News from Denver CPD that may impact building and development projects
Fire permits that need a plan review can now be emailed
Fire plan review
Download instructions in this PDF from the Denver Fire Department on how to apply by email for fire permits. This is an ideal path for logging in plans for an off-counter review by the Fire Department, such as for fire suppression systems.

Being able to review fire plans electronically is the second milestone in our transition to online permitting. The first was launching electronic plan review in November 2017 for single-family and duplex permits. In just under three months, we've already received over 250 emailed residential projects!

Thanks to feedback from our early adopters, we used this experience to create a log in guide specific to Master/Type-Approved (TA) projects. The Master/TA guide (PDF) contains email instructions, checklists, and all the necessary forms including a new, standardized application and a sample Master option list. 

Stay tuned - we'll be announcing instructions for logging in commercial projects by email next.
New text amendments proposed for the Denver Zoning Code
The Denver Zoning Code is a living document that has to be periodically updated to ensure it remains user friendly and responsive to the needs of our growing city. There are three major initiatives starting to make their way through the public review and legislative process:

The 2018 Zoning Code Bundle

These are proposed amendments to the code that are "bundled" together and can be reviewed/adopted in a single legislative process for efficiency. A draft of the amendments will be available in February for public review and comment. In the meantime, download a summary of the bundle.  

Slot Homes: Upcoming Moratorium for New Projects

These homes were designed to turn their sides to the street in a manner that detracts from the quality and community feel of Denver's neighborhoods. A task force has proposed zoning code amendments to address slot homes, which are expected to go to a vote by City Council in May 2018. In addition, Councilmen Wayne New and Rafael Espinoza will propose a moratorium lasting from March 15 to May 10, which would prevent the approval of site development plans (SDPs) for side-by-side residential developments during this time.



38th & Blake Station Area / River North Area

Proposed incentive height and design overlays are aimed at making this area more affordable and livable. City Council will consider the amendments and hold a public hearing on February 12. Learn more about the overlays.

Learn more about all of these at denvergov.org/textamendments.
Did you know? Public Works has an interactive worksheet online for sizing a grease interceptor
The Sewer Use and Drainage Permitting (SUDP) staff have an interactive grease interceptor sizing worksheet online. 
  1. Go to denvergov.org/SUDP
  2. Open the "Standards and Details" drop-down menu
  3. Download the "Grease Interceptor sizing worksheet." Make sure you enable macros when you open the file. The worksheet will give you the minimum size required based on your project's parameters. 
Recently updated building code policies
Solar panels. Source NREL.
Below is a summary of the building code policies that have been recently refreshed. Click the hyperlinked code section to download a PDF of the policy.
  • ADMIN 130.2A - Updated to clarify what is considered a "current" soils report. Reports over two years old must be accompanied by a letter signed and sealed by the geotechnical engineer of record (or another engineer from the same company) confirming that the original report is still applicable. Reports over five years old cannot be accepted.
  • IRC M2301 - Overhauled the solar energy policy. Make sure to review this policy if you design or install solar hot water or photovoltaic systems in Denver. You can also visit our online solar panels project guide.
  • IRC R302.1 - This policy details exterior wall requirements for IRC buildings.
  • IRC R302.2 - This policy provides direction on extending stories in IRC townhouses. An "extending story" is a story that projects out further than the exterior wall of the story below it.
View all policies currently in effect at denvergov.org/buildingcode.
Come join us at the 2018 Garden and Home Show! Sunday, March 4, 4-5pm, in the theater at the end of aisle 1200, Colorado Convention Center. Learn from the experts how to get your home projects permitted. Includes tips an Q&A.
Come join us at the 2018 Garden and Home Show! We'll be there on Sunday, March 4, from 4-5 p.m. in the theater at the end of aisle 1200. Learn more about residential permits, with ample time for questions. Visit coloradogardenfoundation.org/ for show hours and prices.
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