in person and convenient virtual consultation services (regarding E-Permits self-submittal portal help, zoning and building permitting).
Submittal requirements and applicable codes vary depending on the type of construction
Single-family, duplex and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
These projects go through the building, zoning and sewer use & drainage permitting process and are generally designed under the International Residential Code (IRC). For building and zoning permits, these projects are generally handled by Community Planning and Development’s Single-family/Duplex Residential Review Team with additional reviews from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) Sewer Use & Drainage Permitting (SUDP) and Transportation teams. Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) reviews may also be required.
Permits related to units in 3-story townhomes, 4-story townhomes, condominiums and apartments
Any new townhomes, condominiums and apartment projects require a site development plan and associated civil applications prior to beginning the building permitting process.
These projects generally are subject to the International Building Code except 3 story townhomes are generally designed under the International Residential Code, and require registered design professionals to prepare and submit plans for permits. These project types are generally reviewed by
- Community Planning and Development’s Commercial Building Review Team (architectural/structural, mechanical/plumbing, electrical)
- Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) Sewer Use & Drainage Permitting (SUDP) and Transportation teams
- Either the Commercial Zoning Team or Site Design and Neighborhood Development if any changes impact an approved site development plan.
Search if an existing site development plan covers your property.
- Large development review and infrastructure master plans Large Development Review (LDR) was implemented in 2019 for large development sites which are often developed in phases. Review applicability criteria for this review online.
- Building and zoning permitting for single-family/duplex projects – Information about building and zoning permitting requirements for all projects associated with a single-family/duplex structure
- Site development plan process – Required for any new commercial/industrial/mixed-use construction, a mixed-use project or residential project with three or more units. The Site Development Plan process is the first step in the entitlement process and also includes civil submittals to the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) such as transportation engineering plans, storm and sanitary plans, erosion control, transportation demand management, etc. This process is required prior to beginning the building permitting process.
- Associated civil submissions may be required as part of the Site Development Plan
- Demolition – If your site have an existing building that will first need to be demolished, review requirements to obtain a demolition permit
- Commercial Building Permitting(PDF, 612KB) – Use this guide for information on the building permit process for commercial, multi-family and industrial buildings
- Sewer use and drainage permitting – The review and permit are for connections to sanitary sewers and pre-treatment devices such as grease interceptors, connections to storm sewers, site storm drainage, groundwater discharge, etc. and refers projects to other review entities within the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) when needed.
- Floodplain – If the property is within a designated floodplain, a floodplain permit will be required as part of the permit review. Additional requirements will be necessary.
- Landmark Preservation – If the home or building is a locally designated landmark structure or within a historic district, your project will be subject to review by the Community Planning and Development Landmark Preservation team, which depending on the project may require approval by the Landmark Preservation Commission or Lower Downtown Design Review Commission, or may be able to be administratively reviewed by staff.
- Office of the City Forester – The urban forest is under regulation of the Office of the City Forester (OCF) in the Department of Parks and Recreation. While the OCF maintains park and designated parkway trees, street trees are the responsibility of the adjacent property owners, which also includes obtaining required permits for planting or removing street trees. The OCF reviews development projects for impacts to public trees and also has oversight of trees on residential properties in primary street and side street setbacks during demolition and construction activities to ensure adherence to municipal code.
- Quick Permits – Quick permits are trade specific permits that can be issued without the need for plan review (typically for mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment). If so, then your project may be eligible for a quick permit if you are replacing like for like systems.
- Right-of-Way (ROW) Land use – Review requirements for 1) ROW encroachment permits – required if you place private items in the ROW, 2) ROW vacations – if you want to change ROW to private property, and 3) easement relinquishments – if you wish to remove an easement over private property that the City holds.
- Affordable Housing Review Team – Projects providing affordable housing and meeting certain eligibility criteria may apply for inclusion in this dedicated review team with a goal of reducing the overall time it takes to receive permits
- Utility Plan Review – Your project may require approval and permits from Denver Water and/or Xcel Energy depending on the project scope. Visit these websites to learn more about what may be required, including standards, forms and applications, and other relevant information.
- Building and land development fees — Fees are assigned to a project throughout the process by different departments or agencies.
Submit a permit application for plan review
When you are ready to submit an application for plan review to secure the necessary permits to open your small business, you will need to submit all necessary information online.
In addition to any necessary permits, a business license may be required in order for the business to operate. Search the license directory to find any applicable licenses and determine what will need to be submitted to receive the license. Best practice, depending on license type, is to apply for the business licensing during the building permitting process.