1. Q: Do these requirements apply to my project?
A: Yes, if the project meets either of these criteria:
- A new building or and existing building adding or demolishing more than 500 square feet.
- An existing building modifying (tenant finish/alteration/renovation) over 2,500 square feet.
2. Q: I'm a subcontractor and only need a trade permit (Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fire Alarm, Fire Sprinkler, Access Control, Boiler/AC, Roofing) - do these requirements apply to my permit?
A: No, the URCO waste diversion requirements only apply to demolition, residential construction and commercial construction permits that meet certain criteria.
3. Q: What if there is not 50% or 3 materials available to recycle from the project?
A: If less than 50% or 3 materials are available to recycle, a modification to adjust the minimum number of materials may be submitted prior to permit issuance. A fillable application is available in the Resource Documents section.
4. Q: Do I have to pay the waste diversion refundable performance security deposit?
A: In most circumstances, yes, the refundable security deposit is required to ensure proper waste diversion from the landfill to recycling or reuse facilities. In rare cases, prior to the issuance of a permit, the contractor may apply for a reduction or exemption if the cost of diversion is disproportionate to the value of the project.
5. Q: Will these new rules apply to construction or demo permits pulled before Sept 1, but not complete until after Sept 1?
A: The requirements for a Waste Diversion Plan (WDP) and deposit apply only to new applications for qualifying work that are submitted for the first time on or after September 1, 2026. Any active plan review, permit in progress, or construction over the transition date does not need a WDP or to submit waste diversion tickets prior to finishing a demolition or construction project.
6. Q: Is there documentation or a spreadsheet that will be required to be submitted to the building inspector at the end of a project?
A: No, Denver will use Green Halo as the ‘tool’ for diversion reporting. There will not be separate spreadsheets for reporting. We will also be providing helpful Green Halo navigation guide in the resources section on the website.
7. Q: We have a demolition project where brick is being stockpiled on site for reuse. When this occurs – how do we handle /prove diversion of the material for the ordinance?
A: There will be options available within the Green Halo waste and diversion tracking tool to identify the diverted amount (by volume or weight) that is dedicated for reuse. Since there are no facility weight tickets in this case, proof of diversion from the landfill can be provided by photos and weight/volume estimates.
8. Q: What payment methods and forms of funds are accepted for the refundable performance security deposit?
A: Payments can be made in person with cash, check, and Debit or Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover only – we do not accept American Express or Tap to Pay). Payments can be made online with bank ACH or credit card. Non-monetary items such as Bank Guarantee or Letter of Credit are not acceptable payment.
9. Q: When excavating for a project, when the soil is “clean” and planned for reuse on- or off-site, is excavated and reused soil considered in the ordinance compliance?
A: In URCO Rules & Regulations, covered materials does not include soil. Excavating soil would not require any of the building permits associated with the Ordinance (COMMCON, RESCON, or DEMO). To further clarify, the definition of ‘reuse’ [materials] (Section 10-413(7)), means to recover or reapply construction or demolition debris associated with a building, not sitework.
10. Q: When are refundable performance security deposit fees are due? Will they be associated with the permit fees when the permit is ready to be issued; and can they be paid at time of permit issuance?
A: The refundable performance security deposit is separate from and not associated with the fees for related permits (COMMCON, RESCON, or DEMO). It must be paid for prior to issuance of the related permit. An email will be sent to the contractor when the refundable performance security deposit is due following the completion and approval of the Waste Diversion Plan in Green Halo.
11. Q: When is the performance security deposit refunded?
A: The contractor is required to upload all weight tickets and/or other diversion documentation to the Green Halo platform within 60-days of project completion and permit final and 'Submit for Final' the complete Waste Diversion Plan compliance information. City staff may review the compliance documents for accuracy and upon completion, recommend approval of all, some, or none of the deposit based on the ordinance and project compliance. A refund will be issued by check to the Contractor (regardless of who paid the deposit) following Net 30 terms.